Well, 'The Bone Collector' by Jeffery Deaver is worth mentioning. The main character, Lincoln Rhyme, is a quadriplegic forensic expert who tries to catch a serial killer. It has a lot of forensic details and keeps you on the edge of your seat. And 'Darkly Dreaming Dexter' by Jeff Lindsay. It's about Dexter Morgan, a blood - spatter analyst for the Miami Metro Police Department who also happens to be a serial killer himself, but he only kills other killers. It's a very unique take on the serial killer genre.
I think 'The Catcher in the Rye' is a must - mention. Holden Caulfield is an iconic character. His angst, his disillusionment with the adult world are so relatable. And in 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte, Heathcliff and Cathy are two very passionate and tortured characters. Their love - hate relationship is both tragic and fascinating.
The first one that comes to mind is Hannibal Lecter. He's so iconic that his character has been adapted into multiple movies. Another notable one is Dexter Morgan from the 'Dexter' series of books. He is a serial killer who only kills other killers, which gives him a unique moral code in the world of fictional serial killers. There's also Mr. Hyde from 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'. He represents the evil alter - ego of Dr. Jekyll, emerging to commit heinous acts.
I would say 'The Killer Angels' by Michael Shaara. It focuses on the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War and does an excellent job of bringing the characters and the events to life. It makes you understand the different perspectives of those involved in the war. Another is 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. Set during World War II, it shows the power of words and the resistance against the Nazi regime, which can be considered a revolutionary act. Also, 'The Three Musketeers' by Alexandre Dumas has elements of revolution as it is set against the backdrop of political intrigue in France.
Definitely 'The Silence of the Lambs'. It has been extremely popular and was also made into a very successful movie. Hannibal Lecter has become an iconic fictional serial killer.
Often, fictional female serial killers are depicted as having a strong sense of self - preservation. In books like 'Dark Places', the female character involved in the killings seems to be acting in a way that protects herself, either from her past or from potential threats. They can also be associated with a sense of powerlessness in their normal lives which they try to overcome through their violent actions. For instance, in 'Misery', Annie Wilkes' actions can be seen as a way to gain control in a world where she felt she had none. Moreover, they may have a distorted view of relationships, as seen in 'We Need to Talk about Kevin' where the mother's relationship with her son is very abnormal and related to his violent tendencies.
One highly recommended London - set fictional book is 'Howards End' by E.M. Forster. It examines class differences in London society. 'The Invisible Man' by H.G. Wells also has a connection to London as the story unfolds in the city. And 'The London Train' by Tessa Hadley is a more contemporary look at the lives of people in London, their relationships and their daily experiences.
The 'Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris is a classic. It features the infamous Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist who is also a cannibalistic serial killer. The book is full of suspense as the protagonist, Clarice Starling, tries to solve a case with Lecter's help, all while being in a dangerous cat - and - mouse game with him.
I also like 'How to Train Your Dragon' which features dragons, which are kind of like dinosaurs in a way. It shows the relationship between a young Viking boy and his dragon. It's a story full of adventure, humor, and lessons about acceptance and friendship.
I highly recommend 'The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' by Stuart Turton. It's a mystery - thriller with a unique time - loop concept that keeps you on your toes. 'A Column of Fire' by Ken Follett is also great. It's a historical fiction that continues the Kingsbridge series and is full of political intrigue and complex characters. And 'The Alice Network' by Kate Quinn, which is set during World War I and II and tells the story of female spies.
It's a combination of things. Their backstories play a big role. For instance, Mr. Hyde's origin as the dark side of Dr. Jekyll gives him an interesting backstory. Their relationships with other characters are also important. Dexter Morgan has a relationship with his sister and colleagues that add depth to his character as a serial killer. And their impact on the overall plot of the book is significant. Hannibal Lecter is central to the plot of 'The Silence of the Lambs' and his interactions with Clarice Starling drive the story forward, making him a very memorable fictional serial killer.