One of the popular 1985 murder mystery novels is 'Gorky Park' by Martin Cruz Smith. Its unique feature is the setting in the Soviet Union, which was not a common backdrop for murder mysteries at that time. It offers a vivid portrayal of the Soviet society and its political undercurrents while the main character tries to solve a triple murder case.
In the 'Truly Devious' series, the dual - time - line setting is really special. You get to see the events from the past related to the original murder and how they connect to the current happenings in the boarding school. The atmosphere of the old - fashioned boarding school also adds to the mystery.
Most popular murder mystery novels have a well - crafted plot. There are usually red herrings to mislead the reader. In 'Gone Girl', there are so many twists and turns that you think you know what's going on, but then it completely changes. Also, the use of clues is important. The author drops little hints along the way that the astute reader can pick up on, like in the Sherlock Holmes stories where Holmes is able to piece together the mystery from the smallest of details.
Some great murder mystery novels include 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It has a really twisty plot where a man's wife goes missing and he becomes the prime suspect. Then there's 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler, which is famous for its hard - boiled detective, Philip Marlowe. 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is also a notable one. It's based on a true crime story and gives a detailed account of a brutal murder in Kansas.
Well, 'Murder on the Orient Express' by Agatha Christie is a must - read in murder mystery novels. It takes place on a train and has a great deal of suspense. 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is also popular. It features a private detective trying to solve a murder case. And 'In the Woods' by Tana French is a modern take on the genre with a great mystery set in Ireland.
Well, 'Sherlock Holmes' stories can be considered mystery murder novels. Arthur Conan Doyle created the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes who solves various murder mysteries in Victorian London. For example, in 'A Study in Scarlet', Holmes uses his unique deductive reasoning to solve a murder case. Also, 'In the Woods' by Tana French is a great one. It's a psychological mystery that delves into the past and present of the detective while trying to solve a murder that took place years ago.
The 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle is extremely popular. These novels, such as 'A Study in Scarlet', feature the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson as they solve complex murder mysteries in Victorian London. Holmes' deductive reasoning skills are what make these stories so engaging.
One unique feature is the setting. Dave Davis often chooses settings that are both ordinary and yet full of secrets. Like an old mansion that seems normal on the outside but has a dark history hidden within its walls. This creates a great contrast and adds to the overall mystery. Also, his use of red herrings is very clever. He'll introduce elements that seem important at first but turn out to be distractions, keeping the reader on their toes until the very end.
Marcia Clark's background as a prosecutor gives her novels an air of authenticity. In her books like 'Killer Ambition', the legal procedures are accurately depicted, which adds to the realism of the mystery. Also, the characters are usually multi - dimensional, not just simple good or bad guys, which makes the stories more interesting.
Many Santa Barbara mystery novels also incorporate the local culture. Whether it's the local festivals, traditions or the way of life in Santa Barbara, it all adds to the flavor of the mystery. It can be used as a backdrop for the story or even be directly related to the mystery itself. For instance, a mystery might revolve around a valuable artifact that is part of a local festival.
One popular ya murder mystery novel is 'One of Us Is Lying' by Karen M. McManus. It has an interesting plot where five students enter detention and only four come out alive. Another is 'Truly Devious' by Maureen Johnson. It combines a present - day mystery with a historical one at a boarding school. And 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' by Holly Jackson is also great. It follows a girl who re - investigates a closed murder case for a school project.