Well, police crime fiction books typically have a strong narrative drive. The story is centered around the investigation of a crime, which means there are a lot of plot twists and turns. The authors usually pay great attention to detail, whether it's in describing the crime scene, the forensic evidence, or the behavior of the suspects. The relationships between the characters, especially the detective and their colleagues or superiors, can also add depth to the story. For example, there might be internal police politics or personal rivalries that affect the progress of the investigation.
One characteristic is the presence of a detective or law enforcement figure. This could be a grizzled police veteran or a young, up - and - coming investigator. Another is the mystery element. There's usually a crime, like a murder or a series of robberies, that needs to be solved. And often, there's a lot of suspense built up as the detective follows leads and uncovers clues.
In police crime fiction books, the setting can play a big role. It might be a gritty urban environment, like the mean streets of a big city, or a small, idyllic town with a dark secret. The characters are also diverse, from the suspects who may have their own motives and backstories, to the witnesses who may be hiding something. There's also often a race against time as the police try to solve the crime before more harm is done.
Many of them likely have intricate plots. For example, the police often have to solve complex crimes, which might involve multiple suspects and hidden motives.
Character development is a key characteristic. We get to know the police officers not just as law enforcers but as individuals with their own personal lives, flaws, and dreams. The pacing in fiction police books is also important. It can be fast - paced, with action - packed chases and shootouts, or it can be more of a slow - burn mystery, gradually revealing clues. And often, these books explore moral and ethical dilemmas that police officers face, such as whether to bend the rules to catch a bad guy or uphold the law no matter what.
Many of them likely have complex plots. For example, they might involve multiple suspects and red herrings to keep the reader guessing.
They probably feature interesting detectives or protagonists. These characters often have their own quirks and backstories that add depth to the story. For instance, a detective with a troubled past might be more driven to solve a case. The settings in these books also play an important role. They could be set in gritty urban environments or small, seemingly idyllic towns where dark secrets lurk beneath the surface. This contrast between the appearance and the reality of the setting adds to the overall atmosphere of mystery and suspense.
Many of them might deal with contemporary issues. They could touch on things like social inequality or power dynamics. Also, the settings play an important role. In 'Long Way Home', the small Quebec village setting adds a unique charm and also affects the way the mystery unfolds. The writing styles can vary widely, from the more straightforward narrative in some to the very psychological and in - depth exploration of characters in others.
They often feature tough and gritty detectives. For example, in many of these novels, the main characters are jaded police officers dealing with the seedy underbelly of society during that era.
Some of the crime fiction books from 2012 are known for their complex characters. For example, in 'Gone Girl', the main characters are not simply good or bad, but rather multi - faceted, which makes the story more engaging.
A key characteristic of good police fiction books is the sense of suspense. Take 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' for instance. As the journalist and the hacker dig deeper into the disappearance, the suspense builds up. Good police fiction also delves into the human side of the police officers. In 'The Big Sleep', Philip Marlowe has his own code of ethics and personal issues while dealing with the crimes. And they usually have a well - crafted plot. In 'Presumed Innocent', the plot twists and turns as the police and the legal system try to solve the murder case.
One important characteristic is authenticity. A good police fiction book will accurately portray police procedures. For instance, how evidence is collected and processed. In books like 'CSI' - based novels, this is really emphasized. They also often have a strong sense of place. If it's set in a big city like New York or London, the city becomes a character itself. And conflict is key. There's conflict not only between the police and the criminals but also within the police department, as seen in many police procedurals.
One characteristic could be the gritty and noir atmosphere. The settings were often dark, seedy urban areas. For example, in many of these novels, the police officers had to deal with organized crime syndicates that held a lot of power in the cities.