In 'The Dark Lake' also by Sarah Bailey, the story is set in a small town with a lake that holds many secrets. The death of a school teacher sets off an investigation that uncovers a lot of secrets about the town's residents. The characters are well - drawn and the sense of a small - town with hidden darkness is really well - portrayed.
Then there's 'Resurrection Bay' by Emma Viskic. It features a deaf PI named Caleb Zelic. The story is set in Melbourne and has a great blend of mystery, action, and character development. Caleb's disability adds an interesting dimension to the story as he uses his other senses and skills to solve the mystery, which involves organized crime and personal vendettas.
Some new Australian crime fiction that stands out is that which focuses on the seedy underbelly of big cities like Sydney or Melbourne. Authors are exploring the criminal networks that operate in these urban landscapes.
One great Australian mystery novel is 'The Dry' by Jane Harper. It's set in a drought - stricken town and has a complex plot filled with secrets and murder. The main character, Aaron Falk, is a detective who returns to his hometown to investigate a crime that has deep - rooted connections to his past.
Often, they feature the unique Australian landscape, like the outback or coastal areas. This setting can be a big part of the mystery, like in 'The Dry' where the harsh rural environment plays a role. Another characteristic is the use of Aussie slang and local culture, which gives them a distinct flavor.
'Monstress' was a big deal in 2017. It has a strong female lead and a really dark and complex world. The story is full of political intrigue, magic, and mystery. The art is a blend of Asian - inspired aesthetics and a more Western - style of storytelling through the visuals.
There's also 'The Dragonfly Sea' by Yvonne Adhiambo Owuor. This novel is rich in Kenyan culture and mythology. It follows the journey of a young girl and is filled with beautiful descriptions of the sea and the coastal areas of Kenya. It's a story of self - discovery and the connection between people and their environment.
'Randamoozham' is considered a classic Malayalam novel. It retells the story of the Mahabharata from the perspective of Bhimasena, offering a fresh and unique take on the epic.
Among the 10 best Australian novels, 'True History of the Kelly Gang' by Peter Carey stands out. It offers a different perspective on the famous Australian outlaw Ned Kelly. 'The Slap' by Christos Tsiolkas is also notable as it delves into contemporary Australian society and family values. Also, 'The Book Thief' (while Markus Zusak is of Austrian - German origin, the story is set in Australia during the war) is a powerful novel that shows the impact of war on people and their love for books.
Australian murder mystery novels often feature the unique Australian landscape as an important element. For example, the vast outback, deserts, or coastal areas can be the backdrop of the story, which adds a distinct flavor. The characters may also have typical Australian traits like being tough and resourceful.
A top German crime novel is 'Tatort Berlin' which offers a gritty look at crime in Berlin. It has interesting detective characters who have to navigate the complex cityscape and its underworld. The stories are often based on real - life issues in the city, making it very relatable.
One of the best new French novels is 'Small Country' by Gaël Faye. It tells a powerful story about a young boy growing up during the Rwandan genocide and his experiences in France. It has beautiful prose and a heart - wrenching plot.