I would recommend 'The Woman in White' by Wilkie Collins. It's an early example of a mystery novel with a great plot full of twists and turns. 'Presumed Innocent' by Scott Turow is also underrated. It's a courtroom drama that has elements of crime and mystery. The way it builds the case and the characters involved is really well - done. And 'The Quiet American' by Graham Greene can be seen as a crime - related novel. It's set in Vietnam and has elements of political intrigue and murder.
Well, 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt can be considered a crime novel in a sense. It's about a group of students who get involved in a murder. It's not always thought of as a traditional crime novel, but it's really good. 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' by Arthur Conan Doyle is sometimes overlooked among his works. It has that classic mystery feel with the spooky moors and the menacing hound. Also, 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson was underrated before it became a huge hit. The complex mystery and the unique character of Lisbeth Salander make it a great read.
Sure. 'Devil in a Blue Dress' by Walter Mosley is an underrated gem. It features an African - American detective in post - World War II Los Angeles, dealing with racial and social issues along with crime. Another one is 'The Black Dahlia' by James Ellroy. It's based on a real - life unsolved crime and has a very noir - ish feel to it.
One of the most underrated crime novels is 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr. It's set in 1896 New York City and follows a team investigating a serial killer. The detailed historical setting and complex characters make it a great read. Another is 'Gone, Baby, Gone' by Dennis Lehane. It delves deep into the seedy underbelly of a neighborhood while exploring moral and ethical issues related to a missing child case. Also, 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain is often overlooked. It has a simple yet gripping story of passion and murder that was quite revolutionary for its time.
One of the top underrated true crime stories is the case of the Black Dahlia. It happened in 1947 in Los Angeles. Elizabeth Short was brutally murdered and her body was found cut in half and posed in a grotesque manner. It was a highly publicized case at the time, but over the years, it has become somewhat underrated compared to other more 'glamorous' true crime tales. There are still many mysteries surrounding it, like who the killer was. The police had numerous suspects but never made a conclusive arrest.
The Hall - Mills murder case is another underrated one. In 1922, the bodies of an Episcopal priest, Edward Wheeler Hall, and his choir singer mistress, Eleanor Mills, were found in a field in New Jersey. The case was full of scandal as it involved adultery and a church cover - up. There were many suspects, including the priest's wife. The trial that followed was a media circus, but over time, the case has faded from the public consciousness compared to more well - known true crime stories.
I would recommend 'The Black Tower' by P. D. James. It has a complex mystery with a lot of psychological depth. 'The Circular Staircase' by Mary Roberts Rinehart is also a good pick. It was one of the early mystery novels and has some really unique elements. And 'The Crying of Lot 49' by Thomas Pynchon. It's a very different kind of mystery novel, more postmodern, but really interesting with a lot of mystery and symbolism.
One underrated gem is 'The Friends of Eddie Coyle' by George V. Higgins. It offers a really authentic look at the criminal underworld in Boston. The dialogue is sharp and really brings the characters to life.
Another hidden gem could be 'Christmas Crimes at Castle Court' by Elizabeth Kane. This book focuses on a series of thefts and a possible murder in an old castle during Christmas. The descriptions of the castle and the Christmas festivities within it are really vivid.
One underrated horror novel is 'The Croning' by Laird Barron. It has a very Lovecraftian feel to it. The mystery and the sense of an ancient evil lurking is really well - done. 'The Only Good Indians' by Stephen Graham Jones is also a great pick. It tells a story about Native American folklore and revenge in a modern - day setting. It's very atmospheric and disturbing. 'The Troop' by Nick Cutter is also quite good. It's about a group of Boy Scouts on an island who encounter a terrifying parasite.
Sure. One of them could be 'The House of Mirth' by Edith Wharton. It offers a profound look into the upper - class society of the early 20th century, with complex characters and a sad exploration of a woman's struggle within that society. Another is 'The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter' by Carson McCullers. It delves deep into the isolation and longing of different characters in a small southern town. And 'Under the Net' by Iris Murdoch is also great. It has a complex plot full of philosophical ideas.
An underrated one from summer 2022 is 'The Soulmate Equation'. It has an interesting concept of a genetic matchmaking company. The relationship between the main characters develops in a really sweet way. 'The Unhoneymooners' is also underrated. It has a great enemies - to - lovers story set against the backdrop of a honeymoon. The banter between the characters and the development of their relationship is really engaging. And 'To Love and to Loathe' is another underrated gem, with its great chemistry between the two main characters.