The unique settings contribute a lot. Nordic countries have harsh and beautiful landscapes which add to the atmosphere. For example, the cold and desolate Icelandic scenery in Arnaldur Indriðason's novels. Also, the complex characters are a big draw. They are often flawed and multi - dimensional, like Lisbeth Salander in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'.
One reason is the unique setting. The Nordic landscapes, often cold and desolate, create a perfect backdrop for crime stories. It adds an element of isolation and danger. For example, in many Nordic crime novels, the long, dark winters play a role in the plot, as it can make it easier for criminals to hide their actions.
The settings also play a role. Whether it's a gritty urban landscape like in 'The Wire' (which could be considered a crime novel in a way, if you think of it as a long - form narrative), or a small - town mystery like in many classic crime novels, the setting helps to create the mood and atmosphere. It can be a character in itself, influencing the actions and motives of the people in the story. These elements combined make the top 100 crime novels very popular.
The unique settings contribute a lot. The cold, often desolate Scandinavian landscapes add an eerie backdrop to the dark and mysterious stories.
The suspense. In top crime and mystery novels like 'Gone Girl', the constant state of not knowing what will happen next keeps readers hooked. They create a sense of anticipation that makes you keep turning the pages.
The complex characters in British crime fiction are also a draw. Detectives are often flawed yet brilliant, like Sherlock Holmes. His idiosyncrasies and his deductive powers make him one of the most iconic characters in crime fiction. And the criminals are also well - crafted, with their own motives and backstories.
They often have unique and memorable characters. Take Sherlock Holmes. His intelligence, eccentricity, and his ability to solve the most baffling cases make him one of the most beloved characters in literature. Readers are drawn to these characters and their adventures.
The characters, especially Bruno. He's a very relatable and complex character. Readers can easily get attached to him and his journey in solving crimes.
The mystery element. People love to be intrigued and try to solve the puzzle along with the characters in the book.
The latest crime novels are popular because they often have exciting and unpredictable plots. Readers love to be kept guessing until the very end.
The contrast. Christmas is a time of joy and celebration, and crime novels set during this period play on the contrast between the happy season and the dark deeds. It makes for an interesting read.