They also had interesting detectives. In S. S. Van Dine's 'The Benson Murder Case', detective Philo Vance was a sophisticated and intelligent character. His way of thinking and approaching the crime was different from the norm, which made the stories exciting.
The best Irish mystery novels usually incorporate elements of Irish culture and history. This could be through the language used, the traditions mentioned, or the historical events that form the backdrop of the story. For instance, some might deal with the Troubles in Northern Ireland. They also tend to have vivid descriptions that bring the Irish landscapes and settings to life. The characters are often very relatable, with their own moral dilemmas and personal struggles within the mystery.
One feature is complex characters. In many of the latest best mystery novels, like 'The Silent Patient', the characters have hidden motives and secrets that are slowly revealed as the mystery unfolds. Another feature is unexpected twists. For example, 'Gone Girl' has several plot twists that completely change the reader's perception of the story. Also, the settings often play an important role. In 'The Dry', the rural Australian setting adds to the sense of isolation and mystery.
Many 2024 mystery novels, such as 'The Secret of the Abandoned House', have intricate plots with multiple sub - plots. There are often red herrings to mislead the reader, and the truth is only revealed at the very end after a series of unexpected twists and turns. These novels also tend to explore human nature and relationships within the context of the mystery.
Typically, they feature likable and relatable characters. For example, an amateur sleuth who could be a librarian or a baker. These characters are usually nosy in a charming way and have a strong sense of justice. Also, the mysteries are not overly gory or violent. They rely more on brain - teasing puzzles and the discovery of hidden secrets. There's often a touch of humor too, which lightens the mood and makes the reading experience more enjoyable.
The use of red herrings was quite common in 1800 mystery novels. This means there are false clues that mislead the reader and the characters in the story. For instance, a character might be framed with false evidence that seems to point to their guilt. Moreover, the language used was more formal and elaborate compared to modern mystery novels, which added to the overall charm and sophistication of the stories.
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.
Well, 'The Westing Game' by Ellen Raskin is a classic children's mystery. A group of people are brought together to solve the mystery of Sam Westing's will. It has complex characters and a really engaging plot. Then there's 'Chasing Vermeer' by Blue Balliett. The story involves the mystery of a missing Vermeer painting and two kids who are determined to solve it. 'The Name of This Book is Secret' by Pseudonymous Bosch is another exciting mystery. It's full of strange characters and a plot that keeps you guessing until the end.
One of the world's best mystery novels is 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. It's a classic with a very suspenseful plot where ten strangers are lured to an island and then start getting killed one by one. Another great one is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines mystery, thriller, and detective elements to create a captivating story. Also, 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is excellent. It features a private detective Marlowe and has a complex web of mystery and crime.
His best novels often have complex characters. For example, in 'The Life and Adventures of Salavin', the character Salavin is full of contradictions, which makes him very real. This is a common feature in Duhamel's works.
Well, 'The Sanatorium' by Sarah Pearse is among the 2021 best mystery novels. It has a spooky and atmospheric setting in an old sanatorium in the Swiss Alps. The story is full of twists and turns as the main character tries to solve the mystery. Also, 'Nine Lives' by Peter Swanson is a great read. It weaves together multiple storylines and keeps the reader guessing until the end.