Some obscure mystery novels include 'The Franchise Affair' by Josephine Tey. This novel is quite interesting as it involves a case of false accusation and has a unique narrative style. 'The Quincunx' by Charles Palliser is another one. It's a complex and multi - layered mystery set in Victorian England. And 'The Killer Inside Me' by Jim Thompson is a disturbing yet fascinating mystery novel that gives you a deep look into the mind of a killer.
One great obscure mystery novel is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It's set in a medieval monastery and is full of complex puzzles and philosophical musings. Another is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It features a hard - boiled detective Marlowe and has a convoluted plot filled with mystery and danger. And 'Gaudy Night' by Dorothy L. Sayers is also an excellent choice. It combines an academic setting with a mystery that keeps you guessing until the end.
Well, 'The Woman in White' by Wilkie Collins is an obscure mystery novel worth reading. It has a really engaging story with multiple narrators, which adds to the mystery. Then there's 'Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy' by John le Carré. It's a spy - mystery that delves deep into the world of Cold War espionage and has a very intricate plot. Also, 'The Daughter of Time' by Josephine Tey is a great pick. It's about a detective who tries to solve a historical mystery from his hospital bed.
A lesser - known but great obscure novel is 'The Shadow of the Wind' by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. It's set in post - War Barcelona and follows a young boy who discovers a book in a forgotten library. The story weaves together mystery, love, and the power of books, taking the reader on a journey through the city's secrets.
One example is 'The Master and Margarita' by Mikhail Bulgakov. It combines elements of satire, fantasy, and the exploration of good and evil. Another is 'The House of the Seven Gables' by Nathaniel Hawthorne, which delves into themes of family curse and the past haunting the present.
One good option could be 'Boogiepop Phantom'. It has a complex and engaging storyline that delves into the supernatural and the human psyche. Another is 'The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya'. While it has gained some popularity over the years, it still has an element of obscurity in its unique take on the high - school setting with a god - like character. Also, 'Kino's Journey' offers thought - provoking tales as the main character travels through different lands and experiences various cultures and situations.
One way to find more obscure mystery novels is to look at specialized book review websites. There are some that focus specifically on mystery and crime fiction. They often review books that are not mainstream. You can also follow mystery authors on social media. Sometimes they'll mention or recommend other less - well - known mystery writers. Additionally, libraries can be a great resource. Librarians can help you search for mystery novels that are not as popular but still very good.
Good obscure fantasy novels often have unique world - building. For example, they might create a world with its own set of rules for magic, like in 'The Golem and the Jinni' where the magic of the golem and the jinni are based on different cultural and mythological backgrounds. Another characteristic is complex characters. In 'The Name of the Wind', Kvothe is a multi - faceted character with a rich backstory. They also tend to have original storylines that deviate from common fantasy tropes, such as 'Uprooted' which has a different take on the relationship between the hero and the source of magic.
Good obscure visual novels often have unique and niche storylines. For example, they might explore very specific cultural or historical settings that mainstream visual novels don't touch. This makes them stand out and attract a more specialized audience.
'Blankets' by Craig Thompson is also a top pick. It's a semi - autobiographical work that explores themes of love, faith, and growing up. The art is detailed and beautiful, with the large - scale panels really drawing the reader into the story. Thompson's use of line and shading creates a very emotional and immersive reading experience.
Some great obscure fantasy novels include 'Tigana' by Guy Gavriel Kay. It has a beautifully crafted world and a story full of political intrigue and magic. 'The Book of the New Sun' by Gene Wolfe is also a gem. It's a complex and thought - provoking read, with a unique narrative style. 'The Forgotten Beasts of Eld' by Patricia A. McKillip is another. It focuses on a powerful sorceress and her relationships with the strange and magical beasts she has summoned. These novels offer different takes on the fantasy genre and are well worth exploring for any fantasy lover.
One of the best obscure horror novels is 'House of Leaves' by Mark Z. Danielewski. It's a complex and mind - bending horror story that plays with the format of the book itself. The story within the story, about a house that is larger on the inside than it appears on the outside, is both terrifying and thought - provoking.
Well, 'Farewell, My Lovely' by Raymond Chandler is often overlooked compared to some of his more famous works, but it's still a great detective novel. It has all the elements of a classic Chandler story, with a tough - as - nails detective and a seedy underworld. 'The Quincunx of Time' by James Hogan is also an interesting pick. It has a rather unique time - travel - like element incorporated into the detective story. And 'The Killer Inside Me' by Jim Thompson. It gives a very different perspective on the detective figure, as the narrator is not your typical heroic detective.