Many British crime novels also have a strong sense of place. Take Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories. London is almost a character in itself, with its foggy streets and seedy alleys providing a perfect backdrop for crime. The class system in Britain also sometimes plays a role in these novels, adding another layer of complexity to the stories.
British crime novels often have a strong sense of place. For example, many are set in London or other parts of the UK, with detailed descriptions of the streets, buildings, and social atmospheres. This helps to create an immersive setting for the crimes to occur.
One characteristic is the exploration of social issues. British authors like Dickens were very concerned with the problems of the poor and the class divide. In his novels, he showed the harsh living conditions of the lower classes. Also, British novels can be very diverse in genre. There are historical novels like those by Hilary Mantel, which are meticulously researched and bring historical periods to life. At the same time, there are also modern fantasy novels like Neil Gaiman's works.
One characteristic is the complex and often foggy settings, like the gloomy streets of London. The characters are well - developed, from the astute detectives to the devious criminals. Also, there's a strong sense of mystery and suspense that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Well, good British crime novels usually have intricate plots. They are not straightforward but filled with red herrings and unexpected twists. Take 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. The plot keeps you on the edge of your seat as one by one the characters are seemingly murdered according to a nursery rhyme. Also, the social commentary aspect is common. They can reflect the values and problems of the society at the time, such as class differences and moral decay.
The settings are diverse. Some are set in big cities like London, with their seedy underbellies explored. Others might be in small villages where everyone seems to have a secret. Also, the characters are well - developed. You get to see the detectives' thought processes, their flaws and their determination to solve the crimes. The novels also often touch on social issues of the time, like class differences or moral decay.
Contemporary British crime novels often feature complex characters. The protagonists are usually detectives or investigators with their own personal demons and quirks. For example, in some novels, the detective may have a troubled past that affects how they approach cases. Another characteristic is the detailed setting. They vividly portray British cities and towns, from the bustling streets of London to the quiet countryside villages. The plots are typically intricate, filled with twists and turns that keep readers on their toes.
Agatha Christie, while mainly known for her detective novels, has works that can be considered part of the crime noir genre. Her ability to create puzzles and keep readers guessing is remarkable. Martin Cruz Smith, although not strictly British but having written important works in the British context, is also popular. His novels often have a dark and moody atmosphere.
One cannot forget Ian Rankin. He is the creator of the 'Rebus' series. His books often deal with the seedy underbelly of Edinburgh. His character Rebus is a complex and flawed detective. Also, Minette Walters is a notable author. Her novels like 'The Ice House' are known for their strong female characters and intricate plotlines in the realm of crime fiction.
Arthur Conan Doyle is very famous. He created Sherlock Holmes, a character known all over the world. His stories are set in London and are full of clever deductions and interesting characters.
Colin Dexter is quite famous for his 'Inspector Morse' series. Ian Rankin is well - known for the 'Rebus' series. And Agatha Christie, although her works are more general detective stories, they often involve elements related to police investigations. Tana French is also a prominent name with her 'Dublin Murder Squad' series.