Another great one is 'Inspector Montalbano' series by Andrea Camilleri. Set in Sicily, these novels offer a vivid picture of Italian society along with engaging crime investigations. Montalbano is a relatable and intelligent detective with his own quirks, and the local flavor adds a lot to the stories.
One of the best European crime novels is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines a complex mystery with engaging characters. The story is set in Sweden and delves into dark family secrets and corporate corruption.
Another great one is 'Scrublands' by Chris Hammer. It takes place in a small country town. The story involves a mass shooting and a journalist's investigation into it. It has a great build - up of suspense and reveals the secrets and tensions that can lurk beneath the surface of a seemingly ordinary community.
Another great one is 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' by Patrick Süskind. This novel not only tells a fascinating crime story but also delves deep into the sense of smell and how it can be related to human nature. The protagonist is a very complex character with a disturbing obsession. It has been widely acclaimed and translated into many languages.
One of the best mafia crime novels is 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo. It's a classic that delves deep into the Corleone family's world of organized crime. The characters are vividly drawn, and it shows the complex relationships within the mafia. Another great one is 'Goodfellas' which is based on a true story and gives readers a gritty look at the life of mobsters.
One of the top French crime novels is 'The Chalet' by Catherine Cooper. It has a great plot filled with mystery and intrigue. The setting in the French Alps adds a touch of isolation and danger to the story.
Another notable one is 'A Case of Exploding Mangoes' by Mohammed Hanif. This satirical take on Pakistani (but with strong Indian cultural context) politics and crime during a certain era is full of dark humor and mystery. It's a unique blend that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish.
Some great European sci - fi graphic novels include 'The Incal' by Alejandro Jodorowsky and Moebius. It's a mind - bending journey through a complex and vividly imagined universe.
Another great one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. The story is full of twists and turns. It starts as a missing person case but quickly evolves into a much more complex and disturbing web of lies and secrets between the two main characters, Nick and Amy.
P. D. James is also a significant figure in this genre. Her books are known for their psychological depth. For example, 'A Taste for Death' delves deep into the minds of the characters, both the criminals and the investigators. Her writing style is elegant and her stories are full of suspense.
One of the best new Scandinavian crime novels is 'Those Who Kill' by Karin Fossum. It offers a deep exploration of the human psyche within the context of crime. Her writing is very psychological. Then there's 'The Ice Princess' by Camilla Läckberg. It combines elements of mystery, family drama, and small - town secrets. These novels often have a unique sense of place, which is a characteristic feature of Scandinavian crime fiction.