They also tend to be more thought - provoking. Readers can't just dismiss the events as made - up. For instance, 'In Cold Blood' makes you think about the nature of crime and the circumstances that lead people to commit such heinous acts. There's often a deeper exploration of human nature and society because these are real - life situations.
Another aspect is that they can have a stronger emotional impact. Knowing that these events actually happened can make the stories more disturbing or more inspiring, depending on the nature of the true story. Take 'The Devil in the White City', the contrast between the beauty of the World's Fair and the evil of the serial killer creates a complex emotional response in the reader.
Often, they are highly realistic. They use real - life events as a foundation, so the storylines tend to be more believable. For example, the settings and the way the investigations are carried out are modeled on how it really happened.
They often have a sense of authenticity. For example, they might use real locations or events to make the story more believable.
They usually have a lot of research behind them. Authors of these books have to dig deep into police reports, interviews with witnesses and survivors, and sometimes even court transcripts. 'Helter Skelter' is a prime example. The author had to piece together a complex web of information to tell the story of the Manson Family murders accurately.
A sense of authenticity. Readers can feel that they are getting a glimpse into real criminal minds and real investigations. For example, in 'In Cold Blood', Truman Capote's detailed descriptions of the killers' motives and the small - town atmosphere make it feel very genuine.
Crime stories based on true stories usually have a sense of mystery that is different from pure fiction. Since the real events may not have all the answers, like in the case of the Black Dahlia murder. The real - life unsolved nature of the case adds an extra layer of mystery and allure. Writers and filmmakers often explore different theories and possibilities, making the story more complex and engaging.
They often have a sense of authenticity. Since they are based on real events, the details feel more real and raw. For example, in 'In Cold Blood', the descriptions of the crime scene and the investigation are very detailed.
Often, they have a sense of authenticity. Since they're based on real events, they can feel more grounded. For example, the settings and the way the crimes are carried out might be more believable. Also, they can be more thought - provoking as they make you think about how such things could really happen in society.
One characteristic is authenticity. Since they are based on real events, they often have a sense of realism that fictional crime dramas may lack. For example, the locations and details are often based on the actual places and events.
Many of these novels also incorporate the city's history and culture. Edinburgh has a rich and sometimes dark past, and authors use this to add depth to their stories. They might include references to the city's famous festivals, its literary heritage, or its historical events like the Witch Trials. This gives the novels an added layer of authenticity and intrigue.
Boston based crime novels tend to incorporate local dialects and slang, which gives them an authentic feel. The crimes in these novels are sometimes related to the city's economic or social issues, like organized crime linked to the docks or political corruption. The stories may also involve the city's ethnic diversity, with different groups interacting in the context of crime and justice.