The element of surprise is crucial. These novels often have unexpected twists. Take 'Gone Girl' again. Just when you think you have it all figured out, a new revelation turns the whole story on its head. And in terms of writing style, many of the top ones are very engaging, making it hard to put the book down as you're eager to solve the mystery.
Top murder mystery novels often have a complex plot. For example, in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson, there are multiple layers of mystery involving family secrets and serial murders. This makes the reader constantly try to piece together the clues.
New murder mystery novels often have complex characters. For example, they might have a detective with a troubled past that affects how they solve the case.
The top 10 murder mystery stories often have complex plots. For example, they might involve multiple suspects, each with their own motives and alibis. They also usually have a detective or an investigator figure, like Sherlock Holmes, who uses logic and observation to piece together the mystery. Another characteristic is the element of suspense. The stories keep you on the edge of your seat, wondering who the killer is. For instance, in 'And Then There Were None', the constant threat of another death creates a great deal of suspense.
Another great one is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines a complex murder mystery with elements of financial intrigue and a really interesting protagonist, Lisbeth Salander. The story unfolds in a small Swedish town and involves a decades - old disappearance that is full of dark secrets.
Some of the well - known ones are 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie. It's a classic where ten people are lured to an island and murdered one by one in a very mysterious way.
Well, one characteristic of top new mystery novels is that they play with the reader's mind. They make you question what you think you know. They might use red herrings, which are false clues, to mislead the reader. In terms of writing style, they are often descriptive, creating vivid scenes that add to the mystery. The characters in these novels are often multi - dimensional. They are not just good or bad, but have a mix of qualities that make them seem real. And the resolution of the mystery is usually satisfying, tying up all the loose ends in a way that makes sense.
Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express' is also a best - selling murder mystery. The complex web of characters and the unexpected solution to the murder make it a classic. Christie was a master of the genre, and this book is a prime example of her talent for creating engaging mysteries.
Well, 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is often considered among the top. It's a non - fictional novel that reads like a mystery, delving into a real - life murder case. 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is also a popular choice. The story is full of twists and turns as a man tries to find his missing wife and all sorts of secrets are uncovered. And 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris, which features the iconic Hannibal Lecter and a terrifying murder mystery.
Funny murder mystery novels often have unique characters. For example, they might have an eccentric detective like in 'The Spellman Files' series. These characters bring humor through their odd behaviors and quirks. They also may use clever wordplay in the dialogue. For instance, a character might make a pun related to the crime scene which makes the reader laugh.
Good murder mystery novels usually have a complex plot. There are often many twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end. For example, in 'Gone Girl', the plot flips and you realize things are not as they seemed at first. Also, interesting characters are key. They should have their own motives and secrets, like in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'.