Suspense is key. The plot should keep the reader on the edge of their seat, like in 'Gone Girl' - although that's not strictly ya, but it has elements that a good ya crime novel can learn from. There should be unexpected twists and turns that make you constantly re - evaluate what you think you know about the case.
The themes explored are also important. A good ya crime novel may touch on deeper issues such as justice, morality, and the power dynamics in society. It can use the crime story as a backdrop to make the readers think about these important topics. For instance, how the justice system might fail or succeed in dealing with crimes committed by young people.
A good ya crime novel often has relatable teen characters. For example, they might be dealing with typical teenage problems like school and relationships while also being involved in a crime mystery. This makes it easier for young adult readers to connect with the story.
Good YA crime novels tend to feature fast-paced action, interesting detective work by the young characters, and lessons or growth for the protagonists. They often explore issues relevant to young people while keeping the mystery and thrills intact.
Typically, it has young protagonists. For example, in many YA true crime fictions, the main character is a teen who is either directly involved in the crime mystery or is trying to solve it.
A good crime novel often has a complex and intriguing plot. It keeps readers on their toes with unexpected twists and turns. For example, in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', the mystery unfolds layer by layer, making it hard to put down.
One great YA crime novel is 'The Naturals' by Jennifer Lynn Barnes. It's about a group of teens with special abilities who are recruited to solve cold cases. Another is 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' by Holly Jackson, which follows a student investigating a murder that happened years ago in her small town. And 'Sadie' by Courtney Summers is also a must - read. It tells the story of Sadie who goes on a journey to find the killer of her sister.
A good fantasy YA novel often has a unique and immersive world - building. It creates a setting that is full of magic, strange creatures, and different cultures. For example, in 'Harry Potter', the wizarding world with Hogwarts, Diagon Alley, and Quidditch is extremely captivating.
A good YA fiction novel usually has relatable characters, an engaging plot, and themes that resonate with young adults. It also often has a writing style that's easy to follow and understand.
One popular ya crime fiction book is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a young female hacker as one of the main characters and a complex mystery to solve. Another is 'Pretty Little Liars' by Sara Shepard, which is full of mystery and secrets among a group of teenage girls. And 'All the Crooked Saints' by Maggie Stiefvater also has elements of mystery and crime in a unique, magical - realist setting.
A good mystery crime novel often has a complex plot. There are usually many twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end. For example, in Agatha Christie's novels, the identity of the murderer is always well - hidden among the numerous suspects. Also, strong characters are essential. The detective, whether it's Sherlock Holmes - type brilliant or an ordinary person with extraordinary intuition, draws the reader in. And the setting can add to the mystery, like a spooky old mansion or a fog - covered city street.
First, create a complex and engaging mystery. For example, make it something that seems impossible at first glance. Second, develop interesting characters. In YA novels, they can be teenagers with their own secrets and motives. Third, build suspense gradually. Don't give away too much too soon.
They usually have rich and detailed settings. Take 'Percy Jackson & The Olympians' for instance. The Camp Half - Blood and all the different places in Greek mythology are described in great detail. Moreover, the themes in these books can be quite diverse. In 'A Court of Thorns and Roses', there are themes of love, power, and survival. And most of these books have a sense of wonder and mystery, which makes the readers keep turning the pages to find out what will happen next, like in 'Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children' where the mystery of the peculiar children and their world keeps you hooked.