Complex characters. Take 'Big Little Lies' by Liane Moriarty. The characters are multi - dimensional. They have their own secrets and motives, which are slowly revealed as the crime - related plot unfolds. This makes readers more invested in the story.
Relevant social themes. Many current best - selling crime novels touch on important social issues. For instance, some explore racial inequality within the criminal justice system. This not only makes the story more interesting but also makes readers think about real - world problems while enjoying the mystery and intrigue of the crime plot.
The suspense. In current best - selling crime novels, the suspense is usually high. For example, in 'The Woman in the Window' by A. J. Finn, the main character's unreliable narration adds to the mystery and keeps readers guessing.
The suspense. In best - selling mystery novels like 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown, the constant sense of not knowing what will happen next keeps readers hooked. It's like a puzzle that you can't wait to solve.
The suspense. In best - selling crime fiction, like 'The Silence of the Lambs', the constant threat and mystery keep readers on the edge of their seats. You're always wondering what the killer will do next or how the detective will solve the case. Another factor is the complex characters. For example, Sherlock Holmes in the Arthur Conan Doyle stories is so well - developed that readers are drawn to his brilliant mind and eccentricities. And often, these books explore the darker side of human nature, which is both fascinating and disturbing, as seen in 'Gone Girl' where the characters' true selves are gradually revealed.
One of the current best - selling crime novels is 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides. It has a gripping plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
The detailed and atmospheric setting. It takes readers back to a particular era, like 19th - century New York. The complex characters, especially the alienist himself, are really engaging. His methods of understanding criminals are unique and draw readers in.
Well, 'The Girl on the Train' was a best - selling current novel for a long time. It's a psychological thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its unreliable narrator and mystery - filled plot. Also, 'Big Little Lies' by Liane Moriarty is quite popular. It combines elements of mystery, family drama, and female friendship, and was later adapted into a successful TV series.
Well, 'The Four Winds' by Kristin Hannah is also among the current best sellers. It tells a heart - wrenching story of a family during the Great Depression. It's full of vivid descriptions of the hardships they faced. As for 'Normal People' by Sally Rooney, it's a modern love story that delves deep into the relationship between two young people and their personal growth.
One of the best current crime novels is 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides. It has a gripping plot with a lot of psychological twists. The mystery around a woman who murders her husband and then stops talking keeps the readers hooked from start to finish.
The characters in these novels are also a big draw. In 'The Wolf of Wall Street', the larger - than - life characters and their extreme actions in the financial world make for a captivating read. People are interested in their rise and fall, and at the same time, they get to learn about the financial industry from a different perspective.
The best YA crime novels often have relatable characters. Teens can see themselves in the protagonists, whether it's a high school student trying to solve a mystery in their school or a young person dealing with a big - city crime. For example, in 'All Your Twisted Secrets', the characters are ordinary teens thrust into an extraordinary and dangerous situation. This makes it easy for the YA audience to engage with the story.
The mystery aspect. In the best recent crime novels, like 'The Silent Patient', the mystery keeps you hooked from start to finish. You keep guessing who the culprit is.