One of the best is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines a complex mystery with in - depth character studies. The main character, Lisbeth Salander, is a unique and fascinating figure, and the story's twists and turns keep readers on the edge of their seats.
Sure. 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a great one. Chandler's writing style is very distinct, with his hard - boiled detective Philip Marlowe. The convoluted plot filled with corruption and mystery makes it a must - read for crime novel lovers.
One of the best true crime novels is 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote. It's a classic that delves into the brutal murders of a Kansas family. Another great one is 'Helter Skelter' which details the Manson Family murders. And 'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson is also highly regarded as it combines the story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with the serial killings of H. H. Holmes.
Some of the 2021 best crime novels could be 'The Night She Disappeared' by Lisa Jewell. It has a gripping plot with mystery and suspense that keeps readers on their toes.
The best 2020 crime novels include 'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig. It's a bit different as it combines elements of mystery with a more philosophical exploration. Then there's 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' by V. E. Schwab. While not a traditional crime novel, it has some mystery elements and a very engaging story about a woman who makes a deal and has to live with the consequences. Also, 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno - Garcia is great. It has a spooky and mysterious setting in an old mansion in Mexico and some dark family secrets.
Some of the well - known ones could be 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It has a brilliant portrayal of the serial killer and the detective trying to catch him. Another is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, which has a complex plot full of twists and turns. 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is also great as it's based on a real - life crime and shows a detailed account of the investigation.
There's also 'Such a Fun Age' by Kiley Reid. While it's not a traditional crime novel in the sense of a detective chasing a murderer, it deals with issues of race and privilege in a story that has elements of a crime - like false accusations and the consequences of misunderstandings.
Most literary crime novels often have complex characters. They are not just simple good or bad guys. For example, in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', Lisbeth Salander is a complex character with a troubled past that influences her actions in the crime - solving process.
One classic is 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr. Watson solving various complex crimes in Victorian London.
First, make sure your crime fiction manuscript is polished. Agents receive a lot of submissions, so a high - quality product stands out. Then, in your query letter, be concise and engaging. Briefly introduce your story, your background as a writer, and why your crime fiction is unique.
Literary crime fiction is a genre that combines elements of crime and mystery with literary depth and quality of writing. It focuses not just on the crime itself but also on character development and the exploration of themes.