Well, 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is extremely popular. It has a female character, Amy, who exhibits some very devious and almost serial - killer - esque behavior in the way she manipulates those around her. It was a huge best - seller due to its gripping plot and complex characters.
I think 'The Silent Patient' also fits in a way. Although the main mystery revolves around a female patient who has committed a murder, it has elements that can be related to the idea of female serial killers in fiction. It's full of twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats and has sold very well.
One of the best is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It features the iconic character Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant and terrifying serial killer. The book is filled with psychological tension as FBI trainee Clarice Starling tries to get into Lecter's mind to catch another serial killer on the loose.
I think 'Red Dragon' by Thomas Harris is also a top pick. It's the first book in the series that introduced Hannibal Lecter. It delves into the mind of another serial killer, Francis Dolarhyde, known as 'The Tooth Fairy'. It shows how his twisted mind works and how the FBI tries to catch him with the help of Lecter. And then there's 'Misery' by Stephen King. Although not a traditional serial killer story, Annie Wilkes, the deranged fan in the book, has some of the traits of a serial - like obsessive and violent behavior towards the writer she holds captive.
One of the well - known ones is 'I'll Be Gone in the Dark'. It not only tells the story of the hunt for the Golden State Killer but also the determination of the author, Michelle McNamara, in her research. It has brought a lot of attention to real - life serial killer cases through the lens of a very engaging narrative. 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' is also widely recognized for its elements of mystery and the discovery of a serial killer's actions within a complex plot.
Definitely 'Gone Girl' tops the list in terms of best - selling. It was not only a best - seller but also got adapted into a movie which further increased its popularity. 'The Silence of the Lambs' is also a classic that has sold well over the years. The chilling portrayal of the serial killer elements in the story has kept readers hooked. 'Sharp Objects' has also had a good run in sales, as Gillian Flynn's works often do well, and this one with its exploration of a troubled female character and her secrets appealed to many.
One of the top books is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It features the infamous serial killer Hannibal Lecter. The psychological cat - and - mouse game between FBI trainee Clarice Starling and Lecter is gripping.
One well - known book in this category could be 'The Silence of the Lambs' which features the infamous serial killer Hannibal Lecter. Although it was published in the 1980s, it has a lot of elements that are similar to what might be found in 1970s serial killer fiction. The complex relationship between the detective and the killer is a common theme in such works.
One great book is 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis. It delves deep into the mind of a serial killer in a fictional Wall Street setting. The protagonist's internal monologues are both disturbing and fascinating, showing his warped view of the world, status, and people around him.
One such book is 'Sharp Objects' by Gillian Flynn. It features a complex female character with some disturbing tendencies that border on serial - killer - like behavior. The story is full of mystery and psychological depth.
The settings in these books are usually gloomy and isolated. It could be an old, abandoned asylum or a desolate forest. This helps to enhance the sense of dread and mystery. And the characters, apart from the killers, are often in a state of fear and paranoia as they try to solve the mystery of the killings.
'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson also has elements of a serial killer mystery. While it's not solely about a serial killer, the search for a killer in the story is a major plot point. It combines mystery, crime, and complex characters to create a page - turning novel.