One characteristic is the portrayal of loyalty and betrayal. In organized crime, loyalty is crucial but also easily broken. In books like 'The Sopranos', we see how characters struggle with this. They also tend to have a lot of political and social context. 'American Tabloid' shows how organized crime is intertwined with politics. And they often feature a protagonist who is either part of the crime world or trying to take it down, like in 'The Kill Artist' where the main character is up against organized crime.
The settings in organized crime fiction can be very diverse. It could be in a big city like New York or Chicago, with seedy underworld areas and high - rise offices where the illegal business is run. The characters are often tough and street - smart. There's a sense of danger and secrecy. For example, in many stories, there are secret meetings, coded language, and a constant threat of violence. And the plots usually involve a lot of twists and turns as the criminals try to outwit the authorities and vice versa.
Another great one is 'Gomorrah' by Roberto Saviano. This book gives a very realistic and in - depth look at the Neapolitan mafia, the Camorra. It exposes the inner workings, the violence, and the far - reaching influence of this criminal organization, which is eye - opening.
Another great one is 'Gangs of New York' by Herbert Asbury. It delves into the underworld of New York City in the 19th century, showing the different gangs and their rivalries. It's full of historical details and vivid descriptions of the seedy side of the city at that time.
Typically, they have a dangerous and often shadowy backdrop of organized crime. There are usually strong, alpha - male characters who are part of the criminal underworld. The romance aspect often involves a forbidden love, like a good girl falling for a bad boy from the crime world.
Thomas Harris's 'Red Dragon' has elements of organized crime as well. The focus is on the hunt for a serial killer, but there are connections to an underworld of crime. The psychological depth of the characters, especially the villain, makes it a great read in this regard.
One characteristic is complex characters. In true organized crime novels, the characters are often multi - faceted. For example, the mob bosses might have a sense of loyalty to their own families or crews while being ruthless in business. Another is a detailed portrayal of the criminal underworld. This includes the hierarchy, the code of conduct within the criminal groups, and how they interact with the outside world, like bribing law enforcement or infiltrating legitimate businesses. Also, there's usually a high - stakes plot, such as a power struggle within the organization or a battle against the law that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Sure. 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo is a classic. It gives a detailed look into the world of organized crime families. Another great one is 'Gangs of New York' by Herbert Asbury which shows the gang culture in New York in the past. And 'The Wire' by David Simon also delves into organized crime in an urban setting.
Many of them likely have complex plots. For example, they might involve multiple suspects and red herrings to keep the reader guessing.
They probably feature interesting detectives or protagonists. These characters often have their own quirks and backstories that add depth to the story. For instance, a detective with a troubled past might be more driven to solve a case. The settings in these books also play an important role. They could be set in gritty urban environments or small, seemingly idyllic towns where dark secrets lurk beneath the surface. This contrast between the appearance and the reality of the setting adds to the overall atmosphere of mystery and suspense.
Many of them might deal with contemporary issues. They could touch on things like social inequality or power dynamics. Also, the settings play an important role. In 'Long Way Home', the small Quebec village setting adds a unique charm and also affects the way the mystery unfolds. The writing styles can vary widely, from the more straightforward narrative in some to the very psychological and in - depth exploration of characters in others.