Well, 'The Death of Mrs. Westaway' by Ruth Ware was quite popular in 2018. It had a young woman who received a mysterious letter which led her into a web of family secrets. Also, 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides was a hit. The story of a woman who killed her husband and then stopped talking was very engaging for detective novel fans. And 'The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' by Stuart Turton had a really unique premise with a time - loop aspect in a detective - style mystery.
In 2018, 'I'll Be Gone in the Dark' by Michelle McNamara was a notable detective - like non - fiction. It was about the hunt for the Golden State Killer. Then there was 'Lethal White' by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling). It continued the Cormoran Strike series with more complex cases and interesting characters. Also, 'Bluebird, Bluebird' by Attica Locke, which set in the American South and had a great detective story with racial and social undertones.
Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express' is also very popular. The story takes place on a train where a murder occurs, and detective Hercule Poirot has to figure out who the killer is among the diverse group of passengers. Christie is known for her intricate plots and clever twists.
The 'Rivers of London' series by Ben Aaronovitch is also well - liked. It features a detective, Peter Grant, who has to deal with magical crimes in London. The books blend mystery, magic, and a touch of humor. For example, Grant has to learn about different types of magic while also trying to solve murders that have a supernatural element to them.
One popular detective graphic novel is 'Sin City' by Frank Miller. It has a noir - style setting with complex detective - like characters. Another is 'Watchmen' which also involves elements of mystery and detective - work within its complex storyline. 'The Killing Joke' is also well - known, exploring the Joker's origin and Batman's attempts to solve the mystery behind his actions.
One popular Australian detective novel is 'The Dry' by Jane Harper. It's set in a drought - stricken town and follows the investigation of a murder. Another is 'Truth' by Peter Temple. His novels often feature complex characters and gritty settings. And then there's 'Scrublands' by Chris Hammer, which is known for its atmospheric portrayal of rural Australia.
Some great kid detective novels include 'Cam Jansen' series. Cam has a photographic memory which helps her in solving mysteries. 'The Mystery of the Blue Train' by Agatha Christie can also be considered for older kids. It has a young detective - like character and a thrilling mystery. And 'The Secret Seven' is about a group of kids who form a club to solve mysteries around their village.
One popular lawyer detective novel is 'The Lincoln Lawyer' by Michael Connelly. It features a defense attorney who works out of his Lincoln car and gets involved in a complex and dangerous case. Another is 'Presumed Innocent' by Scott Turow, which offers a gripping courtroom drama with a lawyer as the main character dealing with a murder case. Also, 'A Time to Kill' by John Grisham is well - known. It tells the story of a lawyer fighting for justice in a racially charged murder case.
One popular mystery detective novel is 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson as they solve various complex mysteries in Victorian London.
One popular lady detective novel is 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' by Alexander McCall Smith. It features Precious Ramotswe, a Botswanan lady detective who uses her wisdom and intuition to solve various cases in her community.
One popular junior detective novel is 'The Hardy Boys' series. It follows the adventures of Frank and Joe Hardy as they solve mysteries. Another is 'Nancy Drew'. Nancy is a smart and resourceful girl detective. 'Encyclopedia Brown' is also well - liked. Leroy Brown, aka Encyclopedia, uses his vast knowledge to solve cases in his neighborhood.
One popular futuristic detective novel is 'Altered Carbon' by Richard K. Morgan. It features a world where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, and a detective has to solve a murder case in this complex and technologically advanced setting.