Well, 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is a classic. It's a non - fictional novel that reads like a thriller as it explores a real - life murder case in Kansas. Then there's 'Chinatown Beat' by Henry Chang. It gives a great look into the Asian - American community in New York and the crime that occurs there. Also, 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is a must - read. It's a hard - boiled detective story with a very engaging mystery.
Some of the top US crime novels include 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. His detective Philip Marlowe is an iconic figure in crime literature. 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson, although the author is Swedish, the story is set in part in the US and has a great deal of crime - solving. 'True Grit' by Charles Portis also fits in this category. It has a strong - willed young girl seeking justice for her father's murder in a rough and tumble Western - like setting.
One of the well - known ones is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. It features a complex detective story around a valuable statuette. Another great one is 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote, which is based on a real - life murder case and delves deep into the minds of the killers. Also, 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris is a classic with its terrifying serial killer and brilliant FBI agent.
Well, there are many. 'Mystic River' by Dennis Lehane is a gripping crime novel set in a working - class neighborhood. It deals with themes of friendship, guilt, and revenge. 'American Psycho' by Bret Easton Ellis is a disturbing yet thought - provoking look at the mind of a serial killer in the corporate world of the US. And 'True Grit' by Charles Portis is a classic that has elements of crime and the pursuit of justice in the Old West.
Authors like Dashiell Hammett are in there. His works, such as 'The Maltese Falcon', are known for their tough - talking detectives and convoluted plots. Truman Capote is also included for 'In Cold Blood'. His unique narrative style made this true - crime account a must - read. And of course, Thomas Harris, who wrote 'The Silence of the Lambs' and created the iconic characters of Hannibal Lecter and Clarice Starling.
For beginners, 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle (while he's British, it has influenced a lot of US crime writing). It has simple yet engaging mystery stories. Also, 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain. It's a relatively short and easy - to - follow noir - ish crime story. And 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee has elements of crime as it deals with a false accusation and a trial in a small Southern town in the US.
One of the best US novels is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It beautifully explores themes of racism and justice through the eyes of a young girl in the South. Another great one is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, which gives a vivid portrayal of the Jazz Age and the pursuit of the American Dream. And 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is also a classic, with its complex exploration of obsession and the human struggle against nature.
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.
James Patterson is a very famous author of US crime novels. He has written numerous best - sellers with his fast - paced plots and engaging characters. Another is Patricia Cornwell. Her 'Kay Scarpetta' series is highly regarded in the crime fiction genre. And Michael Connelly is well - known for his detective novels, especially those featuring Harry Bosch.
One of the 2016 best crime novels could be 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins. It has a great mystery around the main character's observations and the disappearance she witnesses. Another might be 'Before the Fall' by Noah Hawley which has an interesting take on a plane crash and the secrets that unfold from it. And 'IQ' by Joe Ide is also great. It features a modern - day Sherlock - like character solving crimes in the tough neighborhoods of Los Angeles.
One of the best crime novels is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It has a chilling and complex plot with the character of Hannibal Lecter being both fascinating and terrifying. Another great one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It keeps you guessing throughout with its twists and turns regarding a missing woman and her husband's possible involvement. Also, 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is a top pick. It combines a dark mystery with a strong, unique female lead.
One of the best crime novels is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It features the brilliant and terrifying character Hannibal Lecter. Another great one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, with its complex plot full of twists. 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie is also a classic, with a very suspenseful mystery on an isolated island.