'Sherlock Holmes' series are also very popular in the list. These stories by Arthur Conan Doyle have been around for a long time. Holmes' brilliant deductive reasoning and Watson's narration make for engaging crime stories.
Yes, they are quite popular. Crime fiction has a large and dedicated fan base. New books in this genre keep the readers engaged with fresh stories, new characters, and different plot twists.
Popular authors in crime fiction include Gillian Flynn. Her book 'Gone Girl' was a huge hit, with its twisty plot and complex characters. Also, Henning Mankell is renowned for his Kurt Wallander series, which delves deep into the darker aspects of crime and human nature.
One characteristic is complex characters. Protagonists are often detectives with flaws and unique personalities. Another is a gripping plot. There are usually unexpected twists and turns to keep readers on the edge of their seats. Also, it often reflects real - world social issues, like corruption or inequality, which makes it more relatable and thought - provoking.
Yrsa Sigurðardóttir's works are also part of Iceland's great crime fiction offerings. Her novel 'My Soul to Take' is a good example. It combines elements of the supernatural with crime. The stories often explore family relationships and secrets within the Icelandic context, which is a characteristic feature of many Icelandic crime fictions.
I think 'The Girl on the Train' was extremely popular. It had a huge following and was made into a movie later. Its popularity was due to its relatable characters and the suspenseful plot.
One popular Icelandic crime fiction novel is 'Jar City' by Arnaldur Indriðason. It's known for its complex characters and dark, atmospheric setting in Iceland. Another is 'The Draining Lake' also by Indriðason, which delves into Iceland's past and present secrets. Yrsa Sigurðardóttir's 'My Soul to Take' is also well - liked, often praised for its engaging plot and strong female characters.