Neo Benji Mystery is a genre of mystery novels that originated from Japan and emphasized the tension and suspense of the story and the complex relationship between the characters. Neo Benji's reasoning usually included strict logic and detailed descriptions, as well as a lot of psychological analysis and inference. It usually focused on plot reversals and unexpected endings rather than traditional clues and explanations. Some of the famous novelists in the new genre of mystery novels included Keigo Higashino, Ayashi Hitomi, and Sakaguchi Ango.
They often have a gloomy and atmospheric setting. The cold, often desolate Scandinavian landscapes add to the sense of mystery and unease. For example, many novels are set in small, isolated towns or during long, dark winters.
New British mystery novels often have complex characters. For example, in many of them, the detectives are not just simple crime - solvers but have their own personal issues and backstories that add depth to the story.
Well, there's 'The Plot' which is a really good new literary mystery novel. It plays with the idea of a writer stealing a plot and all the mystery that unfolds from there. Then there's 'The Chain' which is quite thrilling, with a disturbing premise of a chain - letter - like kidnapping mystery. Also, 'The Guest List' by Lucy Foley is a great addition to the new mystery novels, set in an isolated location full of secrets.
Well, many new mystery suspense novels play with the element of misdirection. They lead the reader to believe one thing, but then suddenly flip the script. Also, a lot of them are set in unique locations. This could be an old, creepy mansion or a desolate island. These settings add to the overall atmosphere of mystery and suspense. Another feature is the use of foreshadowing. Authors drop little hints throughout the book that only make sense once you reach the end.
One of the best new British mystery novels is 'The Thursday Murder Club' by Richard Osman. It features a group of retirees who solve murders in their community. Another great one is 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides. It has a really interesting plot twist. And 'The Girl on the Train' by Paula Hawkins is also quite popular, with its unreliable narrator adding to the mystery.
New murder mystery novels often have complex characters. For example, they might have a detective with a troubled past that affects how they solve the case.
'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens is also a great new mystery novel. It's set in a small town in North Carolina. The mystery lies in the death of a local boy and the possible involvement of Kya, a girl who has grown up alone in the marshes. The descriptions of the natural surroundings add to the overall atmosphere of the mystery.
One characteristic is complex plots. New English mystery novels often have multiple layers of mystery, like in 'The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle' where the protagonist has to relive the same day over and over to solve the mystery of Evelyn's death.
New popular mystery novels usually have a strong sense of atmosphere. They create an environment that adds to the mystery, such as the dark and cold settings in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. Plot pacing is also important. They start with a hook to draw you in and then keep the momentum going. Take 'The Woman in the Window' for example. It starts with a strange sighting and then keeps building the mystery. Moreover, they often play with the reader's perception, making you question what you think you know, like in 'In a Dark, Dark Wood'.