world war 2 crime novels

A sense of moral ambiguity is also a characteristic. Because of the complex situation of the war, the line between right and wrong may not be so clear. For instance, a character might have to work with a former Nazi in order to solve a more pressing crime, and this creates an interesting dynamic that is common in World War 2 crime novels.

One of the well - known World War 2 crime novels is 'The Odessa File' by Frederick Forsyth. It combines the elements of crime and the post - World War 2 Nazi underground.

One common theme is the hunt for war criminals. After the war, many people were trying to bring those who committed atrocities to justice. Another theme is the moral ambiguity. In the chaos of war, what is considered a crime might be different in different perspectives. For example, stealing food to survive in a war - torn area.

They also show the corruption that can be linked to the drug trade. In these novels, it's common to find characters in positions of power, such as police officers or politicians, being bribed or involved in the drug business themselves. This reflects the real - world problem of systemic corruption in areas where the drug trade is rampant.

The Allied forces worked hard to document the war crimes. They collected evidence from all over Europe. This evidence was used in the trials to prove the atrocities committed by the Nazis. Countries around the world also became more committed to preventing such genocides in the future.

One great World War 2 crime fiction is 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman. It tells the story of a Jewish survivor of the Holocaust in a unique graphic novel format, which combines elements of crime in the sense of the atrocities committed during the war. Another is 'Fatherland' by Robert Harris. It is set in an alternate history where Germany has won World War 2, and there are elements of mystery and crime within the power - laden Nazi regime.

For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway also touches on war crimes in a way. Set during the Spanish Civil War, it shows the brutalities of war, such as the killing of unarmed civilians and prisoners. Hemingway's vivid descriptions of the violence and the moral ambiguities of war bring to light the concept of war crimes within the context of this particular conflict.

One popular drug war crime novel is 'The Cartel' by Don Winslow. It offers a gritty and in - depth look at the drug trade and the associated criminal underworld.

In many world literature novels about crime and punishment, they often serve as a mirror to society. For example, in Victor Hugo's 'Les Misérables', Jean Valjean's theft of a loaf of bread due to extreme poverty sets off a chain of events related to crime and the pursuit of redemption. The novel examines how society's treatment of the poor can lead to criminal behavior and how forgiveness and self - improvement can be a form of punishment and atonement.

A key characteristic is the exploration of human nature. In 'Crime and Punishment', Dostoevsky delves deep into the mind of a criminal. Another aspect is the element of surprise. 'Gone Girl' has so many twists that you never see coming. And many world - famous crime novels have a moral or ethical undertone, making readers think about right and wrong in the context of crime.