best new european crime novels

Well, a key characteristic of the best new European crime novels is the strong sense of suspense. Authors build up the tension gradually, keeping readers hooked until the very end. They also often feature morally ambiguous characters. These are not just clear - cut heroes and villains. For instance, a detective might bend the rules to solve a case, or a criminal might have a sympathetic backstory. And the writing style is usually very detailed, painting a clear picture of the crime scenes and the characters' lives.

One of the best new European crime novels is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex plot filled with mystery and engaging characters. Another great one is 'Camille' by Pierre Lemaitre. The story is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Another great one is 'Inspector Montalbano' series by Andrea Camilleri. Set in Sicily, these novels offer a vivid picture of Italian society along with engaging crime investigations. Montalbano is a relatable and intelligent detective with his own quirks, and the local flavor adds a lot to the stories.

A lesser - known but great European crime novel is 'Bluebird, Bluebird' by Attica Locke. It's set in the American South but is written by an American of African - European descent. It deals with racial tensions and crime in a unique way, adding a different flavor to the European - influenced crime genre.

One of the best European crime novels is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines a complex mystery with engaging characters. The story is set in Sweden and delves into dark family secrets and corporate corruption.

One of the great new crime thriller novels is 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides. It keeps you on the edge of your seat with its mystery about a patient who has been silent since she was accused of murdering her husband.

One notable feature could be the complex characters. European crime novels in 2019 often had characters with deep backstories and moral ambiguities. For example, some protagonists were detectives with their own personal demons that influenced how they solved cases.

Often, they have a dark and gritty atmosphere. For example, the settings are usually cold and bleak, like in Scandinavian crime novels where the long winters add to the sense of isolation and gloom.

Agatha Christie, though British which is part of Europe, has many well - known crime novels like 'Murder on the Orient Express'. Her works are known for their intricate plots and unexpected twists. Also, Henning Mankell's 'Wallander' series, set in Sweden, gives a great view of Scandinavian crime - solving with a complex and often moody detective at the center.

A new Scandinavian crime novel that stands out is 'Before the Frost' by Henning Mankell. It has an interesting take on the detective story, with a focus on the detective's personal life as well as the crime. Another good one is 'The Savage Altar' by Åsa Larsson. The setting in the far north of Sweden adds a sense of isolation and danger to the story.