One popular London crime novel is 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes solving various mysteries in London. Another is 'The Jack the Ripper Files' which delves into the infamous Jack the Ripper murders in London. 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' by Alexander McCall Smith also has some elements set in London and involves crime - solving in an interesting way.
'A Study in Scarlet' by Arthur Conan Doyle. Although it's not solely set in London, a significant part of the story takes place there. It's a classic that introduced the brilliant Sherlock Holmes. His deductive reasoning while solving crimes in London is truly fascinating.
Agatha Christie also has some works related to London crime. Although she set many of her stories in different locations, some of her novels involve crimes taking place in London. Then there's Ian Rankin. His Inspector Rebus series is set in Edinburgh, but he has also written some works with London crime elements. And of course, we can't forget P.D. James. Her crime novels often have a London backdrop and are known for their in - depth character studies and well - crafted plots.
One of the best London crime fictions is 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson solving various mysteries in London. The detailed descriptions of London's foggy streets and Victorian-era settings add to the charm. Another great one is 'The Jack the Ripper' novels which are often based on the real - life unsolved crimes of Jack the Ripper in London. They offer a dark and gritty look at the underbelly of the city.
Another option might be United Agents. They have a broad portfolio of clients and are likely to have agents who are interested in crime fiction. They offer services like editorial guidance and marketing support, which are crucial for crime fiction authors looking to make a mark in the London - based publishing scene.
Moral ambiguity is another theme. The characters in these novels often have to make difficult decisions between what is right and wrong. For example, in a crime - ridden Victorian London, a character might be involved in illegal activities for a good cause, like helping a loved one. And this moral struggle can be intertwined with the romantic relationships in the story. These novels also often explore the theme of secrets. The secrets could be related to a crime, such as a hidden identity of a criminal or a past misdeed. In the context of romance, the characters may have secrets that either bring them closer or drive them apart. For instance, a character might be hiding their true family background, which could impact their relationship with their romantic interest.
For beginners, 'The Cuckoo's Calling' by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling) is a good start. It has an engaging plot set in London's seedy underbelly. The characters are well - drawn, and it's easy to follow the mystery as it unfolds.
In best London crime fiction, the mystery is key. There are always puzzles to be solved, whether it's a missing person or a series of murders. The city itself becomes a character. The dark alleys, the big mansions, the bustling markets all contribute to the mood of the story. And there's often a sense of danger lurking around every corner. The stories also reflect the changing times in London. From the Victorian era to modern - day London, the crime fictions show how the city has evolved and how crime has changed with it.
Well, they often have a strong sense of place. London's unique neighborhoods, from the posh areas to the seedy alleys, are vividly described. For example, in many books, the foggy streets add to the mystery.
One common theme is the exploration of social inequality. London has diverse social strata, and crime fiction often shows how the poor and marginalized may turn to crime due to lack of opportunities. Another theme is the complex nature of the criminal underworld. It might involve organized crime gangs, drug trafficking networks, etc. Also, the theme of justice, or the lack of it, is often present. Detectives or other characters struggle to uphold justice in a city full of corruption and hidden motives.