best humorous detective novels

Donald E. Westlake's Dortmunder series is also a top choice. Dortmunder is a hapless thief who often gets involved in detective - like situations. His attempts to pull off heists and his interactions with his equally bumbling gang members are hilarious. His misfortunes and the clever, yet comical, ways he tries to get out of trouble make these novels very entertaining.

Definitely 'The Cat Who...' series by Lilian Jackson Braun. The main character, Qwilleran, is a journalist with a cat that seems to have an uncanny ability to help him solve mysteries. The small - town setting and the cat's antics add a lot of humor to the stories. It's a light - hearted read that is perfect for those new to humorous detective novels.

Another is the use of witty dialogue. The characters in humorous detective novels often exchange quick - witted remarks that are both funny and sometimes give clues to the mystery. It makes the story more engaging as readers enjoy both the humor and the detective work. In addition, the settings can also be humorous. A detective agency in a really strange or comical location can set the tone for the whole story.

One characteristic is the use of comical characters. For example, in some novels, you might have a bumbling detective who always gets into funny situations while trying to solve the case.

The use of irony is quite common in humorous British detective novels. For example, a detective might be looking for a clue in the most obvious place but overlook it for the most comical reasons. The descriptions of the characters are also often humorous. In 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency', the main character Mma Ramotswe is described in a very endearing and humorous way. The plot twists can also be laced with humor, making the whole reading experience very enjoyable.

The 'Discworld' series by Terry Pratchett could be part of the 10 best humorous novels. It creates a unique and funny world filled with all kinds of strange creatures and situations. 'The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 ¾' by Sue Townsend is really humorous as it shows the thoughts and experiences of a teenager in a comical light. Also, 'A Confederacy of Dunces' by John Kennedy Toole is known for its off - beat humor and the eccentric character Ignatius J. Reilly.

Well, 'Crooked House' by Agatha Christie also has elements of humor in it. While it's a classic detective story, Christie's way of portraying the various eccentric characters in the crooked house adds a touch of humor. Their odd behaviors and dialogues make the whole mystery - solving process more interesting.

Sure. 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' by Alexander McCall Smith is a great one. It features a female detective in Botswana, and the stories are full of humor and cultural insights.

One of the best detective novels is 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson, solving a series of complex and mysterious cases in Victorian London.

Unusual or absurd crime settings are also common. It could be a mystery in a very small and seemingly idyllic town where everyone has a strange secret. The unexpectedness of such settings adds to the humor. Also, the dialogues are often witty. Characters might exchange sarcastic remarks or have humorous misunderstandings while trying to solve the case. This not only makes the story funnier but also helps to develop their relationships.