best police procedural novel

Definitely 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex plot with journalist Mikael Blomkvist and the hacker Lisbeth Salander investigating a decades - old disappearance. The story delves deep into family secrets and corporate corruption.

One of the best is 'Gorky Park' by Martin Cruz Smith. It has a great plot set in Moscow, with detailed police work. The main character, Arkady Renko, is a complex and engaging detective. Another good one is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It's not just about catching a serial killer but also about the psychological aspects involved. And 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is also a great police procedural novel with a strong female lead, Lisbeth Salander, who helps in solving a complex mystery.

The 'Rebus' series by Ian Rankin is also highly regarded. John Rebus is a complex and flawed detective in Edinburgh. The novels are gritty and deal with a range of real - life issues in the city, from crime syndicates to political corruption, all while Rebus tries to uphold the law and solve the crimes.

Definitely 'In the Woods' by Tana French. This book has a unique take on police procedurals. It delves deep into the pasts of the detectives as they try to solve a present - day mystery. The writing is atmospheric and the characters are well - developed.

One of the best new police procedural novels is 'The Silent Patient'. It's a gripping tale that delves deep into the mind of a criminal psychologist trying to figure out why a patient murdered her husband. Another great one is 'Gone Girl'. It keeps you on the edge of your seat as the police try to solve the mystery of a missing woman, with lots of plot twists. And 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' is also excellent. It combines police work with a dark and complex story filled with mystery and intrigue.

One of the best is 'Rebus' series by Ian Rankin. The main character, Inspector Rebus, is a complex and gritty detective. His investigations often take him through the seedy underbelly of Edinburgh. Another great one is 'Endeavour' which has been adapted into a popular TV series. The novels are set in Oxford and offer a unique take on police work with their period setting.

Some great best seller police procedural fictions are 'The Reversal' by Michael Connelly. His books often center around his detective characters like Harry Bosch. 'In the Woods' by Tana French is also popular. It has a really engaging story about a detective trying to solve a mystery that is linked to his own past. And 'The Wire in the Blood' by Val McDermid, which has interesting police characters and complex criminal cases.

A great best seller police procedural novel often has a unique setting. For instance, 'In the Woods' is set in a small Irish town, which gives it a distinct atmosphere. The element of mystery is crucial. In many of these novels, there are hidden clues and secrets that the reader tries to uncover along with the characters. And the character development can't be overlooked. In 'Before I Go to Sleep', the main character's struggle with amnesia and her journey to discover the truth about herself and a possible crime makes the story very engaging. Also, the way the novels often deal with human nature, both the good and the bad, makes them popular.

Start with a solid plot. Have a crime that's intriguing and complex enough to keep readers engaged. Also, create believable characters, especially the police officers.

Sure. 'Presumed Innocent' by Scott Turow is excellent. It's about a prosecutor who becomes the prime suspect in a murder case within his own office. It shows the inner workings of the legal and police systems in a very engaging way.