best short crime novels

The best short crime novels often have a strong opening to grab the reader's attention right away. For example, 'The Cask of Amontillado' starts with a sense of foreboding. They also usually have a cleverly crafted mystery. In 'Lamb to the Slaughter', the mystery lies in how the crime will be discovered. And most of them have a satisfying conclusion, like in 'The Speckled Band' where the mystery is fully resolved.

Well, I think 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue' by Poe is among the best short crime novels. It was one of the first detective stories ever written. Then there's 'The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle' by Conan Doyle. Holmes's deductive reasoning in this short story is fascinating. Also, 'A Good Man Is Hard to Find' by Flannery O'Connor has elements of crime and is a thought - provoking short read.

One of the best true crime novels is 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote. It's a classic that delves into the brutal murders of a Kansas family. Another great one is 'Helter Skelter' which details the Manson Family murders. And 'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson is also highly regarded as it combines the story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with the serial killings of H. H. Holmes.

There's also 'Such a Fun Age' by Kiley Reid. While it's not a traditional crime novel in the sense of a detective chasing a murderer, it deals with issues of race and privilege in a story that has elements of a crime - like false accusations and the consequences of misunderstandings.

One of the best crime short stories is 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue' by Edgar Allan Poe. It's a classic that introduced the concept of detective fiction with its brilliant detective, C. Auguste Dupin.

Some of the 2021 best crime novels could be 'The Night She Disappeared' by Lisa Jewell. It has a gripping plot with mystery and suspense that keeps readers on their toes.

The best 2020 crime novels include 'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig. It's a bit different as it combines elements of mystery with a more philosophical exploration. Then there's 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' by V. E. Schwab. While not a traditional crime novel, it has some mystery elements and a very engaging story about a woman who makes a deal and has to live with the consequences. Also, 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno - Garcia is great. It has a spooky and mysterious setting in an old mansion in Mexico and some dark family secrets.

Some of the well - known ones could be 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It has a brilliant portrayal of the serial killer and the detective trying to catch him. Another is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, which has a complex plot full of twists and turns. 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is also great as it's based on a real - life crime and shows a detailed account of the investigation.

Some of the best crime novels include 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex mystery and a unique heroine. Another great one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, which is full of twists and turns. And 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is a classic that delves deep into a real - life crime.

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.