best new york crime novels

Definitely 'The Black Dahlia' by James Ellroy. Although it's based on a real - life crime in Los Angeles, Ellroy's writing style and the dark, seedy nature of the story can be compared to the gritty New York crime novels. 'Mystic River' by Dennis Lehane is also a great pick. Set in Boston, but with themes of crime, guilt, and redemption that are very relevant to the New York crime novel genre. And 'In the Woods' by Tana French is a psychological thriller that has some of the elements of a crime novel set in an urban environment like New York.

Some of the well - known ones could be 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. It has a complex mystery and a very unique protagonist. The story is filled with twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Sure. 'The Godfather' is a must - read. It shows the criminal families in New York and their power struggles. 'The Big Sleep' gives you a taste of the detective work in the city's noirish world. And 'Gone, Baby, Gone' is great for its exploration of moral dilemmas in a crime - filled environment.

Well, a key characteristic is the setting. The city of New York itself becomes a character. The crowded streets, the diverse neighborhoods like Harlem or the Lower East Side, all add to the atmosphere. For example, in many novels, the mean streets of Brooklyn are often the backdrop for violent crimes.

One great New York crime fiction is 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo. It not only showcases the crime underworld in New York but also the complex family dynamics within it. The characters are vividly drawn, and the story is filled with intrigue, power struggles, and moral dilemmas.

One characteristic is the setting. New York provides a backdrop of a large, diverse, and often gritty urban environment. There's a lot of ethnic and cultural diversity which is reflected in the characters and the crimes. Another is the complex characters. You'll often find anti - heroes, detectives with their own demons, and criminals with motives that are not always straightforward.

I'd also recommend 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It has a classic noir feel with a hard - boiled detective, Philip Marlowe, trying to solve a web of mysteries in a corrupt world.

The 'Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' series by Stieg Larsson is also highly regarded. These novels blend crime investigation with elements of social commentary. Lisbeth Salander, the main character, is a fascinating and complex figure who helps solve a series of dark and disturbing crimes. The books are set in Sweden but have gained international acclaim and have often been on the New York Times bestseller list for crime novels.

One popular New York City crime novel is 'The Godfather' by Mario Puzo. It delves into the criminal underworld in New York, with complex characters and a captivating story of power, family, and crime. Another is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. His hard - boiled detective stories set in the city are full of mystery and intrigue. And 'Gone Baby Gone' by Dennis Lehane is also well - known. It shows the seedy side of the city and the moral dilemmas that come with crime - solving in New York.

The settings in New York Times crime fiction are typically gritty and realistic. It could be the dark alleys of New York City or the seedy underbelly of its suburbs. These settings create a sense of danger and mystery that draws readers in.