best 20th century mystery novels

One of the best is 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins. It's often considered the first modern English detective novel. The story involves a precious diamond, a group of diverse characters, and a complex mystery that keeps readers guessing.

The 19th - century mystery novels often featured a slow - burn build - up. They didn't rush into the mystery but rather took time to introduce the setting, the characters, and the initial situation. This made the later revelations more impactful. The language used was also quite elaborate and descriptive. Writers would use long, detailed sentences to paint a vivid picture of the scenes and the emotions of the characters. And they often incorporated elements of the supernatural or the unknown, whether it was a strange apparition or a seemingly inexplicable event, which added to the overall mystery.

One characteristic is the use of complex and often convoluted plots. Writers like to keep readers guessing until the very end. For example, in 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie, the plot twists and turns constantly.

Yes, 'Le Fanu's 'Carmilla' is a notable 19th - century mystery novel. It combines elements of mystery, horror, and the supernatural. The relationship between the female characters and the mystery surrounding Carmilla's true nature make it a unique and interesting read in the 19th - century mystery genre.

Some of the well - known ones could be 'To the Lighthouse' by Virginia Woolf, 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, and '1984' by George Orwell. There are many other great works from that century as well.

Some of the best 19th - century novels include 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that explores themes of love, marriage, and social class in a charming and witty way. Also, 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, which is a complex and profound exploration of obsession and the human struggle against nature.

Well, 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte is definitely among the best. It tells the story of an orphaned governess, Jane, and her complex relationship with Mr. Rochester. Her struggle for independence and self - respect in a patriarchal society makes it a remarkable novel. Also, 'Great Expectations' by Charles Dickens. It follows the life of Pip, a young boy with great expectations, and shows the social realities of 19th - century England.

Some of the best 19th - century novels include 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen. It's a classic that explores themes of love, marriage, and social class in a charming and witty way. Another great one is 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville, which is a complex and profound exploration of man's struggle against nature. And 'Jane Eyre' by Charlotte Bronte, a story of a strong - willed woman's journey through love and self - discovery.

Some of the best 18th - century novels include 'Gulliver's Travels' by Jonathan Swift. It's a satirical work that takes the reader on amazing adventures with Lemuel Gulliver. Another great one is 'Tom Jones' by Henry Fielding. It tells the story of an orphan's journey through life, filled with love, comedy, and moral lessons. And 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, although it was published in the early 19th century, its roots are in the 18th - century literary tradition and it is a classic exploration of love and social class.

Some of the best 17th - century novels include 'Don Quixote' by Miguel de Cervantes. It's a classic that follows the adventures of a deluded knight and his squire, full of humor and social commentary. Another great one is 'The Pilgrim's Progress' by John Bunyan, which is an allegory about a man's spiritual journey. And 'Le Cid' by Pierre Corneille, a tragic play in novel - like form that explores themes of honor and love.