One characteristic is the complex narrative. Pynchon often weaves a convoluted web of stories within his detective novels. His use of language is also very distinct, with a rich vocabulary and often cryptic descriptions that add to the mystery.
One of his notable works that has detective - like elements is 'The Crying of Lot 49'. It involves a complex mystery that the protagonist tries to unravel.
I think 'The Crying of Lot 49' could be considered the best. It's a relatively shorter work compared to some of his others but packs a punch. It has an engaging mystery at its core, with the protagonist trying to make sense of a strange post - World War II California landscape filled with odd characters and possible conspiracies. It's a great introduction to Pynchon's unique style.
A great one to start with is 'V.'. It was one of his earlier novels. It has a fascinating narrative structure that weaves together different storylines and time periods. The characters are vivid and the exploration of themes like identity and history is really interesting. It gives you a good introduction to Pynchon's ability to create elaborate and thought - provoking fictional universes.
Another option is 'Slow Learner', which is a collection of Pynchon's early stories. It can be a great way to ease into his writing. You can see how his style developed over time and get a sense of his recurring themes in a more accessible format before diving into one of his full - length novels.
Thomas Pynchon's most recent work in the form of a novel is 'Bleeding Edge'. It has his typical complex narrative structure, filled with numerous characters and sub - plots. The story is set in the early 21st - century New York and delves into various aspects of that time such as the dot - com boom and the emerging digital culture. It also contains Pynchon's signature blend of humor, paranoia, and deep insights into society and human nature.
Definitely 'The Crying of Lot 49'. This book has a somewhat straightforward narrative at its core, but as you read, you'll discover Pynchon's layers of meaning. It has elements of a detective story but quickly veers into strange and thought - provoking territory. It's a good introduction to his style of writing which often involves multiple sub - plots, strange characters, and a deep exploration of the human condition in a rather off - kilter world. And it won't take you as long to finish as some of his other hefty tomes, so it's a great starting point.
There's no official word on the release date of the new Pynchon novel yet. It could be months or even years away. Pynchon is known for taking his time with his works, so it might be a while before we get our hands on it.
In my opinion, 'Gravity's Rainbow' is one of the best. It's a complex and mind - bending work that delves deep into themes like war, technology, and human nature. The narrative is filled with rich symbolism and a large cast of characters, and Pynchon's writing style in this novel is both challenging and rewarding, making it a classic among his works.