the best american crime novels

I would recommend 'The Buenos Aires Quintet' by Manuel Puig. It's a unique crime novel that delves deep into the psychology of the characters. Set in Argentina, it presents a web of relationships and secrets that are gradually uncovered.

I also recommend 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It features the iconic character Hannibal Lecter. The cat - and - mouse game between Clarice Starling and Lecter while she tries to solve a serial killer case is gripping.

One of the best is 'The Savage Detectives' by Roberto Bolaño. It weaves a complex tale of poets turned detectives in a somewhat surreal Latin American setting, full of mystery and intrigue.

One of the well - known books in it could be 'The Maltese Falcon'. It's a classic crime novel with a complex plot involving a valuable statuette. The characters are vividly drawn, especially the detective Sam Spade. Another might be 'In Cold Blood' which is based on a real - life murder case. It delves deep into the minds of the killers and the impact on the community.

The best American crime fiction novels often have complex characters. For example, in 'The Godfather', the characters are multi - faceted, not simply good or bad. They also usually have a gripping plot. 'Gone Girl' keeps readers on the edge of their seats with its unexpected twists. And many feature a sense of place, like 'Chinatown Beat' which vividly portrays the Chinatown area.

One of the best is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns. The characters are well - developed, especially the two main characters whose relationship is full of secrets and lies.

Sure. 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee can be a great start. Although it's not strictly a crime novel in the traditional sense, it deals with themes of racial injustice and a false accusation of a crime. It's beautifully written and gives a great sense of the American South.

Well, 'Mystic River' by Dennis Lehane is a great American crime fiction novel. It tells a story of three childhood friends whose lives are forever changed by a tragic event in their past and a new crime that shakes their community. 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain is another classic. It's a story of lust, greed, and murder in a small - town diner. Also, 'True Grit' by Charles Portis, while also a Western, has elements of crime fiction as a young girl hires a marshal to hunt down her father's killer.

Sure. 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a great start. It has a simple yet engaging mystery, and Chandler's writing style is very accessible. You'll get a good feel for the noir elements that are often present in American crime novels.

The best modern American crime novels often have unique characters. For example, in 'Gone Girl', the complex and duplicitous nature of the two main characters makes the story so engaging. They break the mold of typical good - guy - bad - guy characters. Another factor is the setting. Novels like 'L.A. Confidential' use the distinct backdrop of Los Angeles to create a sense of place that is integral to the story. The seedy underbelly of the city becomes a character in itself.