If you're just starting out, 'The Cat Who...' series by Lilian Jackson Braun is quite nice. It has a cozy mystery feel, with a journalist and his cat solving crimes in a small town. It's not overly intense. 'Encyclopedia Brown' books are also great for beginners. These short stories feature a boy detective solving simple mysteries, which can help you get used to the genre. 'The Body in the Library' by Agatha Christie is a good pick too. It has a classic Christie mystery setup with a dead body and a bunch of suspects, and the plot is easy to follow.
One of the best is 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson. Holmes' deductive reasoning skills are simply amazing as he solves complex crimes in Victorian London.
Some of the best mystery crime fiction books include 'Sherlock Holmes' stories by Arthur Conan Doyle. Holmes' deductive reasoning skills are legendary. 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is another classic. The hunt for the valuable statuette is filled with double - crosses and mystery. Also, 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' by Alexander McCall Smith is a great read. It features a female detective in Botswana, and the stories are both charming and full of mystery, often dealing with local crimes and human nature in a unique way.
The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris. It has one of the most iconic villains in Hannibal Lecter. The story of an FBI trainee trying to catch a serial killer with the help of Lecter is intense and gripping. Harris does an amazing job of creating suspense.
Well, 'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown is a well - known crime fiction mystery book. It combines mystery with historical elements in an exciting way. 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is also very popular. It has a mind - boggling plot with unexpected twists. And we can't forget 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. The character of Hannibal Lecter is both terrifying and captivating.
You can start by looking at best - seller lists. Books that are highly rated and widely read are often good choices. Also, consider the author's reputation. Authors like Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle have a long - standing reputation for writing excellent crime fiction mysteries.
One popular mystery crime fiction book is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex plot full of mystery and a strong female lead.
Gillian Flynn's 'Gone Girl' is also a very popular one. It's a psychological thriller that delves deep into the relationship between a husband and wife. The story unfolds in a way that constantly challenges the reader's assumptions.
Another good one for beginners is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It has a detective trying to solve a case in a seedy underworld. The writing is engaging and it gives a good feel for the noir - ish style of mystery crime fiction.
The suspense. Readers are kept on the edge of their seats wondering who the culprit is. For example, in books like 'The Silence of the Lambs', the hunt for the serial killer creates intense anticipation.