How can one identify the best police procedural novels?

One way is to check best - seller lists. For example, The New York Times best - seller list often features popular police procedural novels. Another option is to ask at your local bookstore. The staff there are usually well - informed and can recommend new releases in the genre. You can also look at online book communities like Goodreads. People there often discuss and rate new police procedural novels, which can give you an idea of which ones are the best.

Definitely 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex plot with journalist Mikael Blomkvist and the hacker Lisbeth Salander investigating a decades - old disappearance. The story delves deep into family secrets and corporate corruption.

One of the best is 'Gorky Park' by Martin Cruz Smith. It has a great plot set in Moscow, with detailed police work. The main character, Arkady Renko, is a complex and engaging detective. Another good one is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It's not just about catching a serial killer but also about the psychological aspects involved. And 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is also a great police procedural novel with a strong female lead, Lisbeth Salander, who helps in solving a complex mystery.

The 'Rebus' series by Ian Rankin is also highly regarded. John Rebus is a complex and flawed detective in Edinburgh. The novels are gritty and deal with a range of real - life issues in the city, from crime syndicates to political corruption, all while Rebus tries to uphold the law and solve the crimes.

Sure. 'Presumed Innocent' by Scott Turow is excellent. It's about a prosecutor who becomes the prime suspect in a murder case within his own office. It shows the inner workings of the legal and police systems in a very engaging way.

One of the best new police procedural novels is 'The Silent Patient'. It's a gripping tale that delves deep into the mind of a criminal psychologist trying to figure out why a patient murdered her husband. Another great one is 'Gone Girl'. It keeps you on the edge of your seat as the police try to solve the mystery of a missing woman, with lots of plot twists. And 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' is also excellent. It combines police work with a dark and complex story filled with mystery and intrigue.

One of the best is 'Rebus' series by Ian Rankin. The main character, Inspector Rebus, is a complex and gritty detective. His investigations often take him through the seedy underbelly of Edinburgh. Another great one is 'Endeavour' which has been adapted into a popular TV series. The novels are set in Oxford and offer a unique take on police work with their period setting.

Agatha Christie's 'Miss Marple' series can also be considered in a sense. Although not exactly the same as modern police procedurals, Miss Marple uses her shrewd observations and knowledge of human nature to solve crimes in her village and beyond. Her methods are unique and the stories are always full of charm and mystery.

There are many. For example, 'The Black Echo' by Michael Connelly. It's about a detective named Harry Bosch who investigates a murder case. It's a great start to the Bosch series. Then there's 'Before I Go to Sleep' by S. J. Watson. It's a unique take on a police - like investigation as the main character has amnesia and is trying to figure out things from her past which may be related to a crime. 'The Snowman' by Jo Nesbø is also a best seller in this genre, full of suspense and mystery surrounding a serial killer's actions.

The 'Agatha Raisin' series by M.C. Beaton is also a great start. Although Agatha isn't a police officer, she often gets involved in police - related mysteries in a small English village. The novels are light - hearted and easy to read, which can be perfect for those new to the genre. They also give a taste of the British countryside and its idiosyncrasies.