Can you recommend some Belgian crime novels?

Belgian crime novels often have complex characters. The criminals are not just one - dimensional bad guys. For example, in some novels, the murderer might have a tragic backstory that led them to commit the crime. Another characteristic is the detailed setting. Belgian cities and towns are described vividly, like Brussels with its narrow alleys and old buildings that can be the perfect backdrop for a mystery.

One of the great Belgian novels is 'The Sorrow of Belgium' by Hugo Claus. It offers a profound look at Belgian society during a complex period of history.

Sure. 'The Adventures of Tintin' by Hergé is a very famous Belgian graphic novel series. It follows the adventures of the young reporter Tintin and his dog Snowy around the world, filled with mystery and action.

Well, there is 'The Square of Revenge' by Stanislas-André Steeman. It's a Belgian detective novel that offers a thrilling mystery. The story unfolds in a way that keeps the readers on their toes, with unexpected twists and turns. The detective in the story uses his wits and knowledge of the local environment to solve the case.

'Corto Maltese' is another excellent Belgian graphic novel. It combines elements of adventure, history, and mystery. The protagonist, Corto Maltese, is a sailor who gets involved in various escapades around the world. The art is very evocative, and the stories are rich in cultural references and historical details.

There's 'The Smurfs' which was created by Peyo. These little blue creatures live in mushroom houses in the forest and have all kinds of adventures. And 'Spirou and Fantasio' is also a great Franco - Belgian graphic novel. It features two main characters, Spirou, a young journalist, and Fantasio, his friend, who get into various comical and exciting situations.

One famous Belgian ghost story is about the Castle of Freÿr. It is said that there are apparitions of former lords and ladies wandering the halls. The castle has a long history and many tales of strange happenings.

The 'Inspector Van In' series is also a notable Belgian detective novel series. It often takes place in Bruges and has a very Belgian - flavoured setting, with its cobbled streets and local culture playing a part in the stories. The main character, Inspector Van In, has his own charm and quirks that make the novels interesting to read. They give a good sense of Belgian life while also presenting engaging detective stories.

Georges Simenon. He created the famous Maigret character and wrote many novels about his investigations. His writing is quite engaging.

Another one is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It's set in the seedy underbelly of the 1920s and has a hard - boiled detective trying to solve a web of mysteries. The story is filled with sharp dialogue and a dark atmosphere.