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.
To find the best new police procedural novels, you could start by following your favorite authors in the genre on social media. They often announce their new works or recommend other great books. Subscribing to book review magazines like Kirkus Reviews or Publishers Weekly can also be helpful. These magazines review new releases, including police procedurals, and can point you towards the best ones. Additionally, libraries sometimes have special displays for new and popular books, so it's worth checking out your local library regularly.
One way is to look at awards. Novels that have won awards like the Edgar Allan Poe Awards often are of high quality in the police procedural genre. Another is to read reviews. Check out websites like Goodreads or Amazon reviews. If a lot of readers praise the accurate police procedures, engaging characters and complex plot, it's likely a good one. Also, ask for recommendations from people who are into crime and mystery novels.
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 '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.
New British police procedural novels typically have detailed descriptions of crime scenes. They might also explore the political and social context surrounding the crimes. For example, they could show how issues like poverty or class differences play a role in criminal activities. The pacing is usually such that it keeps the reader engaged, alternating between the intense moments of the investigation and the more reflective, character - building parts.
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.
Definitely 'In the Woods' by Tana French. This book has a unique take on police procedurals. It delves deep into the pasts of the detectives as they try to solve a present - day mystery. The writing is atmospheric and the characters are well - developed.
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.