Definitely check out 'Pranayavarnangal'. It has a great blend of crime, drama and mystery. The story unfolds in a very interesting manner and the Malayalam setting gives it a unique flavor. 'Swapnavasavadattam' is also a good pick. It has been around for a while but still holds up as a great crime thriller. It has complex characters and a plot full of twists.
One must - read is 'Kaalam'. It's a brilliant crime thriller that takes you through a journey of mystery and suspense. The plot is well - crafted and the characters are believable. Another is 'Undaunted: Save the Pearls Bhagavad - Gita'. It's full of action and crime - related elements that will keep you hooked. And 'Vazhakku Enn 18/9' is also great. It shows real - life crime scenarios in a very impactful way.
A couple of must - read Malayalam crime thriller novels are 'Njan'. It's a deep exploration of a character's life which is also intertwined with crime. The writing is very engaging. 'Bhayanakam' is also a great one. It creates an atmosphere of fear and mystery with its crime - related plot. It makes you feel as if you are part of the story, trying to solve the crimes along with the characters.
Some top Malayalam crime thriller novels include 'Oru Sankeerthanam Pole'. It has a unique take on crime and the consequences that follow. The narrative is gripping and makes you want to keep reading. 'Chemmeen' can also be considered in this category. It's not just a love story but also has elements of crime and mystery, especially with the cultural and social backdrop of the Malayalam community. The way it unfolds the story with all its twists and turns is really engaging.
Malayalam crime thriller novels often have a strong sense of place. Since they are set in Kerala, the local culture, language nuances, and geography play a big role. The characters are usually complex, with their own motives and secrets. For example, in many novels, a character's family background or social status might be a driving factor for the crime. Also, these novels tend to have intricate plots with lots of twists and turns. It's not always easy to predict who the culprit is until the very end.
I'd recommend 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It's a real page-turner with lots of twists and turns.
'The Da Vinci Code' by Dan Brown is a must - read thriller. It takes you on a wild adventure filled with puzzles, religious mysteries, and a race against time. The plot moves at a fast pace as the main characters try to solve the mystery behind the Da Vinci paintings and their possible connection to a powerful secret.
I also highly recommend 'Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It features the iconic character Hannibal Lecter. The cat - and - mouse game between FBI agent Clarice Starling and Lecter is thrilling. The psychological aspects of the story add an extra layer of depth, and the overall atmosphere of the book is both creepy and captivating.
Definitely 'The Devotion of Suspect X' by Keigo Higashino (set in India in some versions). It has a brilliant mind - game between the detective and the suspect. The psychological aspect of the crime is very well - explored.
Another great one is 'The God of Small Things' by Arundhati Roy. It's a powerful exploration of family, caste, and love in Kerala. The story is told in a very unique and engaging way, with vivid descriptions of the Kerala landscape and its culture. It delves deep into the lives of the characters, showing how small events can have a huge impact on people's lives. There are many themes such as forbidden love, the power dynamics within a family, and the influence of the caste system that are all interwoven in this complex and thought - provoking novel.
Agatha Christie's 'And Then There Were None' is a timeless classic. It's a murder mystery set on an isolated island. The way Christie weaves the story and the mystery is just amazing. It has been popular for decades and is still read by many today.
One must - read Malayalam novel is 'Chemmeen' by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai. It beautifully portrays the life of fishermen and the complex relationships in a coastal village. Another great one is 'Aarachar' by K. R. Meera which delves deep into themes of power, politics, and human nature. 'The Legends of Khasak' by O. V. Vijayan is also highly recommended. It creates a surreal world with its unique narrative style and exploration of various social and cultural aspects.
One of the great new crime thriller novels is 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides. It keeps you on the edge of your seat with its mystery about a patient who has been silent since she was accused of murdering her husband.