What are some of the best French crime fictions?

One of the best is 'The Chalk Circle Man' by Fred Vargas. It features Commissaire Adamsberg and his unique approach to solving crimes. Another great one is 'Irene' by Pierre Lemaitre, which is full of suspense and complex characters. And 'The Three Evangelists' by Fred Vargas also stands out with its engaging plot and interesting detective work.

You could also try 'The Yellow Eyes of Crocodiles' by Katherine Pancol. It has elements of crime and family drama mixed together. It's an easy read and gives a good introduction to the world of French crime fiction.

Georges Simenon's 'Maigret' series is also highly regarded. Inspector Maigret is a shrewd detective who uses his intuition and understanding of human nature to solve crimes in Paris. His character is complex and the stories are set in a vividly described French backdrop.

One of the top French crime novels is 'The Chalet' by Catherine Cooper. It has a great plot filled with mystery and intrigue. The setting in the French Alps adds a touch of isolation and danger to the story.

Another great one is 'The Likeness'. It features a detective who is drawn into a strange case where she discovers a woman who looks exactly like her. Tana French is really good at creating an atmosphere of mystery and psychological tension in this novel.

Well, 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' is a top pick. It delves deep into the dark secrets of a wealthy Swedish family. The character of Lisbeth Salander is so unique and fascinating. Then there's 'Wallander'. Henning Mankell's creation is a gritty and realistic look at crime in Sweden. Inspector Wallander is a flawed but relatable character. Also, 'Snow Angels' by James Thompson is a great example. It shows a different side of Swedish crime, with a more noir - like atmosphere.

Some excellent examples of best British crime fiction include Patricia Highsmith's 'Strangers on a Train'. It's a psychological thriller that delves deep into the minds of its characters. 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco, while the author is Italian, it's set in a medieval English abbey and has a strong British crime - like feel with all the mystery and intrigue. Also, 'Line of Duty' which started as a TV series but has a lot of elements that can be considered in the realm of great British crime fiction with its exploration of police corruption and solving of complex cases.

Agatha Christie's works are also top - notch. For example, 'Murder on the Orient Express'. Her books are known for their intricate plots, multiple suspects, and unexpected twists. Christie is a master at creating suspense and mystery within the UK setting.

Some of the best Nordic crime fictions include 'The Keeper of Lost Causes' by Jussi Adler - Olsen. The story follows a detective who is assigned to cold cases and the mystery unfolds in an engaging way. In addition, 'Those Who Kill' by Elsebeth Egholm is a good one. It has a unique take on the crime genre, focusing on a psychologist's involvement in solving crimes. And we can't forget about Camilla Läckberg's 'Fever' which is full of suspense and family secrets in a Nordic backdrop.

One of the well - known Icelandic crime fictions is 'Jar City' by Arnaldur Indriðason. It's a great example with its complex characters and a plot that delves deep into the dark side of Icelandic society. The setting of Reykjavik also adds a unique flavor to the story.