Can you recommend some German great crime novels?

Sure. 'The Sorrows of Young Werther' by Goethe is a well - known German novel. It tells the story of a young man's unrequited love and his inner turmoil, which was very influential in the Sturm und Drang movement. 'Narcissus and Goldmund' by Hermann Hesse is also great. It follows the two main characters on their very different life paths, exploring themes like spirituality and sensuality.

Another great one is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines crime investigation with elements of mystery and thriller. The main character, Lisbeth Salander, is a very strong and interesting female lead. The novel explores various dark secrets and crimes within a Swedish - but with a strong influence from the Scandinavian and German crime writing traditions - context.

Well, one characteristic is the complex narrative structure. German crime novels may not follow a straightforward linear plot. They might jump between different time periods or perspectives, like in 'The Tin Drum' where the story of Oskar's life is told in a fragmented yet engaging way. Also, the themes are often dark and brooding. These novels are not afraid to touch on difficult topics such as moral corruption, as seen in 'Mephisto', and the exploration of human nature at its worst, especially in relation to the crimes committed.

Sure. 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is a great one. It has a really engaging mystery and a unique main character. Another is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It's full of twists and turns that will keep you on your toes. And 'Sherlock Holmes' stories by Arthur Conan Doyle are classics in the crime genre.

One great German novel is 'The Magic Mountain' by Thomas Mann. It's set in a sanatorium in the Alps and explores themes like time, illness, and society. Another is 'Faust' by Goethe, a complex work that delves into the human desire for knowledge and power. As for short stories, Kafka's 'The Metamorphosis' is well - known, where the protagonist wakes up transformed into an insect, which is a very strange and thought - provoking story.

One great German short story is 'The Metamorphosis' by Franz Kafka. It tells the strange tale of Gregor Samsa who wakes up one day transformed into a giant insect. Another is 'The Marquise of O - ', by Heinrich von Kleist, which is a complex story about a noblewoman's situation. Also, 'Michael Kohlhaas' by Heinrich von Kleist is a remarkable short novel that delves into themes of justice and revenge.

I would suggest 'Mystic River' by Dennis Lehane. It's a story about three childhood friends whose lives are changed forever by a tragic event. The exploration of guilt, redemption, and the nature of friendship within the context of a crime is really well - done. And 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a noir classic with a hard - boiled detective at its center.

Sure. One of the great French crime novels is 'The Chalet' by Catherine Cooper. It has a complex plot full of mystery and suspense. Another is 'The Yellow Eyes of Crocodiles' by Katherine Pancol, which combines crime elements with family drama in an interesting way. And 'The Parisian' by Isabella Hammad also has elements of crime and mystery set in the Parisian backdrop.

Another great one is Henning Mankell's 'Wallander' series. These novels are set in Sweden and follow the detective Kurt Wallander as he solves various crimes. The stories often touch on deeper themes about Swedish society, and the character of Wallander is a very complex and interesting detective with his own personal struggles.

Well, 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn is a well - known and great newish crime novel. It's full of twists and turns. The story of a missing wife and the husband who becomes the prime suspect is filled with psychological drama. Also, 'The Dry' by Jane Harper is excellent. Set in a drought - stricken Australian town, a detective returns to his hometown to investigate a murder - suicide that might be more than it first appears.