Can you recommend some top American mystery novels?

One of the top American mystery novels is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. It's a classic with its hard - boiled detective Sam Spade and the search for a valuable statuette.

Raymond Chandler's 'The Big Sleep' is a great mystery novel. It features the hard - boiled detective Philip Marlowe. The story is set in a seedy and corrupt Los Angeles. Marlowe has to deal with a complex web of blackmail, murder, and mystery as he tries to solve the case. It has a really noir - ish atmosphere that adds to the overall charm of the story.

Sure. 'The Whiskey Rebels' by David Liss is a good one. It combines the mystery of the post - American Revolution era with financial intrigue. It's set in a time when the new nation was still finding its feet. There's also 'The Tory Widow' by Christine Blevins. This novel takes readers into the world of a widow during the Revolution, with lots of mystery and historical detail.

One great American historical mystery novel is 'The Alienist' by Caleb Carr. It's set in 1896 New York City and follows a team investigating a serial killer. Another is 'Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson, which weaves together the story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and a serial murderer.

Another notable one is 'The Savage Detectives' by Roberto Bolaño. It weaves together multiple narratives and takes readers on a journey through different times and places in Latin America, with a touch of mystery as the characters' stories unfold and intersect in unexpected ways. It's a complex and engaging read that delves deep into the human psyche and the cultural and social fabric of the region.

Sure. 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is a classic. It features a hard - boiled detective Sam Spade and a complex plot around a valuable statuette. Another one is 'Murder on the Orient Express' by Agatha Christie, though she is British, this novel is set in an American - like context with a train full of suspects and a brilliant detective Hercule Poirot solving the murder mystery. Also, 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is quite famous, presenting a seedy and mysterious Los Angeles.

Sure. 'Track of the Cat' by Nevada Barr is a great one. It features a female park ranger solving mysteries in the wilderness which has elements related to Native American culture.

Another interesting one could be 'Your House Will Pay' by Steph Cha. It combines elements of family drama with mystery, exploring the complex relationships within the Korean - American community while also presenting a gripping mystery story that delves into issues of race and identity.

There's also 'Snow Falling on Cedars' by David Guterson. It's set in a small community with a Japanese American presence. The mystery revolves around a murder trial. The novel explores themes of prejudice and the Japanese American experience during a particular era, all while keeping readers on the edge of their seats with the mystery aspect.

One well - known American Indian mystery novel is 'Track of the Cat' by Nevada Barr. It combines elements of mystery with the unique backdrop of the American Indian culture and the wilderness.