What are some of the best police procedure novels?

For beginners, 'The Poet' by Michael Connelly is a good start. It's easy to follow and shows the work of the police in a serial - killer investigation. It has a fast - paced plot that keeps you hooked from the start.

Michael Connelly is quite famous. His novels often feature detective Hieronymus Bosch. Another one is Patricia Cornwell, known for her Kay Scarpetta series which involves a lot of forensic procedures in solving crimes.

One common element is the chain of evidence. Police must ensure that evidence is collected, labeled, and stored properly. Another is the interview process. They have to question witnesses and suspects following certain guidelines. And crime scene investigation is also important, like looking for fingerprints and other forensic evidence.

The key elements often include a complex crime, like a murder or a series of robberies. There's usually a detective or a team of investigators. They follow a set of procedures such as gathering evidence at the crime scene, interviewing witnesses, and analyzing forensic data. Also, there are often red herrings to mislead the detective and the reader.

In detective novels, current police procedure often provides a framework for the investigation. It gives a sense of authenticity. For example, the way police collect evidence, interview witnesses, and follow up on leads. It can also create obstacles for the detective, as they have to work within the bounds of these procedures. This adds tension to the story as the detective tries to solve the case while following the rules.

'In the Heat of the Night' by John Ball is also among the best. It tells the story of a black police detective from Philadelphia who gets involved in a murder investigation in a small Southern town in the United States. It deals with themes of racism and justice in a very engaging way.

Well, 'In the Woods' by Tana French is a great police novel. It has a very atmospheric setting and the characters are well - drawn. The police detective in it is dealing with a very old and disturbing case. Then there's 'The Wire in the Blood' by Val McDermid. Her books are known for their gritty and realistic portrayal of police work and the crimes they solve. Also, 'The Poet' by Michael Connelly is a must - read. It has a great plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat as the police try to catch a serial killer.

Definitely 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex plot with journalist Mikael Blomkvist and the hacker Lisbeth Salander investigating a decades - old disappearance. The story delves deep into family secrets and corporate corruption.

'Mystic River' by Dennis Lehane is also among the best. It delves deep into the lives of three men who were childhood friends. When a murder occurs, their pasts and present collide. The novel is a great exploration of friendship, guilt, and the search for truth in a police - centered story.

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.