Can you recommend the best English crime fiction novels?

I'd recommend 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' by Alexander McCall Smith. It has a gentle approach to crime solving in an African setting. It's easy to read and has charming characters. It gives a different perspective on crime thrillers compared to more traditional Western ones.

One of the best is 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle. The stories are filled with brilliant deductions and interesting characters. Holmes' ability to solve complex crimes is truly fascinating.

Sure. 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle is a must - read. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson solving various complex crimes in Victorian London. Another great one is 'Agatha Christie's works, like 'Murder on the Orient Express'. Her novels are known for their intricate plots and unexpected twists.

Sure. 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie is great. It has a really unique plot where ten strangers are lured to an isolated island and are killed one by one, and the mystery of who the killer is keeps you on the edge of your seat.

For beginners, 'Sherlock Holmes' short stories are great. They are easy to read and Holmes' deductive reasoning is really interesting. 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' is a good collection to start with.

You could also try 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It features the detective Philip Marlowe and has a noir - ish feel. The story is full of twists and turns as Marlowe tries to solve a case involving blackmail and murder.

Arnaldur Indriðason's 'Outrage' is also highly recommended. It deals with a brutal murder and the subsequent investigation. The detective in the story is very well - crafted, and as the story unfolds, you get a deeper understanding of the Icelandic society and its values. There are twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end.

Sure. 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a great start. It has all the elements of classic crime fiction like a hard - boiled detective, Philip Marlowe, and a convoluted mystery full of shady characters.

Sure. 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen is a classic. It's a story about love and social class in 19th - century England. Another great one is 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It deals with themes of racism and justice in the American South. '1984' by George Orwell is also among the best. It's a dystopian novel that warns about totalitarianism.

A good choice for beginners could be 'Case Histories' by Kate Atkinson. It weaves together different crime cases in an interesting way. Also, 'A Study in Scarlet' by Arthur Conan Doyle is a must - read. It's the first story to introduce Sherlock Holmes, and his deductive reasoning is fascinating to follow, which is a great introduction to the world of British crime fiction.