What are the characteristics of NPR's top crime novels?

Sure. 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' is often considered a great one. It has a complex mystery and a really interesting protagonist. The story is full of twists and turns that keep you hooked from start to finish.

One characteristic is the ability to create a sense of unease. In 'We Have Always Lived in the Castle' by Shirley Jackson, the strange behavior of the main characters and the secrets in the village make the reader feel on edge. Another is the use of atmosphere. In 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James, the spooky old manor and the unexplained apparitions add to the overall horror. And a lot of them have complex characters that are either victims or perpetrators of the horror, like in 'American Psycho' where Patrick Bateman's character is both terrifying and fascinating.

Some of the top graphic novels often include 'Maus' by Art Spiegelman. It's a powerful and poignant story about the Holocaust, told through the unique medium of a graphic novel. Another one could be 'Watchmen' by Alan Moore. It's a complex and thought - provoking work that deconstructs the superhero genre.

Top Japanese crime novels often have complex characters. For example, in Keigo Higashino's works, the characters are not simply good or bad, but have multiple layers of personality. Their motives are often a mix of psychological and practical reasons.

The top 10 modern crime novels often have complex plots. For example, 'Gone Girl' has a plot that constantly flips your expectations. They usually have interesting characters, like the brilliant but troubled Lisbeth Salander in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'.

One characteristic is a good editorial team. The top publishers of crime novels like Penguin Random House have editors who can spot great crime stories and help authors polish them. Another is a wide distribution network, which allows their crime novels to reach many bookstores and readers easily, just like HarperCollins.

Top true crime novels often have in - depth research. The authors dig deep into police reports, interviews with witnesses, and sometimes even communicate with the criminals or their families. For example, in 'In Cold Blood', Truman Capote spent a lot of time in the town where the murders happened, interviewing locals. Another characteristic is the ability to build suspense. They make you keep turning the pages even though you might know the outcome, like 'Helter Skelter' does as it unfolds the terrifying Manson Family story.

Well, many top Australian crime novels often feature the unique Australian landscape as an important element. It can be the harsh outback or a small coastal town. This gives a distinct backdrop to the crimes and investigations. For instance, like in 'The Dry' where the drought - affected environment plays a role in the story.

Often, top Irish crime novels have a strong sense of place. For example, they might be set in Dublin or other Irish cities and towns, and the local culture, dialects, and landscapes are vividly described. The characters are complex, not simply good or bad. They are often haunted by their pasts, like in Tana French's novels.

In top new crime novels, there is often a high level of research involved. Authors might research police procedures, forensic science, or the criminal mind. This makes the story more believable. They also frequently incorporate elements of current social issues. For instance, they could touch on topics like domestic violence, corruption, or inequality. Additionally, these novels usually have a good pacing. There are moments of fast - paced action, like a chase scene, and then slower moments of character development and clue - gathering, which all work together to create a satisfying reading experience.