What are the characteristics of most literary crime novels?

Literary crime fiction often has complex characters. These characters are not just one - dimensional villains or heroes. They have deep - seated motives, complex backstories, and their actions are driven by a variety of factors, such as past traumas or moral ambiguities. For example, in some works, the criminal may be a victim of society in a way, which makes the reader both condemn and sympathize with them.

Top literary agents for crime novels are often very well - connected in the publishing industry. They know the right editors at the major publishing houses. For example, they can easily get in touch with those who specialize in crime fiction at Penguin Random House or HarperCollins.

Most literary graphic novels often have complex and nuanced storylines. They blend visual art with written text in a way that enhances the narrative. For example, 'Maus' uses simple yet powerful illustrations to tell a deeply moving and complex story about the Holocaust. The art in these novels isn't just decoration but an integral part of the storytelling process.

They frequently explore the darker side of human nature. These novels might show how ordinary people can be driven to extreme violence due to various reasons such as revenge, greed, or psychological disorders. Take 'American Psycho' as an example, it delves deep into the mind of a deranged killer.

One of the best is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines a complex mystery with in - depth character studies. The main character, Lisbeth Salander, is a unique and fascinating figure, and the story's twists and turns keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Crime mystery and crime novels usually feature a central mystery that drives the story forward. The characters are diverse, including law enforcement officers, suspects, and witnesses. There is a lot of focus on clues and evidence. The pacing is often fast - paced to keep the reader engaged. The atmosphere can be dark and moody, adding to the overall sense of mystery. The best ones make the reader think and try to solve the mystery along with the characters.

The settings in 1920 crime novels were quite interesting. They often depicted the urban landscapes of the 1920s, with its speakeasies, underworld characters, and the contrast between the rich and the poor. For example, in some novels, the seedy parts of the city were where most of the criminal activities took place, while the wealthy neighborhoods seemed to be sheltered from such chaos at first glance. Also, the characters in these novels were diverse. There were the shrewd detectives, the cunning criminals, and the bystanders caught in the middle. The dialogue was sharp and sometimes full of slang that was characteristic of the era.

Literary science fiction usually has a thought - provoking theme. It might explore philosophical questions about existence, morality, and the future of humanity. Take Isaac Asimov's 'Foundation' series, which contemplates the long - term development and decline of civilizations through the lens of psychohistory.

Agatha Christie is one of the most famous. Her novels like 'Murder on the Orient Express' are masterpieces of the literary crime genre. She was great at creating puzzling mysteries and unexpected twists.

Literary novels often have complex characters. They are deeply developed, with their own motives, desires, and flaws. For example, in 'Pride and Prejudice', Elizabeth Bennet is a multi - faceted character with strong opinions and a changing perception of Mr. Darcy. Also, literary novels usually have rich language. Writers use elaborate descriptions, metaphors, and other literary devices to convey ideas and emotions. Moreover, they tend to explore profound themes like love, death, society, and human nature. 'The Great Gatsby' explores the American Dream and the hollowness of the upper class in the 1920s.