A great detective horror novel is 'The Shining' by Stephen King. It's about a family in an isolated hotel, and the father's slow descent into madness which has elements of horror and mystery as the family tries to figure out what's really going on. Also, 'Rosemary's Baby' by Ira Levin is a good one. It has a sense of mystery as Rosemary tries to understand the strange happenings around her pregnancy, and it's full of horror elements.
Another great one is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. Although often seen as a pure horror novel, it also has detective - like elements as characters try to figure out the mystery of Dracula and his actions. The way they track him down and piece together the clues is quite detective - like.
Well, 'The Turn of the Screw' by Henry James can be considered one. It has an ambiguous and spooky story that is like a detective story in a way as the governess tries to figure out what is really going on with the children. 'Rosemary's Baby' by Ira Levin also has elements of horror and mystery. As Rosemary discovers strange things happening around her during her pregnancy, it's like she's trying to detect the truth behind all the odd occurrences. And 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier. The new wife in the story is constantly trying to solve the mystery of the first wife, Rebecca, all while in a rather eerie and suspenseful atmosphere that has horror undertones.
One classic is 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'. It combines the elements of detective work as Mr. Utterson tries to figure out the mystery behind Dr. Jekyll's strange behavior, and the horror of Mr. Hyde's evil deeds. Another is 'Dracula'. Although mainly horror, there are detective - like elements as characters try to track down the vampire and understand his powers and motives. Also, 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' by Arthur Conan Doyle is a great example. Sherlock Holmes uses his detective skills to solve the mystery of the hound that haunts the Baskerville family, and the eerie moors add a touch of horror to the story.
There are quite a few. 'Gaudy Night' by Dorothy L. Sayers is a notable detective novel. It combines elements of mystery with the academic world. Lord Peter Wimsey, the detective in the story, is a very charming and intelligent character. And then there's 'In the Woods' by Tana French, which is a more modern take on the detective novel genre, with a complex psychological exploration along with the mystery-solving.
One of the most classic detective story novels is 'Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson, solving complex mysteries in Victorian London.
One classic is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. It's a great example with its complex characters and a convoluted plot centered around a valuable statuette. Another is 'Raymond Chandler's 'The Big Sleep'. It features his iconic detective, Philip Marlowe, and is filled with the dark and seedy underbelly of Los Angeles.
One classic is 'The Name of the Rose' by Umberto Eco. It combines a medieval monastery setting with a complex mystery.
Well, 'Three Men in a Boat' by Jerome K. Jerome can be considered a detective - comedy - like novel. It has the characters exploring and sort of 'detecting' things in a humorous way during their boating journey. Then there's 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle. Some of the short stories in it have a touch of comical situations, especially with Holmes' unique deductions and Watson's reactions.
Well, 'Murder on the Orient Express' by Agatha Christie is a must - mention. Hercule Poirot, Christie's famous detective, has to solve a murder that occurs on a train. The closed - environment setting adds to the thriller aspect. Also, 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It has Philip Marlowe, a private eye, dealing with blackmail, murder, and a web of secrets in a corrupt city. 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn can also be considered. It has a complex plot with a lot of twists and turns as a man tries to find his missing wife.
One classic is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It features the brilliant and terrifying Hannibal Lecter and the FBI agent Clarice Starling. Another is 'Red Dragon' also by Harris, which delves into the early days of the FBI's investigation into serial killers.