What are some characteristics of good crime stories?

A sense of atmosphere is important too. Whether it's the seedy underbelly of a big city or a small - town mystery, the setting should enhance the mood of the story. Like in Raymond Chandler's works, the noir atmosphere of 1940s Los Angeles is palpable.

Well - developed characters are also key. The detective or the criminal should be multi - dimensional. In 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', Lisbeth Salander is a very complex and interesting character.

Well - developed characters are also important. In 'The Silence of the Lambs', the characters of Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter are very vivid. Their interactions drive the story forward. Additionally, a good crime novel often has a tense atmosphere that keeps readers hooked throughout.

A good crime novel often has a complex and intriguing plot. It keeps readers on their toes with unexpected twists and turns. For example, in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', the mystery unfolds layer by layer, making it hard to put down.

Accuracy is a key characteristic. They need to stick to the facts of the real - life cases as much as possible. For example, in 'Mindhunter', they did a lot of research to accurately portray the criminal profiling methods used by the FBI at that time.

They usually build a lot of suspense. Since they are long, the author has more time to gradually reveal clues and mislead the reader. This keeps the reader guessing until the end. Also, long crime stories can explore the psychological aspects of the criminals and the investigators in more depth compared to shorter ones.

The settings also play a role. They can range from the bustling streets of London in the 19th century, like in some Sherlock Holmes stories, to more isolated locations such as country manors. These settings create an atmosphere that enhances the mystery and crime elements of the story.

Good teen crime novels often have relatable teen characters. For example, in 'The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night - Time', the main character is a teen with Asperger's syndrome, and his unique perspective adds depth to the crime - solving process. They also usually have an engaging mystery. Like in 'Holes', the mystery of the past events at the detention center keeps readers hooked. And they may have some moral lessons, such as in 'The Westing Game' where the characters learn about greed and justice while solving the mystery.

Well - crafted mysteries often have a unique setting. It can add to the atmosphere of the story. For instance, in 'The Hound of the Baskervilles', the moors create a spooky and mysterious backdrop. And the solution to the mystery should be both unexpected and satisfying, like in many of Agatha Christie's works.

Good crime books fiction often have a strong sense of mystery. There's usually a central crime, like a murder or a theft, that the reader wants to see solved. For example, in many detective novels, the detective has to piece together clues.