What are the characteristics of a good fictional serial murder book?

I also recommend 'Red Dragon' by Thomas Harris. It's the prequel to 'The Silence of the Lambs'. It introduces the character of Hannibal Lecter in a very interesting way and has a great serial - killer - hunting plot.

Well, in serial murder stories, the killers usually leave some sort of signature. It could be a specific way of arranging the victim's body or leaving an object at the crime scene. And often, there is a cooling - off period between the murders. This is the time when the killer seems to go back to normal life for a while before striking again.

Another aspect is vivid characters. In a great fictional book like 'Pride and Prejudice', the characters like Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are so well - drawn that they seem real. Their personalities, flaws, and growth throughout the story are what make the book engaging.

A good fictional book usually has interesting characters that you can relate to or find fascinating. It also has a compelling plot that keeps you engaged and wanting to know what happens next.

A good historic fictional book often has accurate historical details. It weaves real historical events into the fictional narrative seamlessly. For example, if it's set in the Victorian era, it should get the social norms, clothing styles, and architecture right.

Themes play an important role. In a short fictional book like 'The Metamorphosis', the theme of alienation is powerfully presented through the transformation of the main character into an insect. This makes the reader think about human nature and society, even though it's a short read.

Often, fictional female serial killers are depicted as having a strong sense of self - preservation. In books like 'Dark Places', the female character involved in the killings seems to be acting in a way that protects herself, either from her past or from potential threats. They can also be associated with a sense of powerlessness in their normal lives which they try to overcome through their violent actions. For instance, in 'Misery', Annie Wilkes' actions can be seen as a way to gain control in a world where she felt she had none. Moreover, they may have a distorted view of relationships, as seen in 'We Need to Talk about Kevin' where the mother's relationship with her son is very abnormal and related to his violent tendencies.

Another example is Dexter Morgan from 'Dexter'. He has a code and only kills other killers. He's very methodical and hides his true nature well.

A fictional book often has made-up characters and events. It can take you to imaginary worlds and situations that don't exist in reality.

The element of isolation is also key. Cruise ships are often far from land, so help or escape is not easy. This makes the situation more dangerous and the mystery more gripping. It also means that the detective or the person trying to solve the mystery has to rely on the resources available on the ship.