Can you recommend some good comic caper novels?

For beginners, 'The Great Train Robbery' is a great start. It's easy to follow and has a really engaging caper plot. 'The Italian Job' in novel form is also good. It has a simple yet exciting heist story that will introduce you to the world of comic caper novels. And 'The Cat Who...' series by Lilian Jackson Braun has some caper - like elements in a more light - hearted and accessible way.

For beginners, I'd recommend 'The Burglar in the Closet' by Lawrence Block. It has a relatable protagonist who gets caught up in a caper. The story is told in an accessible way. 'The Falcon Thief' by Joshua Hammer is also a good choice. It's about a man who steals rare falcons and the chase to catch him. It's full of adventure and not too complex for those new to caper novels. Also, 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt, while not a traditional caper novel, has elements of a caper in it and is a great read for newbies.

Some of the best comic caper novels include 'To Catch a Thief' which is filled with intrigue and humorous moments as the thief tries to outwit the detective. 'The Pink Panther' novels also fall into this category. Inspector Clouseau's bumbling attempts to solve crimes related to the pink panther diamond create a lot of comical situations. 'The Bank Shot' by Donald E. Westlake is another great one. It features a group of misfits planning a rather unusual heist on a bank, and the whole process is full of comical and unexpected events.

Humor in the dialogue is key. The characters' conversations are filled with quick - witted banter, puns, and sarcasm. This makes the readers laugh and keeps the story light - hearted. Also, the pacing is usually fast - paced, with one comical event following another in quick succession, keeping the readers on their toes and entertained throughout.

Some good caper novels include 'The Sting Man' by Robert B. Parker. It has a great plot full of twists and turns. Well, if you like a more humorous take on caper novels, 'The Big Oyster' by Mark Kurlansky is a good choice. It's set in New York and has a caper - like story that's really engaging. Also, 'The Friends of Eddie Coyle' by George V. Higgins is a classic in the genre. It shows the gritty side of criminal underworld while having an interesting caper plot.

One popular modern caper novel is 'Ocean's Eleven' by Jack Goldsmith. It tells the story of a group of thieves planning to rob multiple casinos in Las Vegas at the same time. Another is 'The Heist' by Daniel Silva. It involves a complex art theft.

Sure. 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' could be a good choice for beginners. It has a straightforward plot about a murder and an affair, but it's very well - written. 'The Friends of Eddie Coyle' is also great. It gives a good look into the criminal underworld in a way that's not too complicated. And 'The Killer Inside Me' is a good start too. It has a disturbing yet captivating story that can introduce new readers to the genre.

One of the best is 'The Big Con' by David W. Maurer. It delves deep into the world of con artists and their elaborate schemes. Another great one is 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote. It's a nonfiction novel that reads like a caper as it details the crime and the investigation in a very engaging way. Also, 'The Informant' by Kurt Eichenwald is quite good. It tells the story of a corporate whistleblower which has elements of a caper with all the intrigue and deception involved.

Well, 'Ocean's Eleven' in novel form is a great caper novel. It's about a group of clever thieves planning and executing a complex heist. The characters are well - developed and the whole plan they come up with is really fascinating to read about.

I'd recommend 'The Lady in the Lake' by Raymond Chandler. It has elements of a caper novel with a detective trying to solve a mystery that involves some devious characters and a lot of unexpected plot developments.