What are the characteristics of the works of authors known for mafia novels?

These writers usually have a great sense of place. They can describe the seedy neighborhoods, the back - alley meetings, and the smoky rooms where the mafia does business. Don Winslow, for instance, can make you feel like you are in the middle of the action in the underworld he creates, with his detailed descriptions of the settings.

Often, they have a deep understanding of the criminal underworld. They need to research about the mafia's hierarchy, their codes, and how they operate. For example, Mario Puzo did extensive research for 'The Godfather' to accurately portray the Corleone family.

Mario Puzo is a well - known author for mafia novels. His 'The Godfather' is a classic in this genre. It gives a detailed look into the mafia world, exploring family dynamics, power struggles, and the code of honor within the mafia families.

Mario Puzo is very well - known for 'The Godfather'. His writing brought the Corleone family to life in a way that made the story iconic. Another is Nicholas Pileggi, who wrote 'Goodfellas'. He was able to capture the essence of the mafia lifestyle based on real - life events. Elmore Leonard also dabbled in mafia - related stories, and his works are known for their sharp dialogue and interesting characters.

The characters in seafaring novels are often a diverse bunch. There are sailors from different backgrounds, captains with their own personalities and motives. This diversity allows for interesting interactions and conflicts, such as the power struggle between Captain Ahab and his crew in 'Moby - Dick'.

The settings in police novels are often urban areas with a high crime rate. This creates a backdrop of danger and mystery. The authors use these settings to build tension and drive the plot forward. They might describe the seedy underbelly of a big city, which is full of potential suspects and motives for crimes.

Typically, they often use elements of the unknown. For example, in Stephen King's novels, there are often mysterious and malevolent forces at work. This creates a sense of unease in the reader. Another characteristic is the use of suspense. Authors build up tension, like in Shirley Jackson's 'The Lottery', where you don't know what the real outcome will be until the very end. And a lot of them play with the readers' fears, whether it's the fear of the dark, of death, or of the supernatural.

They may also explore themes of sexual liberation and taboos. These authors sometimes aim to break down the traditional barriers and norms around sex in society. Their works can be a form of social commentary on how society views and restricts sexual behavior.

Mafia novels often feature power struggles. There are always different factions within the mafia vying for control, like in 'The Godfather' where the Corleone family has internal and external battles for dominance.

One characteristic is their attention to detail in the historical setting. They research thoroughly to accurately portray the time period, from the clothing and food to the social customs. Female authors of historical novels also often challenge the traditional historical narrative. They may highlight the voices and stories that have been overlooked or marginalized in mainstream historical accounts. For example, they might tell the story of a lower - class woman's struggle during a time of great political upheaval when most historical records focus on the upper - class and male - dominated events.