Can you recommend best police procedurals novels for beginners?

The 'Dalziel and Pascoe' series is quite accessible for beginners. It shows the contrast between the two main characters, one more rough - around - the - edges and the other more cerebral. The stories cover a range of crimes in Yorkshire. And if you like a bit of historical setting, 'The Suspicions of Mr Whicher' novels are good. They are set in Victorian England and give an interesting look at early forms of police investigations.

One of the best is 'Gorky Park' by Martin Cruz Smith. It takes readers into the heart of Soviet police investigations, with a complex mystery set in a unique and often misunderstood setting. Another great one is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. The way it weaves the hunt for a serial killer with the psychological insights of Hannibal Lecter is truly captivating.

Agatha Christie's 'Miss Marple' series can also be considered. Miss Marple, an elderly spinster, uses her shrewd observations of human nature to solve crimes in her small English village. It may not be as gritty as some modern police procedurals but it shows the roots of the genre. Also, Peter Robinson's 'DCI Banks' series is well - regarded. It portrays the life and investigations of a Yorkshire detective, with a good mix of character development and crime - solving elements.

For beginners, 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' by Alexander McCall Smith is a great choice. It's a light - hearted and charming series set in Botswana with a female detective. Another good one is 'The Hound of the Baskervilles' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It's a classic mystery with Sherlock Holmes, who is often involved in police - like investigations. Also, 'A is for Alibi' by Sue Grafton is easy to get into. It's the start of a long series and has a good mystery for the private investigator (who often works with the police) to solve.

For beginners, 'Lethal Rider' by Larissa Ione is a good pick. It has elements of the paranormal as well as a police - like character who is part of a group that fights evil. The romance between the main characters is passionate and easy to get into.

The 'Agatha Raisin' series by M.C. Beaton is also a great start. Although Agatha isn't a police officer, she often gets involved in police - related mysteries in a small English village. The novels are light - hearted and easy to read, which can be perfect for those new to the genre. They also give a taste of the British countryside and its idiosyncrasies.

I'd suggest 'The Black Echo' by Michael Connelly. The first - person view of Detective Hieronymus Bosch is easy to follow and it's a great introduction to police procedurals. It shows how he pieces together evidence and deals with the bureaucracy of the police department. Also, 'In the Woods' is good. The detective's first - person story as he tries to solve a mystery that has personal ties to him is both intriguing and accessible.

Sure. 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle is a great start. It's a collection of short stories that introduce the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his methods of solving crimes. Another good one is 'Nancy Drew' series. It may seem a bit more on the young adult side, but it has a lot of mystery - solving elements that are great for beginners. And 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is also a classic that's not too complex for those new to police fiction.

For beginners, 'The Poet' by Michael Connelly is a good start. It's easy to follow and shows the work of the police in a serial - killer investigation. It has a fast - paced plot that keeps you hooked from the start.

I would recommend 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' by Alexander McCall Smith. It's a great starting point for those new to police procedural fiction. The stories are set in Botswana and feature Precious Ramotswe, a female detective. The writing is accessible and the cases are often more about the human side of things rather than overly complex and gory crime scenes.