What are the best German detective novels?

Sure. 'The Glass Bead Game' by Hermann Hesse. It has an air of mystery about it as it explores a complex intellectual world. Another is 'Death in Rome' by Wolfgang Koeppen, which has elements of a detective story set against the backdrop of Rome. And 'The White Castle' by Orhan Pamuk (although he is Turkish, this was translated into German and has a detective - like exploration of identity).

One famous German detective novel is 'The Investigation' by Sebastian Fitzek. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns that keeps readers on their toes.

Some German detective novels from the WW2 period might not be as well - known globally as their counterparts from other countries. This is due in part to the post - war stigma associated with German literature from that era. But there were surely works that delved into the darker aspects of society during the war, using detective - style plots to uncover secrets and crimes. Authors may have used these stories as a way to comment on the chaos and moral ambiguity of the times, but much of this literature remains relatively unexplored in the international literary community.

Sebastian Fitzek is a popular author. His works often delve deep into the psychological aspects of crime and detection, making for gripping reads.

German detective fiction often has a deep psychological aspect. It delves into the minds of the characters, both the detective and the criminal. For example, in many works, the motives behind the crimes are explored in great detail, which is not just about physical evidence but also about the psychological state of the perpetrator.

A great German WW2 novel is 'All Quiet on the Western Front'. It shows the brutal reality of war for the common German soldier. It was very influential as it countered the glorified view of war often presented at that time. 'The Man Without Qualities' by Robert Musil, while not strictly a WW2 novel as it was written before the war, it provides important insights into the pre - war Austrian - German society which was a breeding ground for the events of WW2. And 'Suite Française' by Irène Némirovsky (although the author was French, it has a lot to say about the German occupation) gives a view of what it was like during the German occupation from the perspective of those under it.

Another great one could be 'The Tin Drum' by Günter Grass. This novel is complex and multi - layered. It uses magical realism to explore the impact of the Nazi era on German society. It follows the life of Oskar Matzerath, a character who refuses to grow up in protest against the adult world filled with war and inhumane acts.

Another great one is 'Faust' by Goethe. This novel delves into themes like the search for knowledge, the human soul's struggle, and the deal with the devil. It's a very profound and influential work that has been widely studied. The characters and the moral and philosophical questions it poses are what make it stand out.

One of the well - known best German spy novels is 'The Spy Who Came in from the Cold' by John le Carré. Although he was British, this novel has a strong influence on the genre and is widely read in Germany too. Another great one could be 'Gomorrha' by Roberto Saviano which delves deep into the criminal underworld with elements of espionage. Also, 'The Quiller Memorandum' by Adam Hall is often considered a top - notch spy novel with a German setting that showcases the tensions and intrigues of the Cold War era.

One of the best German novels is 'The Magic Mountain' by Thomas Mann. It's a complex exploration of time, illness, and society in a sanatorium setting. Another great one is 'Faust' by Goethe, which delves deep into themes of knowledge, power, and the human condition. And 'All Quiet on the Western Front' by Erich Maria Remarque is a powerful anti - war novel that shows the horror of war from a German soldier's perspective.