Can you recommend the best British police procedural novels for beginners?

One of the best is 'Rebus' series by Ian Rankin. The main character, Inspector Rebus, is a complex and gritty detective. His investigations often take him through the seedy underbelly of Edinburgh. Another great one is 'Endeavour' which has been adapted into a popular TV series. The novels are set in Oxford and offer a unique take on police work with their period setting.

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.

New British police procedural novels typically have detailed descriptions of crime scenes. They might also explore the political and social context surrounding the crimes. For example, they could show how issues like poverty or class differences play a role in criminal activities. The pacing is usually such that it keeps the reader engaged, alternating between the intense moments of the investigation and the more reflective, character - building parts.

Agatha Christie's 'Miss Marple' series can also be considered in a sense. Although not exactly the same as modern police procedurals, Miss Marple uses her shrewd observations and knowledge of human nature to solve crimes in her village and beyond. Her methods are unique and the stories are always full of charm and mystery.

There are many. For example, 'The Black Echo' by Michael Connelly. It's about a detective named Harry Bosch who investigates a murder case. It's a great start to the Bosch series. Then there's 'Before I Go to Sleep' by S. J. Watson. It's a unique take on a police - like investigation as the main character has amnesia and is trying to figure out things from her past which may be related to a crime. 'The Snowman' by Jo Nesbø is also a best seller in this genre, full of suspense and mystery surrounding a serial killer's actions.

Sure. 'The Ruth Galloway' series by Elly Griffiths is excellent. Ruth is an archaeologist who often gets involved with police investigations. The books blend archaeology with crime - solving in a really interesting way.

The 'Rebus' series by Ian Rankin is also highly regarded. John Rebus is a complex and flawed detective in Edinburgh. The novels are gritty and deal with a range of real - life issues in the city, from crime syndicates to political corruption, all while Rebus tries to uphold the law and solve the crimes.

Peter James is quite popular. His novels often feature detailed police investigations in the British setting.

Sure. 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a great mix of police - like investigation by the journalist Mikael Blomkvist and the hacker Lisbeth Salander. The story is full of twists and turns as they dig into a long - buried mystery.

Sure. One of the most famous classic police procedural novels is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It features the brilliant and terrifying Dr. Hannibal Lecter and the FBI agent Clarice Starling. Another great one is 'Gorky Park' by Martin Cruz Smith, which is set in the Soviet Union and involves a complex murder mystery. Also, 'In the Heat of the Night' by John Ball is a classic that deals with racial tensions along with a police investigation.