Top European Crime Novels: What Should I Read?

Another great one is 'Inspector Montalbano' series by Andrea Camilleri. Set in Sicily, these novels offer a vivid picture of Italian society along with engaging crime investigations. Montalbano is a relatable and intelligent detective with his own quirks, and the local flavor adds a lot to the stories.

One of the top crime thriller novels is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex mystery and a unique protagonist. Another great one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, which is full of twists and turns. 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris is also a classic, with the terrifying Hannibal Lecter. 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is a non - fictional crime thriller that reads like a novel. And 'Big Little Lies' by Liane Moriarty is a crime thriller with a focus on the secrets of suburban women.

There are quite a few great ones. 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett is a classic noir crime novel. It introduced a lot of the tropes that we now associate with the genre. 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie is also a top pick. Christie is a master of the mystery genre, and this book has a really unique and suspenseful plot. 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' by James M. Cain is another that stands out, with its dark and seedy story of love and murder.

One of the best European crime novels is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines a complex mystery with engaging characters. The story is set in Sweden and delves into dark family secrets and corporate corruption.

One of the top Swedish crime novels is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex mystery and a very interesting female lead. Another great one is 'Faceless Killers' by Henning Mankell. His detective Wallander is a very well - developed character. And 'Snow Angels' by James Thompson is also highly recommended for its dark and gritty atmosphere.

One notable feature could be the complex characters. European crime novels in 2019 often had characters with deep backstories and moral ambiguities. For example, some protagonists were detectives with their own personal demons that influenced how they solved cases.

Often, they have a dark and gritty atmosphere. For example, the settings are usually cold and bleak, like in Scandinavian crime novels where the long winters add to the sense of isolation and gloom.

Agatha Christie, though British which is part of Europe, has many well - known crime novels like 'Murder on the Orient Express'. Her works are known for their intricate plots and unexpected twists. Also, Henning Mankell's 'Wallander' series, set in Sweden, gives a great view of Scandinavian crime - solving with a complex and often moody detective at the center.

One popular East European crime novel is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson from Sweden (which is in Scandinavia, part of Northern Europe but has some cultural similarities to East Europe). It features a complex mystery and strong characters. Another is 'The Silver Bear' by Derek Haas, which is set in a gritty East European - like underworld. Also, 'The Cardinal of the Kremlin' by Tom Clancy has some elements related to East European espionage and crime in its broader plot.

Well, a key characteristic of the best new European crime novels is the strong sense of suspense. Authors build up the tension gradually, keeping readers hooked until the very end. They also often feature morally ambiguous characters. These are not just clear - cut heroes and villains. For instance, a detective might bend the rules to solve a case, or a criminal might have a sympathetic backstory. And the writing style is usually very detailed, painting a clear picture of the crime scenes and the characters' lives.