Some of the novels in the list often deal with moral and ethical issues. In 'In Cold Blood', Truman Capote delved into the minds of the murderers, making readers question what drives people to commit such heinous crimes. Also, a lot of crime novels have a strong sense of place. For instance, 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' is set in Sweden and the Swedish landscape and culture play a part in the story.
Many crime novels in the list are known for their complex plots. For example, in 'Gone Girl', the plot keeps you guessing until the very end. There are unexpected twists and turns. Another characteristic is the creation of memorable characters like Sherlock Holmes in 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes'. His sharp intellect and unique personality are what make the stories so engaging.
Take '1984' for example. It has a very dystopian characteristic. It warns of a totalitarian future where the government controls every aspect of people's lives. The constant surveillance and the loss of privacy are key features.
Famous Tamil crime novels often have complex characters. The criminals are not just one - dimensional bad guys. For example, in some novels, the criminal might have a tragic backstory that led them to a life of crime. The settings are also very important. They are usually set in Tamil Nadu, with detailed descriptions of the local areas, be it the bustling city streets or the quiet rural villages.
Often, they have a strong sense of mystery. For example, in many of these novels, the identity of the criminal is hidden until the very end, like in 'Gumnam'.
A key characteristic is the exploration of human nature. In 'Crime and Punishment', Dostoevsky delves deep into the mind of a criminal. Another aspect is the element of surprise. 'Gone Girl' has so many twists that you never see coming. And many world - famous crime novels have a moral or ethical undertone, making readers think about right and wrong in the context of crime.
Typically, they have a strong sense of mystery. There's always a big question that needs to be answered, like who committed the crime. For example, in 'Gone Girl', the mystery of Amy's disappearance drives the whole story. They also often have complex characters. The detective or the criminal can be multi - faceted. In 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', Lisbeth Salander is a very complex and interesting character.
Famous crime fiction novels usually feature interesting detectives. Take Sherlock Holmes again. His extraordinary observational skills and deductive reasoning are what draw readers in. The detective is often the centerpiece, driving the investigation forward and leading to the solution of the crime.
Complex plots are also common. In Agatha Christie's novels like 'And Then There Were None', the plot is full of twists and turns. Multiple suspects and red herrings keep readers guessing until the end. The settings often add to the mystery, whether it's a spooky old mansion or a closed - off train.
Famous Urdu crime novels often have complex characters. They are not just good or bad but a mix of both. For example, in 'Kafan', the characters' actions are driven by poverty and desperation which lead to actions that can be considered criminal. Another characteristic is the vivid description of the setting. The Urdu crime novels set in the old cities like Lucknow or Delhi in India (where Urdu was widely spoken) give a detailed picture of the narrow alleys, bazaars, etc., which become an important part of the crime - filled atmosphere.
Many of these top crime novels also explore deep themes. 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler, for instance, not only has a crime to solve but also looks at the seedy underbelly of society. It shows how crime is intertwined with things like power, money, and corruption in a detailed and thought - provoking way.
I think 'The Da Vinci Code' is quite famous. It combines crime, mystery, and historical elements in a really engaging way.