Can you recommend best London detective novels?

Sure. 'Sweeney Astray' is a notable one. It's set in London and has a unique charm. The language and the descriptions of the city are quite engaging.

Agatha Christie's 'Poirot' series. Hercule Poirot, the Belgian detective, often solves mysteries in London. Christie's masterful plotting and the unique character of Poirot make these novels a classic. The London settings, from posh mansions to seedy alleys, are integral to the stories.

Agatha Christie's 'Murder on the Orient Express' is also a great one. Although part of the story is set on the train, it has strong connections to London. Poirot, the detective, uses his little grey cells to untangle a complex web of lies and murder. Christie's detailed character descriptions and intricate plots are always a delight.

Peter Lovesey's 'Peter Diamond' series. Set in Bath which is near London. Diamond is a grumpy but brilliant detective. The novels often have elements that tie in with London's cultural and historical aspects, even if not directly set in London all the time.

For beginners, 'The Cuckoo's Calling' by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling) is a good start. It has an engaging plot set in London's seedy underbelly. The characters are well - drawn, and it's easy to follow the mystery as it unfolds.

For beginners, 'White Teeth' by Zadie Smith is a great start. It has a relatively easy - to - follow plot and the characters are very engaging. You get to see different cultures interacting in London.

Another good one is 'The Thirty - Nine Steps' by John Buchan. Although it was written a long time ago, it still holds up as a great spy adventure set in London. It has a fast - paced plot with lots of suspense and mystery as the hero tries to uncover a spy ring in London.

Edgar Allan Poe's 'The Murders in the Rue Morgue' is an early and important detective story. It introduced many of the concepts that would later define the detective genre, such as the brilliant detective solving a seemingly impossible crime through logical analysis.

For a beginner, 'Oliver Twist' is a great start. It's easy to read and understand, and it gives a good overview of the social issues in Victorian London like poverty and child exploitation. Another good option is 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson. It's a short and gripping read that shows the duality of human nature in the context of Victorian London.

Sure. 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a great pick. It features Philip Marlowe, a private detective in a seedy and complex world. The story is full of twists and turns.