What are some of the best unknown crime novels?

For beginners, 'The Body in the Library' by Agatha Christie is a great start. It has a simple yet engaging plot that introduces you to the world of crime novels. Another good one is 'The Woman in Cabin 10' by Ruth Ware. It has a fast - paced story that's easy to follow. Also, 'A is for Alibi' by Sue Grafton is a classic mystery novel with a female detective as the protagonist.

One great unknown novel is 'The Shadow of the Wind' by Carlos Ruiz Zafón. It's a mystery set in post - war Barcelona, filled with complex characters and a plot that weaves through the city's history. The atmosphere is beautifully created, making the reader feel as if they are walking the cobbled streets along with the characters.

One great unknown mystery novel is 'The Chalk Man' by C. J. Tudor. It has a really engaging plot that involves a mystery from the past resurfacing in the present. The characters are well - developed and the twists keep you guessing until the end.

One great unknown fantasy novel is 'The Golem and the Jinni' by Helene Wecker. It weaves together the stories of a golem and a jinni in 19th - century New York. Another is 'Uprooted' by Naomi Novik. It has a unique take on magic and a captivating heroine. And 'Among Others' by Jo Walton is also excellent, with a blend of Welsh folklore and a coming - of - age story.

One great unknown horror novel is 'The Fisherman' by John Langan. It weaves a complex and terrifying tale around a fishing trip that goes horribly wrong, with elements of Lovecraftian horror. Another is 'Bird Box' by Josh Malerman. It has a unique concept where people must avoid looking outside or they'll go insane from seeing some unknown horror. And 'The Troop' by Nick Cutter is also a great pick. It involves a group of Boy Scouts on an island facing a parasitic horror that slowly consumes them.

'The Ryuo's Work is Never Done!' is also a good unknown light novel. It focuses on the world of shogi, a Japanese board game. The story is not just about the game itself but also about the relationships and growth of the characters involved. It has a charming protagonist who is a shogi master and his interactions with those around him, especially his young protege, make for an engaging read.

One of the best unknown classic novels is 'The House of Mirth' by Edith Wharton. It offers a profound exploration of New York society in the early 20th century, with a complex and tragic heroine. Another is 'The Return of the Native' by Thomas Hardy. It delves deep into rural English life, with themes of love, fate, and the unforgiving nature. And 'The Portrait of a Lady' by Henry James, which tells the story of an independent - minded American woman in Europe and her journey through love and self - discovery.

One of the best true crime novels is 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote. It's a classic that delves into the brutal murders of a Kansas family. Another great one is 'Helter Skelter' which details the Manson Family murders. And 'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson is also highly regarded as it combines the story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with the serial killings of H. H. Holmes.

One great unknown sci - fi novel is 'The Stars My Destination' by Alfred Bester. It has a unique take on teleportation and a very noir - like feel to the story. Another could be 'The Lathe of Heaven' by Ursula K. Le Guin. It explores themes of reality alteration in a really thought - provoking way. And 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' by Walter M. Miller Jr. is also relatively unknown but is a deep exploration of post - apocalyptic society and the role of the Church within it.

Another good one is 'Hyperion' by Dan Simmons. It's a space - opera epic that weaves together the stories of several pilgrims on a journey to the Time Tombs on the planet Hyperion. The book is rich in world - building, with diverse cultures and technologies, and it also delves deep into philosophical and religious themes.