What are some characteristics of great crime novels?

Well, one characteristic is the complex narrative structure. German crime novels may not follow a straightforward linear plot. They might jump between different time periods or perspectives, like in 'The Tin Drum' where the story of Oskar's life is told in a fragmented yet engaging way. Also, the themes are often dark and brooding. These novels are not afraid to touch on difficult topics such as moral corruption, as seen in 'Mephisto', and the exploration of human nature at its worst, especially in relation to the crimes committed.

Often, they have complex characters. For example, in 'The Godfather', Michael Corleone starts as an innocent young man and gradually becomes a ruthless mob boss. Also, a suspenseful plot is common. 'The Silence of the Lambs' keeps you on the edge of your seat as Clarice tries to catch the serial killer. And the settings are usually gritty, like the mean streets in many of Raymond Chandler's novels.

Great new crime novels often have complex characters. For example, the detective might have his own personal demons to deal with, like in 'The Dark Lake' where the female detective has a past relationship with the victim. They also usually have an intricate plot. There are often multiple suspects and red herrings to keep the reader guessing. In 'The Chalk Man', the simple act of finding chalk figures leads to a complex web of mystery and murder.

Well, great crime fiction usually has a strong sense of place. It sets the scene vividly, whether it's a gritty urban alley or a small, idyllic town. The motives of the characters are also crucial. They should be believable and add depth to the story. And of course, the pacing is key. It can't be too slow or the reader will lose interest, nor too fast that it feels rushed.

In the realm of 'awesome crime novels', 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is a notable one. It's a non - fictional novel that tells the story of a real - life murder in a very detailed and engaging way. It's almost like you're right there in Kansas witnessing the events unfold. 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is also great. The hard - boiled detective Philip Marlowe is an iconic character, and the noir - style writing makes the crime - solving process really exciting.

One of the great crime thriller novels is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex mystery involving a journalist and a hacker girl as they investigate a decades - old disappearance. Another is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, which keeps readers on the edge with its twisted plot about a missing wife. And 'Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris is also a classic, with the terrifying character of Hannibal Lecter.

One of the great British crime novels is 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson, solving complex mysteries in Victorian London.

Well, 'Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil' is a great true crime novel. It combines a murder mystery with the unique charm and eccentricity of Savannah. 'The Devil in the White City' is also notable. It weaves together the story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and a serial killer who preyed on the fairgoers. And then there's 'I'll Be Gone in the Dark' by Michelle McNamara, which is about the hunt for the Golden State Killer.

Well, 'The Silent Patient' is a great modern crime novel. It's about a woman who stops speaking after shooting her husband. The story is full of psychological depth and suspense. 'Big Little Lies' is also a good one. It deals with a murder mystery in a seemingly idyllic community, exploring the secrets and lies beneath the surface. Then there's 'Sharp Objects' which is dark and gritty, delving into a journalist's investigation into a series of murders in her hometown.

Crime mystery and crime novels usually feature a central mystery that drives the story forward. The characters are diverse, including law enforcement officers, suspects, and witnesses. There is a lot of focus on clues and evidence. The pacing is often fast - paced to keep the reader engaged. The atmosphere can be dark and moody, adding to the overall sense of mystery. The best ones make the reader think and try to solve the mystery along with the characters.