What are the characteristics of new british police procedural novels?

Peter James is quite popular. His novels often feature detailed police investigations in the British setting.

One of the best is 'Rebus' series by Ian Rankin. The main character, Inspector Rebus, is a complex and gritty detective. His investigations often take him through the seedy underbelly of Edinburgh. Another great one is 'Endeavour' which has been adapted into a popular TV series. The novels are set in Oxford and offer a unique take on police work with their period setting.

Great police procedural novels usually feature a believable detective or team of investigators. Take 'Law & Order' - based novels. The characters are well - developed, with their own flaws and strengths, which makes them seem real. They also show the procedures of police work, like how evidence is collected, how interviews are conducted, and how the legal system comes into play.

Well, one characteristic is the detailed description of crime scenes. In novels like 'Gorky Park', the author spends time explaining how the crime scene is examined, what the clues are, and how they might be connected. Also, these novels usually have a cast of characters within the police force, each with their own skills and personalities. They work together (or sometimes not so well together) to solve the crime. Moreover, the pacing is often slow and methodical, mirroring the actual police work process.

One of the best new police procedural novels is 'The Silent Patient'. It's a gripping tale that delves deep into the mind of a criminal psychologist trying to figure out why a patient murdered her husband. Another great one is 'Gone Girl'. It keeps you on the edge of your seat as the police try to solve the mystery of a missing woman, with lots of plot twists. And 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' is also excellent. It combines police work with a dark and complex story filled with mystery and intrigue.

The 'Agatha Raisin' series by M.C. Beaton is also a great start. Although Agatha isn't a police officer, she often gets involved in police - related mysteries in a small English village. The novels are light - hearted and easy to read, which can be perfect for those new to the genre. They also give a taste of the British countryside and its idiosyncrasies.

One of the top police procedural novels is 'Presumed Innocent' by Scott Turow. It gives a detailed look at the legal and investigative aspects within the context of a murder case. 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson also makes the list. It has a strong female lead involved in solving a decades - old mystery which includes police - style investigations.

Definitely 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex plot with journalist Mikael Blomkvist and the hacker Lisbeth Salander investigating a decades - old disappearance. The story delves deep into family secrets and corporate corruption.

One of the best is 'Gorky Park' by Martin Cruz Smith. It has a great plot set in Moscow, with detailed police work. The main character, Arkady Renko, is a complex and engaging detective. Another good one is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It's not just about catching a serial killer but also about the psychological aspects involved. And 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is also a great police procedural novel with a strong female lead, Lisbeth Salander, who helps in solving a complex mystery.

The 'Rebus' series by Ian Rankin is also highly regarded. John Rebus is a complex and flawed detective in Edinburgh. The novels are gritty and deal with a range of real - life issues in the city, from crime syndicates to political corruption, all while Rebus tries to uphold the law and solve the crimes.