What makes the top authors in crime fiction so popular?

The complex characters in British crime fiction are also a draw. Detectives are often flawed yet brilliant, like Sherlock Holmes. His idiosyncrasies and his deductive powers make him one of the most iconic characters in crime fiction. And the criminals are also well - crafted, with their own motives and backstories.

The settings also play a role. Whether it's a gritty urban landscape like in 'The Wire' (which could be considered a crime novel in a way, if you think of it as a long - form narrative), or a small - town mystery like in many classic crime novels, the setting helps to create the mood and atmosphere. It can be a character in itself, influencing the actions and motives of the people in the story. These elements combined make the top 100 crime novels very popular.

Many of these top authors are popular because they can touch on important and relevant themes. Take George Orwell for instance. His books '1984' and 'Animal Farm' are still relevant today as they comment on issues like totalitarianism and the abuse of power. People are drawn to works that make them think about the world around them.

The unique settings contribute a lot. The cold, often desolate Scandinavian landscapes add an eerie backdrop to the dark and mysterious stories.

The unique settings contribute a lot. Nordic countries have harsh and beautiful landscapes which add to the atmosphere. For example, the cold and desolate Icelandic scenery in Arnaldur Indriðason's novels. Also, the complex characters are a big draw. They are often flawed and multi - dimensional, like Lisbeth Salander in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'.

The suspense. In top crime and mystery novels like 'Gone Girl', the constant state of not knowing what will happen next keeps readers hooked. They create a sense of anticipation that makes you keep turning the pages.

The characters in humorous crime fiction are usually very distinct and often have some sort of quirk. For example, in 'The Thursday Next' series by Jasper Fforde, the main character has a really unique job and personality. These characters draw readers in and make the story more engaging. Also, the unexpected twists and turns in the plot, combined with the humor, keep readers on their toes.

The popularity of humor crime fiction lies in its ability to make the dark and often disturbing world of crime more palatable. It can use humor to comment on society in a less preachy way compared to straight - up social commentary novels. The comical situations that the characters find themselves in, whether it's during the investigation or in their personal lives, add a layer of entertainment that draws in a wide range of readers, from those who love crime stories to those who just want a light - hearted read.

Well - developed characters also play a big role. For example, in 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris, the characters of Clarice Starling and Hannibal Lecter are so complex and fascinating. Readers are drawn into their world and the story.

The mystery aspect. People like to be challenged and try to figure out 'whodunit' before the end. Penguin crime fiction often has well - crafted plots that keep readers guessing.