When it comes to New Zealand crime fiction, there are many hidden gems. Some works focus on the unique landscapes of New Zealand and use them as an integral part of the story. For instance, a crime might be committed in the middle of the beautiful but desolate South Island. The isolation of the locations can add to the sense of mystery and danger. Moreover, many New Zealand crime fiction writers are influenced by the country's diverse cultural heritage, which can be seen in the way they develop their characters and plotlines.
Paul Cleave is a well - known name. His works are full of twists and turns. Another one is Ngaio Marsh. She was one of the early and important contributors to New Zealand crime fiction with her intricate plots.
New Zealand crime fiction often features its unique landscapes as a backdrop. For example, the isolated rural areas or the coastal regions can add a sense of mystery. The characters in it are usually influenced by the local culture, which is a mix of Maori and European elements. Also, the small - town communities play a big role, where everyone seems to know everyone, but there are always hidden secrets.
The unique settings make New Zealand crime fiction stand out. The country's diverse landscapes, from mountains to beaches, offer a great backdrop for crime stories. For example, a murder could happen in a remote forest area, adding a sense of isolation and mystery.
One famous New Zealand author in fiction is Katherine Mansfield. Her short stories are renowned for their nuanced portrayals of human relationships and the subtleties of everyday life. For example, 'The Garden Party' is a classic that shows her ability to capture class differences and the complex emotions within a family during a social event. Another is Eleanor Catton. Her novel 'The Luminaries' is a remarkable work. It's set during the gold rush in New Zealand and is a complex, multi - layered story with a large cast of characters. The way she weaves the different storylines together is truly masterful.
One of the best South African crime fiction works is 'Devil's Peak' by Deon Meyer. It has a great plot with complex characters.
The best New Zealand crime novels often have a strong sense of place. For example, they might be set in the unique landscapes of New Zealand, like the mountains or the coast. The characters are usually complex, with their own motives and secrets. They also tend to have a deep exploration of human nature, especially when it comes to the darker aspects like greed and revenge.
The fiction by New Zealand authors frequently showcases a strong connection to the land. This connection can be seen in how the environment shapes the characters' lives and values. Moreover, there is a sense of a small - community feel in their works. Since New Zealand has relatively small and tight - knit communities in many areas, this is reflected in the stories. In addition, they are not afraid to deal with difficult topics such as colonial history and its impact on the present - day society, and the relationship between different ethnic groups within New Zealand.
Val McDermid is a well - known name in Scottish crime fiction, and she continues to produce great works. Her latest novels keep the readers hooked with their intense plots.
Australia has Tim Winton, who writes beautifully about the Australian landscape and the people who inhabit it. His works are often full of a sense of place. In New Zealand, Alan Duff is famous for his novels that explore Maori culture and the challenges faced by Maori in modern society. There's also Janet Frame, whose works are often autobiographical in nature and are highly regarded for their exploration of mental illness and the human condition.
Dashiell Hammett is also highly regarded. His novel 'The Maltese Falcon' introduced Sam Spade, a private detective who has to navigate through a web of lies and deception. Hammett's writing style is terse and impactful, and his stories are full of moral ambiguity.