What are the best female crime novels?

Some of the 2021 best crime novels could be 'The Night She Disappeared' by Lisa Jewell. It has a gripping plot with mystery and suspense that keeps readers on their toes.

The best 2020 crime novels include 'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig. It's a bit different as it combines elements of mystery with a more philosophical exploration. Then there's 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' by V. E. Schwab. While not a traditional crime novel, it has some mystery elements and a very engaging story about a woman who makes a deal and has to live with the consequences. Also, 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno - Garcia is great. It has a spooky and mysterious setting in an old mansion in Mexico and some dark family secrets.

Some of the well - known ones could be 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It has a brilliant portrayal of the serial killer and the detective trying to catch him. Another is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, which has a complex plot full of twists and turns. 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is also great as it's based on a real - life crime and shows a detailed account of the investigation.

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.

There's also 'Such a Fun Age' by Kiley Reid. While it's not a traditional crime novel in the sense of a detective chasing a murderer, it deals with issues of race and privilege in a story that has elements of a crime - like false accusations and the consequences of misunderstandings.

One of the best is 'Mystic River' by Dennis Lehane. It's a dark and gripping tale set in Boston that delves deep into the lives of its characters and the city's underbelly. The story of three childhood friends and how a tragic event in their past resurfaces in a brutal murder case is both heart - wrenching and suspenseful.

One of the best crime detective novels is 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson, solving a series of complex and mysterious crimes in Victorian London.

Another great one is 'Watchmen' by Alan Moore. Although it's not strictly a pure crime graphic novel, it has strong elements of crime and mystery. It delves deep into the psychological aspects of the characters, who are often involved in morally ambiguous situations that are typical in crime - related stories. The complex narrative structure and the detailed art make it a classic.

One of the best LA crime novels is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It features the iconic detective Philip Marlowe and has a complex web of mystery and crime set in LA.

One of the best reviewed crime novels is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It has a complex plot full of twists and turns. The characters are well - developed, especially the two main characters whose relationship is at the heart of the mystery.