They are often based on real - life murder cases. For example, they might include details from police investigations, witness testimonies, and court proceedings. This gives them a sense of authenticity.
Well, one characteristic is that they are factual yet written in a literary style. They aren't just dry reports. They use language to create atmosphere. For example, if it's a murder in a spooky old mansion, the author will use descriptive words to make you feel the creepiness of the place. Another aspect is that they often humanize the victims and sometimes even the killers to some extent. They show that these are real people with complex lives and not just names in a crime report. And they can also be used to expose flaws in the criminal justice system or society at large. If a case was mishandled, the novel might highlight that, which makes them not just about the murder but also about the bigger picture of how society deals with crime.
Famous murder documentary novels usually have a strong narrative. They need to engage the reader in the story of the crime. They often explore the motives of the killers, which could be anything from greed to revenge. Also, they may depict the social and cultural context in which the murders took place. For instance, a novel about a murder in a small town might show the relationships and secrets within that community. These novels can also have elements of suspense and mystery, even though the outcome (the fact that a murder occurred) is known. They keep the reader on the edge of their seat by revealing details gradually and making the reader wonder about things like how the killer was caught or what really happened during the crime.