Another characteristic is the use of suspense in the context of relationships. The mystery often affects the relationship directly. Take a story where one character has a secret past that the other doesn't know. This creates both mystery and tension in their relationship. It's not just about solving a crime or a mystery outside of the relationship, but how the mystery impacts the romantic connection. So, the relationship and the mystery are intertwined, making it a unique reading experience.
A classic in this genre is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. While it's more of a hard - boiled detective story, there are elements of mystery and thriller that are top - notch. The relationship between Sam Spade and Brigid O'Shaughnessy has a romantic undertone that makes the story even more interesting.
Another great pick might be 'Gone Girl'. It's a complex story where the relationship between the two main characters, Nick and Amy, is full of mystery and a strange, twisted form of love. There are so many layers to their relationship and the mystery that unfolds around their lives that it keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
Probably 'The Da Vinci Code'. It became extremely popular due to its blend of mystery, history, and religious elements. It follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he tries to solve a series of puzzles.
Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell contains elements of a great romantic story. Scarlett O'Hara's love for Ashley Wilkes and her complex relationship with Rhett Butler are central to the novel. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon is also quite renowned. It combines time - travel and a passionate love story. And of course, Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel García Márquez, which explores the long - lasting and complex nature of love.
One of the current popular mystery novels is 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides. It's full of twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats.
In the list of Nigerian romantic novels, one characteristic is the exploration of different types of love. It's not just about romantic love between a man and a woman. There can be love for family, love for the community, and how these different loves interact. Also, the language used is often rich and colorful, with Nigerian idioms and expressions that bring the stories to life and give a distinct flavor to the romantic narratives.
One of the great mystery novels could be 'The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes' by Arthur Conan Doyle. It's a classic with Sherlock's brilliant deductions and the interesting cases he solves in Victorian London.
The characters in these novels are well - developed. Ellery Queen himself is a very intelligent and observant detective. His personality and thought process are carefully crafted, which helps to drive the story forward. For example, in 'The Dutch Shoe Mystery', his interactions with the other characters are crucial in solving the mystery.
Well, many of them often have complex characters. For example, the characters might have past traumas or insecurities that they need to overcome in the context of their relationships.