Another Gardner novel is 'The Sunlight Dialogues'. In a crossword, there might be a clue like 'Gardner's novel set in a town with complex dialogues' and the answer would be this title. The book is rich in philosophical and social commentary, which could be fodder for crossword creators.
Using characters as clues. In 'Grendel', Grendel himself or Beowulf (who also appears in Gardner's retelling) could be the answer to a clue like 'Main character in Gardner's take on an old tale'.
Gardner defines moral fiction as that which is concerned with values. It is fiction that makes the reader think about what is right and wrong, good and bad.
'The Client' is a John Grisham novel. It's about an 11 - year - old boy who witnesses a suicide and becomes the target of both the mob and the FBI when he reveals that the dead man knew the location of a senator's body.
Another could be 'A Time to Kill'. It deals with a complex and racially charged case where a father takes the law into his own hands after his daughter is brutally attacked.
One of his well - known novels is 'The Firm'. It has a complex plot that could make for some interesting crossword clues. For example, the main character Mitch McDeere could be a clue, and the answers could be related to his actions, like 'lawyer who uncovers firm secrets' or something similar.
Well, 'Icebreaker' is often considered among the best. It stands out because of its complex plot. Gardner weaves together different storylines involving international politics, espionage, and personal vendettas. The setting, especially the cold and unforgiving Arctic environment, adds a unique flavor to the story. Bond has to use his wits and skills to overcome numerous challenges, which makes it a very satisfying read.
In my view, what makes a John Gardner Bond novel the best is how well it stays true to the Bond legacy while also adding something new. The Bond series has certain expectations - a charming hero, beautiful women, and a world - saving mission. In 'Icebreaker', Gardner meets these expectations but also delves deeper into Bond's character, showing his vulnerabilities and how he overcomes them. He also introduces new political and environmental themes that are relevant to the time, which gives the story more depth and makes it stand out among other Bond novels.
I would recommend 'Grendel'. It's relatively easy to read and its unique perspective makes it a great starting point. You can get a feel for Gardner's writing style through this novel.
Another notable work could be 'The Sunlight Dialogues'. It contains complex characters and thought - provoking themes that Gardner is good at exploring in his fiction.