One of the best is 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson solving complex mysteries in Victorian London.
Agatha Christie is a must - mention. She wrote numerous classic crime novels. Her characters are well - developed and her plot twists keep readers on their toes.
One well - known literary agent in the UK for crime fiction is Curtis Brown. They have a long history of representing crime fiction authors and have helped many break into the market.
One characteristic is the complex characters. Detectives are often flawed yet brilliant. Another is the detailed settings, usually British landscapes which give an authentic feel. And the plots are full of twists.
UK crime fiction has a long and rich history. It includes not only classic detective stories but also modern thrillers. Many UK crime fictions explore the dark side of society, like corruption and social inequality. Some works focus on the psychological aspects of criminals and detectives. For example, Ian Rankin's books often delve deep into the minds of his characters, both the good and the bad.
One of the UK's best crime novels is 'The Cuckoo's Calling' by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling). It features a private detective, Cormoran Strike, investigating the death of a supermodel. Another great one is 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier, which has elements of mystery and crime in a gothic setting. 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie is also a classic, with a group of people on an island being killed off one by one in a most mysterious way.
Agatha Christie's works are also top - notch. For example, 'Murder on the Orient Express'. Her books are known for their intricate plots, multiple suspects, and unexpected twists. Christie is a master at creating suspense and mystery within the UK setting.
Often, spiders are depicted as sinister elements. They might be associated with the lair of the villain, lurking in dark corners of abandoned buildings where crimes are planned.
For beginners, 'And Then There Were None' by Agatha Christie is a great choice. It has a simple yet engaging plot where ten strangers are invited to an island and then start getting killed one by one. It's easy to follow and gets you hooked on Christie's style of mystery writing.
Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle. These stories are iconic. Holmes' brilliant deductions and the various mysteries he solves in Victorian London have made it a timeless classic in the crime genre.