The novel 'The Laughing Policeman' is also among the best. It has a complex plot that keeps you on your toes. The way the story unfolds, with multiple characters and storylines intertwined, makes it a classic. The atmosphere of the novel is also well - crafted, giving a sense of the time and place in which the story is set.
For me, 'The Man Who Went Up in Smoke' is the top pick. The mystery in this novel is very intriguing. Martin Beck travels to Hungary to solve the case of a missing journalist. The way the story unfolds, with different cultural elements and political undertones, makes it stand out. Beck's determination and his methods of investigation are very interesting to follow.
The plots are often full of twists. Just when you think you've figured it out, there's another unexpected turn. For example, in many of her novels, the initial suspect turns out to be a red herring, and the real culprit is someone you least expect. Also, she is great at creating a sense of place. Whether it's a small town or a big city, the setting becomes an important part of the story and adds to the overall atmosphere of mystery.
Another good one is 'A Fatal Obsession'. The way Faith Martin builds the suspense in this novel is amazing. She weaves together different storylines that all come together in a very satisfying way at the end. There are lots of twists and turns that make it a great read for crime novel enthusiasts.
You could start with 'Roseanna'. It's often regarded as a classic in the series. It sets the tone for the rest of the novels with its strong detective story elements. You'll get to know Martin Beck as a character and understand the style of the writing.
These novels typically have a slow - burn style of storytelling. It's not about instant action all the time. Instead, the author takes time to build the case, introduce the characters and their relationships. Inspector Beck's thought processes are often detailed, which makes the reader feel like they are part of the investigation. The novels also use detailed descriptions of the crime scenes and the evidence, which adds to the overall atmosphere of mystery and realism.
Beck is also seen as the more rational of the two, while Jade is the one who brings out the strong emotions. Their dynamic in fanfiction often includes a lot of push - and - pull, with Beck trying to smooth things over when Jade gets too intense, but also being drawn to her fiery nature.