Characteristics of international crime fiction books include diverse settings. Whether it's the gritty streets of a big city like London in many Sherlock Holmes stories or the rural areas in some Scandinavian crime novels. The characters are usually complex and multi - faceted. In 'The Secret History' by Donna Tartt, the group of students involved in a crime have their own motives and secrets. Moreover, international crime fiction often reflects the social and political climate of the regions they are set in. For example, some crime novels set in post - war countries deal with issues like corruption and rebuilding, which are important aspects of their respective societies.
Some good international crime fiction books are 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. This book has a lot of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat. 'The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series by Alexander McCall Smith is also great. It's set in Botswana and offers a different cultural perspective on crime solving. And 'Sherlock Holmes' stories by Arthur Conan Doyle are classics in the crime fiction genre, although they are from an earlier time but still very much loved.
Foreign elements in international crime fiction can also act as a contrast. They may contrast with the familiar, local environment. For instance, a detective from a Western country might be baffled by the customs and traditions in an Asian or African setting where the crime occurs. This contrast can heighten the sense of adventure and discovery in the story.
Henning Mankell's 'Wallander' series is also great. These books follow the Swedish detective Kurt Wallander as he solves various crimes. Mankell does an excellent job of portraying the detective's personal struggles along with the intricate crime plots. The settings in Sweden add a unique atmosphere to the stories.
Well, 'Becoming' by Michelle Obama was a huge international bestseller in 2018. Although it's a memoir, it has elements that are very engaging like a fictional narrative. It chronicles her life from her childhood on the South Side of Chicago to her time in the White House. And then there's 'The Woman in the Window' by A.J. Finn, which is a gripping psychological thriller that had readers all over the world hooked.
Stieg Larsson is definitely one of the top ones. His 'Millennium' series, starting with 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo', has been extremely popular worldwide. His writing style is engaging, and he creates very memorable characters.
The 'foreign' can introduce new types of crimes. For example, in some foreign cultures, there may be unique forms of fraud or organized crime that are not common in the writer's home country. This adds novelty to the plot.
They probably feature interesting detectives or protagonists. These characters often have their own quirks and backstories that add depth to the story. For instance, a detective with a troubled past might be more driven to solve a case. The settings in these books also play an important role. They could be set in gritty urban environments or small, seemingly idyllic towns where dark secrets lurk beneath the surface. This contrast between the appearance and the reality of the setting adds to the overall atmosphere of mystery and suspense.
Many of them might deal with contemporary issues. They could touch on things like social inequality or power dynamics. Also, the settings play an important role. In 'Long Way Home', the small Quebec village setting adds a unique charm and also affects the way the mystery unfolds. The writing styles can vary widely, from the more straightforward narrative in some to the very psychological and in - depth exploration of characters in others.