Well, they usually have complex and interesting characters. For example, in 'The Killing Joke', the Joker is a very complex villain with a backstory that makes him more than just a one - dimensional bad guy. This adds depth to the crime story.
'Watchmen' by Alan Moore also makes the list. It's a deconstruction of the superhero genre which involves elements of crime and mystery. It delves deep into the moral and ethical issues faced by the so - called heroes in a world filled with crime and chaos.
One of the best true crime novels is 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote. It's a classic that delves into the brutal murders of a Kansas family. Another great one is 'Helter Skelter' which details the Manson Family murders. And 'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson is also highly regarded as it combines the story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with the serial killings of H. H. Holmes.
There's also 'Such a Fun Age' by Kiley Reid. While it's not a traditional crime novel in the sense of a detective chasing a murderer, it deals with issues of race and privilege in a story that has elements of a crime - like false accusations and the consequences of misunderstandings.
Some of the 2021 best crime novels could be 'The Night She Disappeared' by Lisa Jewell. It has a gripping plot with mystery and suspense that keeps readers on their toes.
The best 2020 crime novels include 'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig. It's a bit different as it combines elements of mystery with a more philosophical exploration. Then there's 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' by V. E. Schwab. While not a traditional crime novel, it has some mystery elements and a very engaging story about a woman who makes a deal and has to live with the consequences. Also, 'Mexican Gothic' by Silvia Moreno - Garcia is great. It has a spooky and mysterious setting in an old mansion in Mexico and some dark family secrets.
Some of the well - known ones could be 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It has a brilliant portrayal of the serial killer and the detective trying to catch him. Another is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, which has a complex plot full of twists and turns. 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is also great as it's based on a real - life crime and shows a detailed account of the investigation.
Some of the best crime novels include 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex mystery and a unique heroine. Another great one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, which is full of twists and turns. And 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is a classic that delves deep into a real - life crime.
Well, 'Sherlock Holmes' stories can be considered as a kind of comic crime novels in a sense. The adventures of Holmes and Watson are full of mystery - solving and crime - fighting. Then there's 'True Grit' by Charles Portis. It has elements of crime and the pursuit of justice, told in a very engaging way. Also, 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is a non - fictional crime novel that reads like a thriller.
One of the great new crime thriller novels is 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides. It keeps you on the edge of your seat with its mystery about a patient who has been silent since she was accused of murdering her husband.