1940 police crime novels

They often feature tough and gritty detectives. For example, in many of these novels, the main characters are jaded police officers dealing with the seedy underbelly of society during that era.

One characteristic could be the gritty and noir atmosphere. The settings were often dark, seedy urban areas. For example, in many of these novels, the police officers had to deal with organized crime syndicates that held a lot of power in the cities.

Often, they feature the unique Dublin setting. The city's streets, neighborhoods, and its distinct culture play a big role. For example, in many novels, the local pubs are not just places for characters to gather but also key to the plot as they can be places where clues are shared or suspects lurk.

One popular police crime novel is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo'. It has a complex plot involving a journalist and a hacker girl investigating a decades - old disappearance. Another is 'Silence of the Lambs', which features the iconic character Hannibal Lecter and an FBI trainee trying to catch a serial killer. 'Gone Girl' is also well - known, with a story full of twists and turns about a missing woman.

One of the best is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It features the brilliant and terrifying Hannibal Lecter and the strong female protagonist, Clarice Starling. The psychological depth and the cat - and - mouse game between the characters make it a classic in the police crime genre.

One of the most famous is Agatha Christie. She wrote many detective novels like 'Murder on the Orient Express' which involve police - like investigations. Another is James Patterson, known for his fast - paced crime novels with a lot of police action. Also, Henning Mankell, whose Kurt Wallander series focuses on a police detective solving various crimes in Sweden.

Colin Dexter is quite famous for his 'Inspector Morse' series. Ian Rankin is well - known for the 'Rebus' series. And Agatha Christie, although her works are more general detective stories, they often involve elements related to police investigations. Tana French is also a prominent name with her 'Dublin Murder Squad' series.

One popular British police crime novel is 'Inspector Morse' series by Colin Dexter. It features the brilliant and complex character of Inspector Morse as he solves various crimes in Oxford. Another is 'Rebus' series by Ian Rankin. John Rebus is a gritty and tenacious detective in Edinburgh. And 'Tana French's 'Dublin Murder Squad' series also stands out. Although set in Dublin, it has a British Isles feel and offers in - depth psychological crime investigations.

Raymond Chandler was one. His works are known for their hard - boiled detective stories set in that era.

Most police officers in crime novels are morally upright. They uphold the law and are committed to justice. However, some novels also explore the grey areas of their morality, like in 'True Detective' where the main characters have their own demons and flaws. They are also resourceful. They know how to use the tools at their disposal, whether it's forensic evidence or informants. They can also be intuitive, having a gut feeling about a case or a suspect that often leads them in the right direction.