One of the best is 'The Dresden Files' series by Jim Butcher. It combines magic and detective work in a modern-day setting. The main character, Harry Dresden, is a wizard who also works as a private investigator, getting involved in all sorts of supernatural crimes.
I would also suggest 'The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires' by Grady Hendrix. It's a fun and accessible read. It's about a group of southern women who discover that there's a vampire in their midst. The book combines the charm of southern life with the horror and crime elements of dealing with a vampire. It shows how ordinary people can get involved in supernatural crime - fighting.
One of the top supernatural crime novels is 'The Dresden Files' series by Jim Butcher. It combines elements of magic and detective work in a modern - day setting.
One common theme is the battle between good and evil. In these novels, the protagonists often have to fight against supernatural forces of evil while solving crimes. Another theme is the mystery of the unknown. The supernatural elements like ghosts, vampires, or magic are not fully understood, and the characters have to figure them out as they solve the crimes. And secrecy is also a theme, as the existence of the supernatural is usually a secret from the general public in these stories.
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.
One of the best supernatural novels is 'Dracula' by Bram Stoker. It introduced the iconic vampire figure and has influenced countless vampire stories since. The atmosphere is dark and eerie, with the character of Dracula being both alluring and terrifying.
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.