One common theme is the exploration of social inequality. London has diverse social strata, and crime fiction often shows how the poor and marginalized may turn to crime due to lack of opportunities. Another theme is the complex nature of the criminal underworld. It might involve organized crime gangs, drug trafficking networks, etc. Also, the theme of justice, or the lack of it, is often present. Detectives or other characters struggle to uphold justice in a city full of corruption and hidden motives.
In contemporary London organized crime fiction, the theme of identity is quite common. Criminals often have to hide their true identities or create false ones to operate. Also, the idea of the city as a maze or a playground for the criminals is a theme. London's complex layout, with its many neighborhoods and hidden alleys, provides a perfect backdrop for the criminals to carry out their illegal activities. Additionally, the theme of redemption sometimes pops up, where a criminal might try to turn their life around or at least make amends in some way.
There's Val McDermid. While she writes about different locations, she has some works that touch on London crime. Her writing is known for its psychological depth. Another author is Ruth Rendell, who has written crime fiction with London settings. Her stories often explore the motives and minds of criminals. And Lee Child has also dabbled in London - based crime scenarios in some of his works.
Martina Cole is quite well - known. She often writes about the gritty underworld of London crime, exploring the lives and motives of the criminals. Jake Arnott is another. His works are known for their detailed portrayal of London's criminal subcultures. And then there's David Peace, who delves deep into the seedy side of London with his unique writing style.
One of the best London crime fictions is 'Sherlock Holmes' series by Arthur Conan Doyle. It features the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson solving various mysteries in London. The detailed descriptions of London's foggy streets and Victorian-era settings add to the charm. Another great one is 'The Jack the Ripper' novels which are often based on the real - life unsolved crimes of Jack the Ripper in London. They offer a dark and gritty look at the underbelly of the city.
Another option might be United Agents. They have a broad portfolio of clients and are likely to have agents who are interested in crime fiction. They offer services like editorial guidance and marketing support, which are crucial for crime fiction authors looking to make a mark in the London - based publishing scene.
In best London crime fiction, the mystery is key. There are always puzzles to be solved, whether it's a missing person or a series of murders. The city itself becomes a character. The dark alleys, the big mansions, the bustling markets all contribute to the mood of the story. And there's often a sense of danger lurking around every corner. The stories also reflect the changing times in London. From the Victorian era to modern - day London, the crime fictions show how the city has evolved and how crime has changed with it.
Well, they often have a strong sense of place. London's unique neighborhoods, from the posh areas to the seedy alleys, are vividly described. For example, in many books, the foggy streets add to the mystery.
Well, historical crime fiction and contemporary crime fiction have some distinct differences. In historical crime fiction, the sense of place is often more crucial as it is tied to a specific time in the past. The locations described are often old - fashioned and can set a very different mood. For example, a crime set in a medieval castle will have a much different feel than a crime in a modern city apartment. Also, the legal systems in historical crime fiction are different from today's. The way justice was served in the past can be a big part of the story. In contemporary crime fiction, on the other hand, we often deal with modern - day problems like cyber - crime, which are not relevant in historical settings. And the pace in historical crime fiction can sometimes be slower as it may need to build up the historical backdrop more thoroughly.
Contemporary crime fiction often focuses on modern social issues and technologies. It's different from traditional in that it might incorporate elements like cybercrime or deal with more complex motives related to current society.