I would recommend 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt. While it has a broader scope, a significant part of it is set in New York. It's a story about a boy's life after a tragic event at a museum in New York. The descriptions of the city are quite vivid. Another is 'Rules of Civility' by Amor Towles. It shows New York in the 1930s, the nightlife, the different social classes. It's a great read for getting a sense of that era in New York.
One great New York based novel is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It's set in the fictional town of West Egg near New York. The story is about Jay Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy Buchanan and the decadence of the Jazz Age. It gives a vivid picture of the social strata in New York at that time. Another is 'Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. Holden Caulfield's journey through New York shows his disillusionment with the adult world. And 'Bonfire of the Vanities' by Tom Wolfe also captures the essence of New York, exploring themes like power, money and race in the city.
A more contemporary example might be 'Beloved' by Toni Morrison. This novel is a powerful exploration of the legacy of slavery in America. Morrison's use of language and her ability to create complex, fully - realized characters make it a standout. It's likely to be among the novels that are considered 'best' in the context of The New York Review of Books.
Some of the best - selling novels in New York could be 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. It's a classic that has been popular for decades with its exploration of the American Dream. Another one might be 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It deals with themes of race and justice in a profound way that still resonates today. And 'Harry Potter' series by J.K. Rowling also sold extremely well in New York. It has a magical world full of interesting characters that appeal to both children and adults.
Some of the popular New York Best Sellers novels in 2015 were 'Go Set a Watchman' by Harper Lee. It was highly anticipated as it was a follow - up to 'To Kill a Mockingbird' in a way.
One of the best NYC based novels is 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Although it's set in Long Island which is near NYC, it captures the essence of the Jazz Age and the social classes in the area. The glitz and glamour of the parties, the unfulfilled dreams, all are representative of the city's complex character.
Definitely 'The Black Dahlia' by James Ellroy. Although it's based on a real - life crime in Los Angeles, Ellroy's writing style and the dark, seedy nature of the story can be compared to the gritty New York crime novels. 'Mystic River' by Dennis Lehane is also a great pick. Set in Boston, but with themes of crime, guilt, and redemption that are very relevant to the New York crime novel genre. And 'In the Woods' by Tana French is a psychological thriller that has some of the elements of a crime novel set in an urban environment like New York.
Well, one feature is high - quality writing. These novels often have engaging plots that draw readers in from the start. The characters are usually well - developed, making readers care about their fates.
One of the New York best selling novels is 'Where the Crawdads Sing'. It's a story full of mystery and nature's beauty. The protagonist's journey of survival and her connection with the marshlands make it a very engaging read.