Many of them likely have intricate plots. For example, the police often have to solve complex crimes, which might involve multiple suspects and hidden motives.
I think 'In the Woods' by Tana French is a top pick. It's about a detective trying to solve a mystery that has ties to his own past. It has great character development and a really engaging plot. Then there's 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. This classic noir novel has the iconic detective Philip Marlowe investigating various crimes. It's known for its hard - boiled style. Also, 'L.A. Confidential' by James Ellroy is excellent. It shows the dark side of the L.A. police force in the 1950s and all the corruption and intrigue that goes on.
Character development is a key characteristic. We get to know the police officers not just as law enforcers but as individuals with their own personal lives, flaws, and dreams. The pacing in fiction police books is also important. It can be fast - paced, with action - packed chases and shootouts, or it can be more of a slow - burn mystery, gradually revealing clues. And often, these books explore moral and ethical dilemmas that police officers face, such as whether to bend the rules to catch a bad guy or uphold the law no matter what.
Some well - known police fiction books include 'In the Woods' by Tana French. It tells a complex story about a detective investigating a murder in a place that holds personal significance for him. 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler is a classic in the genre. Philip Marlowe, the private detective, gets involved in a web of mystery and crime. Also, 'Killing Floor' by Lee Child, which features Jack Reacher, a former military policeman who stumbles upon a murder mystery in a small town.
A key characteristic of good police fiction books is the sense of suspense. Take 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' for instance. As the journalist and the hacker dig deeper into the disappearance, the suspense builds up. Good police fiction also delves into the human side of the police officers. In 'The Big Sleep', Philip Marlowe has his own code of ethics and personal issues while dealing with the crimes. And they usually have a well - crafted plot. In 'Presumed Innocent', the plot twists and turns as the police and the legal system try to solve the murder case.
One of the best is 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. It features the brilliant and terrifying Hannibal Lecter and the intense investigation led by Clarice Starling. Another great one is 'Gorky Park' by Martin Cruz Smith. It takes readers into the cold and complex world of Soviet police work. Also, 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson is excellent. It has a complex mystery and a very unique female lead, Lisbeth Salander, who helps in solving a decades - old mystery related to a powerful family.
Definitely 'In the Woods' by Tana French. This book has a unique take on police procedurals. It delves deep into the pasts of the detectives as they try to solve a present - day mystery. The writing is atmospheric and the characters are well - developed.
One important characteristic is authenticity. A good police fiction book will accurately portray police procedures. For instance, how evidence is collected and processed. In books like 'CSI' - based novels, this is really emphasized. They also often have a strong sense of place. If it's set in a big city like New York or London, the city becomes a character itself. And conflict is key. There's conflict not only between the police and the criminals but also within the police department, as seen in many police procedurals.
One characteristic is the presence of a detective or law enforcement figure. This could be a grizzled police veteran or a young, up - and - coming investigator. Another is the mystery element. There's usually a crime, like a murder or a series of robberies, that needs to be solved. And often, there's a lot of suspense built up as the detective follows leads and uncovers clues.