Often, they have strong - willed protagonists. For example, in Patricia Cornwell's novels, Kay Scarpetta is a determined and intelligent character. The settings are usually detailed, whether it's the urban landscapes or the more rural areas of Virginia. This helps to create an immersive atmosphere for the mystery.
Another could be Sue Grafton. Her 'Kinsey Millhone' series is set in California but she is a Virginia - born writer. Kinsey is a private investigator and each book in the alphabet - titled series presents a new case with its own set of characters and plot twists. These novels are great for those who like character - driven detective stories.
The main character, the private investigator, is often a loner with a strong sense of justice. Like in 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson, Lisbeth Salander is a unique investigator with her own moral code. These characters usually have to navigate a seedy underworld filled with dangerous characters and hidden motives.
Another great one is 'The Maltese Falcon' by Dashiell Hammett. Sam Spade, the private eye in this novel, is tough and resourceful. The hunt for the valuable Maltese Falcon statuette is full of double - crosses and unexpected twists. It's a classic that has influenced many detective stories.
One characteristic is complex characters. In modern private investigator novels, the investigators often have a troubled past or some personal demons that add depth to their personalities. For example, they might be a former cop who left the force under a cloud, which gives them an edge and a certain cynicism. Another aspect is the use of modern technology. These days, private eyes use all kinds of high - tech gadgets like surveillance drones, advanced computer hacking tools (in the story world), and GPS trackers to solve cases. Also, the settings in modern private investigator novels are often gritty urban landscapes, full of seedy bars, abandoned warehouses, and high - rise office buildings that hide all kinds of secrets.
One popular one is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It features the iconic private investigator Philip Marlowe and is full of complex mysteries and sharp dialogue.
Well, without knowing specifically which fictional private investigator in these 19 novels, it's hard to be very detailed. But generally, a fictional private investigator often has a sharp mind, great detective skills. They might be dealing with various mysteries like murders, disappearances, or thefts in the stories.
One common theme is the connection to the land. American Indian cultures have a deep bond with the land, and in these novels, the investigation often involves places that are significant to the tribe. For example, in many stories, a crime might be related to a sacred site, and the investigator has to navigate the cultural and spiritual importance of that place while solving the mystery.
One of the top private investigator novels is 'The Big Sleep' by Raymond Chandler. It features the iconic detective Philip Marlowe and is filled with a complex mystery and Chandler's signature hard - boiled style of writing.
One author is Lawrence Block. His books often feature his character Matthew Scudder, a former cop turned unlicensed private investigator. Scudder's investigations are gritty and often involve the seedy underbelly of New York City. Another is Sara Paretsky. Her V. I. Warshawski novels center around a female private investigator in Chicago. Warshawski is a strong - willed character who takes on cases that deal with social and political issues in the city. And Harlan Coben's works sometimes touch on the private investigator - like investigations, especially when his characters dig deep into secrets and mysteries that are hidden beneath the surface of seemingly normal lives.