There are so many great crime fiction novels out there, it can be hard to know where to start. If you’re looking for the best of the best, look no further. In this blog post, we’ll countdown the top 10 best crime fiction novels of all time. From classics like The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo to more recent hits like Big Little Lies, there’s something for everyone on this list.
What is crime fiction?
Crime fiction is a genre of literature that explores the dark side of human nature. It often deals with themes of crime, violence, and corruption. Crime fiction can be divided into two subgenres: hard-boiled and soft-boiled. animal rights
Hard-boiled crime fiction is characterized by its gritty, realistic portrayal of the seedy underside of society. This type of crime fiction often features detectives who are struggling against the odds to solve a case. The stories are typically fast-paced and full of action.
Soft-boiled crime fiction, on the other hand, is more lighthearted in tone. This type of crime fiction often features private investigators who use their wit and charm to solve cases. The stories tend to be more character-driven than plot-driven.
Both types of crime fiction offer readers a glimpse into a world where the line between good and evil is blurred. If you’re looking for a suspenseful read that will keep you guessing until the very end, then crime fiction is the genre for you.
The different subgenres of crime fiction
There are many different subgenres of crime fiction, each with their own unique twists and turns. Here are some of the most popular subgenres of crime fiction:
1. Hard-boiled Crime Fiction: This subgenre is characterized by its gritty, no-nonsense approach to crime. Hard-boiled crime fiction often features detectives who are rough around the edges and aren’t afraid to break the law to get results.
2. Police Procedurals: This subgenre focuses on the day-to-day workings of the police force as they solve crimes. Police procedurals often give readers a behind-the-scenes look at how crimes are solved, from the initial investigation all the way to the arrest and trial.
3. Cozy Mysteries: This subgenre is known for its lighthearted tone and lack of violence. Cozy mysteries often feature amateur sleuths who use their wit and cunning to solve crimes in charming small towns or villages.
4. Heist Novels: These novels center around daring heists, usually involving thieves who plan and execute complex robberies. Heist novels are thrilling tales of suspense that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.
5. True Crime: This subgenre chronicles real-life crimes, usually featuring grisly details and macabre stories. True crime books can be either nonfiction or fictionalized accounts of real events, and they often focus on famous cases
The history of crime fiction
The history of crime fiction is a long and storied one, filled with classics that have stood the test of time. From the early days of Sherlock Holmes to the more modern tales of Jack Reacher, there are plenty of great stories to choose from.
But with so many options, where do you start? Well, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best crime fiction novels out there, perfect for any fan of the genre. So whether you’re looking for a classic mystery or a more contemporary thriller, there’s something on this list for you.
And if you’re still not sure where to start, why not try one of Agatha Christie’s iconic Hercule Poirot mysteries? With over 70 novels to choose from, you’re sure to find one that piques your interest.
The best crime fiction books of all time
In choosing the best crime fiction books of all time, we took into account a number of factors: literary merit, popularity, suspense, and more. Here are our picks for the best crime fiction books of all time.
1. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie: This classic mystery novel has sold over 100 million copies and has been translated into dozens of languages. It tells the story of ten strangers who are invited to an isolated island, only to be killed one by one.
2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson: This international bestseller introduced readers to the unforgettable character of Lisbeth Salander. It’s a gritty, suspenseful tale of rape and revenge set in Sweden.
3. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: This hugely popular novel takes a dark look at marriage and what happens when one spouse goes missing. Is she dead? Or is something even more sinister going on?
4. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown: This thriller follows symbologist Robert Langdon as he tries to solve a murder mystery that leads him to some of history’s most famous paintings.
5. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie: Another classic mystery novel from Christie, this one features Hercule Poirot trying to solve the murder of a wealthy man in an English village.
The best crime fiction authors of all time
Some of the most celebrated authors of our time write crime fiction. Here are a few of the best, according to readers and critics alike.
1) Stephen King: King is a master of horror, but he also knows his way around a suspenseful thriller. His books Misery and Gerald’s Game are edge-of-your-seat reads that will keep you up all night.
2) James Patterson: Patterson is one of the world’s bestselling authors for a reason – his books are impossible to put down. From the Alex Cross series to stand-alone thrillers like Along Came a Spider, Patterson knows how to keep readers hooked.
3) Harlan Coben: Coben is a prolific writer with over 30 novels to his name, many of them New York Times bestsellers. His Myron Bolitar series is particularly popular, but any of his books make for a great read.
4) Gillian Flynn: Flynn made waves with her novel Gone Girl, which was turned into a successful movie starring Ben Affleck and Rosamund Pike. Her writing is dark and twisty, keeping readers guessing until the very end.
5) Michael Connelly: Connelly is another bestselling author with over 30 books to his credit. His Harry Bosch series is especially popular, but any of his mysteries are sure to keep you entertained.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of crime fiction, then you know that there are a lot of great authors out there to choose from. But who are the best of the best? In this article, we’ve compiled a list of 10 crime fiction authors who we think are the cream of the crop. From Agatha Christie to Patricia Cornwell, these writers have mastered the art of suspense and keep their readers coming back for more. So if you’re looking for your next great read, be sure to check out our list.