What are the characteristics of the best new European crime novels?

One of the best new European crime novels is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex plot filled with mystery and engaging characters. Another great one is 'Camille' by Pierre Lemaitre. The story is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Often, they have a dark and gritty atmosphere. For example, the settings are usually cold and bleak, like in Scandinavian crime novels where the long winters add to the sense of isolation and gloom.

The best New Zealand crime novels often have a strong sense of place. For example, they might be set in the unique landscapes of New Zealand, like the mountains or the coast. The characters are usually complex, with their own motives and secrets. They also tend to have a deep exploration of human nature, especially when it comes to the darker aspects like greed and revenge.

The best new crime mystery novels often have complex and unpredictable plots. For example, they might have multiple suspects and false leads that keep readers guessing. They also usually have well - developed characters. In 'The Silent Patient', the main characters' backstories are crucial to understanding the mystery. Another characteristic is a strong sense of atmosphere. In 'The Woman in the Window', the claustrophobic setting of the agoraphobic woman's apartment adds to the overall mystery and suspense.

One characteristic is the strong sense of place. In French crime fiction, the streets of Paris or the countryside of Provence can be like another character in the story. Another aspect is the exploration of social issues. European crime novels frequently touch on topics such as class differences, political corruption, and moral decay within society. And the writing styles can vary greatly from the noir - like atmosphere in German crime fiction to the more literary and psychological approach in some Italian works.

Another great one is 'Inspector Montalbano' series by Andrea Camilleri. Set in Sicily, these novels offer a vivid picture of Italian society along with engaging crime investigations. Montalbano is a relatable and intelligent detective with his own quirks, and the local flavor adds a lot to the stories.

A lesser - known but great European crime novel is 'Bluebird, Bluebird' by Attica Locke. It's set in the American South but is written by an American of African - European descent. It deals with racial tensions and crime in a unique way, adding a different flavor to the European - influenced crime genre.

One of the best European crime novels is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines a complex mystery with engaging characters. The story is set in Sweden and delves into dark family secrets and corporate corruption.

The latest European crime fiction frequently delves deep into the psychology of the criminals and the investigators. It's not just about the whodunit, but also why they did it. Take 'The Girl in the Spider's Web' for instance. The antagonist's motives are deeply rooted in their past traumas. Also, many of these works use a non - linear narrative style, jumping between different time periods to build suspense.

One of the great new crime thriller novels is 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides. It keeps you on the edge of your seat with its mystery about a patient who has been silent since she was accused of murdering her husband.