Can you recommend some popular contemporary British detective novels?

Ian Rankin is very popular. His Inspector Rebus series is well - known. Then there's Val McDermid, whose books are full of suspense. And PD James is also a big name in this genre.

One of the great British contemporary novels is 'Never Let Me Go' by Kazuo Ishiguro. It's a thought - provoking story about clones and their fates. Another is 'White Teeth' by Zadie Smith, which explores the multicultural experience in Britain through the lives of different characters. 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt is also notable; although Tartt is American, the novel has a strong connection to the British art world and tells a complex story of a boy's journey after a tragic event.

Sure. 'Never Let Me Go' by Kazuo Ishiguro is a great one. It's a story about clones and their complex relationships. Another is 'Atonement' by Ian McEwan, which tells a tragic love story with a very interesting narrative structure. And 'The Goldfinch' by Donna Tartt is also quite famous. It follows a young boy's journey after he survives a museum bombing.

One of the best contemporary British novels is 'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel. It offers a vivid portrayal of Tudor England and the rise of Thomas Cromwell. Another great one is 'Atonement' by Ian McEwan. The story is about love, guilt and the power of imagination. Also, 'Never Let Me Go' by Kazuo Ishiguro, which is set in a dystopian Britain and explores themes of identity and mortality.

One great British contemporary romance novel is 'Me Before You' by Jojo Moyes. It tells a heart - wrenching love story between Louisa Clark and Will Traynor. Another is 'One Day' by David Nicholls, which follows the relationship of Emma and Dexter over the years. And 'The Rosie Project' by Graeme Simsion is also a charming one, with an autistic genetics professor looking for love in an unconventional way.

The use of language is a key characteristic. British writers are known for their rich vocabulary and clever wordplay. In contemporary detective novels, this is often used to create a sense of authenticity and to build up suspense. There's also a focus on the police procedural side in many of these novels. We get to see how the investigations are carried out, from interviewing witnesses to analyzing forensic evidence. Moreover, the social commentary is quite common. These novels may touch on issues like class differences, inequality, and modern - day social problems through the lens of crime.

Well, 'The Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks (although he is American, it has been very popular in Britain too). But strictly from contemporary British ones, 'The Time Traveler's Wife' by Audrey Niffenegger is a great example. It has a unique concept of time - traveling and love. Also, 'Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine' has elements of romance in it as Eleanor discovers love and friendship in unexpected ways in her life.

A great example is 'Silent Scream' by Angela Marsons. This novel introduces DI Kim Stone, a tough and complex detective. The story is set in the Black Country and has a dark and gritty atmosphere. It's full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. There's also 'Before I Go to Sleep' by S.J. Watson, which is a unique mystery as the main character has a form of amnesia and has to piece together her own past while uncovering a mystery.

Well, 'Agatha Christie's works are great. 'Murder on the Orient Express' is very famous. It has a complex plot with a number of suspects and a very unexpected ending. Also, 'Death on the Nile' is quite good, set against the beautiful backdrop of the Nile River with a murder mystery to solve.

Well, 'Sherlock Holmes' series are classic British detective novels. Doyle created a vivid image of Holmes with his extraordinary deductive skills. Then there is 'The Woman in White' by Wilkie Collins. This novel combines elements of mystery, suspense and romance. Also, Agatha Christie's 'Death on the Nile' is quite famous. The story unfolds on a cruise ship on the Nile River, full of twists and turns as Hercule Poirot tries to solve the murder mystery.