Crime fiction is a genre of literature that focuses on the investigation of a crime and the eventual capture of the perpetrator Stories within the genre may feature the pursuit of a criminal through the foggy streets of London, the twists and turns of a small-town murder, or the psychological drama of a complex investigation. Characters in crime fiction work to unravel the clues and build a case against the criminal, often with the help of a mystery-solving detective who is able to connect the dots and put the puzzle pieces together.
The best examples of crime fiction explore the sinister and mysterious nature of criminal behavior, the complex relationships between characters, and the sometimes-elusive process of uncovering the truth. Here are five of the best examples of crime fiction:
1. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle. This classic collection of mysteries follows the amazing detective Sherlock Holmes and his crime-solving companion Dr. Watson as they attempt to unravel some of the most mysterious cases in London. This collection of stories is often cited as the originator of much of the mystery and detective fiction that followed.
2. And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. Agatha Christie is credited with popularizing the murder mystery and her novel And Then There Were None is arguably her most well-known work. The novel follows a group of people who have been invited to a mysterious island and soon find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse as they are picked off one by one.
3. The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. This thrilling crime novel tells the story of a journalist and a troubled hacker as they attempt to solve a decades-old murder. Along the way, the two discover a dark conspiracy that engulfs them both and puts them in danger.
4. The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith. This psychological thriller follows the titular character as he attempts to assume the identity of a wealthy man and establish himself as part of the upper class. The novel is a fascinating exploration of class, identity, and deception.
5. Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow. This gripping legal thriller follows a prosecutor who is charged with the murder of his colleague. As the investigation progresses, the prosecutor discovers the unsettling truth that justice does not always prevail.
Crime fiction has a long and varied history and there are countless examples of the genre. While these five novels are some of the most well-known and influential examples of the genre, there is no shortage of compelling crime fiction to explore.