I am currently reading Snap by Belinda Bauer, which has been longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2018. It wouldn't be controversial to say that it is unusual for a crime fiction novel to be included on this prestigious list, but it did get me thinking about how crime fiction is often derided as trashy with formulaic plots, one dimensional characters and poor writing. I am sure there is some crime fiction out there that conforms to these stereotypes, but there is so much out there that is just fantastic. I LOVE crime fiction, and here is a selection of my favourite writers and detectives: the series' that have me queuing up at the bookshop when a new one is published. Whether you are already a lover of crime fiction, or someone who has always thought crime fiction is not for you, give these a whirl - you won't be disappointed.
Shetland series, by Ann Cleeves
Ann Cleeves creates unusual, believable characters who do not conform to normal detective stereotypes, but she also creates an amazing sense of place in her novels, and this is what, for me, makes them stand out from the crowd of other crime fiction. When reading these novels I was so completely transported to the Shetland Isles that they have rocketed to the top of my 'places I would like to visit' list. The ladscape and climate she describes often have a vital part to play in the crimes being investigated by her detective Jimmy Perez too. There are 8 novels in the series, Raven Black, White Nights, Red Bones, Blue Lightning, Dead Water, Thin Air, Cold Earth, and Wild Fire.
Adam Dalgliesh series, by PD James
There are 14 books in this series. The first was published in 1962 and the last in 2008, so some of them can feel quite dated (especially as Inspector Dalgliesh has not really aged significantly during the series) but they are still examples of fine writing and very clever, subtle plots. Adam Dalgliesh is a cerebral and private man, but a likeable one whose integrity shines through.
Rebus series, by Ian Rankin
There are currently 21 books in this series. John Rebus and his sergeant Siobhan Clarke are 2 of my favourite characters in literature and their working relationship and ongoing friendship is something I always look forward to revisiting. The dynamic between the 2 characters is one of the things that makes this series so enjoyable (although Clarke does not appear in the first few and these are no less enjoyable). Rebus is to some extent a stereotypical crime fiction detective: a loner with a troubled past who drinks and smokes too much and is not afraid to bend the rules; but he is much more than that and his character is so well developed over the series that he begins to feel like an old friend. Add in to the mix the clever, yet believable plots, the social commentary and the subtle way Rankin has of juxtaposing the Edinburgh presented for tourists with the 'real' Edinburgh Rebus deals with, and you have some truly great fiction.
Vera series, by Ann Cleeves
Another gem by Ann Cleeves, there are also 8 novels in this series: The Crow Trap, Telling Tales, Hidden Depths, Silent Voices, The Glass Room, Harbour Street, The Moth Catcher and The Seagull. Vera is a dishevelled middle aged female detective with few social graces, but likeable to the reader nonetheless. These novels are set in the wilds of Northumberland and as with the Shetland series the sense of place is well conveyed and important.
Dublin Murder Squad series by Tana French
These novels, In the Woods, The Likeness, Faithful Place, Broken Harbour, The Secret Place and The Trespasser, differ slightly from conventional crime series' because there is no single detective as the main character in the series. Instead each novel has a different lead detective, who was a small part of the investigation in the previous book. This clever strategy keeps the novels fresh and stops them becoming formulaic as each of the lead characters is very different to the last. Fast paced, with plenty of plot twists, these are long novels but they fly by.
Shardlake series by CJ Sansom
Another series of crime novels with a difference, this series (Dissolution, Dark Fire, Sovereign, Revelation, Heartstone, Lamentation and the soon to be published Tombland) has as its central character a lawyer from Tudor London, Matthew Shardlake. CJ Sansom's historical writing is second to none and the reader is completely transported to Tudor times, warts and all, and learns a lot about the history of the period (including the dissolution of the monasteries and the fate of Henry VIII's various wives) along the way. They are gripping reads and Shardlake is a very human, likeable and believable character despite the 500 year time gap. Heartily recommended, these novels transcend the genre of crime fiction to be just great fiction.
Wallander series, by Henning Mankell
These novels are set in Sweden and originally written in Swedish. Kurt Wallander is a somewhat stereotypical middle aged police detective with an unhealthy lifestyle and a history of failed relationships, but he is very likeable and as the series progresses the reader comes to know him well. The novels are perhaps a little grittier than the other series' mentioned here and deal with some pretty bleak themes, but they are well worth a read - fast paced and gripping with plenty of plot twists.
Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbo
Another Scandinavian series, origianlly written in Norwegian and mostly set in Norway, although Hole's investigations also take him to Africa and Australia, these are also more graphic and gritty than the other series' I have recommended. Hole is another troubled detective with an addictive personality who is not always likeable, but those who like their crime fiction with more than a hint of thriller, with some really dark crimes and fast paced twists and turns of plot these novels will certainly hit the mark.
What are your favourite crime fiction series?
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