10 GREAT Crime Novels You Must Read

Published in 1934, 'The Postman Always Rings Twice' tells the story of Frank Chambers, a drifter who stops at a rural California diner and begins an affair with Cora, the wife of the diner's owner, Nick Papadakis. The novel follows their complex and violent relationship as they plot to murder Nick, leading to a series of tragic events. The book is known for its explicit portrayal of adultery, homicide, and the moral ambiguity of its characters, which caused it to be banned in Boston and sparked significant controversy upon its release. It is regarded as one of the most important crime novels of the 20th century and has been adapted into several films and other media.

The story begins with the suicide of Mrs. Ferrars, who had been blackmailed over her murder of her husband. Her fiancé, Roger Ackroyd, is subsequently murdered in his study. Dr. James Sheppard, the narrator, becomes entangled in the investigation led by Hercule Poirot. As Poirot delves into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets and alibis among the household members and guests. The investigation reveals that Dr. Sheppard himself is the blackmailer and the killer, using clever misdirection and manipulation to cover his tracks. Poirot's meticulous observation and psychological insights ultimately expose Dr. Sheppard's guilt.

The Maltese Falcon, written by Dashiell Hammett, is a 1930 detective novel that follows the story of Sam Spade, a private detective in San Francisco. The plot begins when a mysterious woman, Miss Wonderly (later revealed as Brigid O'Shaughnessy), hires Spade and his partner Miles Archer to tail a man named Floyd Thursby. After Archer's murder, Spade becomes entangled in a web of deceit and violence involving a valuable 16th-century statuette known as the Maltese Falcon. Other key characters include Joel Cairo, an effeminate Levantine, and Casper Gutman, a fat and jovial but sinister figure, all of whom are searching for the falcon. The novel is known for its vivid characters, sustained tension, and influential style in the hard-boiled genre.

Wilkie Collins's 'The Woman in White' is a Victorian sensation novel known for its intricate plot, suspenseful atmosphere, and multiple narrators. The story revolves around a mysterious woman in white who haunts the protagonist, Walter Hartright, and becomes entangled in a web of secrets and conspiracies involving inheritance, identity, and madness. The novel explores themes of social class, gender roles, and the unreliability of perception, showcasing Collins's mastery of suspense and his ability to create a compelling narrative with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end.

Raymond Chandler's "The Big Sleep" is a classic hard-boiled detective novel featuring Philip Marlowe. The story is set in Los Angeles and involves a complex web of deceit, murder, and blackmail. Chandler's distinctive writing style, characterized by sharp wit, cynical observations, and vivid descriptions, creates a compelling atmosphere of suspense and intrigue. The novel explores themes of morality, corruption, and the dark side of human nature. "The Big Sleep" is a cornerstone of the hard-boiled detective genre and has been adapted numerous times for film and television.

Published in 1866, 'Crime and Punishment' is a psychological novel set in St. Petersburg, Russia. It revolves around Rodion Raskolnikov, an impoverished and intellectually gifted former student who formulates a theory that some individuals are morally justified in committing crimes for the greater good of society. Raskolnikov puts this theory to the test by murdering an old pawnbroker and her half-sister, leading to a profound exploration of his psychological and emotional struggles with guilt, paranoia, and the consequences of his actions. The novel delves into socio-economic disparities, moral dilemmas, and the psychology of criminals, making it a classic of Russian literature and existential thought.