The best police books

Talking about the best crime books involves arming yourself with a magnifying glass and good judgment and delving into one of the most popular literary genres today. However, that fame that it boasts today was not the same as it was in its beginnings. And yes, we are talking about a trend highly despised by literary criticism after its appearance (second half of the XNUMXth century). However, contempt on the part of the "thinking elite" posed no problem for the writers of crime stories.

In fact, the writers Edgar Allan Poe —the great precursor of the genre—, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie have been described as great geniuses of world literature. Along with those mentioned, there appear names such as Dashiell Hammlett, Vázquez Montalbán or John Verdon (among others), with works considered fundamental within police narratives

The crimes of morgue Street (1841), by Edgar Allan Poe

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The beginning of the police genre

The American Writer Edgar Allan Poe (1809 - 1849) was a true genius of letters, as he knew how to be a pioneer in different literary genres. One of his most appreciated contributions to world literature was his character as detective Auguste Dupin. Precisely, in The crimes of morgue Street the first of his three formal appearances occurred.

The significance of Auguste Dupin

The validity of Dupin is not limited to the texts signed by Poe, it is certainly imperishable. Well, the next "immortal" detective in literature (Sherlock Holmes) was clearly influenced by his methods. Like the character Hercules Poirot from Christie Agatha. Holmes even mentions him directly in his stories (although as someone "inferior" to him).

Synopsis of The crimes of morgue Street

The anonymous narrator is a close friend of Dupin and is the most important character after the protagonist. The plot centers on the resolution of the murder case of two women (mother and daughter) in rather strange circumstances. Additionally, the police manage to gather few clues and the interrogations of neighbors and possible witnesses do not yield useful data.

Worst, among the suspects is a defendant whose guilt is highly doubtful. Consequently - moved by entirely personal issues - Knight Dupin asks permission to solve the crime. Once granted, the protagonist uses his ingenuity and minute detail until he finds the surprising cause of the deaths.

Crime and Punishment (1866)

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In this play, Russian writer Fyodor Dostoyesvki (1821 - 1881) masterfully mixes the psychological traits and conflicting perspectives of the main characters. Although it is not a police book in the strict sense of the term, it is very relevant within the genre. Because it represents the events from the mind of the criminal.

Synopsis

First, the omniscient narrator presents the events from the point of view of the protagonist, Riodón Raskólnikov. Specifically, it details the life of this student with money problems (despite the help of his mother and sister). Later, Raskólnilov - invaded by delusions of grandeur - comes to justify the robbery and murder of an old usurer, Aliona Ivánova.

Later, the narrator shows the perspectives of the other characters involved (the policeman, his sister, the savior of his family ...). At the peak moment, the protagonist surrenders to the authorities, even when there is no incriminating evidence against him.. In the end, Riodón fulfills his sentence in Siberia and is waiting to meet with Sonia, his beloved.

Study in Scarlet (1887)

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Study in Scarlet

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle he knew what he was doing. The first volume of Sherlock Holmes allowed readers to become acquainted with the eminent researcher and his loyal companion, Dr. Watson.. It is an icon within criminal narratives thanks to the deepening of techniques anticipated in Auguste Dupin's texts. That is, deductive reasoning, attention to details not obvious for this, use of the scientific method ...

In addition, Holmes is quite cold, ironic, extremely restless and particularly distrustful (although polite) of women. On Study in Scarlet, the British detective is 26 or 27 years old. The plot begins with the first meeting between Holmes and Dr. Watson. The latter encourages the protagonist to investigate the murder of a man found in an unoccupied house.

The Maltese Falcon (1930)

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Written by Dashiell Hammlett (1894 - 1961), The Maltese Falcon It is appreciated today as an immovable reference within the American crime novel. This time, the action takes place in San Francisco. There, a group of art dealers (mostly) are on the trail of a jewel shaped like a hawk and encrusted with precious stones.

This title was the first of two starring Sam Spade, a detective with aggressive behavior and prone to using unconventional methods. Thus, Spade perfectly embodies that type of inspector with questionable morals, capable of bending the rules and doing anything to solve crimes. Which includes dishonest and even vile acts.

Curtain: the last case of Poirot (1975)

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Agatha Christie (1890 - 1975) wrote the book on the latest case of her iconic detective Hercules Poirot four decades before its publication. The plot takes place in Styles Court, a mansion converted into a hotel where Poirot meets an old friend, Colonel Hastings. To whom the investigator reveals his suspicions about the presence of a "meek" Mr. X, among the guests.

Mr. X is a brutal serial killer linked to five previous murders, however, he had never been caught because he was never suspected. Poirot's health condition is added to the criminal's elusive ability: he travels in a wheelchair due to arthritis. For this reason, it requires frequent assistance in pressing circumstances.

South Seas (1979)

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This novel by Manuel Vázquez Montalbán (1939 - 2003) It is one of the most momentous books written in Spanish during the XNUMXth century. The story is set in Barcelona, ​​it focuses on the inquiries related to the murder of Carlos Stuart Pedrell. Who, before appearing dead (stabbed) was believed to have been sailing through the southern seas for a year.

The character in charge of clarifying the facts is the detective Pepe Carvalho (hired by the wife of the deceased). However, when the investigation progresses it becomes clear that Pedrell never started his expedition. In the midst of the reigning contradiction, apparently, most significant are the deceased's business and his obsession with the French Post-Impressionist painter, Paul Gauguin.

I know what you're thinking (2010)

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Think of a Number (English title) represented a dream publishing debut for American writer and publicist John Verdon. Not in vain, this book climbed to number one on the nation's best-seller list of the stars and stripes. This novel starring detective Dave Gurney is one of the most prominent narratives in the detective genre of the XNUMXst century.

Such a statement is deserved - apart from its commercial figures - due to a very surprising, dynamic and addictive plot. Along (of course) with an impressive complexity of its characters. About, Verdon stated that he built his protagonist under the enormous influence of his favorite literati: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Reginald Hill and Ross McDonald.