Crime is something that has always fascinated people. Indeed the sociologist Emile Durkheim believed that crime was a vital part of society as it helped to highlight the flaws of society. In recent times it is also something that people have wanted to read about, whether tracking real life criminals or their fictional counterparts. There are a wide array of crime thriller novels and it is worth thinking about what kind you would personally want to read.

Before looking at the genre it is important to think how you would define the genre. There are different types of crime thriller. One version people forget is the true crime genre. This is where a writer talks about real life murders, gangs and so forth but presents them in the manner of a detective story.

However it is not just the physical appearance. People also associate the character with a kind of world weariness. Inevitably the detective is someone who wants to fight the good fight but has become cynical. Usually the next case is the one that gives them a shot at hope and redemption.

Another iconic image is that of the noir detective, usually a character dressed in a hat and crumpled trenchcoat as they pound the streets looking for a murderer. The term film noir refers to the detective stories in the cinema. However most of these iconic men in trenchcoats and their stories of murder go back to stories by writers such as Raymond Chandler and Dashiel Hammett.

These stories contain a lot of the conventions we associate with the genre. They feature detectives speaking from a first person perspective, often providing witty asides to the reader as they look at the murky and morally dubious world around them. However while the detective may appear world weary there is often enough of a moral code that drives them.

Cynicism tends to be a strong part of this kind of work. However there are also more accessible works. Agatha Christie created engaging detective characters such as Miss Marple and Poirot. Unlike the noir protagonists these characters seemed more engaged with society. Despite investigating horrible murders these characters seemed to be able to maintain their dignity.

It should be said that there are plenty of more lighthearted stories as well in this genre such as the work of Alexander McCall Smith. In these stories the main character tends to be more charming and there is more of a sense of a warmer character despite investigating the murder. This is the literary equivalent of TV shows such as Columbo.

You can find numerous titles online. It is worth looking for reviews from fellow readers and crime thriller enthusiasts who can guide you through the various titles. Remember to check a broad range of views as this will make it easier to find something that will be best suited to your personal taste.