A Nation Swept Away by Crime
In 2018, the crime genre took the nation by storm, making it the best-selling genre of the year -according to Forbes. In 2019, an obsession began, not only with crime fiction, but with true crime, murder documentaries and films. But how did this genre begin? And how has it evolved to become a best-selling genre?
History of Crime Fiction
The Murders in the Rue, by Edgar Allen Poe, was penned in 1841, and is described as the first modern detective story. This breakthrough within the crime genre has had a huge effect on the way in which crime fiction authors write today. Poe’s story was the first time a murder was written into a detective story. Though there are many different types of crime fiction, Poe’s inclusion of a murder in his story has influenced the way in which we read the contemporary crime fiction we know and love today.
Contemporary Crime Fiction
The great thing about the crime genre is that there are always so many twists and turns for the plot to take. Whether a true murder or a fictional bank robbery, crime novels really can be enjoyable for everyone!
As the 21st Century has seen readers become fascinated with crime fiction, writers have adjusted to this trend to produce amazing works of fiction. Best-selling crime writers of this century include James Patterson, Lee Child, and Dan Brown. All of these authors have completely different writing styles, and that’s what makes the crime genre so enjoyable.
Crime blogger Pauline Rowson believes that our generation loves crime fiction so much because we are fascinated by human behaviour. We enjoy seeing what others are capable of while being assured that it’s not real. Authors such as Patterson, Child and Brown all experiment with the crime genre in this way: writing crime thrillers, detective fiction, murder mysteries and more.
Must Read Crime Books
Austin Macauley have put together a selection of crime fiction novels that we think any crime lover will appreciate.
Book: Second Chances
Author: Billy J Roberts II
The first book in a trilogy is one of testing faith. After Mike was attacked in LA, his whole life is transformed.
Book: Too Slow to Die
Author: Tony Jenkins
When a Romanian village is destroyed by soldiers leaving three dead, a killing spree commences in vengeance. Jack Ridler finds himself stuck in the middle and plans to outwit the mafia.
Book: Riverview
Author: Edward Waring
Riverview hospital is holding some secrets with two deaths mysteriously linked to it. This classic murder mystery book will see the investigators try to solve the crimes without putting themselves in danger.
Book: The Face in the Mirror
Author: Joaquin Barrientos
Jack was soon to be an expert in his field, passionate about social work. But an attack from a patient sends him spiralling into alcoholism, and unable to face going back to work. However, when he is tasked with a new patient, he becomes determined to discover exactly why she burnt her house down with her twin sister inside.
Book: From Innocence to Arrogance
Author: Ezekiel King
Live the life of crime through the eyes of 15-year-old Cyrus Johnson. This book will open your eyes to the world of crime, and what exactly happens when you’re submerged into their world.
Book: May You Burn
Author: Jan Merete Weiss
When police officer Natalia Monte is called to Naples to investigate a theft, she soon becomes involved in much more. She is suddenly tasked to solve a murder. This book is a must-read if you are a fan of shocking twists.
Book: Murder Never Sleeps
Author: Douglas Hall
This thriller crime novel will be sure to shock and entertain with the twists and turns that Private Investigator Paul West uncovers when he is tasked to find a missing girl - with money as no object. This page turner is full of mystery right until the very last page.
Book: Jesus In My Corner
Author: Andy Flute
“Jesus In My Corner” is the autobiography of a world-class boxer who experienced a spiritual awakening. The author said, “I was inspired to write my book as I was trying to self-help myself as I’d become an alcoholic & drug addict after being a world-class fighter.” After experiencing a major transformation in his life, Andy now helps those suffering from addiction and violence.
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