5 must-read crime classics

Crime fiction has captivated readers for generations. The stories of mysterious crimes, tricky puzzles, and clever detectives have a timeless appeal. In this article, we present you with five effectively existing crime classics that you should have read to experience the genre in all its glory.

"The Murders in the Rue Morgue" - Edgar Allan Poe (1841):

This short story masterpiece is considered one of the first true detective stories and thus laid the foundation for the entire genre. In "The Murders in the Rue Morgue," Poe presents us with the brilliant detective C. Auguste Dupin, who uses logical thinking and powers of observation to solve two unexplained murders in Paris. This story is a riveting glimpse into the world of deduction and has inspired numerous subsequent detective characters.

"The Sign of Four" - Arthur Conan Doyle (1890):

This novel is the second appearance of the most famous detective of all time - Sherlock Holmes. Doyle takes his readership to gritty Victorian London and presents a complex mystery involving a treasure and a long-standing feud. With Sherlock Holmes and his faithful companion Dr. Watson, Doyle shows the first signs of the cool analytical mind of the master detective who would forever shape the genre.

"Murder on the Orient Express" - Agatha Christie (1934):

Agatha Christie, the "Queen of Crime," wrote many unforgettable mystery novels, but "Murder on the Orient Express" is an absolute classic. Belgian detective Hercule Poirot is confronted with a gruesome murder on a luxury train. The story is a brilliant account of intrigue, false trails, and a surprising revelation that keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the last page.

"The Name of the Rose" - Umberto Eco (1980):

Umberto Eco takes us to a medieval Italian monastery where a series of mysterious deaths occur. William of Baskerville, an English Franciscan monk and brilliant thinker, sets out to discover the truth behind the deaths. "The Name of the Rose" is not only a thrilling detective story, but also an impressive historical and philosophical work.

"The Silence of the Lambs" - Thomas Harris (1988):

This classic crime novel introduced us to legendary serial killer Hannibal Lecter and young FBI agent Clarice Starling. "The Silence of the Lambs" is a breathless thriller in which Clarice tries to gain Lecter's trust to catch another serial killer. Thomas Harris' detailed and psychologically gripping portrayal of Lecter has made this character one of the most terrifying in crime fiction.

These five classic crime novels offer a wide range of compelling stories, clever detectives, and surprising twists. They have shaped the genre and are still appreciated by crime fiction lovers all over the world. If you want to immerse yourself in the world of crime, mystery, and intriguing characters, be sure to add these effectively existing crime classics to your reading list!