A crime fiction lover’s guide to subgenres
April 2025
Crime fiction is one of the most gripping and addictive genres out there — and for good reason! Whether it’s a cunning detective piecing together clues, or a psychological game of cat and mouse, crime fiction keeps us turning pages late into the night.
But not all crime stories are the same. In fact, this genre has a whole world of subgenres, each with its own flavour. If you love crime fiction but don’t always know how to describe your taste, here’s a quick guide to help you figure out which style hits the spot.
We’ve included a few well-known series to get you started. Tap the author names to browse preloved books by them on Bookle — or dive into our English Suspense and Afrikaans Suspense sections to uncover your next crime fiction favourite.
1. Detective Fiction
The classic format: someone’s dead, and it’s up to a clever detective to figure out who did it — and how. Expect red herrings, a cast of suspects, and a final reveal that makes all the puzzle pieces click into place.
Main feature: Central mystery and a sleuth solving it.
Tone: Logical, clue-based, often puzzle-like.
Classic examples: Agatha Christie (Hercule Poirot series), Dorothy L. Sayers, Ngaio Marsh, Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes series), G.K. Chesterton (Father Brown series).
Modern examples: Robert Galbraith (Cormoran Strike), Anthony Horowitz (Hawthorne & Horowitz and Magpie Murders), Ann Granger (Mitchell & Markby and Campbell & Carter series), Elly Griffiths (Ruth Galloway Mysteries).
Substyle – Classic Crime: Often called the Golden Age of detective fiction (1920s–40s), Classic Crime is known for elegant murders, puzzle-focused plots, and closed-circle mysteries — where everyone in the house is a suspect. This timeless substyle paved the way for modern detective fiction, with its clever sleuths, minimal violence, and a touch of British charm (think country houses, drawing rooms, and proper tea before murder).
2. Nordic Noir
Think bleak landscapes, emotionally complex characters, and dark crimes that reflect real societal issues. These Scandinavian thrillers are known for being gritty and atmospheric, often with a slow burn.
Main feature: Realistic crime in a cold, often harsh setting.
Tone: Bleak, morally ambiguous, introspective.
Examples: Stieg Larsson (Millennium series), Jo Nesbø (Harry Hole series) Henning Mankell (Kurt Wallander series).
3. Psychological Thriller
Less about forensics and more about the mind, these gripping stories dive deep into the psychology of both the victim and the perpetrator. Expect unreliable narrators, blurred lines between truth and lies, and characters whose sanity is constantly in question. With twists that keep you second-guessing everything you thought you knew, psychological thrillers are the ultimate mind games in book form.
Main feature: Tension, manipulation, and unreliable narrators.
Tone: Twisty, intense, emotionally charged.
Examples: Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl; Sharp Objects; Dark Places), Paula Hawkins (The Girl on the Train), Shari Lapena (The Couple Next Door; Not a Happy Family; The Unwanted Guest), Lisa Jewell (Then She Was Gone; The Family Upstairs; Invisible Girl), S.J. Watson (Before I Go to Sleep), Freida McFadden (The Housemaid; The Housemaid’s Secret).
4. Police Procedural
A step-by-step look at how police officers solve crimes, from the crime scene to the courtroom. These stories focus on realistic methods and teamwork over flash and drama.
Main feature: Authentic investigation processes and procedures.
Tone: Gritty, procedural, detail-heavy.
Examples: Michael Connelly (Harry Bosch Series), Ian Rankin (John Rebus Series), Kathy Reichs (Temperance Brennan Series), James Patterson (Alex Cross Series), John Sandford (Prey Series), Ed McBain (87th Precinct Series).
5. Hardboiled | Noir
Meet the gritty underworld of crime fiction. These stories feature tough private eyes, corrupt cops, and smoky city streets. The hero usually isn’t squeaky-clean, and justice isn’t always served.
Main feature: Cynical tone, flawed characters, often violent.
Tone: Raw, tough, often morally grey.
Examples: Raymond Chandler (Philip Marlowe Series), James M. Cain (The Postman Always Rings Twice), James Ellroy (L.A. Quartet Series; The Big Nowhere; L.A. Confidential; White Jazz), Mickey Spillane (Mike Hammer Series), Chester Himes (Coffin Ed and Gravedigger Jones Series).
6. Cosy Mysteries
Murder, but make it charming. These stories take place in small towns or quirky communities, often with amateur sleuths like nosy neighbours, bakers, or librarians. Lighthearted, and usually low on gore.
Main feature: Amateur detective, quaint setting, gentle tone.
Tone: Light, often humorous or comforting.
Examples: Agatha Christie (Miss Marple series), M.C. Beaton (Agatha Raisin series, Hamish Macbeth series), Alexander McCall Smith (No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency), Jenn McKinlay (Cupcake Bakery series, Library Lover’s Series), Nancy Atherton (Aunt Dimity series).
7. Forensic Crime Fiction
All about the science. These stories centre around medical examiners, forensic experts, and lab analysis. If you enjoy CSI-style investigations, this is your jam.
Main feature: Crime-solving through science and forensics.
Tone: Clinical, detailed, often intense.
Examples: Patricia Cornwell (Kay Scarpetta series), Kathy Reichs (Temperance Brennan series), Tess Gerritsen (Rizzoli & Isles series), Jeffrey Deaver (Lincoln Rhyme series), William H. Hallahan (The Forensic Crime series).
8. Historical Crime
Step into another era and solve crimes in times gone by. These stories blend rich historical detail with mystery, giving you a taste of what it was like to investigate crime in the past.
Main feature: Crime fiction set in a specific historical period.
Tone: Atmospheric, immersive, often literary.
Examples: C.J. Sansom (Shardlake series), Lindsey Davis (Falco series), Andrew Taylor (The Marwood and Lovett series), Anne Perry (William Monk series; Thomas Pitt series), Ian Pears (The Bernard Knight series).
9. Crime Thriller
Main feature: High-stakes crime investigations, with twists and intense danger.
Main feature: High-stakes crime investigations, with twists and intense danger.
Tone: Tense, suspenseful, and fast-paced.
Examples: Lee Child (Jack Reacher series), David Baldacci (The Innocent, Will Robie series), Gillian Flynn (Sharp Objects; Dark Places), Patricia Cornwell (Scarpetta series).
10. Legal Thriller
A suspenseful crime story where the justice system takes centre stage — think courtrooms, lawyers, and high-stakes legal drama.
Main feature: Legal battles and investigations driven by lawyers or legal professionals.
Tone: Tense, intelligent, often fast-paced with moral grey areas.
Examples: John Grisham (The Firm, The Client), Scott Turow (Presumed Innocent), Michael Connelly (The Lincoln Lawyer series), James Grippando (Jack Swyteck series), Robert Dugoni (David Sloane series).
There’s a crime subgenre for everyone — whether you prefer tea and clues with Miss Marple, or freezing crime scenes in Oslo with Harry Hole. Hopefully, this little guide helps you find the ones that match your reading mood.
Do you have a favourite subgenre — or a go-to author you’d recommend? Come chat with us in the Bookle – Let’s Talk Books Facebook group!