I mostly read non-fiction but am trying really hard to get back into reading novels. The only fiction books I've been able to consistently enjoy are Caleb Carr's novels, specifically the Kreizler trilogy (I reread The Alienist every year). What I like about these books:
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The history and science are meticulously researched and explained
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Murder mystery that doesn't think it's a whodunnit game
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Very place-based in New York City and state (not required but I'm really into geography and am from NYC so I enjoy this aspect)
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Little to no romance plot
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Related to above, detective whose backstory doesn't have to do with a wife or girlfriend
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Ensemble cast as opposed to lone wolf detective
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Straightforward writing style that doesn't get too purple
Any book suggestions that hit some of these points? I think most important to me is no romance focus and no purple prose.
by shoshana20