Top 7 Best Western Modern Detective Novels

Arthur Conan Doyle created a detective series featuring the brilliant investigator Sherlock Holmes, known for his extraordinary crime-solving abilities. The series includes three volumes, with both short stories and longer tales filled with thrilling plots. The series is widely known in Vietnam and has been republished multiple times.

The film adaptations of Sherlock Holmes vary, with some remaining true to the original and others offering creative reinterpretations. Holmes is widely regarded as the most famous fictional detective and is recognized by readers all over the world. He first appeared in the 1887 novel A Study in Scarlet, and became famous through the first short stories published in The Strand Magazine, beginning with "A Scandal in Bohemia" in 1891. Since then, new stories have been released until 1927.

There are four novels and 56 short stories in total, mostly set between the 1880s and 1914, with a few taking place in the Victorian or Edwardian eras. Most stories are told from the perspective of Dr. John H. Watson, Holmes' biographer and close companion. Watson frequently joins Holmes in investigations and shares their home at 221B Baker Street, London, the starting point for many adventures.

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A gripping detective story written by Phillip Margolin, born in 1944. After graduating in law in 1970, he worked as a criminal defense lawyer for 25 years. He published his first short story in 1974 and, since 1996, has dedicated himself to writing novels.

Margolin has nearly 20 bestselling books on The New York Times list, including Justice for Whom, a fast-paced thriller that delves into a presidential scandal and the conspiracy of those involved. With his background in law, the novel pays close attention to legal procedures and courtroom drama. The plot revolves around the crimes of political figures, with a murderer hiding behind a veil of power.

There are several characters in this story, all of whom play important roles, never overshadowed. In fact, there are five protagonists on the side of justice, with several antagonists in the mix. A key female character is reminiscent of the protagonist from David Baldacci's Blood Roses. This type of strong female character—tall, confident, skilled with a gun, sharp in reasoning, and assertive—is something the author clearly admires.

The protagonists in Justice for Whom are courageous, a necessary trait when facing powerful forces to protect their lives, defend the citizens, and bring the truth to light. In a civil society like the United States, it seems that justice can be carried out effectively. Justice exists everywhere, but it's not always victorious.

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Murder on the Orient Express – this famous title is well-known to lovers of detective fiction. Many may not have read this thrilling novel but might have seen the film adaptation. However, no matter how vivid the movie may be, it can never fully capture the author's vision. Only by reading the original work and reflecting on it can one truly appreciate the brilliance of the piece.

This masterpiece was created by Agatha Christie, the queen of detective fiction, a writer whose books have sold worldwide. The story’s main character is Hercule Poirot, a brilliant detective renowned for his psychological insight and his exceptional ability to set traps during conversations. While Sherlock Holmes often relies on small clues and signs to solve cases, Poirot focuses on understanding the psychology of criminals and uncovering the unusual behaviors of suspects. Christie's signature storytelling style—methodical and filled with logical yet captivating developments—makes Murder on the Orient Express an unforgettable read. Join Poirot as he investigates thrilling and mysterious crimes in this iconic novel!

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In the novel The Murderer, the famous detective author Jeffery Deaver explores a new theme in the modern world, focusing on hackers and the computer industry. The story starts with a simple yet terrifying idea: what if someone could know everything about our lives, the things we consider private, and use that information to harm us? The loneliness and abandonment experienced by Phate in his childhood turned him into a cold-hearted hacker.

Each page of the book presents a thrilling chase through both the digital and real worlds. Just when we think the serial killer is caught, he manages to escape again. The unexpected twists on every page leave us guessing who the spy is aiding the murderer, and we never truly know the real identity of the killer, Phate. Both the good and the evil are competing for victory in this strategic game played across the realms of computers and real life.

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A book by author Thomas Harris, first published in 1987 and released in Vietnam in March 2014. The Washington Post commented: "A true textbook on the art of writing horror fiction, a masterpiece with the momentum that drives it to the top without any flaws... Harris is undoubtedly the finest horror novelist of today."

The Silence of the Lambs tells the story of a serial killer case with no trace and intense interviews in the prison cell with a cannibalistic criminal who loves to pose intellectual puzzles, with half-revealed clues for the clever. The protagonist Clarice embarks on a journey filled with logical and sharp reasoning to uncover the truth.

The Silence of the Lambs remains so famous that over 30 years later, the values of the work remain intact. The monster Hannibal Lecter continues to haunt memories, with his name still fresh as if it had just been created. The book uses a brilliant metaphor as a key to unraveling the story: a fragile officer Starling who must constantly pretend to be strong, striving desperately to save innocent victims who might become lifeless bodies in the eyes of apathetic, disturbed serial killers suffering from psychological disorders (mental illness, paranoia...). Achieving this becomes a way to ease the haunting childhood trauma, "making the sheep silent."

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A renowned crime novel by Swedish author Stieg Larsson, published in July 2016 by the Women’s Publishing House. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo has been adapted into a film of the same name. This thrilling detective story, packed with suspense and unexpected twists, will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

Lisbeth Salander is a computer genius hiding behind the appearance of a mentally impaired, petite girl, living wild like a prostitute. Her adventure with a sharp-witted investigative reporter immediately draws the reader into a thrilling world filled with cases of murdered women and a family history filled with lies and danger.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is considered one of the best crime novels of all time. The characters are uniquely developed with special talents that only Larsson could create. The plot is engaging and original, combining detective work, psychological battles, and political intrigue. The suspenseful details, the murder mysteries, and the undercurrents of the financial world all come together in an unexpected way. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is rightfully one of the most remarkable modern detective works of the early 21st century.

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Ten Little Black Boys is one of Agatha Christie's masterpieces. The story uncovers a sophisticated murder plan and how the victims agonize while desperately searching for a way out. The entire case is based on a nursery rhyme that mirrors the ten victims who will die one by one, just as described in the rhyme.

This novel was first published in Vietnam in January 2016. The original English title, Ten Little Niggers (also known as And Then There Were None), is a detective novel by Agatha Christie, first published by Collins Crime Club in the UK on November 6, 1939. The work has been published and adapted into films under the name Ten Little Indians (10 Little Redskins).

The novel revolves around a mysterious case on Soldier Island, where ten people die under bizarre circumstances without any trace of the murderer. This is considered one of Agatha Christie's greatest and most famous detective novels, having sold over 100 million copies, making it the best-selling crime novel in publishing history. Ten Little Black Boys is also the most frequently adapted work of Agatha Christie, in various forms including films, TV shows, and stage plays.

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