The Greatest Belgian, Chinese "Crime" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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Genres

Crime

The "Crime" category of books typically includes stories that revolve around criminal activities, investigations, and the pursuit of justice. These books may feature detectives, police officers, or other law enforcement officials as main characters, as well as criminals and their victims. Crime novels often involve suspenseful plot twists and turns, as well as complex character development. The genre can encompass a wide range of subgenres, including mystery, thriller, and true crime, and may explore themes such as morality, ethics, and the human condition. Overall, the "Crime" category offers readers a thrilling and engaging look into the darker side of human nature and the justice system.

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Belgian

Chinese

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  1. 1. The bells of BicĂȘtre by Georges Simenon

    The novel chronicles the life of a successful newspaper publisher who suffers a stroke and finds himself confined to a hospital bed, unable to communicate with the world around him. As he lies in his hospital bed, he is forced to reassess his life, his relationships and his own identity. The book explores themes of mortality, the meaning of life, and the complex nature of human relationships.

    The 2720th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Death Of A Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong

    "Death Of A Red Heroine" is a crime novel set in 1990s Shanghai, China. The story follows Inspector Chen Cao as he investigates the murder of a young woman, whose body is found in a canal. As Chen delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption, political intrigue, and personal secrets that challenge his loyalty to the Communist Party and force him to confront the complexities of modern Chinese society. Through vivid descriptions of Shanghai's changing landscape and insightful commentary on social issues, the novel offers a captivating portrayal of a country in transition.

    The 2758th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Madman Of Bergerac by Georges Simenon

    In this gripping detective novel, the protagonist, a renowned Parisian detective, finds himself embroiled in a perplexing case while on vacation in the French countryside. After being shot and wounded under mysterious circumstances, he wakes up in a local hospital, only to learn of a series of bizarre murders terrorizing the small town of Bergerac. Determined to solve the case, he delves into the lives of the town's eccentric inhabitants, uncovering dark secrets and motives. His investigation leads him through a labyrinth of deceit, culminating in a tense and unexpected confrontation with the cunning murderer. This story masterfully combines elements of mystery and psychological drama, showcasing the detective's sharp intellect and unwavering dedication to justice.

    The 4162nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Red Lights by Georges Simenon

    "Red Lights" is a psychological thriller that delves into the unraveling of an American couple's marriage against the backdrop of a road trip from New York to Maine. As they set out to pick up their children from camp, the husband's penchant for alcohol and the couple's underlying tensions escalate. After a series of bar stops and a fateful decision to pick up an escaped convict, the journey spirals into a nightmarish ordeal. The narrative explores themes of existential dread, personal responsibility, and the search for redemption, as the characters confront their inner demons and the consequences of their choices under the strain of extraordinary circumstances.

    The 4893rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Maigret And The Headless Corpse by Georges Simenon

    In this gripping detective novel, the discovery of a headless corpse in a Parisian canal sets Inspector Maigret on a complex investigation. Without a head to identify the victim, Maigret must rely on his intuition and methodical approach to uncover the identity of the deceased and the motive behind the murder. His investigation leads him through the bistros and back alleys of Paris, drawing him into the lives of the colorful characters who inhabit them. As Maigret delves deeper, he unravels a web of deceit and secrets, challenging his perceptions of guilt and innocence. The story is a masterful blend of suspense and psychological insight, showcasing the detective's relentless pursuit of truth.

    The 6325th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Jade City by Fonda Lee

    In a bustling city ruled by powerful crime families, the Kauls, who possess the rare ability to harness the magical powers of jade, struggle to maintain their control amidst rising tensions and rivalries. As the city teeters on the brink of chaos, the Kaul siblings find themselves caught in a dangerous web of betrayal, loyalty, and ambition, where the fate of their family and their city hangs in the balance. With vivid world-building and intricate character dynamics, "Jade City" is a gripping tale of power, honor, and the price of maintaining control.

    The 6608th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Death Notice by Zhou Haohui

    This gripping novel unfolds in a Chinese city where a vigilante killer, who goes by the name of Eumenides, is on a mission to exact justice on those who have escaped the legal system. The killer announces their intentions by sending death notices to the victims before carrying out the executions, challenging the police with the cunning and complexity of each crime. As the investigation unfolds, led by an elite police task force, the team uncovers disturbing links to a decade-old case. The narrative weaves through a maze of suspense, delving into themes of justice, revenge, and the moral ambiguity of taking the law into one's own hands. The story keeps readers on the edge of their seats, blending intricate plotting with a deep exploration of the characters' pasts and motives.

    The 9822nd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download