The Greatest British "Thrillers, London" 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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Thrillers

Thrillers are a genre of books that are designed to keep readers on the edge of their seats. These books typically feature high-stakes plots, intense action, and suspenseful twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Thrillers can encompass a wide range of sub-genres, including crime, mystery, espionage, and horror, but they all share a common goal of keeping readers engaged and entertained through heart-pounding action and unexpected plot twists. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers or action-packed adventure stories, the thriller genre offers something for everyone who loves a good page-turner.

London

The "London" category of books encompasses stories that are set in the city of London, England. These books may explore the history, culture, and people of the city, or they may use London as a backdrop for fictional tales of love, mystery, and adventure. From classic literature to contemporary fiction, the "London" category offers a diverse range of books that capture the essence of this iconic city.

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  1. 1. The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

    A captivating tale of mystery and suspense, "The Woman in White" follows the story of a young art teacher, Walter Hartright, who encounters a mysterious woman dressed in white on a moonlit road. The woman is revealed to be a mental asylum escapee, and as Hartright delves into her story, he uncovers a web of deceit, madness, and dangerous secrets involving a wealthy, titled family. The narrative explores themes of identity, insanity, and the abuse of power, with a complex plot filled with twists and turns.

    The 164th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey

    A detective, laid up in the hospital, becomes fascinated with a portrait of Richard III, the historical figure accused of murdering his nephews to secure his throne. He decides to apply his investigative skills to delve into the mystery, using historical documents and records as his clues. As he pieces together the puzzle, he begins to question the accepted narrative of Richard as a villain, suggesting that this image was a fabrication by the Tudors to legitimize their own claim to the throne.

    The 364th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth

    "The Day of the Jackal" is a suspenseful thriller that revolves around an unnamed and highly skilled professional assassin who is hired by a French dissident paramilitary organization to kill Charles de Gaulle, the President of France. The novel intricately details the meticulous preparations of the assassin, his many disguises, and his method of operation, while also depicting the desperate efforts of the French police to uncover his identity and prevent the assassination, leading to a tense cat-and-mouse chase across Europe.

    The 385th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré

    In this espionage thriller, a semi-retired British intelligence officer is tasked with uncovering a Soviet mole within the highest ranks of the British Secret Service. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of betrayal and deceit that reaches far beyond the mole, threatening the very fabric of the British intelligence community. The novel is a masterful blend of suspense, intrigue, and complex characterization that explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the murky world of international espionage.

    The 498th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

    The novel is a gripping tale set in Victorian England, revolving around two young women, a petty thief and a rich heiress, whose lives intertwine in unforeseen ways. The thief is part of a con to defraud the heiress of her fortune, but as the plot thickens, the lines between deception and truth, loyalty and betrayal, love and manipulation get blurred. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and turns, exploring themes of gender, sexuality, and class, and keeps the readers on the edge till the end.

    The 696th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Eye Of The Needle by Ken Follett

    Set during World War II, the novel revolves around a ruthless German spy known as 'The Needle' due to his preference for a stiletto as his killing tool. His mission is to uncover the Allies' invasion plans and relay them to Hitler, potentially changing the course of the war. However, his plans are threatened when he becomes stranded on an isolated island with a young, lonely woman and her disabled husband, leading to a tense game of cat and mouse.

    The 1199th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming

    In this thrilling spy novel, British secret agent James Bond is targeted by a Russian intelligence group, who lures him into a trap using a beautiful cipher clerk as bait. The plot thickens as Bond falls for the clerk and must navigate a series of dangerous encounters with Russian operatives, including a deadly face-off with a sadistic killer. The story is a blend of action, suspense, and romance, set against the backdrop of the Cold War.

    The 1361st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Collector by John Fowles

    The book revolves around a socially awkward and reclusive young man who wins a substantial amount of money in a lottery, which he uses to execute a long-held, sinister fantasy: to "collect" the object of his obsession, a beautiful and unattainable art student. He kidnaps her and holds her captive in the cellar of his rural farmhouse, convinced that she will grow to love him over time. The narrative delves into the psychological complexities of both captor and captive, exploring themes of power, possession, and the nature of love, ultimately revealing the chilling and tragic consequences of his delusional pursuit.

    The 1535th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Four Just Men by Edgar Wallace

    The book revolves around a group of vigilantes known as The Four Just Men, who are renowned for their commitment to justice, executing those they deem beyond the reach of the law. As the British government introduces an oppressive piece of legislation, the group targets a minister responsible for its potential enactment, leading to a tense cat-and-mouse game with the authorities. The novel combines elements of political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and suspense, as the nation is gripped by the question of whether the minister will survive, and whether the Four Just Men can carry out their audacious plan without being caught.

    The 2017th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Smiley's People by John le Carré

    In this espionage thriller, a retired British intelligence officer, known for his bespectacled and unassuming demeanor, is called back into action when one of his former assets, a Soviet general, is found murdered. The investigation leads him across Europe, rekindling old rivalries and uncovering a complex web of betrayal and deception. As he delves deeper into the case, he must confront his own past and a formidable Soviet spymaster, ultimately leading to a high-stakes game of intelligence and counterintelligence, where the stakes are not just personal, but have far-reaching implications for the security of the West.

    The 2041st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. A Taste For Death by P. D. James

    In this gripping crime novel, two bodies are discovered with their throats slashed in a London church, setting off a complex investigation led by Commander Adam Dalgliesh of Scotland Yard. As Dalgliesh and his team delve into the lives of the victims—a controversial Member of Parliament and a homeless man—it becomes clear that the case is as much about the intricacies of human relationships as it is about the murders themselves. The narrative weaves through the murky world of politics, the struggles of the underprivileged, and the personal demons of the investigators, revealing a web of motives and secrets that challenges the detective's psychological acumen and sense of justice.

    The 2099th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

    In this psychological thriller, the story revolves around a troubled woman who becomes entangled in a missing persons investigation that promises to send shockwaves throughout her life. As she rides the train every day, she fantasizes about the seemingly perfect couple she sees from her window, until one day she witnesses something shocking in their backyard. Her decision to report it to the authorities leads her down a dark path of intrigue, as she struggles to piece together her fragmented memories and the tangled web of lies, deceit, and complicated relationships that surround the case. Her involvement becomes increasingly dangerous as she tries to prove not only what she saw, but also her own worth and sanity.

    The 3732nd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

    A 14-year-old boy named Alex Rider is suddenly thrust into the world of espionage after his uncle's mysterious death. Trained by MI6, he is sent on a dangerous mission to investigate a billionaire businessman who plans to distribute lethal viruses through computers. Using his wits and skills, Alex must stop this nefarious plan and save the world.

    The 3789th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Ministry Of Fear by Graham Greene

    Set against the backdrop of World War II London during the Blitz, this gripping novel follows Arthur Rowe, a man haunted by guilt over his wife's mercy killing. His life takes a dramatic turn when he unwittingly wins a cake at a fête, which thrusts him into a world of espionage, murder, and intrigue. As Rowe becomes entangled in a complex web of spies and secret organizations, he must navigate a landscape where trust is scarce, and the line between friend and foe is blurred. The narrative masterfully combines elements of suspense, psychological depth, and the exploration of morality under the pressures of wartime, delivering a compelling story of a man's quest for redemption amidst chaos.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. A Gun For Sale by Graham Greene

    This novel is a gripping tale of intrigue and betrayal, revolving around the life of Raven, a disfigured hitman who is embroiled in international espionage after being hired to assassinate a European minister. The plot thickens as Raven becomes a fugitive, pursued by both the police and his own employers, who seek to silence him to cover up their involvement. Along the way, he forms an unlikely alliance with a sympathetic chorus girl, which leads to unexpected twists and a deeper exploration of themes such as morality, identity, and the corrupting influence of power. Set against the backdrop of pre-World War II Europe, the narrative delves into the dark underbelly of society, exposing the complexities of human nature and the consequences of violence.

    The 4151st Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Constant Gardener by John le Carré

    "The Constant Gardener" is a gripping tale of corporate corruption and its impact on the world's most vulnerable people. The story follows a British diplomat who embarks on a dangerous journey to find the truth behind his wife's murder. As he uncovers layers of deceit, he discovers that she was close to exposing a conspiracy involving a pharmaceutical company testing a dangerous drug on unsuspecting African villages. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the lengths one man will go to seek justice.

    The 4364th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. The Tiger In The Smoke by Margery Allingham

    In this classic detective novel, London is shrouded in a dense, disorienting fog that sets the perfect stage for a thrilling cat-and-mouse game. The story follows the cunning and resourceful private detective as he navigates the murky underworld of post-war London in pursuit of a ruthless killer. The detective must unravel a complex web of deceit, revenge, and hidden identities, all linked to a mysterious figure known as "the Tiger." As the investigation draws him deeper into danger, the detective must rely on his wits and moral compass to bring the perpetrator to justice amidst the pervasive smoke that cloaks the city's streets.

    The 4498th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Second Shot by Anthony Berkeley

    "The Second Shot" by Anthony Berkeley is a gripping mystery novel that follows the story of a renowned detective who is called upon to investigate a seemingly impossible crime. When a man is shot dead in a locked room with no apparent escape or entry, the detective must unravel a web of deceit and hidden motives to uncover the truth. As the investigation unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the detective finds himself caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the cunning killer. With twists and turns at every corner, "The Second Shot" keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final, shocking revelation.

    The 4562nd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Moonraker by Ian Fleming

    In this thrilling spy novel, British Secret Service agent James Bond, also known by his code number 007, is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the mysterious "Moonraker" project, led by the enigmatic industrialist Sir Hugo Drax. When suspicions arise about Drax's true intentions for his nuclear missile program, which is ostensibly for Britain's defense, Bond goes undercover to infiltrate the project. Alongside the resourceful police officer Gala Brand, Bond discovers a nefarious plot that threatens the heart of London. Racing against time, Bond must use his wits, charm, and skill to thwart Drax's plans and prevent a catastrophic attack.

    The 4647th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Not A Penny More,Not A Penny Less by Jeffrey Archer

    In this thrilling tale of revenge, four strangers find themselves united by a common enemy - a wealthy con artist who has swindled each of them out of their life savings. Determined to get their money back, they devise an elaborate plan to exact justice and teach the cunning fraudster a lesson he will never forget. With twists and turns at every corner, "Not A Penny More, Not A Penny Less" is a gripping story of deception, redemption, and the power of resilience.

    The 4809th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Live Flesh by Ruth Rendell

    This novel delves into the life of Victor Jenner, a man released from prison after serving a sentence for a violent crime that left a police officer paralyzed. The narrative explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of human nature as Victor attempts to navigate his newfound freedom. Struggling with his past actions and the consequences they wrought, he seeks a fresh start and a chance at a normal life. However, his path is fraught with challenges, including his interactions with the victim's family and his own inner demons, leading to a suspenseful exploration of whether true atonement and peace are ever fully attainable.

    The 5307th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine

    This novel weaves a complex tapestry of lives intersecting in the atmospheric underground of London's Tube system. Centered around a dilapidated house near a Tube station, inherited by Jarvis, a reclusive music composer fascinated by the subway's dark allure, the narrative delves into the secrets and obsessions of its diverse inhabitants. These characters, drawn together by their fascination with the underground, navigate their interconnected stories of love, loss, and the pursuit of passion. The book masterfully explores themes of isolation and connection, creating a suspenseful and psychological exploration of human nature set against the backdrop of one of London's most iconic and labyrinthine landscapes.

    The 5699th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Diamonds Are Forever by Ian Fleming

    This novel follows a British secret agent who is tasked with infiltrating a diamond smuggling ring. The agent travels from London to New York, Las Vegas, and eventually Africa, facing various threats and challenges along the way. As he delves deeper into the operation, he uncovers a sinister plot involving a ruthless American gangster and a deadly assassin. The agent must use his cunning and skills to survive and stop the criminals.

    The 6169th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Sparkling Cyanide by Agatha Christie

    In this classic murder mystery, a year after the apparent suicide of a beautiful heiress during a dinner party, the same guests are reconvened by the determined husband who believes his wife was murdered. As the evening unfolds, it becomes clear that each guest has a motive for murder. Through a series of clever twists and turns, the story delves into the complexities of human relationships and the dark secrets that lie beneath the surface of respectability. The narrative culminates in a surprising revelation, as the true murderer and their ingenious method are finally uncovered, showcasing the author's mastery in crafting suspenseful and engaging whodunits.

    The 6304th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Thus Was Adonis Murdered by Sarah Caudwell

    This book is a witty and intricately plotted murder mystery that follows the adventures of a group of young London barristers who become embroiled in a murder case while on holiday in Venice. The story is narrated by the erudite and humorous Professor Hilary Tamar, who, although never physically present, guides the reader through the twists and turns of the investigation. When one of the barristers is accused of murdering a man found dead in her bed, the group must navigate the complexities of Venetian law, art, and high society to uncover the truth. Combining elements of a classic whodunit with sharp wit and academic flair, the novel is both a homage to and a parody of traditional detective fiction.

    The 6654th 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