The Greatest "Fiction, Crime, Frontier and pioneer life" Books Since 1990

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 '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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Fiction

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.

Frontier and pioneer life

Frontier and pioneer life is a category of books that focuses on the experiences of individuals and communities who lived on the edge of civilization during the expansion of the United States in the 19th century. These books typically explore the challenges and triumphs of settlers as they established new homes, farms, and towns in the wilderness, often facing harsh weather, dangerous wildlife, and conflicts with Native American tribes. The genre also includes stories of explorers, fur traders, and other adventurers who ventured into uncharted territories, as well as memoirs and biographies of notable figures who played a role in shaping the American West.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter

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
  1. 1. Shadow Country by Peter Matthiessen

    Shadow Country is a historical novel that explores the life of outlaw and entrepreneur Edgar J. Watson, a notorious figure in the late 19th and early 20th century American South. The narrative delves deep into Watson's complex character, his violent deeds, and the mystery surrounding his death, providing a panoramic view of the lawless frontier life in Florida's Everglades. The story is told from multiple perspectives, each revealing a different aspect of Watson's life and the era he lived in, making it a compelling study of human nature and the American frontier.

  2. 2. The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney

    Set in the 1860s, the novel tells the story of a small Canadian town rocked by the brutal murder of a French trapper. When a local woman's adopted son becomes the prime suspect, she embarks on a perilous journey through the wilderness to clear his name. Along the way, she uncovers a complex web of deceit and corruption within her community, while also coming to terms with her own past. The narrative is a gripping blend of mystery, adventure and historical fiction.

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