The Greatest Swedish, American "Crime, Fiction" Books Since 2000

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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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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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  1. 1. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

    This thriller novel follows symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptographer Sophie Neveu as they investigate a murder in the Louvre Museum in Paris. The murder leads them to a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci, revealing a religious mystery protected by a secret society for two thousand years. The mystery involves a conspiracy within the Catholic Church and threatens to overturn the foundations of Christianity.

    The 616th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

    This thrilling novel revolves around the sudden disappearance of a woman on her fifth wedding anniversary. As the investigation unfolds, all evidence points to her husband as the prime suspect. However, the story takes a twist as the wife's diary entries reveal a darker side to their seemingly perfect marriage. The narrative alternates between the husband's present-day perspective and the wife's diary entries, leaving readers in suspense about what truly happened. The book explores themes of deceit, media influence, and the complexities of marriage.

    The 795th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

    A disgraced journalist is hired by a wealthy industrialist to solve a forty-year-old mystery involving the disappearance of his niece. He is assisted in his investigation by a brilliant but deeply troubled hacker. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a twisted web of family secrets, corruption, and murder. The story is a dark and gripping exploration of Swedish society, as well as a thrilling mystery.

    The 948th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

    A teenage girl is brutally murdered in her small town, and from her new home in heaven, she watches over her family and friends as they struggle to cope with her loss. She also keeps an eye on her killer, hoping that he will eventually be brought to justice. Through her observations, she explores the complexities of human relationships, the ripple effects of her death, and the concept of moving on while still holding onto memories.

    The 1066th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy

    This novel is a gripping tale of a cat-and-mouse chase set in the harsh landscape of 1980 Texas. After stumbling upon a drug deal gone wrong and a suitcase full of money, a Vietnam War veteran finds himself pursued by a relentless hitman. As the veteran attempts to keep himself and his wife safe, a local sheriff struggles to keep up with the increasing violence and brutality of the modern world. The narrative explores themes of fate, conscience, and circumstance, painting a bleak and riveting picture of the human condition.

    The 1228th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Mystic River by Dennis Lehane

    "Mystic River" is a gripping tale set in a close-knit neighborhood in Boston, revolving around three childhood friends - Jimmy, Sean, and Dave. Their lives are irrevocably altered when one of them, Dave, is abducted and sexually abused. Years later, they are brought back together by a horrifying event - the murder of Jimmy's daughter. As Sean, now a detective, investigates the murder, suspicion falls on Dave, leading to a tense and tragic conclusion.

    The 3067th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon

    In an alternate reality where Jewish refugees found sanctuary in Alaska during World War II, the book follows a homicide detective in the Yiddish-speaking metropolis of Sitka as he investigates the murder of a former chess prodigy. The detective's quest takes him from the city's seedy underbelly to the highest echelons of power, and he uncovers a vast conspiracy that threatens the very existence of the Jewish homeland in Alaska. The novel is a blend of detective fiction, alternate history, and Jewish humor.

    The 3436th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. What The Dead Know by Laura Lippman

    In "What The Dead Know" by Laura Lippman, a woman claiming to be one of the two missing Bethany sisters suddenly appears after thirty years, setting off a chain of events that forces the police, the media, and the families involved to revisit the unsolved case. As the truth slowly unravels, secrets from the past are exposed, revealing the devastating impact the disappearance had on the family and the lingering effects it has had on those left behind.

    The 4826th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. The Shack by William P Young

    This novel explores the spiritual journey of a man named Mack, who, after suffering the devastating loss of his daughter, receives a mysterious note inviting him to a shack. This shack is the same place where evidence of his daughter's murder was found. In the shack, Mack has an extraordinary encounter with three strangers who help him understand his loss, heal his pain, and redefine his understanding of life, love, and forgiveness. The book delves into the complexities of faith and the power of forgiveness through the lens of a deeply personal and tragic experience.

    The 5298th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger

    "Ordinary Grace" is a coming-of-age novel set in a small Minnesota town in the 1960s. The story follows Frank, a thirteen-year-old boy, as he navigates the complexities of family, friendship, and the harsh realities of life and death. When a series of tragic events befall the community, Frank is forced to confront the fragility of life and the power of forgiveness, ultimately learning valuable lessons about love, loss, and the importance of cherishing ordinary moments.

    The 5435th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke

    "Bluebird, Bluebird" follows the story of Darren Mathews, a black Texas Ranger who finds himself caught in a small East Texas town plagued by racial tensions and unsolved murders. When two bodies are discovered, one black and one white, Darren is determined to uncover the truth behind these racially charged crimes. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets, corruption, and long-buried truths that threaten to tear the town apart. In a gripping and atmospheric narrative, the book explores themes of race, justice, and identity while unraveling a complex mystery.

    The 5483rd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Girl Who Played With Fire by Stieg Larsson

    In this gripping thriller, a young woman with a troubled past and exceptional hacking skills becomes the prime suspect in a double homicide after her fingerprints are found on the murder weapon. As she goes on the run to clear her name, she must also confront figures from her dark history and unravel a deeper conspiracy linked to the sex trade. Meanwhile, her friend, an investigative journalist, works to uncover the truth and prove her innocence, leading to a dangerous confrontation with powerful enemies who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.

    The 5691st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Girl Who Kicked The Hornet's Nest by Stieg Larsson

    In this thrilling conclusion to a popular trilogy, the protagonist, a brilliant but troubled hacker, lies in critical condition in a hospital, charged with attempted murder. As she fights to prove her innocence and unravel the corrupt political and business ties that threaten her life, her allies, including a determined journalist, work tirelessly to expose the deep-rooted injustices that have entangled her. Together, they must navigate a web of hackers, hitmen, and government officials in a high-stakes battle against a shadowy group willing to go to any lengths to protect their secrets. The story combines elements of mystery, espionage, and courtroom drama, culminating in a gripping finale that addresses themes of power, corruption, and redemption.

    The 5847th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. American Rust by Philipp Meyer

    This novel takes place in a small, economically depressed Pennsylvania town and follows two young men, Isaac and Billy, who are best friends. After a tragic incident involving a transient, the two friends are forced to flee. The novel explores themes of friendship, the American Dream, and the harsh realities of life in a declining Rust Belt town. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including the two friends, their family members, and the local sheriff.

    The 6151st Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Blanche Passes Go by Barbara Neely

    "Blanche Passes Go" is a compelling mystery novel that follows the life of Blanche White, an African-American housekeeper with a knack for solving crimes. When a prominent white family's matriarch mysteriously dies, Blanche becomes entangled in a web of secrets and deceit. As she navigates through racial tensions, family dynamics, and her own personal struggles, Blanche uses her wit and intelligence to uncover the truth behind the woman's death, exposing the dark underbelly of a seemingly perfect community.

    The 6164th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell

    Set in the harsh poverty of the Ozarks, the story follows a determined, hard-bitten teenage girl who, in the face of her drug-dealing father's disappearance, takes on the responsibility of caring for her two younger siblings and mentally ill mother. When she learns their house will be taken away unless her father shows up for his court date, she embarks on a dangerous journey through the criminal underworld to find him, encountering violence and betrayal along the way.

    The 6244th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen

    In this gripping thriller, a series of brutal murders shocks the city of Boston. As the police investigate, they uncover a disturbing pattern: all the victims have been targeted by a skilled surgeon who meticulously removes their organs while they are still alive. With the help of a brilliant female detective and a renowned trauma surgeon, the race is on to catch this sadistic killer before he strikes again. As the investigation deepens, the team discovers a shocking connection to a past crime, leading them down a dangerous path of secrets and betrayal. With its heart-pounding pace and shocking twists, this book will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

    The 6260th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Emperor Of Ocean Park by Stephen L. Carter

    "The Emperor of Ocean Park" is a gripping novel that combines elements of mystery, legal drama, and family saga. Set in the affluent world of African-American elites in New England, the story follows Talcott Garland, a law professor and former Supreme Court nominee, as he investigates the mysterious death of his father, a prominent conservative judge. As Talcott delves deeper into his father's past, he uncovers a web of secrets, political intrigue, and corruption that threatens to unravel his own life and reputation. With its intricate plot and richly drawn characters, the book explores themes of power, loyalty, and the complexities of race and identity in America.

    The 6394th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Ice Princess by Camilla Läckberg

    In a small Swedish town, the body of a young woman is discovered in a bathtub, her wrists slashed. Local detective Patrik Hedstrom is assigned to the case, and as he delves into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets and hidden motives among the town's residents. With the help of crime writer Erica Falck, Patrik must navigate through personal and professional challenges to unravel the truth behind the tragic death of the ice princess.

    The 6472nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. The Orphan Master's Son: A Novel by Adam Johnson

    This novel follows the life of Pak Jun Do, a man who rises from humble beginnings as an orphan in North Korea to a high-ranking official in Kim Jong-Il's government. The narrative provides a glimpse into the harsh realities of living under a totalitarian regime, as Jun Do navigates a world of propaganda, forced labor, and political prison camps. His journey takes a turn when he becomes involved in a diplomatic mission, falls in love with a famous actress, and is forced to assume the identity of a rival commander. This leads him into a dangerous game of deception and survival, providing a chilling and engrossing exploration of identity, love, and the human spirit in the face of extreme adversity.

    The 6483rd Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly

    "The Lincoln Lawyer" is a gripping legal thriller that follows the life of Mickey Haller, a criminal defense attorney who operates out of his car, a Lincoln. When Haller is assigned a high-profile case defending a wealthy real estate agent accused of assault, he soon discovers a web of corruption and deceit that puts not only his client's innocence but also his own life at stake. With a fast-paced narrative and complex characters, the book explores the dark underbelly of the legal system and keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final page.

    The 6608th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Blacklist by Sara Paretsky

    In this gripping mystery, a private detective is hired to investigate seemingly unrelated cases: a clandestine love affair from the 1950s and a modern-day murder. The investigation leads her into the heart of Chicago's exclusive society, where she uncovers a complex web of deceit involving blacklisted writers and McCarthy-era political persecution. As she delves deeper, the detective finds disturbing connections between the past and present, revealing how the shadows of history continue to shape the lives and actions of those involved. The novel masterfully blends suspense, historical intrigue, and social commentary, making it a compelling read.

    The 6718th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Queenpin by Megan Abbott

    "Queenpin" by Megan Abbott is a gripping crime novel set in the 1950s, following the life of a young woman who becomes entangled in the world of organized crime. The story delves into the dark underbelly of the criminal underworld as the protagonist navigates her way through dangerous alliances and power struggles. With its noir atmosphere and complex characters, "Queenpin" offers a thrilling and suspenseful exploration of loyalty, ambition, and the consequences of one's choices.

    The 6820th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Up Country by Nelson DeMille

    In this gripping novel, a retired Army investigator is called back into service to uncover the truth about a decades-old murder that took place during the Vietnam War. Tasked with a seemingly impossible mission, he journeys back to Vietnam, navigating through dangerous territory both physically and politically. As he delves deeper into the jungle and the complexities of the war's legacy, he encounters former enemies and allies alike, while grappling with personal demons and the ambiguities of a conflict that continues to haunt America. His quest for answers leads to explosive consequences, revealing long-buried secrets that some would prefer to remain hidden.

    The 6876th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Millennium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson

    The "Millennium Trilogy" is a gripping and intricate series that follows the lives of journalist Mikael Blomkvist and hacker Lisbeth Salander as they uncover dark secrets and navigate a web of corruption, violence, and conspiracy in Sweden. Blomkvist, aided by Salander's exceptional skills, delves into the mysterious disappearance of a wealthy industrialist's niece, leading them to uncover a shocking series of crimes involving powerful individuals. As they work together to expose the truth, they become entangled in a dangerous game that threatens their lives and forces them to confront their own troubled pasts.

    The 7013th 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