The Greatest Swedish, British "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 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
  2. 2. The City & the City by China Miéville

    In a unique blend of noir detective fiction and speculative fantasy, the book explores the coexistence of two distinct cities occupying the same geographical space, yet remaining invisible to each other due to a strict set of societal rules and the mysterious force of "Breach" that enforces them. When a young woman is found murdered, a seasoned inspector must navigate the complex and often perilous overlap of these two cities to solve the crime. His investigation challenges the rigid separation of the cities, uncovering a conspiracy that blurs the lines between the two and threatens the very fabric of their existence.

    The 3427th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. 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
  4. 4. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson

    "Case Histories" is a gripping mystery novel that follows the story of a private investigator who is hired to solve three seemingly unrelated cold cases that took place decades ago. As he delves deeper into the mysteries, he uncovers dark secrets and hidden connections between the cases. The narrative is a complex web of intrigue, suspense, and drama, filled with well-crafted characters and unexpected plot twists that keep the reader hooked till the end.

    The 4066th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. 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
  6. 6. Gb84 by David Peace

    "GB84" by David Peace is a gripping novel set during the 1984-1985 miners' strike in Britain. The story follows the lives of various characters, including union leaders, miners, and government officials, as they navigate the brutal and violent clash between the National Union of Mineworkers and the Conservative government. With its intense portrayal of the social, political, and economic turmoil of the time, the book offers a raw and realistic depiction of the struggles faced by both the striking miners and those in power.

    The 5634th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. 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
  8. 8. 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
  9. 9. 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
  10. 10. Nineteen Seventy Seven by David Peace

    This novel is the second installment in a gripping quartet of books that delve into the gritty and dark underbelly of Yorkshire, England, during the 1970s and 1980s. Set against the backdrop of the year 1977, it intertwines the lives of a journalist and a detective as they navigate through a landscape riddled with corruption, violence, and the chilling shadow of the Yorkshire Ripper. The narrative is characterized by its intense, visceral prose and the haunting atmosphere it evokes, capturing the desperation and decay of the time. As both men become increasingly obsessed with their respective investigations, their paths cross in unexpected ways, leading to a harrowing exploration of the human capacity for evil and the quest for justice amidst widespread fear and moral ambiguity.

    The 6553rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Super Cannes: A Novel by J. G. Ballard

    In this novel, a high-powered advertising executive moves to an ultra-exclusive, high-tech business park on the French Riviera, where the world's elite professionals reside. As he settles into this seemingly idyllic community, he begins to uncover a disturbing undercurrent of psychological manipulation, violence, and hedonism that belies the area's polished surface. His investigation into the dark and twisted activities of the park's inhabitants leads him down a dangerous path, revealing the sinister realities behind the facade of a corporate utopia. The narrative delves into themes of power, control, and the human capacity for savagery beneath the veneer of civilization.

    The 6672nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. 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
  13. 13. Rivers Of London by Ben Aaronovitch

    In this urban fantasy novel, a young London police constable discovers he has a unique talent for magic after encountering a ghostly crime witness. Recruited into a secretive unit that deals with supernatural threats, he finds himself navigating a world where magic is real, and the city's rich history comes alive in dangerous ways. As he learns to master his newfound abilities, he must solve a puzzling murder case that intertwines with dark magical forces, all while trying to maintain peace between the mundane and the magical realms that coexist within the vibrant and historic landscape of London.

    The 8407th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. 61 Hours by Lee Child

    In this gripping thriller, a retired military policeman turned drifter finds himself stranded in a small South Dakota town after a bus accident during a brutal winter storm. As the hours tick down, he becomes embroiled in a desperate defense of a key witness in a forthcoming drug trial, facing off against an enigmatic assassin and local corruption. With the clock ticking, he must use his skills and resourcefulness to protect the witness, navigate the icy conditions, and uncover the truth, all while a countdown to an unknown catastrophe looms, promising an explosive confrontation.

    The 8977th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Turn Of The Key by Ruth Ware

    In "The Turn of the Key" by Ruth Ware, a young woman named Rowan Caine takes a job as a live-in nanny at a luxurious smart home in the Scottish Highlands. However, the seemingly perfect opportunity quickly turns into a nightmare as Rowan discovers the dark secrets hidden within the house and the tragic events that have unfolded in the past. As strange occurrences escalate and tensions rise, Rowan becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation, desperately trying to prove her innocence and uncover the truth before it's too late.

    The 9122nd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Little Face by Sophie Hannah

    This psychological thriller revolves around a young mother, Alice, who insists that the baby in her home is not her daughter, Florence, but a stranger's child. Her husband, David, dismisses her claims, suggesting she's suffering from postpartum depression or worse. As Alice fights to prove her sanity and uncover the truth, the narrative delves into dark family secrets, manipulative dynamics, and the complexities of maternal bonds. The tension escalates with each chapter, weaving a tale of suspense, doubt, and the desperate lengths one will go to protect their loved ones.

    The 9199th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Frozen Moment by Camilla Ceder

    This gripping Scandinavian crime novel unfolds in the small Swedish town of Backudden, where a brutal murder shatters the winter calm. A local mechanic is found shot in the head, his body lying in the snow, leading Inspector Christian Tell and his team on a complex investigation. As they delve deeper, the case intertwines with the personal lives of the townspeople, revealing hidden connections and secrets. The narrative masterfully combines a meticulous police procedural with the exploration of human relationships and the impact of the past on the present. With its chilling atmosphere and intricate plot, the novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats until its startling conclusion.

    The 9529th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Blue Lightning by Ann Cleeves

    This book is a gripping crime novel set on the remote Shetland Islands, where Detective Jimmy Perez returns home with his fiancée, only to be caught in a murder investigation when a renowned scientist is found dead. As a storm isolates the island from the outside world, Perez must navigate through a close-knit community full of secrets and lies to uncover the murderer. The harsh and beautiful landscape of the Shetlands, along with the complex relationships and tensions within the small community, provide a compelling backdrop to this mystery, testing Perez's detective skills and understanding of human nature to the limits.

    The 9529th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz

    This novel is a mystery within a mystery, where an editor receives a manuscript for the latest book in a popular detective series, only to find the last chapter missing. As she delves deeper into the manuscript and the life of the author, she uncovers a real-life murder that mirrors the fictional ones. The narrative ingeniously intertwines the world of the manuscript with the reality of the editor, blending classic whodunit elements with contemporary intrigue. This layered narrative challenges the reader to solve not just the fictional crime, but also the mystery surrounding the author's death, making it a compelling read for fans of clever, puzzle-like mysteries.

    The 10010th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. In A Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

    A reclusive writer receives an unexpected invitation to a bachelorette party of an old friend she hasn't seen in years. Curiosity gets the best of her, and she attends the gathering at a secluded cabin in the woods. As the weekend unfolds, tensions rise and secrets are revealed, leading to a shocking and tragic event that leaves the protagonist questioning her own sanity and the motives of those around her.

    The 10112th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The Widow by Fiona Barton

    "The Widow" is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complex and secretive world of a woman named Jean Taylor. When her husband, Glen, becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of a toddler, Jean is forced to confront her own beliefs and loyalty. Told from multiple perspectives, the narrative explores the blurred lines between truth and deception, unveiling shocking revelations and challenging the reader's perception of innocence and guilt.

    The 10216th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Ghost by Robert Harris

    "The Ghost" is a suspenseful political thriller that revolves around a ghostwriter who is hired to finish the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister. As he delves into the politician's life, he uncovers secrets that put his own life in danger. The book explores themes of power, corruption, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction in a world of political spin.

    The 10865th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Born Yesterday by Gordon Burn

    "Born Yesterday" is a unique take on the events of 2007, using them to reflect on the state of Britain. The book examines the disappearance of Madeleine McCann, the floods that swept Britain, and the transition of power from Tony Blair to Gordon Brown. The author blends fact and fiction, creating a hybrid novel that offers a snapshot of a nation in transition and crisis, exploring themes of celebrity, power, and tragedy.

    The 10882nd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Full Dark House by Christopher Fowler

    This novel serves as the intriguing opener to a series that delves into the mysterious and often perilous investigations of the Peculiar Crimes Unit in London. The story masterfully intertwines two timelines: the contemporary investigation into the explosion of the unit's headquarters, and a harrowing case from the Blitz-ridden London of 1940 that set the stage for the unit's creation. Through the eyes of the unit's enduring detectives, Arthur Bryant and John May, readers are taken on a suspenseful journey that blends a historical whodunit with the complexities of a modern-day mystery, revealing dark secrets that have simmered beneath the surface for decades.

    The 10962nd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. 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.

    The 11009th 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