The Greatest 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 759 '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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  1. 51. A Study In Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle

    Being a Reprint from the Reminiscences of John H. Watson, M.D., Late of the Army Medical Department

    "A Study in Scarlet" is a gripping detective novel that introduces the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. John Watson. When a mysterious murder takes place in London, Holmes and Watson are called upon to solve the case. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a complex web of revenge, love, and betrayal that spans across continents and decades. With Holmes' unparalleled deductive skills and Watson's steadfast support, the duo unravels the truth behind the murder and brings the culprits to justice. This thrilling tale not only showcases Holmes' extraordinary abilities but also explores the unique bond between the detective and his trusted friend.

    The 983rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 52. The Judge and His Hangman by Friedrich Dürrenmatt

    This book is a crime novel set in Switzerland, where a police lieutenant is tasked with solving the murder of his former colleague. The narrative explores themes of justice, revenge, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The lieutenant, despite being terminally ill, is determined to solve the case and in the process, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that forces him to question his own morality and the nature of justice. The story is a philosophical examination of the criminal justice system and the moral dilemmas faced by those who enforce the law.

    The 997th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  3. 53. Red Dragon by Thomas Harris

    A former FBI profiler, who is renowned for capturing a notorious serial killer, is lured out of retirement to track down a new killer who has a taste for families. The new killer, dubbed "The Tooth Fairy", is a complex character with a troubled past that leads him to commit his heinous crimes. As the profiler delves deeper into the investigation, he is forced to confront his own demons and the manipulative games of the serial killer he previously captured, who is now behind bars.

    The 1001st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  4. 54. 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 1010th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  5. 55. Fantômas by Marcel Allain, Pierre Souvestre

    The Silent Executioner

    The book is a thrilling detective novel set in Paris, revolving around the character of Fantômas, a master criminal with no morals or scruples. Fantômas is a master of disguise, capable of assuming any identity at will, and his criminal activities range from petty theft to murder. The book follows the relentless pursuit of Fantômas by the determined Inspector Juve, leading to a series of exciting and suspenseful encounters.

    The 1061st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  6. 56. La Bête humaine by Émile Zola

    "La Bête humaine" is a psychological thriller set against the backdrop of the French railway system during the 19th century. The plot revolves around a railway worker who, despite being a seemingly ordinary man, harbors a dark, uncontrollable urge to kill. The narrative is a grim exploration of human nature, delving into themes of inherited violence, animalistic instincts, and the impact of industrialization on society. The novel is also filled with a variety of subplots involving jealousy, betrayal, and murder, all intricately tied to the characters' lives.

    The 1065th Greatest Book of All Time
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  7. 57. Gorky Park by Martin Cruz Smith

    In the heart of Moscow, three corpses found in Gorky Park lead a dedicated Soviet police investigator on a complex and dangerous trail that entangles him in the web of the KGB and the FBI. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a chilling conspiracy and faces moral dilemmas that challenge his very principles and integrity. The investigation becomes a personal quest for truth that takes him far beyond the park's snowy borders, testing his resolve and putting his life at risk in the shadowy intersections of international espionage and political intrigue.

    The 1094th Greatest Book of All Time
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  8. 58. The Chill by Ross Macdonald

    In "The Chill," a private investigator named Lew Archer is hired by a wealthy family to find their missing son, who disappeared during a camping trip in the Sierra Nevada mountains. As Archer delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets, lies, and betrayals that stretches back years. With each new revelation, Archer must navigate the treacherous waters of a dysfunctional family and a small town filled with corruption and violence, all while trying to bring the missing son home safely.

    The 1105th Greatest Book of All Time
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  9. 59. Get Shorty by Elmore Leonard

    A Miami loan shark travels to Los Angeles to collect a debt from a low-budget movie producer, only to get entangled in the Hollywood scene. Through a series of events, he ends up pitching a movie idea based on his own life as a mobster. This comedic crime novel explores the similarities between the film industry and organized crime, while offering a satirical look at the behind-the-scenes workings of Hollywood.

    The 1111th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  10. 60. In A Lonely Place by Dorothy B. Hughes

    Set in post-World War II Los Angeles, "In A Lonely Place" follows the story of Dix Steele, a former fighter pilot turned Hollywood screenwriter. Dix becomes a prime suspect in a series of brutal murders plaguing the city. As the investigation unfolds, the novel delves into the dark depths of Dix's psyche, exploring themes of love, obsession, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction. With its gripping narrative and psychological tension, "In A Lonely Place" offers a chilling portrayal of a disturbed mind and the destructive power of loneliness.

    The 1183rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  11. 61. The Moving Toyshop by Edmund Crispin

    A Detective Story

    In this classic British detective novel, a poet on holiday in Oxford stumbles upon a woman's body in a toyshop at night, only to find the shop has vanished by morning. Teaming up with an eccentric literature professor, the poet embarks on a whimsical and cerebral quest to solve the mystery, navigating a labyrinth of literary references, quirky characters, and puzzling clues. The story combines elements of farce and traditional whodunit, leading to a climactic chase and an unexpected twist, all set against the backdrop of the historic university town.

    The 1214th Greatest Book of All Time
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  12. 62. The Franchise Affair by Josephine Tey

    The book revolves around a solicitor named Robert Blair who is called upon to defend two women, Marion Sharpe and her mother, accused of kidnapping a teenage girl named Betty Kane. Betty claims she was held captive and forced to work as a servant at the Sharpes' home, The Franchise. However, as Blair delves deeper into the case, he uncovers inconsistencies in Betty's story and begins to suspect that there is more to the accusation than meets the eye. Set in postwar England, the narrative weaves through twists and turns as Blair seeks to prove the innocence of the Sharpes in a society eager to find scandal and guilt.

    The 1264th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  13. 63. The Laughing Policeman by Maj Sjöwall, Per Wahlöö

    A Martin Beck Police Mystery

    In this gripping crime novel, a mass shooting on a bus in Stockholm leaves eight people dead, including a police officer. Inspector Martin Beck and his team are assigned to solve the case, but as they delve deeper, they uncover a complex web of corruption and deceit within the police force. With time running out, Beck must navigate through a labyrinth of clues and personal vendettas to catch the laughing policeman responsible for this heinous act.

    The 1275th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  14. 64. Odessa Stories by Isaac Babel

    Tales of the Russian Civil War

    "Odessa Stories" is a collection of short stories set in the bustling city of Odessa, Ukraine, during the early 20th century. Through vivid and colorful characters, the book explores the vibrant and diverse Jewish community of Odessa, capturing their struggles, dreams, and everyday lives. With a blend of humor, tragedy, and satire, the stories paint a rich portrait of a city and its people, offering a unique glimpse into a bygone era.

    The 1287th Greatest Book of All Time
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  15. 65. To Each His Own by Leonardo Sciascia

    "To Each His Own" is a mystery novel that follows a professor in a small Sicilian town who becomes obsessed with solving a double murder after receiving an anonymous letter. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that reaches to the highest levels of power in his town. Despite his best efforts to bring the truth to light, he finds himself in danger as those involved in the murders will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden.

    The 1317th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  16. 66. Devil in a Blue Dress by Walter Mosley

    An Easy Rawlins Mystery

    Set in 1940s Los Angeles, the novel follows an African American war veteran who, after losing his job, becomes a private investigator to pay his mortgage. He is hired to find a white woman known to frequent African American jazz clubs, and in the process, he gets entangled in a web of political scandal and corruption. The story explores themes of race, class, and the complex social dynamics of the time.

    The 1322nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  17. 67. A Judgement In Stone by Ruth Rendell

    The Motiveless Crime

    "A Judgement In Stone" is a gripping psychological thriller that unravels the tragic events surrounding the murder of the wealthy Coverdale family. As the investigation unfolds, the true motives and dark secrets of the family's housekeeper, Eunice, are gradually revealed, leading to a shocking climax. With its intricate plot and complex characters, the book explores themes of class divide, social isolation, and the destructive power of secrets.

    The 1324th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  18. 68. A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James

    "A Brief History of Seven Killings" is a multi-voiced novel that explores the attempted assassination of a world-famous reggae singer and its aftermath. The narrative spans decades, starting from the turbulent 1970s in Jamaica through the crack wars in 1980s New York to the changing world of the 1990s. The story is told from the perspectives of various characters, including gangsters, journalists, and CIA agents, providing a complex and gritty insight into the violent underbelly of Jamaican politics and the far-reaching influence of the drug trade.

    The 1390th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  19. 69. Faceless Killers by Henning Mankell

    In this thrilling crime novel, an elderly farmer and his wife are brutally murdered and the only clue is the wife's dying word: "foreign." This sets off a series of events that involves a dedicated detective who must solve the crime while dealing with his own personal problems. The investigation becomes even more complex when the press catches wind of the dying word, sparking a wave of xenophobia in the community. The detective must navigate through the fear and prejudice to find the truth and bring the killers to justice.

    The 1445th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  20. 70. Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow

    A gripping legal thriller, this novel follows the story of a chief deputy prosecutor who finds himself accused of the brutal murder of his colleague, with whom he had a passionate extramarital affair. As the evidence against him mounts, he struggles to prove his innocence while uncovering corruption and deceit within the very system he once served. The story is a riveting exploration of the complexities of the legal system, human nature, and the concept of presumed innocence.

    The 1491st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  21. 71. The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum

    In this gripping espionage thriller, a man is found adrift in the Mediterranean Sea with no memory of his identity but with an array of extraordinary skills that suggest a dangerous past. As he embarks on a desperate quest to discover his true identity, he learns that he is known as Jason Bourne and is pursued by assassins and government agents. Tangled in a web of covert operations, Bourne must outmaneuver his enemies while piecing together fragments of his past, which lead him to confront a global conspiracy and the realization that he was once a highly skilled operative.

    The 1500th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  22. 72. The Friends Of Eddie Coyle by George V. Higgins

    The novel delves into the gritty underworld of Boston's organized crime scene through the eyes of Eddie Coyle, a small-time gunrunner and career criminal facing the prospect of a long prison sentence. As he navigates the treacherous waters of loyalty and betrayal, Eddie becomes entangled with a variety of dangerous characters, including bank robbers, hitmen, and corrupt law enforcement. Desperate to avoid jail time, he contemplates becoming an informant, a decision that forces him to weigh the value of his friendships against his own survival. The narrative unfolds with sharp dialogue and a realistic portrayal of the bleak lives of those on the fringes of the criminal world.

    The 1503rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  23. 73. The Beast Must Die by Nicholas Blake

    A Nigel Strangeways Mystery

    In this gripping detective novel, a grieving father, consumed by the desire for vengeance, sets out to track down and kill the reckless driver who killed his young son in a hit-and-run accident. As he infiltrates the suspect's life, his quest for justice becomes a complex game of cat and mouse, leading to an unexpected twist when the suspect is found dead. The case takes a further turn when a famed amateur detective is called in to unravel the mystery, delving into a web of deceit, secrets, and moral ambiguities, challenging the very notion of justice and retribution.

    The 1512th Greatest Book of All Time
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  24. 74. The Robbers by Friedrich Schiller

    A Tragedy

    "The Robbers" is a dramatic tale of conflict between two aristocratic brothers, Karl and Franz Moor. Karl, the elder, is deeply idealistic but becomes an outlaw after being falsely led to believe he has lost his father's love and his inheritance due to his brother's machinations. Meanwhile, Franz, the younger brother, is a scheming villain who manipulates their father and seeks to consolidate power and wealth for himself. The play explores themes of justice, family loyalty, and the nature of good and evil as Karl leads a band of rebels against the societal corruption he despises, only to find that his quest for justice is fraught with moral ambiguity and personal tragedy.

    The 1521st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  25. 75. No Orchids for Miss Blandish by James Hadley Chase

    This novel is a crime thriller set in America, featuring the kidnapping of a wealthy heiress, Miss Blandish, by a low-level gangster. However, when a more powerful and sadistic gangster, Slim Grisson, learns of the situation, he kills the original kidnapper and takes Miss Blandish for himself. As the police and Miss Blandish's father desperately search for her, she finds herself developing Stockholm Syndrome for her cruel captor. The story is filled with violence, suspense, and unexpected twists, leading to a tragic end.

    The 1639th Greatest Book of All Time
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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

To download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.

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