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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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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776. Suicide Excepted by Cyril Hare
In this intriguing mystery, a seemingly straightforward case of suicide is thrown into question when a cryptic letter surfaces, suggesting foul play. The story unfolds in a quaint English village, where the local police inspector, with the help of a sharp-witted barrister, delves into the lives of the deceased's acquaintances. As they unravel a web of secrets and hidden motives, the investigators must navigate through a maze of deception and intrigue to uncover the truth behind the suspicious death, challenging their assumptions and revealing the darker side of human nature.
The 15916th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
777. The Complete Stories by Edgar Allan Poe
A landmark collection of gothic tales that blend psychological horror, mystery, and early detective fiction, charting obsessions, guilt, and the decay of mind and place. Across stories of vengeance, confinement, and uncanny revelation, unreliable narrators and meticulous atmospheres build dread while probing mortality, madness, and the limits of reason. Together, these pieces showcase a mastery of mood and form that shaped modern suspense and speculative literature.
The 15911th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
778. Up At The Villa by W. Somerset Maugham
In 1930s Tuscany, a young widow staying at a villa and considering a safe, advantageous marriage makes a compassionate but impulsive choice that entangles her with a desperate refugee, resulting in a sudden death and a perilous cover-up. With the help of a charming but disreputable acquaintance, she navigates the moral and social fallout, confronting the tension between respectability and desire and ultimately deciding what sort of life—and partner—she truly wants.
The 16515th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
779. Tracks In The Snow by Godfrey Rathbone Benson
Studies in English Science and Art
The narrative unfolds in a quaint English village, where the tranquility of winter is disrupted by the mysterious disappearance of a local resident. As the snow blankets the landscape, it conceals secrets and reveals clues that lead the townsfolk on a suspenseful journey of discovery. The story intricately weaves themes of community, trust, and the hidden complexities of human relationships, as the villagers grapple with unraveling the truth behind the enigmatic tracks left in the snow.
The 16552nd Greatest Book of All Time -
780. R. S. V. P. Murder by E. B. Eberhart
A Mystery Novel
Set against the backdrop of a high-society party, this gripping mystery unravels the intricate web of secrets and lies among the elite. When a seemingly innocuous invitation leads to a shocking murder, the guests find themselves trapped in a suspenseful game of cat and mouse. As the tension mounts, hidden motives and past grievances come to light, challenging the characters to confront their darkest fears. With each twist and turn, the narrative keeps readers on the edge of their seats, culminating in a dramatic revelation that leaves everyone questioning their own innocence.
The 16552nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
781. The Fortunate Pilgrim by Mario Puzo
A richly drawn portrait of an Italian immigrant matriarch who struggles to hold her large family together amid poverty and moral compromise in early 20th-century New York; fiercely proud and devout, she navigates the clash between Old World traditions and the harsh temptations of American life as her children follow divergent paths—some toward crime and violence, others toward assimilation—forcing her to confront sacrifice, disillusionment, and the limits of maternal love while meditating on fate, honor, and the elusive promise of the American dream.
The 16547th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
782. City Of The Dead by Herbert Lieberman
In this gripping thriller, a seasoned New York City medical examiner finds himself entangled in a complex and chilling investigation when a series of gruesome murders rocks the city. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption, deceit, and dark secrets that threaten to unravel his personal and professional life. With time running out and the body count rising, he must navigate the treacherous landscape of crime and power to bring a cunning killer to justice, all while confronting his own inner demons and the haunting memories of his past.
The 16648th Greatest Book of All Time -
783. The Singing Sands by Josephine Tey
In this intriguing mystery, a weary Scotland Yard detective, Inspector Alan Grant, embarks on a much-needed vacation to the Scottish Highlands, only to find himself drawn into a perplexing case. While traveling by train, he discovers a cryptic note in the pocket of a deceased fellow passenger, hinting at a mysterious death. Despite his initial reluctance, Grant's curiosity and sense of justice propel him into an investigation that uncovers secrets buried beneath the serene landscape. As he delves deeper, he confronts themes of identity, memory, and the haunting echoes of the past, all while navigating the complexities of human nature.
The 16780th Greatest Book of All Time -
784. To Love And Be Wise by Josephine Tey
In this intriguing mystery set in the English countryside, a charming and enigmatic American photographer named Leslie Searle arrives in the small village of Salcott St. Mary, stirring curiosity and suspicion among the locals. When Searle mysteriously disappears during a river expedition with a popular radio personality, Inspector Alan Grant is called in to unravel the truth. As Grant delves into the complex web of relationships and hidden motives, he must navigate through a maze of deception and secrets to uncover the fate of the missing photographer, all while exploring the themes of love, jealousy, and the human desire for recognition.
The 16773rd Greatest Book of All Time -
785. The Man In The Queue by Josephine Tey
In this classic mystery novel, a seemingly ordinary queue outside a London theater becomes the scene of a baffling murder when a man is found dead with a dagger in his back. Inspector Alan Grant of Scotland Yard is tasked with unraveling the enigma, delving into the lives of the diverse individuals who stood in line that fateful night. As he meticulously pieces together clues and navigates through a web of deception, Grant confronts the complexities of human nature and the unexpected twists that challenge his investigative prowess. The story unfolds with a blend of suspense, character study, and a touch of psychological insight, leading to a surprising and thought-provoking conclusion.
The 16790th Greatest Book of All Time -
786. The Red Thumb Mark by R Austin Freeman
In this classic detective novel, the astute and methodical Dr. John Thorndyke is called upon to unravel a perplexing mystery involving a bloody thumbprint found at the scene of a robbery. As the case unfolds, Thorndyke employs his keen scientific acumen and forensic expertise to challenge the seemingly irrefutable evidence against the accused, Reuben Hornby. With the help of his loyal assistant, Jervis, Thorndyke meticulously examines every clue, revealing hidden truths and exposing the deceptive nature of appearances, ultimately leading to a surprising and satisfying resolution.
The 16648th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
787. Curtain by Agatha Christie
Poirot's Last Case
In this gripping mystery, the legendary detective Hercule Poirot returns to Styles Court, the site of his first case, now a guest house run by his old friend Captain Hastings. As Poirot, now frail and wheelchair-bound, investigates a series of seemingly unrelated deaths, he uncovers a cunning and elusive murderer who has been operating undetected for years. With his sharp intellect and unparalleled deductive skills, Poirot races against time to reveal the killer's identity, culminating in a shocking and poignant conclusion that marks the end of an era.
The 16666th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
788. The Talented Mr. Ripley / Ripley Under Ground / Ripley's Game by Patricia Highsmith
In this gripping psychological thriller series, readers are introduced to a complex protagonist who is both charming and morally ambiguous. The story follows a young man with a talent for deception and manipulation, who becomes entangled in a web of crime and identity theft. As he navigates the dangerous waters of high society and the criminal underworld, his actions become increasingly bold and sinister. The narrative delves into themes of ambition, identity, and the dark side of human nature, keeping readers on edge with its suspenseful and unpredictable twists.
The 16781st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
789. The Brothers Karamazov by Fedor Dostoyevsky
A sprawling Russian novel follows a dissolute landowner, his contentious relationships with his three very different sons—an impulsive sensualist, a tormented intellectual, and a compassionate novice monk—and the murder that shatters their lives. Through a courtroom drama, intense philosophical debates about God, freedom, and morality, and the presence of a revered elder whose teachings probe faith and redemption, the story explores guilt, responsibility, and the possibility of spiritual transformation amid social decay.
The 16637th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
790. Killshot by Elmore Leonard
A married couple enters the Witness Protection Program after accidentally witnessing a crime committed by a hitman and a dangerous criminal. The couple struggles to adapt to their new identities and lifestyle, while the two criminals ruthlessly hunt them down. The story is a suspenseful cat-and-mouse game, with the couple constantly trying to outsmart and escape their pursuers.
The 17166th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
791. A Civil Action by Jonathan Harr
A True Story of a Landmark Environmental Case
This book is a non-fiction account of a water contamination case in Woburn, Massachusetts. A determined lawyer fights on behalf of eight families whose children have died from leukemia caused by industrial pollution. The narrative explores the complex legal battle against two large corporations, revealing the intricacies of the American legal system, the sacrifices required for justice, and the impact of corporate power on individual lives.
The 17166th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
792. Newjack by Ted Conover
Guarding Sing Sing
The book is a first-hand account of the author's experience working as a correctional officer at Sing Sing prison in New York. Through his narrative, the author provides an in-depth look at the American penal system, revealing the harsh realities of prison life, the struggles faced by inmates, and the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by the staff. The author's year-long journey as a prison guard offers a unique perspective on the often overlooked aspects of the criminal justice system.
The 17166th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
793. The Continental Op by Dashiell Hammett
"The Continental Op" is a collection of detective stories centered around an unnamed operative working for the Continental Detective Agency. The operative, known as the Continental Op, is a hardened professional who solves cases using his wits, experience, and an occasional willingness to bend the rules. The stories, set in various locations around the United States, weave together elements of mystery, crime, and noir, highlighting the gritty underbelly of society during the Prohibition era.
The 17166th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
794. Fleshmarket Close by Ian Rankin
An Inspector Rebus Novel
In this gripping crime novel, a detective inspector based in Edinburgh, Scotland is working on multiple cases simultaneously. He investigates the murder of an illegal immigrant, the disappearance of a refugee, and the murder of a local gangster. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a web of corruption, political conspiracy, and human trafficking. Throughout the story, the inspector battles personal demons and navigates the complexities of the Scottish legal system.
The 17166th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
795. Born Yesterday by Gordon Burn
The News as a Novel
"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 17166th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
796. 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 17166th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
797. Savages by Don Winslow
In "Savages: A Novel", two successful marijuana growers, Ben and Chon, live a comfortable life in Laguna Beach, California, sharing their girlfriend, O. Their lives take a drastic turn when a Mexican drug cartel kidnaps O, demanding a ransom and a share of their business. This forces the duo to employ every means possible, including violence, to save O and protect their livelihood. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, greed, and survival, painting a vivid picture of the underground drug trade.
The 17166th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
798. Mona Lisa Overdrive by William Gibson
"Mona Lisa Overdrive" is a cyberpunk novel that follows the interconnected stories of several characters, including a professional kidnapper, a reclusive artist, a tech mogul's daughter, and a young prostitute. Set in a dystopian future, the narrative explores themes of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and corporate power. The characters' lives become intertwined as they navigate a world dominated by advanced technology and powerful corporations, leading to a thrilling climax.
The 17166th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
799. Legs by William Kennedy
"Legs" is a fictional biography of the notorious gangster Jack 'Legs' Diamond, set in the Prohibition era. The narrative, told from the perspective of Marcus Gorman, a lawyer and friend to Diamond, explores the gangster's life, his criminal activities, his relationships, and his untimely death. The book provides a vivid portrayal of the Jazz Age, offering a deep exploration of the criminal underworld of that time.
The 17166th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
800. Billy Phelan's Greatest Game by William Kennedy
Billy Phelan's Greatest Game is a novel set in the 1930s, focusing on the life of a small-time hustler and poker player named Billy Phelan. When a local politician's son is kidnapped, Billy becomes embroiled in the case, despite his attempts to stay out of it. The story explores the themes of morality, corruption, and redemption as Billy navigates the seedy underbelly of Albany, New York, and is forced to confront his own past and make some tough decisions.
The 17166th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon
Reading Statistics
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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.
DownloadTo 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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