The Greatest Crime Books of All Time

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 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.

Follow on:

What should I read next?

Get personalized book recommendations based on your reading history and preferences. Our algorithm analyzes your favorite books and reading patterns to suggest your next great read.

Get Recommendations

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.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Date Range

Filter books by their publication year. Enter the earliest year (Start) and latest year (End) to find books published within that period. Leave either field empty to search from the beginning of time or up to the present day.

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

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.

Login to Download
View: List Grid Table
Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
  1. 1126. A Case To Answer by Edgar Lustgarten

    An Inquiry into the Nature of Crime and Punishment

    In this gripping legal drama, the narrative delves into the intricacies of a murder trial that captivates the public's attention. The story unfolds through the eyes of the defense attorney, who is tasked with unraveling the complex web of evidence and testimonies that seem to point to his client's guilt. As the courtroom becomes a battleground for truth and justice, the attorney must navigate through moral dilemmas and unexpected revelations to uncover the real story behind the crime, challenging the very foundations of the legal system and the concept of innocence.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  2. 1127. Love Lies Bleeding by Edmund Crispin

    A Gervase Fen Mystery

    In this classic mystery novel, the renowned amateur detective Gervase Fen finds himself embroiled in a perplexing case at a prestigious English public school. The annual Shakespearean festival is disrupted by a series of bizarre events, including the discovery of a corpse, which sets off a chain of intrigue and deception. As Fen delves deeper into the school's secrets, he must navigate a web of academic rivalries, hidden motives, and dark pasts to uncover the truth. With his characteristic wit and keen intellect, Fen unravels the mystery, revealing a tale of ambition, betrayal, and unexpected alliances.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  3. 1128. Dreadful Summit by Stanley Ellin

    A Novel of Suspense

    Set against the backdrop of a gritty, post-war New York City, this gripping tale follows the journey of a young boy, Paul, who is thrust into the dark underbelly of organized crime after witnessing a brutal murder. As he navigates the treacherous world of gangsters and deceit, Paul is forced to confront his own moral compass and the haunting legacy of his father's past. With tension mounting and danger lurking at every corner, he must decide whether to seek justice or succumb to the seductive allure of power and revenge.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 1129. Mischief by Charlotte Armstrong

    A Novel of Suspense

    In this gripping psychological thriller, a young couple's night out in New York City takes a terrifying turn when they leave their daughter in the care of a seemingly trustworthy babysitter. As the evening unfolds, the babysitter's unsettling behavior reveals a sinister side, leading to a tense and suspenseful game of cat and mouse. With the child's safety hanging in the balance, the couple must navigate a web of deceit and manipulation, testing the limits of trust and the depths of human malice.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  5. 1130. The People Against O'hara by Eleazar Lipsky

    A Novel of Crime and Justice

    Set against the backdrop of a gritty urban landscape, this gripping legal drama follows the story of a seasoned defense attorney who reluctantly comes out of retirement to defend a young man accused of murder. As the trial unfolds, the lawyer grapples with his own personal demons and the moral complexities of the case, while navigating a web of deceit, corruption, and societal pressures. The narrative delves deep into themes of justice, redemption, and the human capacity for both good and evil, leaving readers questioning the true nature of innocence and guilt.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  6. 1131. Through A Glass, Darkly by Helen McCloy

    In this gripping psychological thriller, the protagonist finds herself ensnared in a web of mystery and suspicion when she begins to experience eerie visions of a doppelgänger haunting her every move. As she grapples with the chilling possibility of losing her sanity, she delves into a labyrinth of secrets and hidden truths, where the line between reality and illusion blurs. With each twist and turn, the narrative explores themes of identity, perception, and the haunting shadows of the past, culminating in a suspenseful and thought-provoking climax.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  7. 1132. The Motive by Evelyn Piper

    A Novel of Suspense

    In this gripping psychological thriller, the story delves into the complexities of human nature and the dark recesses of the mind. The narrative follows a seemingly ordinary individual whose life spirals into chaos after a series of mysterious events. As the protagonist grapples with their own sanity, they are forced to confront hidden motives and buried secrets that threaten to unravel their world. The tension builds as the line between reality and illusion blurs, leading to a shocking revelation that challenges the very essence of trust and morality.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  8. 1133. Blues For The Prince by Bart Spicer

    A Novel of Suspense

    Set in the vibrant and gritty jazz scene of post-war New York City, this gripping noir novel follows private detective Carney Wilde as he delves into the mysterious murder of a renowned jazz musician. As Wilde navigates the smoky clubs and shadowy alleys, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, each with their own secrets and motives. With a blend of suspense and atmospheric detail, the story explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the intoxicating allure of music, all while Wilde races against time to uncover the truth behind the musician's untimely death.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  9. 1134. Nightmare In Manhattan by Thomas Walsh

    Set against the bustling backdrop of New York City, this gripping crime thriller follows the relentless pursuit of justice by a determined detective as he unravels a complex web of deceit, corruption, and murder. As the detective delves deeper into the city's underbelly, he encounters a cast of intriguing characters, each with their own secrets and motives, leading to a tense and unpredictable climax. The narrative masterfully weaves suspense and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the detective races against time to solve the case and restore order to the chaotic streets of Manhattan.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  10. 1135. A Gentle Murderer by Dorothy Salisbury Davis

    A Novel of Suspense

    In this gripping psychological thriller, a young priest named Father Duffy finds himself entangled in a web of mystery and moral conflict when a troubled man confesses to a murder during a late-night visit to the confessional. As Father Duffy grapples with the sanctity of the confessional seal and his own conscience, he embarks on a tense journey to uncover the truth behind the man's haunting admission. Set against the backdrop of 1950s New York, the narrative delves into themes of guilt, redemption, and the complexities of human nature, keeping readers on edge as the story unfolds with unexpected twists and profound insights.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  11. 1136. The Game They Played by Stanley Cohen

    The True Story of the Dixie Classic Scandal

    Set against the backdrop of college basketball in the 1950s, this gripping narrative delves into the infamous point-shaving scandal that rocked the sport to its core. The story intricately weaves together the lives of ambitious players, corrupt gamblers, and the relentless pursuit of victory, revealing the dark underbelly of a seemingly pure game. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the book exposes the moral dilemmas and ethical breaches that ensnared young athletes, ultimately leading to a scandal that forever changed the landscape of college athletics.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  12. 1137. The Lords Of The Rings by Vyv Simson, Andrew Jennings

    The Secret World of FIFA: Bribes, Vote-Rigging and Ticket Scandals

    This investigative exposé delves into the shadowy world of international sports governance, uncovering the intricate web of corruption, power struggles, and financial misdeeds within the Olympic movement. Through meticulous research and compelling narratives, the authors reveal how a select group of influential figures manipulate the system for personal gain, often at the expense of athletes and the integrity of the games. The book paints a vivid picture of the challenges faced in reforming an institution plagued by scandal and secrecy, urging for transparency and accountability in the world of sports.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  13. 1138. The Harder They Fall by Budd Schulberg

    In this gripping tale of corruption and moral dilemmas, a seasoned sportswriter finds himself entangled in the dark underbelly of the boxing world. As he navigates the murky waters of fixed fights and manipulated outcomes, he becomes increasingly disillusioned with the sport he once revered. The story delves into the ethical struggles and personal conflicts faced by those who profit from the exploitation of athletes, ultimately questioning the price of success and the true cost of integrity in a world driven by greed and ambition.

    The 17074th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  14. 1139. Cuckooland by Tom Burgis

    The Unraveling of the West

    {"summary":"**Cuckooland** by Tom Burgis delves into a world where wealth and power dictate reality. The narrative follows Burgis as he uncovers a network of influence stretching from the Kremlin to Kathmandu, revealing how the elite manipulate truth to serve their interests. Through encounters with oligarchs and secretive sources, the book exposes the fragile nature of truth in a globalized world. It is a gripping exploration of how the powerful shape narratives around war, money, and authority, challenging the notion that truth is a shared commodity."}

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  15. 1140. High Art by Rubem Fonseca

    Set against the backdrop of a gritty urban landscape, this compelling narrative delves into the life of an enigmatic art dealer who navigates the treacherous waters of the criminal underworld. As he becomes entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and moral ambiguity, the protagonist grapples with the blurred lines between art and crime. The story unfolds with a series of unexpected twists, exploring themes of power, corruption, and the human condition, all while painting a vivid picture of a society where the pursuit of beauty and profit often collide.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  16. 1141. The Killer by Patrícia Melo

    Set against the vibrant backdrop of São Paulo, this gripping narrative delves into the psyche of a seemingly ordinary man who spirals into the dark world of crime. The protagonist, a disillusioned insurance agent, becomes entangled in a web of murder and deceit after an impulsive act of violence. As he navigates the treacherous underbelly of the city, he grapples with his own moral compass, confronting the blurred lines between right and wrong. This psychological thriller offers a raw exploration of human nature, guilt, and the consequences of one's actions.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  17. 1142. The Bangalore Detectives Club by Harini Nagendra

    A Novel

    In 1920s Bangalore, Kaveri, a clever and determined woman, moves to the city to marry Ramu, a young doctor. Her life takes an unexpected turn during a party at the Century Club when she stumbles upon a mysterious figure in the garden. Shortly after, the party is disrupted by a murder. Driven by a sense of justice, Kaveri embarks on a personal investigation to uncover the truth, especially when a vulnerable woman becomes entangled in the crime. Her journey takes her from a renowned brothel to a grand English mansion, using her skills in mathematics and logic, along with her husband's medical expertise, to navigate the complexities of the case. As she delves deeper, Kaveri finds herself amidst a web of danger and intrigue in the bustling streets of Bangalore.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  18. 1143. Who Killed Bambi? by Monika Fagerholm

    Set in a small Finnish town, this gripping novel explores the aftermath of a violent crime that shakes the community to its core. Through the intertwined lives of its characters, the narrative delves into themes of guilt, memory, and the search for truth. As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn into a complex web of relationships and secrets, revealing the profound impact of the crime on both the victims and the perpetrators. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human nature, the story paints a vivid portrait of a community grappling with the shadows of its past.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  19. 1144. The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

    None

    In a gripping tale of mystery and suspense, a group of teenagers with extraordinary abilities are recruited by the FBI to solve cold cases. Each member of this elite team possesses a unique skill, from reading emotions to detecting lies, which they use to unravel complex crimes. As they delve deeper into their assignments, they uncover a chilling pattern that hits closer to home than they ever imagined. Balancing their personal struggles with the demands of their work, these young prodigies must navigate a world of danger and deception, where every clue could lead to a breakthrough or a deadly trap.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  20. 1145. Bad Blood by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

    A Naturals Novel

    In the thrilling conclusion to the series, the Naturals face their most dangerous challenge yet as they delve into the dark world of serial killers and twisted family secrets. With the stakes higher than ever, the team must unravel a web of deception and betrayal that threatens to tear them apart. As they confront their own pasts and the chilling truth behind their abilities, they must rely on their unique skills and unbreakable bond to survive a deadly game where the hunter can quickly become the hunted.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  21. 1146. The Bird Tribunal by Agnes Ravatn

    In a remote Norwegian village, a young woman named Allis seeks refuge from her troubled past by taking a job as a housekeeper for Sigurd, a mysterious and reclusive man with secrets of his own. As the two navigate their isolated existence, a tense and unsettling atmosphere envelops their interactions, revealing layers of guilt, redemption, and the haunting echoes of their pasts. The story unfolds with a slow-burning intensity, exploring themes of solitude, human connection, and the inescapable nature of one's own conscience.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  22. 1147. Smaller And Smaller Circles by FH Batacan

    Set in the bustling yet gritty backdrop of Manila, this gripping crime novel follows two Jesuit priests, Father Gus Saenz and Father Jerome Lucero, who are also forensic experts. They are drawn into a chilling investigation of a series of gruesome murders targeting young boys in the slums of Payatas. As they delve deeper into the case, they confront the dark underbelly of society, battling corruption, inefficiency, and apathy within the police force. The narrative weaves a tense and atmospheric tale of justice, morality, and the relentless pursuit of truth in a city teetering on the edge of chaos.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  23. 1148. Killer Instinct by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

    The Naturals

    In this gripping sequel, Cassie Hobbes, a gifted profiler, continues her journey with the FBI's elite Naturals program, where teenagers with extraordinary abilities solve cold cases. As the team grapples with the aftermath of their last harrowing encounter, they are thrust into a new investigation involving a series of murders that eerily mimic the work of a notorious serial killer. With tensions running high and personal stakes escalating, Cassie must navigate the complex dynamics of her team, confront her own dark past, and outsmart a cunning adversary before it's too late.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  24. 1149. 白夜行 [Byakuyakō] by Keigo Higashino

    Set against the backdrop of Japan's evolving society, this gripping novel intricately weaves the lives of two childhood friends, Ryoji and Yukiho, bound by a dark secret from their past. As they navigate the complexities of adulthood, their paths are marked by a series of mysterious events and crimes, each more perplexing than the last. The narrative unfolds over two decades, revealing the lengths to which they will go to protect each other and the chilling consequences of their actions. With a masterful blend of suspense and psychological depth, the story explores themes of love, betrayal, and the haunting shadows of one's past.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 1150. Murder Among Friends by Elizabeth Ferrars

    A Mystery Novel

    In this gripping mystery, a seemingly idyllic gathering of friends takes a dark turn when one of them is found dead under suspicious circumstances. As secrets unravel and hidden tensions surface, the remaining friends find themselves entangled in a web of deceit and betrayal. With each character harboring their own motives and secrets, the line between friend and foe blurs, leading to a suspenseful and unpredictable conclusion. The story masterfully explores the complexities of human relationships and the lengths people will go to protect their own interests.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon

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.

Login to Download