The Greatest Crime Books Since 1990

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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. 101. Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King

    In this gripping thriller, a retired detective named Bill Hodges is haunted by an unsolved case involving a mass murderer who drove a stolen Mercedes into a crowd, killing and injuring many. As Hodges struggles with his own sense of purpose in retirement, he receives a taunting letter from the killer, who is planning another attack. Determined to stop him, Hodges teams up with a young tech-savvy neighbor and the sister of one of the victims to track down the psychopath before he strikes again, leading to a tense and suspenseful showdown.

    The 7921st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 102. Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane

    Set in the racially tense summer of 1974 in Boston, the story follows Mary Pat Fennessy, a tough, working-class mother whose daughter goes missing on the same night a young Black man is found dead. As Mary Pat navigates the gritty, divided neighborhoods of South Boston, she becomes entangled in a web of secrets and violence, driven by her relentless pursuit of the truth. The narrative explores themes of racial tension, community loyalty, and the lengths a mother will go to for her child, all against the backdrop of a city on the brink of change.

    The 7923rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  3. 103. Absolute Power by David Baldacci

    This thriller novel revolves around a professional burglar who witnesses a horrific crime involving the President of the United States during a break-in at a wealthy supporter's mansion. The incident sets off a high-stakes game of cat and mouse, as the burglar becomes the target of a cover-up led by the most powerful figures in the government. With the help of a disillusioned young attorney, he must navigate a dangerous path to expose the truth, challenging the very limits of authority and the concept of absolute power. The story combines elements of political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and suspense, making it a compelling read about corruption, betrayal, and the quest for justice.

    The 7938th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  4. 104. Acqua Alta by Donna Leon

    A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery

    In this gripping installment of a celebrated mystery series set in Venice, the protagonist, a thoughtful and diligent detective, finds himself embroiled in a complex case that intertwines a brutal attack on a famous opera singer with a sinister burglary at a local museum. As the detective delves deeper into the investigation, navigating the atmospheric and flood-prone streets of Venice, he uncovers a web of deceit, corruption, and long-buried secrets. With the city's unique and treacherous acqua alta (high water) providing both a backdrop and a clue, the detective must use all his skills and local knowledge to solve the case before the rising waters erase all traces of the perpetrator's crimes.

    The 7938th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  5. 105. The Keys To The Street by Ruth Rendell

    This novel weaves a suspenseful tale set against the backdrop of London's Regent's Park, where the lives of the affluent and the homeless intersect with deadly consequences. The story follows Mary Jago, who donates bone marrow to save the life of a stranger, thereby escaping her abusive relationship. However, her act of kindness inadvertently draws her into a web of murder, deceit, and danger. As a series of brutal murders terrorize the park's inhabitants, Mary finds herself deeply entangled in a mystery that forces her to confront her own fears and secrets. The narrative masterfully explores themes of social inequality, redemption, and the complex nature of human relationships, all while keeping the reader on the edge of their seat with its gripping suspense and unexpected twists.

    The 7938th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  6. 106. The Hanging Garden by Ian Rankin

    Set against the gritty backdrop of Edinburgh, this gripping crime novel follows Detective Inspector John Rebus as he navigates a tangled web of crime, corruption, and personal demons. Tasked with investigating a suspected war criminal and a brutal gangland turf war, Rebus finds himself drawn into a complex case that challenges his moral compass and tests his resilience. As he delves deeper, he must confront his own past and the haunting memories that threaten to unravel him, all while trying to protect those he cares about from the dangerous forces at play.

    The 7946th Greatest Book of All Time
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  7. 107. George & Rue by George Elliott Clarke

    Set in the 1940s, this poignant narrative delves into the lives of two African-Canadian brothers, exploring the socio-economic struggles and racial tensions that shape their existence in rural Nova Scotia. The story unravels the events leading up to a tragic crime, offering a profound examination of the systemic injustices and personal demons that haunt the protagonists. Through a blend of historical fiction and lyrical prose, the tale captures the complexities of identity, family bonds, and the harsh realities faced by marginalized communities in mid-20th century Canada.

    The 7950th Greatest Book of All Time
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  8. 108. The Starr Report by Kenneth W. Starr

    The Findings of Independent Counsel Kenneth W. Starr on President Clinton and the Lewinsky Affair

    This book is a detailed report on the investigation of a sitting U.S. President, focusing on his extramarital affairs and the subsequent perjury and obstruction of justice charges. The report, which was conducted by an independent counsel, became a significant political and cultural event, leading to impeachment proceedings. It includes explicit details about the President's personal life, and its release sparked widespread debate about the boundaries of public and private life for political figures.

    The 7962nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  9. 109. The Poet by Michael Connelly

    In this gripping thriller, a crime reporter with a personal stake in the investigation into his own brother's death—a detective ruled to have committed suicide—uncovers a disturbing series of police suicides that may actually be the work of a twisted serial killer. As he delves deeper into the case, he finds himself entangled in a dangerous web of deceit and corruption within the law enforcement community, where the moniker "the poet" emerges from the chilling signature left at crime scenes. The reporter's relentless pursuit of the truth leads him on a dark and perilous journey, challenging his instincts and his resolve to bring the cunning murderer to justice.

    The 7989th Greatest Book of All Time
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  10. 110. 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 7999th Greatest Book of All Time
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  11. 111. 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 8164th Greatest Book of All Time
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  12. 112. Dead Time by Eleanor Taylor Bland

    A Marti MacAlister Mystery

    "Dead Time" is a gripping crime novel that follows the determined and resourceful African-American police detective, Marti MacAlister, as she investigates a series of mysterious deaths in a small Midwestern town. As the body count rises, Marti must navigate through a web of secrets and lies, uncovering shocking truths about the victims and their connections, while also facing personal demons from her own past. With a strong female protagonist, intricate plot twists, and a vividly described setting, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final page.

    The 8184th Greatest Book of All Time
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  13. 113. Blacklands by Belinda Bauer

    This gripping novel delves into the life of a young boy who embarks on a dangerous quest to bring closure to his family, tormented by the loss of his uncle, a victim of a notorious child serial killer. Living in a small English village, the boy decides to correspond with the imprisoned murderer, hoping to locate his uncle's body and heal his family's wounds. However, his actions unwittingly draw him into a chilling psychological game with the killer. The narrative masterfully explores themes of grief, redemption, and the desperate human need for closure, all while weaving a suspenseful tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

    The 8186th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  14. 114. One Step Behind by Henning Mankell

    In this gripping Scandinavian crime novel, a tenacious Swedish detective is embroiled in a complex investigation when a series of seemingly unrelated murders reveals a sinister connection. The detective and his team must race against time to unravel the mystery behind the killings, which appear to be the work of a cunning and elusive serial killer. As the investigation deepens, the detective confronts his own personal demons and the pressures of his professional life, while the killer remains one step ahead, taunting the police with cryptic clues. The tension mounts as the pursuit becomes increasingly personal, leading to a chilling and unexpected climax.

    The 8187th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  15. 115. Nineteen Seventy Seven by David Peace

    The Red Riding Quartet

    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 8242nd Greatest Book of All Time
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  16. 116. The Ghost Riders Of Ordebec by Fred Vargas

    In this intriguing mystery novel, a detective is drawn into a small French town's ancient legend when a woman seeks his help to clear her son's name from a murder accusation. The town of Ordebec is haunted by the story of the Ghost Riders, spectral figures who are said to appear and take away the wicked. As the detective delves deeper into the investigation, he finds himself entangled in a web of local superstitions, family secrets, and a series of puzzling events that challenge his rational beliefs. The narrative masterfully blends elements of folklore and crime investigation, leading to a suspenseful journey that questions the boundaries between myth and reality.

    The 8307th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  17. 117. When Death Comes Stealing by Valerie Wilson Wesley

    A Tamara Hayle Mystery

    "When Death Comes Stealing" is a gripping mystery novel that follows Tamara Hayle, a former cop turned private investigator, as she delves into the suspicious death of a young woman named Crystal. As Tamara unravels the truth behind Crystal's demise, she uncovers a web of deceit, corruption, and secrets that lead her to confront her own past demons. With her sharp wit and determination, Tamara navigates through the dangerous streets of Newark, New Jersey, in her quest for justice, all while battling her own personal struggles. This thrilling and thought-provoking story explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the resilience of the human spirit.

    The 8308th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  18. 118. The Bottoms by Joe R. Lansdale

    This novel is a gripping Southern Gothic mystery set in the 1930s East Texas. It follows the story of a young boy, Harry Crane, who stumbles upon the mutilated body of a black woman in the Bottoms, an area near the Sabine River. As more victims emerge, the community is gripped by fear and suspicion, with racial tensions running high. Harry and his father, Jacob, a moral and just man, find themselves at the heart of the investigation, confronting not only the brutality of a serial killer but also the harsh realities of racism and injustice in their small town. The narrative weaves a tale of suspense, family bonds, and the loss of innocence, against a backdrop of a deeply segregated society.

    The 8317th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  19. 119. Last Seen In Massilia by Steven Saylor

    A Novel of Ancient Rome

    In this gripping installment of a historical mystery series set in Ancient Rome, the protagonist, a Roman detective, finds himself in the besieged city of Massilia (modern-day Marseille) during the height of Caesar's Civil War. Tasked with solving the mysterious disappearance of a woman amid the chaos of the siege, he navigates through a city teetering on the brink of destruction, uncovering secrets and confronting betrayals. The detective's journey is not just a quest for truth but also a deep dive into the complexities of loyalty, power, and the human spirit in times of crisis. Through vivid historical detail and intricate plotting, the narrative weaves a compelling tale of intrigue, resilience, and survival.

    The 8317th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  20. 120. Lush Life by Richard Price

    This novel is a vivid exploration of life on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, focusing on the aftermath of a random street crime that shakes the community. The narrative delves into the lives of the victim, the witnesses, and the suspects, painting a rich tapestry of urban life with its complexities and contradictions. The investigation of the crime exposes the cultural and social divides of the neighborhood, as well as the personal struggles and ambitions of those involved. Through sharp dialogue and detailed character studies, the book offers a gritty, realistic portrayal of the challenges and resilience found within the city's vibrant streets.

    The 8328th Greatest Book of All Time
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  21. 121. Fade Away by Harlan Coben

    A Myron Bolitar Novel

    In "Fade Away" by Harlan Coben, former basketball star Myron Bolitar is drawn back into the world of professional sports when he receives a desperate call for help from his ex-girlfriend, Emily. As Myron investigates her disappearance, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies involving the dark underbelly of the sports industry. With his wit, determination, and a few unexpected allies, Myron races against time to unravel the truth and save Emily before it's too late.

    The 8442nd Greatest Book of All Time
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  22. 122. Faithful Place by Tana French

    "Faithful Place" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of Frank Mackey, a detective in the Dublin Undercover squad. When a suitcase belonging to his long-lost girlfriend from twenty years ago is discovered in an abandoned house, Frank is forced to confront his painful past and the secrets that tore him apart from his family and the love of his life. As he delves deeper into the mystery, Frank becomes entangled in a web of lies, betrayal, and murder, ultimately leading him to question his own identity and the choices he has made.

    The 8444th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  23. 123. Griftopia by Matt Taibbi

    Bubble Machines, Vampire Squids, and the Long Con That Is Breaking America

    In this incisive exploration of the 2008 financial crisis, the author delves into the intricate web of greed and corruption that fueled the collapse of the global economy. The narrative unveils the machinations of Wall Street, the complicity of government officials, and the exploitation of ordinary citizens, painting a vivid picture of a system rigged in favor of the elite. Through a blend of sharp analysis and biting wit, the book exposes the underlying forces that turned the American Dream into a nightmare, offering a scathing critique of the financial and political landscapes.

    The 8468th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  24. 124. The Poisoner's Handbook by Deborah Blum

    Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York

    Set in the early 20th century, this gripping narrative delves into the pioneering work of New York City's first medical examiner and his toxicologist partner as they revolutionize forensic science. Against the backdrop of Prohibition and rampant crime, the duo employs groundbreaking techniques to solve mysterious deaths and combat the era's "invisible" killers—poisons. Through a series of real-life cases, the story highlights the evolution of toxicology and its crucial role in the justice system, offering a fascinating glimpse into the intersection of science, law, and human nature.

    The 8468th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  25. 125. The Dry by Jane Harper

    In a small, drought-stricken Australian town, a federal agent returns to attend the funeral of his childhood friend, who is believed to have committed a horrific murder-suicide. As he reluctantly stays to investigate the circumstances surrounding the deaths, long-buried secrets and tensions within the tight-knit community begin to surface. The agent must confront his own past and the town's dark history, unraveling a web of lies and deceit that threatens to engulf everyone involved.

    The 8492nd Greatest Book of All Time
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Reading Statistics

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