The Greatest Crime 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 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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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.

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  1. 351. The 4th Man by Lisa Gardner

    A Short Story

    In this gripping thriller, a cold case detective and a seasoned FBI profiler join forces to unravel a decades-old mystery involving a brutal murder. As they delve into the past, they uncover a complex web of secrets, lies, and hidden motives that challenge their investigative skills and personal beliefs. The story weaves through unexpected twists and turns, keeping the tension high as the duo races against time to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victim.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 352. Find Her by Lisa Gardner

    The novel follows the intense and gripping story of a young woman named Flora Dane, who survives a harrowing kidnapping ordeal and emerges as a vigilante determined to help other victims. As she navigates her trauma and newfound purpose, Flora becomes embroiled in a new case involving a missing college student, which draws the attention of Detective D.D. Warren. Together, they delve into a dark and dangerous world of abductions, uncovering shocking secrets and testing the limits of justice and survival. The narrative explores themes of resilience, empowerment, and the complexities of victimhood and heroism.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 353. Crash & Burn by Lisa Gardner

    The novel follows the harrowing journey of Nicole Frank, a woman who survives a devastating car crash only to be haunted by fragmented memories of a missing child named Vero. As Detective Wyatt Foster and private investigator Tessa Leoni delve into Nicole's past, they uncover a web of secrets and lies that challenge their understanding of reality. The investigation reveals a complex narrative of identity, trauma, and deception, leading to a gripping exploration of what it means to protect those we love and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 354. Fear Nothing by Lisa Gardner

    A Detective D.D. Warren Novel

    The novel follows Boston detective D.D. Warren as she investigates a gruesome murder that appears to be linked to a series of past crimes. As she delves deeper into the case, she encounters Dr. Adeline Glen, a pain therapist with a dark family history, including a notorious serial killer father and a sister who is a convicted murderer. The story intricately weaves together themes of trauma, family secrets, and the psychological complexities of fear, as D.D. and Adeline must confront their own pasts to unravel the mystery and stop the killer before it's too late.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 355. The 7th Month by Lisa Gardner

    A Detective D.D. Warren Story

    In this gripping thriller, a pregnant detective finds herself in a precarious situation when she is hired to consult on a movie set, only to be drawn into a real-life investigation involving a serial killer. As she navigates the challenges of her pregnancy, she must use her skills and instincts to protect herself and others from the lurking danger. The story weaves tension and suspense as she races against time to uncover the truth, all while dealing with the personal complexities of impending motherhood.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 356. Gone by Lisa Gardner

    A Detective D.D. Warren Novel

    In this gripping thriller, a seasoned investigator is thrust into a tense and emotionally charged case when a woman mysteriously disappears during a stormy night. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that complicate the search and test his professional and personal boundaries. With time running out and the stakes escalating, the investigator must navigate through a maze of deceit to uncover the truth and save the missing woman before it's too late.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 357. The Killing Hour by Lisa Gardner

    A Thriller

    In this gripping thriller, two FBI trainees, Kimberly Quincy and Michael "Mac" McCormack, find themselves in a race against time to stop a cunning serial killer known as the Eco-Killer. The murderer targets young women and leaves their bodies in remote wilderness areas, challenging the agents to decipher his cryptic clues before he strikes again. As Kimberly and Mac delve deeper into the investigation, they must confront their own personal demons and navigate the complexities of their budding relationship, all while piecing together a chilling pattern that could lead them to the killer's next victim.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 358. The Next Accident by Lisa Gardner

    A Thriller

    In this gripping thriller, an FBI agent is drawn into a complex web of danger and deceit when a series of seemingly unrelated accidents claim the lives of those connected to him. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers a sinister pattern orchestrated by a cunning and vengeful adversary. With the help of a determined woman who has her own reasons for seeking justice, they race against time to unravel the mystery and prevent the next deadly "accident." The story is a tense exploration of trust, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 359. The Third Victim by Lisa Gardner

    The novel is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of a small-town community shaken by a school shooting. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the case is more intricate than it initially appears, with hidden motives and dark secrets coming to light. The story follows a determined detective and a resilient survivor as they navigate a web of deceit and trauma, ultimately uncovering the truth behind the tragic event. The narrative explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the impact of violence on individuals and communities.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 360. Dark Sacred Night by Michael Connelly

    A Ballard and Bosch Novel

    In this gripping crime novel, a relentless detective teams up with a determined private investigator to solve a cold case involving the murder of a young girl. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a web of corruption and deceit that stretches across Los Angeles, challenging their resolve and testing their moral boundaries. The story weaves together themes of justice, redemption, and the enduring impact of past traumas, all while maintaining a tense and suspenseful atmosphere.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  11. 361. I Will Find You by Harlan Coben

    In this gripping thriller, a man wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of his young son discovers shocking evidence that his child may still be alive. Fueled by desperation and hope, he escapes from prison to uncover the truth, navigating a perilous path filled with unexpected twists and dangerous adversaries. As he races against time to find his son and clear his name, he must confront dark secrets and unravel a complex web of deception, ultimately leading to a heart-pounding climax that tests the limits of his determination and love.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 362. Catch Me by Lisa Gardner

    A Detective D.D. Warren Novel

    In this gripping thriller, a determined detective is drawn into a complex case involving a young woman who believes she will be murdered in four days. As the detective delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a web of secrets and past traumas that connect the potential victim to a series of unsolved crimes. With time running out, the detective must unravel the truth and confront her own demons to prevent the impending murder, leading to a tense and unexpected climax.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 363. Love You More by Lisa Gardner

    A Detective D.D. Warren Novel

    In this gripping thriller, a state police trooper named Tessa Leoni finds herself at the center of a complex investigation when her husband is found dead and her young daughter goes missing. As Detective D.D. Warren delves into the case, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies, forcing her to question Tessa's motives and the truth behind the seemingly perfect facade of her life. The story explores themes of maternal love, sacrifice, and the lengths one will go to protect their child, leading to a suspenseful and emotionally charged conclusion.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 364. Live To Tell by Lisa Gardner

    A Detective D.D. Warren Novel

    The novel is a gripping psychological thriller that weaves together the lives of three women connected by a horrific crime. A nurse who works in a pediatric psych ward, a detective haunted by her past, and a mother struggling to protect her children from a violent ex-husband find their paths intersecting as they unravel a complex web of secrets and lies. As the investigation unfolds, they must confront their own fears and traumas to uncover the truth behind a series of brutal murders, ultimately revealing the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable darkness.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 365. The Neighbor by Lisa Gardner

    A Detective D.D. Warren Novel

    In this gripping thriller, a young mother named Sandra Jones mysteriously disappears from her Boston home, leaving behind her four-year-old daughter and a husband who is both secretive and seemingly indifferent. As Detective D.D. Warren delves into the case, she uncovers a web of secrets and lies, revealing the complexities of the Jones family and their neighbors. With each twist and turn, the investigation becomes a race against time to uncover the truth about Sandra's disappearance and the dark secrets that threaten to destroy those involved.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 366. Hide by Lisa Gardner

    A Detective D.D. Warren Novel

    In this gripping thriller, a woman named Annabelle Granger finds herself at the center of a chilling investigation when a decades-old crime scene is uncovered, revealing a connection to her past. As Detective D.D. Warren delves into the mystery, Annabelle is forced to confront her hidden identity and the secrets her family has kept for years. The story weaves through a complex web of deception, danger, and survival, as Annabelle and the detective race against time to uncover the truth and stop a relentless killer.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 367. Alone by Lisa Gardner

    A Detective D.D. Warren Novel

    In this gripping thriller, a tense hostage situation unfolds when a troubled woman, Catherine, is held at gunpoint by her estranged husband in their Boston home. As the police respond, sniper Bobby Dodge makes a split-second decision to shoot, saving Catherine but igniting a complex investigation into her past. The narrative delves into themes of trauma, manipulation, and justice, as Bobby becomes entangled in a web of deceit and danger, questioning whether Catherine is a victim or a master manipulator. The story explores the fine line between right and wrong, keeping readers on edge with its unexpected twists and psychological depth.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 368. Billy Summers by Stephen King

    The novel follows Billy Summers, a hitman with a moral code who only targets those he believes to be truly evil. As he prepares for what he intends to be his final job, Billy adopts a new identity in a small town, posing as a writer to blend in. As he waits for the perfect moment to complete his assignment, he becomes increasingly entangled in the lives of the townspeople and begins to question his own past and future. The story delves into themes of redemption, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil, all while building tension towards a gripping climax.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 369. Des Nœuds D'acier by Sandrine Collette

    The novel tells the harrowing story of Théo, a man recently released from prison, who seeks solace in the countryside to escape his troubled past. However, his quest for peace turns into a nightmare when he is captured by two sadistic brothers who imprison him in a remote barn. Stripped of his freedom and dignity, Théo endures physical and psychological torment, forcing him to confront his inner demons and the limits of human resilience. The narrative explores themes of captivity, survival, and the indomitable will to regain one's freedom against overwhelming odds.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  20. 370. Ragdoll by Daniel Cole

    In this gripping thriller, a detective is drawn into a chilling investigation when a body is discovered, grotesquely stitched together from the parts of six different victims, earning it the nickname "Ragdoll." As the detective races against time to uncover the identity of the killer, he is taunted by a list of future victims, including his own name. The story weaves through a complex web of secrets, personal vendettas, and moral dilemmas, keeping readers on edge as the detective confronts his past and battles to prevent further murders.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  21. 371. 1991 by Franck Thilliez

    A Journey Through Time and Mystery

    The book is a gripping thriller set in 1991, following a young detective named Franck Sharko as he navigates his first major case in the Paris police force. The story delves into the dark and intricate world of crime investigation, as Sharko is tasked with solving a series of brutal murders that are linked by a mysterious pattern. As he delves deeper into the case, he encounters a web of secrets and deceit, testing his resolve and pushing him to his limits. The narrative combines elements of suspense, psychological depth, and a richly detailed setting, creating a tense and immersive experience for the reader.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  22. 372. The Godmother by Hannelore Cayre

    The novel follows the story of Patience Portefeux, a middle-aged French-Arabic translator for the Paris police, who finds herself struggling with financial difficulties and a lackluster career. When she stumbles upon an opportunity to intercept a large drug deal, she decides to take a bold step into the world of crime. Using her linguistic skills and insider knowledge, Patience transforms into a cunning and successful drug lord, navigating the dangerous underworld with wit and resourcefulness. The story explores themes of morality, identity, and the unexpected paths life can take, all while offering a sharp critique of societal norms and the justice system.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 373. L'ange Gardien by Jérôme Leroy

    Une enquête de Nestor Burma

    Set in a dystopian near-future France, the story follows Berthet, a former secret service agent, who is now tasked with protecting a controversial politician. As societal tensions rise and political unrest looms, Berthet navigates a world of deceit, conspiracy, and moral ambiguity. The narrative delves into themes of loyalty, power, and the personal cost of political machinations, exploring how individuals are caught in the crossfire of larger ideological battles. Through Berthet's journey, the story examines the complexities of human nature and the struggle to maintain one's integrity amidst chaos.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 374. Prendre Des Loups Pour Des Chiens by Hervé Le Corre

    In this gripping crime novel, a man named Franck is released from prison after serving time for a robbery he didn't commit alone. Upon his release, he finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and danger as he reconnects with his brother's family, who are living in a remote, desolate area. As Franck navigates the tense and hostile environment, he becomes increasingly aware of the sinister dynamics at play, leading him to question loyalties and confront the dark secrets that threaten to consume them all. The story unfolds with a palpable sense of suspense, exploring themes of betrayal, redemption, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

    The 17175th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  25. 375. Marseille 73 by Dominique Manotti

    Set against the backdrop of 1970s France, the story unfolds in the gritty streets of Marseille, where racial tensions and political unrest simmer beneath the surface. The narrative follows Inspector Daquin as he navigates a complex web of crime, corruption, and societal upheaval. As he delves deeper into a murder investigation, Daquin uncovers a city rife with prejudice and violence, reflecting the broader struggles of a nation grappling with its colonial past and the challenges of integration. The novel paints a vivid picture of a turbulent era, blending historical context with a gripping detective story.

    The 17175th 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

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