The Greatest Crime Books Since 2000

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. 376. Versus by Antoine Chainas

    The book is a gritty and intense crime thriller set in a dystopian urban landscape, where a brutal murder investigation unfolds amidst a backdrop of societal decay and corruption. The narrative delves into the dark underbelly of the city, exploring themes of violence, power, and moral ambiguity. As the protagonist, a determined and morally conflicted detective, navigates through a web of deceit and danger, the story examines the complex interplay between justice and vengeance, ultimately questioning the very nature of truth and humanity in a fractured world.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 377. Romanzo Criminale by Giancarlo De Cataldo

    Set in Rome during the 1970s and 1980s, the novel follows the rise and fall of a ruthless criminal gang as they attempt to seize control of the city's underworld. The story intricately weaves together the lives of its members, highlighting their ambitions, betrayals, and the violent power struggles that ensue. Against a backdrop of political turmoil and societal change, the gang's activities intersect with real historical events, blurring the lines between crime and politics. The narrative delves into themes of loyalty, corruption, and the human cost of ambition, painting a gritty portrait of a turbulent era in Italian history.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  3. 378. Murder On The Eiffel Tower by Claude Izner

    A Victor Legris Mystery

    Set in 1889 during the Paris World's Fair, the story follows Victor Legris, a curious bookseller who becomes an amateur detective when a series of mysterious deaths occur at the Eiffel Tower. Initially dismissed as accidents or natural causes, these deaths catch Victor's attention, leading him to suspect foul play. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he navigates a web of secrets and deceit, encountering a colorful cast of characters and uncovering hidden motives. The novel blends historical detail with a gripping mystery, capturing the vibrant atmosphere of late 19th-century Paris.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  4. 379. Mock by Marek Krajewski

    A Detective Eberhard Mock Investigation

    Set in the gritty and atmospheric backdrop of 1930s Breslau, the story follows the complex and morally ambiguous detective Eberhard Mock as he navigates a web of crime, corruption, and personal demons. Tasked with solving a series of gruesome murders, Mock delves into the city's underbelly, encountering a range of unsavory characters and confronting his own troubled past. The narrative weaves together elements of noir and historical fiction, creating a tense and immersive exploration of human nature and the darkness that lurks within society.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  5. 380. Babylon Berlin by Volker Kutscher

    A Gereon Rath Mystery

    Set in the tumultuous atmosphere of late 1920s Berlin, the story follows Detective Gereon Rath, who is transferred from Cologne to the capital's vice squad. As he navigates the city's seedy underbelly, Rath becomes embroiled in a complex web of crime, corruption, and political intrigue. His investigation into a mysterious murder leads him through the decadent nightlife, burgeoning political tensions, and the shadowy world of organized crime, all while he grapples with his own personal demons and the moral ambiguities of his profession. The narrative vividly captures the vibrant yet volatile spirit of Weimar-era Berlin, offering a gripping exploration of a society on the brink of transformation.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  6. 381. Hooligan by Philipp Winkler

    The novel delves into the gritty and tumultuous world of football hooliganism through the eyes of Heiko, a young man deeply entrenched in the subculture. Set in Germany, Heiko navigates the complexities of loyalty, family, and identity as he grapples with the violent and chaotic lifestyle that defines his existence. The story paints a raw and unflinching portrait of the camaraderie and brutality within the hooligan community, while also exploring Heiko's personal struggles and the impact of his choices on those around him. As he confronts the consequences of his actions, Heiko is forced to reconsider his path and the true meaning of belonging.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  7. 382. Give Unto Others by Donna Leon

    A Commissario Guido Brunetti Mystery

    In this gripping mystery novel, Commissario Guido Brunetti is drawn into a complex investigation when an old acquaintance, Elisabetta Foscarini, seeks his help regarding a series of troubling incidents affecting her family. As Brunetti delves deeper, he uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that extends beyond personal grievances into the broader societal issues plaguing Venice. The story intricately weaves themes of loyalty, morality, and the impact of past actions, all set against the richly atmospheric backdrop of the city, as Brunetti navigates the challenges of seeking justice in a world where the lines between right and wrong are often blurred.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 383. Uniform Justice by Donna Leon

    In this gripping mystery novel, Commissario Guido Brunetti investigates the suspicious death of a cadet at a prestigious military academy in Venice. As Brunetti delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption, secrecy, and moral ambiguity within the institution and its influential connections. The investigation challenges Brunetti's sense of justice as he navigates the complexities of military honor and the personal lives of those involved, ultimately revealing the dark undercurrents beneath the surface of Venetian society.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  9. 384. Where They Last Saw Her by Marcie R. Rendon

    Quill, a Native American woman from the Red Pine reservation in Minnesota, is haunted by the past and determined to change the future. While training for a marathon, she hears a scream in the woods and discovers signs of a struggle. With the support of her friends and family, Quill embarks on a quest to uncover the truth behind the disappearance of a woman from her community. As she delves deeper, she confronts the harsh realities of life on the reservation and the systemic issues that allow such tragedies to occur. Quill's journey is one of resilience and determination as she seeks justice and strives to protect those she loves.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  10. 385. Death At The Sign Of The Rook by Kate Atkinson

    In "Death At The Sign Of The Rook," a snowstorm traps a diverse group of individuals in a grand country house, setting the stage for a classic mystery. Among them are Jackson Brodie, a seasoned detective, and his partner, DC Reggie Chase. The house, Burton Makepeace, is steeped in intrigue, having lost a valuable Turner painting years ago, with the housekeeper, Sophie, vanishing the same night. Jackson is drawn into the mystery while investigating another theft involving a portrait, "The Woman with a Weasel," stolen from an elderly widow's home on the day of her death. The widow's carer, Melanie, is the prime suspect. As Jackson delves deeper, he must unravel the connections between these events and uncover the secrets hidden within the portrait. Meanwhile, the house hosts a chaotic Murder Mystery event, adding layers to the unfolding drama. With a convicted murderer on the loose nearby, Jackson must piece together the clues before the storm clears and the opportunity to solve the mystery slips away.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  11. 386. Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

    The novel delves into the lives of two intelligent and ambitious women whose paths cross in the aftermath of a series of brutal murders at a Florida sorority house in the 1970s. As they navigate the complexities of trauma, media scrutiny, and societal expectations, they form an unlikely alliance to uncover the truth behind the crimes. The story explores themes of female empowerment, resilience, and the quest for justice, highlighting the strength and determination of women in the face of adversity.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  12. 387. Harlem Shuffle by Colson Whitehead

    Set in 1960s Harlem, the story follows Ray Carney, a furniture salesman who leads a double life as a small-time crook. Struggling to balance his aspirations for respectability with his involvement in the criminal underworld, Ray becomes entangled in a heist gone wrong, leading to a series of events that test his morals and loyalties. As he navigates the complexities of family, community, and crime, Ray's journey reflects the vibrant yet turbulent atmosphere of Harlem during a time of social change. The narrative explores themes of identity, ambition, and the blurred lines between right and wrong.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  13. 388. The Secret Place by Tana French

    In this gripping mystery novel, a detective duo delves into the dark underbelly of a prestigious girls' boarding school after a card with the words "I know who killed him" is found on a secret noticeboard. The story unfolds through dual narratives, intertwining the present-day investigation with flashbacks that reveal the complex dynamics and hidden secrets among a group of teenage girls. As the detectives navigate a web of jealousy, loyalty, and betrayal, they uncover unsettling truths that challenge their perceptions and lead them to a shocking conclusion.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 389. The Wych Elm by Tana French

    The novel is a psychological thriller that follows Toby, a carefree and privileged young man whose life is upended after a brutal attack leaves him physically and emotionally scarred. Seeking refuge, he moves to his family's ancestral home, where he discovers a human skull hidden in a wych elm tree in the garden. As Toby grapples with his own unreliable memory and the unraveling of family secrets, he is forced to confront the darker aspects of his past and identity. The story explores themes of privilege, memory, and the nature of truth, culminating in a tense and introspective examination of how well we truly know ourselves and those around us.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 390. The Searcher by Tana French

    In this atmospheric mystery, a retired Chicago police officer named Cal Hooper relocates to a small, rural village in Ireland seeking a peaceful life. However, his plans for tranquility are disrupted when a local teenager, Trey, enlists his help to find a missing brother. As Cal delves into the investigation, he uncovers layers of secrets and tensions within the tight-knit community, challenging his perceptions and forcing him to confront his own past. The novel explores themes of isolation, trust, and the complexities of human nature against the backdrop of a vividly depicted Irish landscape.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  16. 391. Broken Harbor by Tana French

    In this psychological thriller, a seasoned detective is drawn into a perplexing murder investigation in a seemingly idyllic but abandoned housing development. As he delves deeper, he uncovers layers of family secrets, mental instability, and the haunting effects of economic collapse. The detective grapples with his own past traumas while trying to unravel the mystery behind a brutal attack on a family, where only the mother survives. The story explores themes of obsession, the fragility of sanity, and the dark undercurrents that can lurk beneath the surface of ordinary lives.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 392. The Boy by Tami Hoag

    In this gripping thriller, a small Louisiana town is shaken by the brutal murder of a young boy, which sets off a complex investigation led by seasoned detective Nick Fourcade and his partner, Annie Broussard. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of secrets, lies, and hidden motives among the townspeople, challenging their perceptions and testing their resolve. The detectives must navigate personal and professional obstacles to uncover the truth, all while dealing with the emotional impact of the crime on the community and themselves.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 393. Bad Luck And Trouble by Lee Child

    A Jack Reacher Novel

    In this gripping thriller, a former military investigator is drawn back into action when he receives a cryptic message from his old army unit, signaling that one of their own is in grave danger. As he reunites with his former team, they uncover a deadly conspiracy involving betrayal and murder, forcing them to rely on their unique skills and unbreakable bond to unravel the mystery and seek justice. The story is a fast-paced blend of suspense, action, and camaraderie, highlighting the relentless pursuit of truth and the strength of loyalty among comrades.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 394. Memory Man by David Baldacci

    The novel follows Amos Decker, a former professional football player whose career ended abruptly due to a severe head injury that left him with hyperthymesia, a condition that grants him perfect recall. Now working as a detective, Decker's life is shattered when his family is brutally murdered. Haunted by the vivid memories of the crime scene, he becomes determined to find the killer. As he delves deeper into the investigation, Decker uncovers a complex web of secrets and conspiracies, testing his resolve and pushing him to the limits of his unique abilities.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 395. Babysitter by Joyce Carol Oates

    Set in the tumultuous 1970s, the novel weaves a suspenseful and haunting narrative around a suburban Detroit housewife who becomes entangled in a dangerous affair while a serial killer known as "Babysitter" prowls the area. As her personal life spirals out of control, the protagonist grapples with the constraints of her domestic existence and the dark, unpredictable forces lurking both within and outside her community. The story explores themes of identity, power, and the societal expectations placed on women, creating a chilling portrait of vulnerability and resilience amidst chaos.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 396. Fool Moon by Jim Butcher

    A Novel of the Dresden Files

    In this thrilling urban fantasy novel, the protagonist, a wizard and private investigator, finds himself embroiled in a series of gruesome murders linked to werewolves in Chicago. As he navigates the dangerous world of supernatural politics and alliances, he must unravel the mystery behind the killings while contending with various factions, including the police, the mob, and different werewolf groups. The story is filled with action, suspense, and dark humor, as the protagonist uses his magical skills and wit to uncover the truth and prevent further bloodshed.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 397. Galveston by Nic Pizzolatto

    The novel follows Roy Cady, a terminally ill hitman who flees New Orleans after a job goes awry, taking with him a young woman named Rocky and her sister. As they seek refuge in the coastal town of Galveston, Texas, Roy grapples with his past and uncertain future while forming a makeshift family with Rocky. The story explores themes of redemption, mortality, and the possibility of change amidst the gritty backdrop of crime and violence. As Roy confronts his own demons, he is forced to make choices that will define his legacy and the lives of those around him.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 398. My Friend Dahmer by Derf Backderf

    A Graphic Novel

    The graphic novel provides a haunting and introspective look into the early life of Jeffrey Dahmer, exploring his high school years through the eyes of a former classmate. It delves into the complexities of Dahmer's troubled adolescence, marked by social isolation, disturbing behavior, and a lack of intervention from those around him. The narrative offers a poignant reflection on the missed signs and societal failures that contributed to the making of a notorious serial killer, while also humanizing the young Dahmer as a deeply troubled individual.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 399. Black River by Nilanjana S. Roy

    Set against the backdrop of a small Indian village, this gripping narrative delves into the complexities of grief, justice, and the human spirit. The story follows the aftermath of a brutal crime that shatters the tranquility of the community, leaving its residents grappling with fear and suspicion. As the investigation unfolds, the novel explores the intricate web of relationships and secrets that bind the villagers, revealing the deep-seated prejudices and moral dilemmas they face. Through its vivid portrayal of rural life and the resilience of its characters, the tale offers a poignant reflection on the universal quest for truth and redemption.

    The 17131st Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 400. The Mysterious Case Of The Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett

    In "The Mysterious Case Of The Alperton Angels," a notorious cult convinced a young girl that her child was the anti-Christ. After the girl alerted authorities, the cult members took their own lives, and the girl and her baby vanished. Years later, true crime writer Amanda Bailey sees an opportunity to reignite her career by uncovering the now eighteen-year-old child's whereabouts. However, she faces competition from fellow author Oliver Menzies, who is equally determined to find the elusive individual. As they delve deeper into the mystery, Amanda and Oliver discover that the reality behind the Alperton Angels is far more sinister and complex than they had anticipated, drawing them into a story that could consume them both.

    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