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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  1. 451. 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 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  2. 452. 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 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  3. 453. 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 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  4. 454. 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 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  5. 455. 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 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  6. 456. Dead Street by Mickey Spillane

    In this gripping noir thriller, a retired NYPD detective is drawn back into the shadows of his past when he learns that his long-lost love, presumed dead, might still be alive. As he navigates the dangerous underworld of crime and corruption, he uncovers secrets that threaten to unravel everything he thought he knew. With a mix of suspense, action, and unexpected twists, the story explores themes of redemption, love, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  7. 457. End Games by Michael Dibdin

    An Aurelio Zen Mystery

    In this gripping mystery, the seasoned Italian detective Aurelio Zen finds himself in the sun-drenched region of Calabria, tasked with unraveling the complex web surrounding the murder of an American film producer. As Zen delves deeper into the investigation, he navigates a labyrinth of local politics, cultural tensions, and the shadowy underworld of organized crime. With his characteristic wit and tenacity, Zen must untangle the truth from a tapestry of deception, all while confronting his own personal challenges and the ever-present danger lurking in the picturesque yet perilous landscape.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  8. 458. The Kills by Patrick House

    Set against the backdrop of a sprawling international conspiracy, this gripping narrative weaves together multiple storylines, each teeming with intrigue and suspense. The plot unfolds through the eyes of diverse characters, from a fugitive on the run to a determined investigator piecing together a complex puzzle. As the layers of deception are peeled back, the characters find themselves entangled in a web of betrayal, greed, and ambition, leading to a thrilling climax that challenges their perceptions of truth and justice. The novel's intricate structure and vivid storytelling keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the secrets hidden within its pages.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  9. 459. Devil House by John Darnielle

    A gripping exploration of the blurred lines between truth and fiction, this novel follows a true crime writer who moves into a notorious house to investigate a gruesome double murder that occurred in the 1980s. As he delves deeper into the past, he becomes entangled in the lives of those connected to the crime, revealing unsettling truths about storytelling, morality, and the human condition. The narrative weaves between different timelines and perspectives, challenging the reader to question the nature of reality and the stories we tell ourselves.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  10. 460. Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen

    In this zany and thrilling tale set in the sun-soaked landscapes of Florida and the Bahamas, a disgraced former detective finds himself embroiled in a bizarre murder investigation after a severed arm is reeled in by a tourist. As he navigates a world filled with eccentric characters, including a voodoo witch, a corrupt real estate developer, and a mischievous monkey, he uncovers a tangled web of deceit and greed. With humor and wit, the story unfolds into a wild ride of unexpected twists, showcasing the absurdity and chaos lurking beneath the tropical paradise.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  11. 461. The Short Drop by Matthew FitzSimmons

    In this gripping thriller, a decade-old mystery resurfaces when a hacker named Gibson Vaughn is drawn back into the investigation of a high-profile disappearance that once rocked the nation. As he delves deeper into the case, Gibson uncovers a web of political intrigue, corruption, and betrayal that challenges his skills and tests his resolve. With time running out and powerful forces working against him, he must navigate a dangerous path to uncover the truth and find justice for those who have been silenced.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  12. 462. By The Fire We Carry by Rebecca Nagle

    The Generations-Long Fight for Justice on Native Land

    "By The Fire We Carry" by Rebecca Nagle weaves together the historical and contemporary struggles of Native American tribes in the United States. The book delves into the forced relocation of the Muscogee people in the 1830s and the subsequent legal battles over land rights that persisted into the 21st century. A pivotal moment in this narrative is a 1990s murder case that questioned the jurisdiction of Oklahoma over tribal lands, leading to a landmark Supreme Court decision in 2020. This ruling reaffirmed the existence of reservations in Oklahoma, highlighting the enduring fight for tribal sovereignty and justice. Through this lens, Nagle explores the broader themes of Indigenous resistance and the ongoing quest for recognition and rights.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  13. 463. The Fourth Man by Robert Baer

    The Hunt for a KGB Spy at the Top of the CIA

    Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, this gripping narrative delves into the shadowy world of espionage, unraveling the mystery of a high-ranking mole within the CIA. As the agency grapples with the possibility of a deeply embedded traitor, a seasoned intelligence officer embarks on a perilous journey to uncover the truth. The story intricately weaves historical events with the personal struggles of those entangled in the web of deceit, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral complexities of espionage. With its meticulous attention to detail and suspenseful twists, the tale offers a riveting exploration of the clandestine operations that shaped a pivotal era in history.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  14. 464. The Abstainer by Ian McGuire

    Set in 1867, this gripping historical novel unfolds in the gritty streets of Manchester, where a seasoned Irish-American detective is tasked with infiltrating a group of Irish nationalists known as the Fenians. As tensions rise, he finds himself caught in a web of political intrigue and personal vendettas, where loyalty and betrayal blur the lines between right and wrong. The narrative explores themes of justice, identity, and the moral complexities of duty, all against the backdrop of a city simmering with revolutionary fervor.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  15. 465. My Murder by Katie Williams

    In a world where technology can bring the dead back to life, a woman named Lou is resurrected after being murdered by a serial killer. As she navigates her second chance at life, Lou grapples with the complexities of her existence, the mystery surrounding her death, and the unsettling reality of her killer still being at large. Her journey is a poignant exploration of identity, memory, and the ethical dilemmas posed by advanced technology, as she seeks to uncover the truth behind her murder while redefining her own sense of self.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  16. 466. The Stolen Coast by Dwyer Murphy

    Set against the backdrop of a sleepy coastal town, this gripping tale follows a seasoned lawyer who moonlights as a fixer for those looking to disappear. When a former flame resurfaces with a dangerous request, he is thrust into a web of deceit, betrayal, and high-stakes intrigue. As he navigates the murky waters of loyalty and survival, he must confront his past and the moral ambiguities of his double life, all while the line between friend and foe blurs in unexpected ways.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  17. 467. Fear Is Just A Word by Azam Ahmed

    A Memoir of Resilience and Courage

    "Fear Is Just A Word" tells the compelling true story of Miriam Rodríguez, a mother from San Fernando, Mexico, who takes justice into her own hands after her daughter Karen is kidnapped and murdered by a drug cartel. Driven by grief and determination, Miriam embarks on a relentless pursuit to track down those responsible, despite the dangers posed by the powerful criminal organizations that have taken over her once peaceful town. Her journey highlights the broader issues of cartel violence and the collapse of formal justice systems in Mexico, as she seeks to bring closure not only for her family but also for other victims of similar tragedies.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  18. 468. Brooklyn Crime Novel by Jonathan Lethem

    Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Brooklyn, this narrative delves into the intertwined lives of its diverse characters, each grappling with the complexities of identity, belonging, and survival. Through a tapestry of interconnected stories, the novel explores themes of crime, community, and the relentless march of gentrification, painting a vivid portrait of a neighborhood in flux. The characters' struggles and triumphs are intricately woven into the fabric of the city, revealing the raw and poignant realities of urban life.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  19. 469. Anansi’s Gold by Yepoka Yeebo

    The Man Who Looted the West, Outfoxed Washington, and Swindled the World

    Set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing Ghana in the 1990s, this gripping narrative delves into the audacious exploits of a charismatic con artist who orchestrates one of the most elaborate scams in the nation's history. With a blend of charm and cunning, he weaves a tale of hidden treasures and secretive deals, captivating the imaginations of both the powerful and the ordinary. As the story unfolds, it reveals the intricate web of deception and the societal vulnerabilities that allowed such a scheme to flourish, offering a poignant reflection on the intersection of ambition, trust, and the human desire for wealth.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  20. 470. The Art Thief by Michael Finkel

    A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession

    In this captivating narrative, readers are drawn into the intriguing world of art theft through the life of a master thief who skillfully navigates the shadows of the art world. The story delves into the complexities of his mind, exploring the motivations and meticulous planning behind his audacious heists. As the plot unfolds, the reader is taken on a thrilling journey across continents, encountering a cast of colorful characters, including cunning detectives and unsuspecting art dealers. This gripping tale offers a unique perspective on the intersection of art, crime, and human ambition, leaving readers questioning the true value of art and the lengths one might go to possess it.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  21. 471. Small Mercies by Dennis Lehane

    Set against the backdrop of a racially tense Boston in the summer of 1974, this gripping narrative follows Mary Pat Fennessy, a tenacious mother whose world unravels when her daughter goes missing. As she delves into the underbelly of her neighborhood, Mary Pat confronts the harsh realities of racial divides and the dark secrets lurking within her community. Her relentless pursuit of the truth intertwines with a broader societal struggle, painting a vivid picture of a city on the brink of change, where personal and collective battles for justice and redemption collide.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  22. 472. Vengeance Is Mine by Marie NDiaye

    Set against the backdrop of a small French town, this gripping narrative follows the life of a woman who becomes entangled in a web of secrets and betrayal. As she navigates the complexities of her relationships and the haunting shadows of her past, she is driven by a relentless pursuit of justice and retribution. The story delves into themes of identity, morality, and the intricate dance between victim and perpetrator, unraveling the layers of human emotion and the lengths one might go to seek vengeance.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  23. 473. Fixit by Joe Ide

    An IQ Novel

    In this gripping crime thriller, the story unfolds around a brilliant yet enigmatic private investigator who is drawn into a complex web of deceit and danger. As he navigates the gritty streets of Los Angeles, he must confront his own troubled past while unraveling a series of interconnected mysteries. With a cast of vivid characters, including cunning criminals and unexpected allies, the narrative weaves through layers of suspense and intrigue, leading to a climactic showdown that tests the limits of justice and redemption.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  24. 474. The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson

    A Novel

    In this gripping psychological thriller, a private investigator finds himself entangled in a web of deceit and murder when a former client reappears with a chilling request. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a series of dark secrets and twisted motives that blur the lines between victim and perpetrator. The narrative unfolds with unexpected twists, revealing the sinister nature of human desires and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets. With a tense and suspenseful atmosphere, the story explores themes of manipulation, betrayal, and the haunting consequences of past actions.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  25. 475. The Murder Of Mr. Wickham by Claudia Gray

    Set in the Regency era, this captivating mystery unfolds as beloved characters from Jane Austen's novels gather for a house party at the estate of Emma and George Knightley. The unexpected arrival of the notorious Mr. Wickham, known for his past misdeeds, stirs tension among the guests. When Wickham is found dead, suspicion falls on each attendee, revealing hidden secrets and old grudges. As the investigation progresses, the story weaves together elements of romance, intrigue, and wit, ultimately leading to a surprising revelation about the true culprit behind the murder.

    The 17130th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or 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.

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