The Greatest Crime Books Since 2018

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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. 26. Fair Play by Louise Hegarty

    At a jazz‑age murder‑mystery themed New Year’s Eve party at a country house, a tight‑knit group of friends wake to a shocking incident that upends their relationships. Abigail, one of the hosts, must navigate grief and suspicion as an enquiring detective probes the household where everyone becomes a suspect. Part whodunnit, part character study, the novel blends a clue‑driven mystery with an intimate exploration of loss and loyalty.

    The 10627th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  2. 27. Unscripted by James B. Stewart, Rachel Abrams

    The Epic Battle for a Media Empire and the Redstone Family Legacy

    "Unscripted" delves into the intense power struggle within Paramount Global, a major entertainment conglomerate. The narrative centers around the Redstone family, particularly Sumner Redstone and his daughter Shari, as they navigate internal conflicts and external pressures. Amidst a backdrop of legal battles and corporate intrigue, the book explores themes of family dynamics, corporate governance, and the shifting landscape of the media industry. It highlights the challenges faced by Shari Redstone as she attempts to assert control over the company, while dealing with opposition from influential figures like CBS CEO Les Moonves, whose own controversies add to the turmoil. The story provides a candid look at the complexities and challenges of leadership in a rapidly evolving industry.

    The 10681st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  3. 28. The Tragedy Of True Crime by John J. Lennon

    John J. Lennon, who killed a man in Brooklyn in 2001, became a journalist while serving a 28-to-life sentence and wrote immersive profiles of four men who have killed. Interweaving his own story with the lives of others, Lennon traces the circumstances, backgrounds, and choices that led to violence and follows what happens to those convicted after the cell gate locks. The book examines our fascination with true crime and asks whether knowing a person’s full life story changes how we understand their crime.

    The 10692nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  4. 29. Lola In The Mirror by Trent Dalton

    Set against the vibrant backdrop of Australia's Gold Coast, this captivating tale follows a young girl on a quest to uncover the truth about her mysterious past. As she navigates the complexities of identity and belonging, she encounters a cast of colorful characters who each hold a piece of the puzzle she seeks to solve. With themes of family, resilience, and self-discovery, the narrative weaves a poignant and heartwarming story that explores the power of love and the courage it takes to confront one's own reflection.

    The 10892nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  5. 30. The Lost Man by Jane Harper

    In the unforgiving Australian outback, the death of a middle brother brings the surviving family members together to confront their complex relationships and secrets. The intense heat and isolation of the landscape serve as a backdrop to the unraveling mystery of the man's death, revealing deep-seated family tensions and hidden truths. As they delve into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, the family must navigate their personal grief and suspicions, ultimately uncovering shocking revelations that challenge their understanding of loyalty, love, and survival. The novel masterfully combines elements of a family drama with a suspenseful mystery, creating a compelling narrative that explores the depths of human emotions and the harsh realities of life in the remote Australian wilderness.

    The 11073rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  6. 31. London Rules by Mick Herron

    In this gripping installment of a spy thriller series, the story revolves around a group of British intelligence agents who are part of a secret service department known as Slough House. These agents, often referred to as "slow horses" due to their career mishaps, find themselves in the midst of a complex web of terrorism, conspiracy, and political intrigue. As a series of seemingly random attacks unfold across London, the team must navigate the murky waters of espionage, uncovering secrets and facing personal demons along the way. With a blend of dark humor, sharp wit, and intense action, the narrative delves into the challenges of loyalty, the impact of past decisions, and the relentless pursuit of justice in a world filled with ambiguity and danger.

    The 11073rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  7. 32. Smoke And Ashes by Abir Mukherjee

    A Novel of the Raj

    In "Smoke And Ashes," readers are transported to 1920s Calcutta, where Captain Sam Wyndham, a British police detective, finds himself embroiled in a complex investigation amidst the political turmoil of India's struggle for independence. Battling his personal demons and opium addiction, Wyndham discovers a body with a gruesome wound, leading him into the dark underbelly of the city and a conspiracy that threatens not just his life but the very fabric of British rule in India. As he navigates through a maze of lies, betrayals, and dangerous ideologies, Wyndham must rely on his sharp instincts and the help of his loyal friends to solve the case and prevent chaos from engulfing the city. This gripping narrative masterfully combines historical detail with a compelling mystery, exploring themes of colonialism, justice, and redemption.

    The 11073rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  8. 33. The Widows Of Malabar Hill by Sujata Massey

    A Mystery of 1920s Bombay

    Set in 1920s Bombay, "The Widows of Malabar Hill" follows Perveen Mistry, the city's first female lawyer, as she navigates a complex case involving the inheritance of three widows. When a wealthy Muslim man dies, leaving behind a vast estate, Perveen becomes entangled in a web of deceit, family secrets, and cultural traditions. As she unravels the truth, Perveen must confront her own personal demons and challenge societal norms to seek justice for the widows.

    The 11131st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  9. 34. The Real Lolita by Sarah Weinman

    The Kidnapping of Sally Horner and the Novel that Scandalized the World

    This gripping narrative delves into the haunting true story behind the fictional tale of a young girl's abduction that inspired a literary classic. The book meticulously unravels the chilling events surrounding the 1948 kidnapping of Sally Horner, a real-life case that eerily mirrors the plot of a famous novel. Through a blend of investigative journalism and literary analysis, the story explores the intersection of fact and fiction, shedding light on the dark realities that influenced a renowned author's controversial masterpiece. It is a poignant examination of innocence lost and the enduring impact of a crime that captivated the nation.

    The 11228th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  10. 35. The Peepshow by Kate Summerscale

    A Journey into the World of Victorian Obsession

    In 1953 London, police uncover multiple bodies hidden at 10 Rillington Place, prompting a hunt for tenant Reg Christie and renewed questions about an earlier murder conviction. Kate Summerscale reconstructs the investigation, the lives of the victims, and the media frenzy that surrounded the case to examine how the killings and a possible miscarriage of justice unfolded.

    The 11245th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  11. 36. No Way Out by Cara Hunter

    A Detective Inspector Fawley Novel

    This gripping novel follows the investigation into a devastating house fire in Oxford, which claims the lives of two children and leaves their mother fighting for her life. As detectives dig deeper, they uncover a tangled web of secrets and lies, revealing that the tragedy is far from a simple accident. The narrative, rich with suspense and unexpected twists, explores themes of family, deception, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their secrets. The detective leading the case must navigate through the misleading clues and pressure from the community to solve the mystery, uncovering shocking truths that challenge the boundaries of justice and morality.

    The 11295th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  12. 37. The Border by Don Winslow

    This gripping novel concludes a powerful trilogy that delves into the complex and brutal world of drug cartels and the war on drugs. It follows the story of Art Keller, a determined DEA agent who has spent decades in the relentless battle against the Mexican drug cartels. As Keller ascends to the top of the DEA, he faces not only the ruthless kingpins of the drug trade but also corruption within his own ranks and the moral ambiguities of his war. Set against the backdrop of contemporary political and social issues, the narrative weaves together a tapestry of characters and stories, from the cartel bosses to the addicts, the politicians to the hitmen, exploring the far-reaching impact of the drug war on both sides of the border.

    The 11295th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  13. 38. The Girl In The Green Dress by Jeni Haynes

    My Story of Trauma, Survival and Hope

    In this gripping and heart-wrenching memoir, a woman recounts her harrowing journey of survival and resilience after enduring years of unimaginable abuse at the hands of her father. Through the lens of her dissociative identity disorder, she unveils the complex world of her multiple personalities, each created to shield her from the trauma she faced. As she bravely navigates the legal system to seek justice, her story becomes a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the power of healing.

    The 11354th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden

    "Winter Counts" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel set on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The story follows Virgil Wounded Horse, a local enforcer who takes justice into his own hands when the legal system fails his community. When his nephew becomes entangled in the dangerous world of drug trafficking, Virgil embarks on a mission to protect his family and seek retribution. Through its powerful narrative and exploration of Native American culture, the book sheds light on the complexities of modern-day reservation life and the struggle for justice in an unjust world.

    The 11416th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  15. 40. Dial A For Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto

    In this delightful and chaotic romantic comedy, a young wedding photographer finds herself in a whirlwind of trouble when a blind date goes disastrously wrong, resulting in an accidental death. With no one else to turn to, she enlists the help of her meddlesome but well-meaning aunties, who are more than willing to lend a hand, albeit with their own unique flair. As they navigate a series of hilarious and unpredictable events, including a lavish wedding and a potential love interest, the family must work together to keep their secrets under wraps while ensuring that love and laughter prevail.

    The 11522nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  16. 41. Macbeth by Jo Nesbø

    In this modern retelling of Shakespeare's classic tragedy, the story is set in a gritty, industrial town plagued by crime and corruption. The narrative follows a police officer named Macbeth, who is driven by ambition and manipulated by his partner, Lady, to seize power within the police force. As Macbeth becomes increasingly consumed by his lust for power, he spirals into paranoia and violence, leading to betrayal and murder. The novel explores themes of ambition, guilt, and the destructive nature of unchecked power, all set against a backdrop of a dark, atmospheric urban landscape.

    The 11661st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  17. 42. Cherry by Nico Walker

    Set against the backdrop of the Iraq War and the opioid crisis, this raw and unflinching narrative follows a young man from Cleveland who enlists in the army, seeking purpose and escape from his aimless life. Upon returning home, he grapples with PTSD and a growing addiction to heroin, which leads him down a path of self-destruction and crime. As he spirals deeper into despair, he turns to bank robbery to fund his habit, capturing the chaotic and often tragic journey of a generation caught in the throes of addiction and disillusionment.

    The 11661st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  18. 43. Only To Sleep by Lawrence Osborne

    A Philip Marlowe Novel

    Set in the late 1980s, the story follows an aging private investigator who is coaxed out of retirement for one last case. With a cane in hand and a mind still sharp as ever, he embarks on a journey across Mexico to unravel the mystery of a suspicious insurance claim involving a supposedly deceased expatriate. As he navigates through a landscape filled with deception and danger, he reflects on his past and the changing world around him, all while confronting the ghosts of his own life. The narrative is a poignant exploration of mortality, memory, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

    The 11661st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  19. 44. The Witch Elm by Tana French

    A gripping psychological thriller, this novel follows Toby, a seemingly lucky and carefree man whose life takes a dark turn after a brutal attack leaves him physically and emotionally scarred. Seeking refuge, he moves to his family's ancestral home to care for his dying uncle. However, the discovery of a skull in the garden unravels long-buried secrets and forces Toby to confront the unsettling truth about his past and the people he thought he knew. As the investigation unfolds, Toby's perception of reality is challenged, leading to a tense exploration of memory, identity, and the nature of luck.

    The 11661st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  20. 45. G Man by Beverly Gage

    J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century

    This book provides a comprehensive biography of J. Edgar Hoover, the enigmatic and controversial figure who founded and led the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) for nearly five decades. Through meticulous research and detailed accounts, the narrative delves into Hoover's complex personality, his impact on American law enforcement and national security, and his controversial methods of surveillance and information gathering. The biography also explores Hoover's influence on American politics and society during a period marked by significant upheavals and transformations, offering readers a nuanced understanding of a man who shaped the FBI and left an indelible mark on the United States' approach to crime and domestic security.

    The 11939th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  21. 46. Survivor’s Guilt by Robyn Gigl

    A Legal Thriller

    "Survivor's Guilt" follows the gripping journey of a defense attorney named Lily Forrester, who becomes haunted by a traumatic event from her past. Faced with the guilt of surviving a tragic accident that claimed the lives of her best friend and a young girl, Lily's life takes a dark turn as she grapples with the consequences of her actions. As she delves deeper into the truth surrounding the accident, Lily must confront her own demons and fight for redemption, all while navigating the complex world of the legal system. This suspenseful and emotionally charged novel explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the lengths one will go to seek justice and find peace.

    The 12048th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  22. 47. The Zorg by Siddharth Kara

    A Tale of Greed and Murder That Inspired the Abolition of Slavery

    The Zorg recounts the true story of an 1780 Dutch slave ship that, after coming under British command, embarked with hundreds of enslaved people aboard. When the vessel ran low on water, crew members resorted to a brutal decision that led to a high-profile legal case in England and exposed the violence of the transatlantic slave trade. The book reconstructs the voyage, the lives of those involved, and the episode’s role in galvanizing early abolitionist efforts.

    The 12124th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  23. 48. Little Bosses Everywhere by Bridget Read

    Little Bosses Everywhere examines multilevel marketing in the United States, tracing its origins, how the recruitment-based business model works, and the social and economic effects on people who join. Bridget Read combines industry history, reporting on political and financial connections, and personal stories of individuals—workers, parents, and others—who were drawn into MLMs by promises of independence but often faced financial and emotional costs.

    The 12164th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  24. 49. Girls Play Dead by Jen Percy

    Girls Play Dead is a narrative nonfiction exploration of womanhood, trauma, and survival. Blending memoir, reporting, and cultural history, the book traces the author’s childhood and personal experiences alongside stories of women who respond to danger by freezing, joining cults, preparing bunkers, or taking desperate action. It examines how people become trapped by abuse and fear, and the psychological and social forces that shape — and sometimes free — their responses to violence.

    The 12209th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  25. 50. The Killing Fields Of East New York by Stacy Horn

    The Killing Fields of East New York examines how decades of housing policy, predatory lending, and mortgage fraud transformed a once‑thriving Brooklyn neighborhood into a place of violence and abandonment. Framed by the 1991 murder of 17‑year‑old Julia Parker and the ensuing spike in killings, Stacy Horn traces the crisis back to post‑1960s housing programs and the ways banks, realtors, and corrupt officials exploited them. The book combines investigative journalism and true crime to show how white‑collar crimes helped produce the neighborhood’s collapse.

    The 12233rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org

Reading Statistics

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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.

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