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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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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176. Cherrywood by Jock Serong
A Novel of Crime and Redemption
**Cherrywood** is a captivating tale that weaves together two distinct timelines and locations. In 1916 Edinburgh, Thomas Wrenfether, a wealthy industrialist, embarks on an ambitious project to construct a paddle steamer from cherrywood in Melbourne, Australia. Fast forward to 1993, Martha, a disenchanted lawyer in Melbourne, stumbles upon The Cherrywood, an enigmatic pub that piques her curiosity. As she delves deeper, Martha uncovers intriguing secrets about the pub and its peculiar inhabitants. This novel explores themes of legacy, community, and reinvention, offering a rich and imaginative narrative filled with mystery and wonder.
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177. Show Me The Bodies by Peter Apps
How We Let Grenfell Happen
In this gripping exploration of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, the narrative delves into the systemic failures and bureaucratic negligence that culminated in one of the most devastating fires in modern British history. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, the book uncovers the layers of corruption, cost-cutting measures, and ignored warnings that led to the loss of 72 lives. It paints a vivid picture of the human cost of institutional apathy, while giving voice to the survivors and families who continue to seek justice and accountability in the aftermath of the disaster.
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178. Notes On An Execution by Danya Kukafka
In a gripping exploration of the human psyche, the narrative delves into the life of a death row inmate, unraveling the intricate web of events and relationships that led to his impending execution. Through the perspectives of three women profoundly affected by his actions, the story examines themes of justice, redemption, and the haunting echoes of past choices. As the clock ticks down, the novel paints a poignant portrait of the complexities of morality and the enduring impact of violence on both victims and perpetrators.
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179. Von Hier Bis Zum Anfang by Chris Whitaker
Ein neuer Anfang
Set in a small coastal town, this gripping novel weaves a tale of intertwined destinies, exploring themes of loss, redemption, and the enduring impact of past choices. At its heart is a young girl named Duchess, who fiercely protects her family while grappling with the legacy of her mother's tragic death. As secrets unravel and long-buried truths come to light, the characters are forced to confront their own demons, leading to a poignant and unexpected resolution that underscores the power of forgiveness and the possibility of new beginnings.
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180. The Turnout by Megan Abbott
In this gripping psychological thriller, the lives of two sisters, Dara and Marie, who run a ballet school, are thrown into chaos when a suspicious accident occurs just before their annual performance of "The Nutcracker." As tensions rise and secrets unravel, the sisters are forced to confront their complex past, their strained relationship, and the dark undercurrents that threaten to destroy everything they've worked for. With a haunting atmosphere and intricate character dynamics, the story delves into themes of ambition, betrayal, and the fragile nature of trust.
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181. The Chain by Adrian McKinty
In a chilling and relentless thriller, a mother named Rachel receives a call that her daughter has been kidnapped, and the only way to secure her release is to kidnap another child. This sinister chain of abductions is orchestrated by a shadowy organization that preys on the desperation of parents, forcing them into a cycle of crime to save their loved ones. As Rachel delves deeper into this harrowing world, she must confront her own moral boundaries and unravel the dark secrets behind the chain, all while racing against time to break free from its grip and protect her family.
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182. Lazarus Man by Richard Price
Set against the gritty backdrop of urban life, this gripping narrative follows the journey of a man who miraculously returns to life after being declared dead. As he navigates the complexities of his second chance, he grapples with the haunting memories of his past and the challenges of forging a new identity. The story delves into themes of redemption, resilience, and the human spirit's capacity for transformation, all while unraveling the mystery of his resurrection and the impact it has on those around him.
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183. Broiler by Eli Cranor
In the heart of Arkansas, two families find their lives intertwined within the harsh realities of a chicken processing plant. Gabriela Menchaca and Edwin Saucedo, both undocumented workers, face grueling conditions at Detmer Foods while grappling with personal hardships. When Edwin is unjustly fired by the ambitious plant manager, Luke Jackson, tensions escalate. Edwin's quest for revenge against Luke and his family sets off a series of events that reveal the stark power imbalances between the privileged and the oppressed. This gripping thriller delves into the struggles of those living on the fringes of society, painting a vivid picture of life in the American South.
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184. The Last Kilo by T.J. English
"The Last Kilo" by T.J. English delves into the rise and fall of "Los Muchachos," a prominent cocaine trafficking organization in 1980s Miami. The story centers around Willy Falcon, a Cuban exile who transitioned from anti-Castro activism to becoming a key player in the drug trade. Falcon and his partners built a vast cocaine distribution network, amassing immense wealth and notoriety. As cocaine became a cultural phenomenon, Falcon's life was marked by opulence and high-stakes powerboat racing. However, the ensuing War on Drugs brought federal scrutiny, leading to Falcon's downfall and the disintegration of his personal life. The book offers an insider's view into the world of organized crime and the impact of the cocaine era.
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185. A Devil Went Down To Georgia by Deb Miller Landau
Race, Power, Privilege, and the Murder of Lita McClinton
"A Devil Went Down To Georgia" by Deb Miller Landau delves into the tragic story of Lita McClinton Sullivan, a Black socialite whose life was cut short by a shocking murder. Set in the affluent suburb of Buckhead, Georgia, the book explores the complexities of Lita's life, her tumultuous marriage to Jim Sullivan, and the chilling events leading to her death. As Lita navigates the challenges of an interracial marriage in a racially tense environment, her husband's increasingly erratic behavior and financial secrecy strain their relationship. When Lita decides to leave, a sinister plot unfolds involving a hitman and a long pursuit for justice. The narrative uncovers the investigation's hurdles, including racial biases and a global manhunt, ultimately leading to a long-awaited conviction. Through meticulous research, Landau sheds light on this haunting crime and the relentless quest for justice by Lita's family.
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186. Age Of Vice by Deepti Kapoor
Set against the vibrant yet tumultuous backdrop of contemporary India, this gripping narrative weaves together the lives of a wealthy and powerful family, a loyal servant, and a determined journalist. As the story unfolds, it delves into themes of ambition, corruption, and the pursuit of power, exploring the moral complexities and personal sacrifices that come with it. With its intricate plot and richly drawn characters, the novel paints a vivid picture of a society grappling with its own contradictions, where the lines between right and wrong blur in the relentless pursuit of success.
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187. Cuckooland by Tom Burgis
The Unraveling of the West
{"summary":"**Cuckooland** by Tom Burgis delves into a world where wealth and power dictate reality. The narrative follows Burgis as he uncovers a network of influence stretching from the Kremlin to Kathmandu, revealing how the elite manipulate truth to serve their interests. Through encounters with oligarchs and secretive sources, the book exposes the fragile nature of truth in a globalized world. It is a gripping exploration of how the powerful shape narratives around war, money, and authority, challenging the notion that truth is a shared commodity."}
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188. The Bangalore Detectives Club by Harini Nagendra
A Novel
In 1920s Bangalore, Kaveri, a clever and determined woman, moves to the city to marry Ramu, a young doctor. Her life takes an unexpected turn during a party at the Century Club when she stumbles upon a mysterious figure in the garden. Shortly after, the party is disrupted by a murder. Driven by a sense of justice, Kaveri embarks on a personal investigation to uncover the truth, especially when a vulnerable woman becomes entangled in the crime. Her journey takes her from a renowned brothel to a grand English mansion, using her skills in mathematics and logic, along with her husband's medical expertise, to navigate the complexities of the case. As she delves deeper, Kaveri finds herself amidst a web of danger and intrigue in the bustling streets of Bangalore.
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189. Who Killed Bambi? by Monika Fagerholm
Set in a small Finnish town, this gripping novel explores the aftermath of a violent crime that shakes the community to its core. Through the intertwined lives of its characters, the narrative delves into themes of guilt, memory, and the search for truth. As the story unfolds, the reader is drawn into a complex web of relationships and secrets, revealing the profound impact of the crime on both the victims and the perpetrators. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human nature, the story paints a vivid portrait of a community grappling with the shadows of its past.
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190. 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.
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191. 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.
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192. 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.
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193. 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.
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194. 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.
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195. 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.
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196. 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.
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197. 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.
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198. 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.
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199. 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.
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200. 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.
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Reading Statistics
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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.
DownloadTo 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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