The Greatest "Crime, Fiction" Books Since 1950

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 '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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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. 51. Strangers On A Train by Patricia Highsmith

    In this psychological thriller, two men meet by chance on a long train journey and strike up a conversation that leads to a chilling pact: each will commit a murder for the other, executing what they believe to be the perfect crimes due to their lack of obvious connection to the victims. However, as one of the men becomes entangled in the sinister plan and the other's sociopathic tendencies emerge, the agreement spirals into a tense and dangerous game of cat and mouse, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator, and pulling both men into a world of guilt, paranoia, and psychological torment.

    The 1430th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 52. The Friends Of Eddie Coyle by George V.Higgins

    The novel delves into the gritty underworld of Boston's organized crime scene through the eyes of Eddie Coyle, a small-time gunrunner and career criminal facing the prospect of a long prison sentence. As he navigates the treacherous waters of loyalty and betrayal, Eddie becomes entangled with a variety of dangerous characters, including bank robbers, hitmen, and corrupt law enforcement. Desperate to avoid jail time, he contemplates becoming an informant, a decision that forces him to weigh the value of his friendships against his own survival. The narrative unfolds with sharp dialogue and a realistic portrayal of the bleak lives of those on the fringes of the criminal world.

    The 1456th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 53. The Last Good Kiss by James Crumley

    The Last Good Kiss is a hardboiled detective novel set in the American West. The protagonist, a hard-drinking private investigator, is hired by a drunken, ex-con author to find his long-lost daughter. The search takes him from the streets of San Francisco to the Montana wilderness, where he encounters a variety of colorful characters and dangerous situations. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit, corruption, and violence that forces him to confront his own demons and question his values.

    The 1480th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 54. The Black Dahlia by James Ellroy

    This noir crime novel is set in 1940s Los Angeles and follows two LAPD officers, Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard, as they investigate the brutal murder of a young woman, dubbed the Black Dahlia by the press. As they delve deeper into the gruesome crime, they are drawn into a dark world of corruption, obsession, and madness. The case becomes personal for both men, testing their friendship and sanity, and leading them down a path of self-destruction.

    The 1513th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 55. Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams

    This humorous science fiction novel follows the eccentric detective Dirk Gently, who operates based on the fundamental interconnectedness of all things. His cases involve time travel, ghosts, and an Electric Monk, a labor-saving device that believes things for you. Dirk's current investigation revolves around the disappearance of a cat, a multimillionaire, and a horse in a bathroom, all seemingly unrelated events, but in Dirk's holistic world, everything is connected.

    The 1520th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 56. The Collector by John Fowles

    The book revolves around a socially awkward and reclusive young man who wins a substantial amount of money in a lottery, which he uses to execute a long-held, sinister fantasy: to "collect" the object of his obsession, a beautiful and unattainable art student. He kidnaps her and holds her captive in the cellar of his rural farmhouse, convinced that she will grow to love him over time. The narrative delves into the psychological complexities of both captor and captive, exploring themes of power, possession, and the nature of love, ultimately revealing the chilling and tragic consequences of his delusional pursuit.

    The 1541st Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 57. The Assistant by Bernard Malamud

    "The Assistant" is a story about a struggling Jewish grocer in Brooklyn and his family, who are trying to make ends meet. Their lives dramatically change when a young Italian-American drifter comes to work as their assistant after he was involved in a robbery at their store. The narrative explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of good deeds, as the assistant tries to make amends for his past actions, slowly transforming his life and the lives of those around him.

    The 1548th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 58. The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum

    In this gripping espionage thriller, a man is found adrift in the Mediterranean Sea with no memory of his identity but with an array of extraordinary skills that suggest a dangerous past. As he embarks on a desperate quest to discover his true identity, he learns that he is known as Jason Bourne and is pursued by assassins and government agents. Tangled in a web of covert operations, Bourne must outmaneuver his enemies while piecing together fragments of his past, which lead him to confront a global conspiracy and the realization that he was once a highly skilled operative.

    The 1560th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 59. To Each His Own by Leonardo Sciascia

    "To Each His Own" is a mystery novel that follows a professor in a small Sicilian town who becomes obsessed with solving a double murder after receiving an anonymous letter. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that reaches to the highest levels of power in his town. Despite his best efforts to bring the truth to light, he finds himself in danger as those involved in the murders will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden.

    The 1569th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 60. In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez

    In the Time of the Butterflies is a historical fiction novel that tells the story of the Mirabal sisters who were activists against the dictatorship of Rafael Trujillo in the Dominican Republic. The narrative is a blend of fact and fiction, presenting the personal lives and political involvement of the sisters, three of whom were assassinated for their roles in the resistance movement. The book explores themes of courage, sacrifice, love, and the power of women in the face of oppressive regimes.

    The 1593rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 61. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer

    A 12-year-old genius and criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl, kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short, for a large ransom of gold with the help of his bodyguard, Butler, to restore his family's fortune. In the process, he discovers an underground world of armed and dangerous fairies. The fairies fight back with magic, cunning, and technological weapons leading to a high-stakes battle of wits.

    The 1611th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 62. A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James

    "A Brief History of Seven Killings" is a multi-voiced novel that explores the attempted assassination of a world-famous reggae singer and its aftermath. The narrative spans decades, starting from the turbulent 1970s in Jamaica through the crack wars in 1980s New York to the changing world of the 1990s. The story is told from the perspectives of various characters, including gangsters, journalists, and CIA agents, providing a complex and gritty insight into the violent underbelly of Jamaican politics and the far-reaching influence of the drug trade.

    The 1723rd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 63. The Killer Inside Me by Jim Thompson

    "The Killer Inside Me" is a chilling psychological thriller that delves into the mind of a sociopathic sheriff in a small Texas town. The seemingly respectable lawman hides a dark secret, as he is also a cold-blooded killer. The narrative unfolds from his perspective, revealing his disturbing thought processes and his ability to manipulate those around him, all while maintaining his façade of respectability. The book explores themes of duality, deception, and the depths of human depravity.

    The 1762nd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 64. The Hot Rock by Donald E. Westlake

    "The Hot Rock" is a thrilling heist novel that follows the misadventures of a group of criminals as they attempt to steal a valuable gem known as the Balabomo Emerald. Led by the clever and resourceful Dortmunder, the team encounters numerous obstacles and setbacks, including double-crossing partners, a persistent detective, and a series of comical mishaps. With a blend of humor, suspense, and unexpected twists, the book takes readers on a wild ride through the world of high-stakes theft and the eccentric characters that inhabit it.

    The 1790th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 65. A Violent Life by Pier Paolo Pasolini

    "A Violent Life" explores the journey of a young man from the slums of Rome who becomes entangled in the world of crime. As he navigates through this violent and chaotic life, he is confronted with the harsh realities of poverty, injustice, and the struggle for survival. The narrative provides a stark and unflinching examination of the underbelly of Italian society, revealing the deep-seated corruption and systemic inequality that pervades it. The protagonist's life is a testament to the destructive cycle of violence and despair that traps the marginalized and underprivileged.

    The 1810th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 66. Nine Coaches Waiting by Mary Stewart

    The novel is a suspenseful tale of a young Englishwoman who becomes a governess for a wealthy French family, only to find herself embroiled in danger and intrigue. Upon arriving at the grand estate, she is charmed by her nine-year-old charge and his enigmatic uncle, but soon uncovers a web of secrets that threatens the boy's life. As she navigates a world of deceit and hidden motives, she must use her wits and courage to protect her charge and unravel the mystery surrounding the family, all while confronting her own feelings of love and the haunting shadows of her past.

    The 1823rd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 67. The Big Nowhere by James Ellroy

    "The Big Nowhere" is a gripping crime novel set in 1950s Los Angeles, where three protagonists find themselves entangled in a web of corruption, violence, and deceit. As they navigate the dark underbelly of Hollywood and the police force, their lives become intertwined in a dangerous investigation involving murder, organized crime, and political scandal. With a relentless pace and intricate plot twists, the book explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the blurred lines between good and evil in a city where everyone has something to hide.

    The 1860th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 68. Where Are The Children? by Mary Higgins Clark

    In this gripping psychological thriller, a young mother named Nancy Harmon finds herself living a nightmare when her two young children mysteriously disappear without a trace. Years later, after starting a new life and having two more children, Nancy's past comes back to haunt her as she becomes the prime suspect in a series of chilling murders. As she fights to clear her name and uncover the truth, Nancy must confront her darkest secrets and face a relentless killer who will stop at nothing to keep his own secrets hidden.

    The 1935th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 69. Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood

    This historical fiction novel centers around the true story of Grace Marks, a 19th-century Irish-Canadian maid who was convicted of the brutal murders of her employer and his housekeeper. The narrative is told from the perspective of Grace herself, as well as a young psychiatrist who is trying to determine whether Grace is truly guilty. The book explores themes of memory, culpability, and the treatment of women in society.

    The 1952nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 70. Killing Floor by Lee Child

    In this gripping thriller, a former military policeman drifting through a small town is arrested for a murder he didn't commit. Upon his release, he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy involving counterfeit money, a vast criminal enterprise, and the mysterious death of his brother. Determined to uncover the truth and exact revenge, he must use his skills to outwit the local police, FBI agents, and the mastermind behind the town's dark secrets, all while navigating a complex web of corruption and violence.

    The 1988th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 71. Cop Hater by Ed McBain

    In the gritty urban landscape of the 87th Precinct, a series of brutal murders targeting police officers sends shockwaves through the force. As detectives scramble to find a pattern and motive behind the killings, they must navigate the treacherous streets and the complexities of their personal lives. The novel delves into the lives of the cops, their camaraderie, and the relentless pressure of working on a case where they themselves are the targets. With each officer's death, the tension mounts, and the precinct must catch the murderer before fear undermines their duty to protect and serve.

    The 2011th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 72. The Guns Of Navarone by Alistair MacLean

    In this thrilling World War II adventure, a team of Allied commandos is tasked with an almost impossible mission: to destroy a seemingly impregnable German fortress that houses massive guns on the island of Navarone. These guns control the sea channels to the Aegean Sea, preventing the rescue of British troops stranded on nearby islands. The diverse group of experts must scale sheer cliffs, confront traitors within their ranks, and battle the elements to complete their mission and turn the tide of the war in the Allies' favor. Their journey is fraught with danger, action, and suspense, testing the limits of their skills and courage.

    The 2026th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 73. The False Inspector Dew by Peter Lovesey

    Set in the 1920s, the novel is a clever blend of murder mystery and romance, revolving around a dentist who, in a bid to escape his dreary life and loveless marriage, plans to run away with his mistress on an ocean liner to America. However, his plan goes awry when he is mistaken for a famous detective, the titular Inspector Dew. As he plays along with the charade, a murder occurs on board the ship, and he is unwittingly thrust into the role of solving the crime. The story unfolds with a series of twists and turns, combining humor and suspense as the protagonist navigates through the unexpected complications of his new identity.

    The 2043rd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 74. Last Seen Wearing ... by Hillary Waugh

    In this gripping police procedural, a young college girl vanishes without a trace, leaving behind a campus riddled with secrets and a police force grasping at straws. As the investigation unfolds, the meticulous and relentless detective in charge must sift through a myriad of misleading clues, false leads, and dead ends. With the pressure mounting and the public's anxiety at a fever pitch, the detective's dogged pursuit of the truth leads to a chilling and unexpected conclusion, showcasing the tenacity required in the search for justice when all that remains of a victim is the memory of what they were last seen wearing.

    The 2050th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 75. The Chill by Ross Macdonald

    In "The Chill," a private investigator named Lew Archer is hired by a wealthy family to find their missing son, who disappeared during a camping trip in the Sierra Nevada mountains. As Archer delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets, lies, and betrayals that stretches back years. With each new revelation, Archer must navigate the treacherous waters of a dysfunctional family and a small town filled with corruption and violence, all while trying to bring the missing son home safely.

    The 2052nd 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