The Greatest French "Fiction, Crime" Books Since 1910

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 294 '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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Fiction

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

French

Add additional country filters

Date Range

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
  1. 1. The Stranger by Albert Camus

    The narrative follows a man who, after the death of his mother, falls into a routine of indifference and emotional detachment, leading him to commit an act of violence on a sun-drenched beach. His subsequent trial becomes less about the act itself and more about his inability to conform to societal norms and expectations, ultimately exploring themes of existentialism, absurdism, and the human condition.

  2. 2. The Case of Comrade Tulayev by Victor Serge

    "The Case of Comrade Tulayev" is a political novel set in the Stalinist era of the Soviet Union. The story begins with the murder of a high-ranking Soviet official, Comrade Tulayev, which sets off a series of events leading to the arrest and execution of innocent people. It provides an in-depth exploration of the paranoia, fear, and injustice that characterized Stalin's regime, showing the human cost of political purges and the absurdity of the bureaucratic system.

  3. 3. Fantômas by Marcel Allain, Pierre Souvestre

    The book is a thrilling detective novel set in Paris, revolving around the character of Fantômas, a master criminal with no morals or scruples. Fantômas is a master of disguise, capable of assuming any identity at will, and his criminal activities range from petty theft to murder. The book follows the relentless pursuit of Fantômas by the determined Inspector Juve, leading to a series of exciting and suspenseful encounters.

  4. 4. Trap For Cinderella by Sebastien Japrisot

    "Trap For Cinderella" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of a young woman who survives a devastating fire that leaves her with amnesia. As she tries to piece together her past, she uncovers dark secrets and a web of deceit that lead her to question her own identity. With suspenseful twists and turns, the novel explores themes of identity, memory, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.

  5. 5. My Friend Maigret by Georges Simenon, Shaun Whiteside

    In this detective novel, the protagonist, a renowned French police inspector, finds himself under the watchful eye of a Scotland Yard official who has come to observe his methods. The story unfolds on the sun-drenched island of Porquerolles, where a small-time crook who claimed to be a friend of the inspector has been murdered. As the inspector delves into the case, he navigates through a colorful cast of characters and local intrigue, all while grappling with the pressure of being scrutinized by his English counterpart. The investigation leads him through a web of lies and secrets, challenging him to solve the crime while maintaining his professional composure under the unaccustomed scrutiny.

  6. 6. I Spit On Your Graves by Boris Vian

    The book in question is a controversial revenge novel centered around an African-American man who passes for white in a small American town. Seeking vengeance for his brother's lynching, he systematically targets and seduces white women, leading to a series of violent and sexually explicit encounters. The narrative unfolds as a brutal critique of racism and the American justice system, culminating in a shocking and grim conclusion that reflects the deep-seated racial tensions of the era. The book's graphic content and exploration of racial identity have sparked significant debate and censorship since its publication.

  7. 7. The Lady In The Car With Glasses And A Gun by Sebastien Japrisot

    This novel is a thrilling tale of mystery and suspense that follows the journey of a young secretary who, on a whim, decides to take her boss's car for a drive to the sea. What starts as an impulsive trip quickly spirals into a nightmarish adventure as she encounters a series of bizarre and frightening events, including being accused of a crime she has no memory of committing. With its intricate plot, the story masterfully blends elements of amnesia, paranoia, and deception, leading the protagonist and the reader through a labyrinth of twists and turns, all while questioning the reliability of memory and perception.

  8. 8. Les Racines Du Mal by Maurice G. Dantec

    The book is a dark and complex thriller set in the near future, where a series of gruesome murders has gripped Europe. The narrative follows a troubled detective with a cybernetically enhanced brain as he tracks a serial killer whose crimes are linked to a sinister biotechnology corporation. As the investigation deepens, the detective uncovers a web of conspiracy that challenges the boundaries of human nature and technology, leading to a chilling exploration of the roots of evil and the potential horrors of a post-human world.

  9. 9. The Perfect Nanny by Leïla Slimani

    "The Perfect Nanny" by Leïla Slimani is a psychological thriller that explores the relationship between a wealthy Parisian family and their nanny, Louise. The novel begins with the murder of the two children in the family by Louise, who had been their caregiver for several years. The story then delves into the events leading up to the tragic incident, revealing the complex dynamics between the family and Louise. Slimani's novel is a chilling portrayal of the blurred lines between love and obsession, and the dangers that can arise when those lines are crossed.

  10. 10. La Ligne Noire by Jean-Christophe Grangé

    The book is a gripping thriller that takes the reader on a dark journey through the depths of human depravity and the complexities of justice. It follows a French journalist who becomes entangled in a web of murder and mysticism as he investigates a series of gruesome killings that span from Asia to Europe. As he delves deeper into the case, he encounters a mysterious woman with a tragic past and uncovers a sinister plot that challenges his own moral boundaries. The narrative weaves together elements of crime, suspense, and psychological drama, leading to a chilling exploration of evil and the thin line that separates guilt from innocence.

  11. 11. Friends In High Places by Donna Leon

    "Friends in High Places" is a mystery novel that follows the protagonist, a Venetian detective, as he investigates a case involving the suspicious death of a government official. The detective's inquiry leads him into a tangled web of corruption, real estate fraud, and high society connections in Venice. As he delves deeper, he must navigate the perilous waters of political influence and ethical dilemmas, relying on a few trustworthy allies in a city where appearances often hide darker truths. The novel combines a compelling detective story with a rich portrayal of Venetian life and politics.

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