The Greatest "Thrillers, Fiction, Drama" Books Since 1990

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 '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

Thrillers

Thrillers are a genre of books that are designed to keep readers on the edge of their seats. These books typically feature high-stakes plots, intense action, and suspenseful twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Thrillers can encompass a wide range of sub-genres, including crime, mystery, espionage, and horror, but they all share a common goal of keeping readers engaged and entertained through heart-pounding action and unexpected plot twists. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers or action-packed adventure stories, the thriller genre offers something for everyone who loves a good page-turner.

Fiction

Drama

Drama is a genre of literature that typically deals with serious and emotional themes, often exploring the complexities of human relationships and the struggles individuals face in their lives. These books often feature intense character development and intricate plotlines, delving into the depths of human experience and the challenges of navigating the world around us. From family dramas to political intrigue, the drama genre encompasses a wide range of stories that aim to captivate readers with their raw and powerful storytelling.

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  1. 1. The Secret History by Donna Tartt

    A group of six classics students at a small, elite Vermont college, led by a charismatic professor, become entranced by the study of Greek culture and decide to recreate a Dionysian ritual, which ends in a tragic accident. The group, bound by their shared secret, begins to unravel as paranoia and guilt take hold. The novel explores themes of beauty and terror, the allure of the esoteric, and the destructive consequences of obsession.

  2. 2. We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

    "We Need To Talk About Kevin" is a gripping and unsettling novel that explores the complex relationship between a mother and her troubled son. Told through a series of letters written by the mother to her estranged husband, the book delves into the aftermath of a horrific school massacre committed by Kevin. As the mother reflects on her own guilt, fears, and doubts, she questions whether her own actions and choices played a role in shaping Kevin's violent nature. This thought-provoking and chilling narrative explores themes of nature versus nurture, parental responsibility, and the profound impact of tragedy on a family.

  3. 3. The Round House by Louise Erdrich

    A teenage boy navigates the complexities of life after his mother is brutally attacked on their reservation in North Dakota. As the legal system fails to bring justice due to jurisdictional issues, the boy takes matters into his own hands. The novel explores themes of tribal law, justice, and the transition into adulthood, all set against the backdrop of Native American culture and history.

  4. 4. A Simple Plan by Scott Smith

    "A Simple Plan" by Scott Smith is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the lives of three ordinary men who stumble upon a crashed plane containing a large sum of money. As they decide to keep the money for themselves, their lives quickly spiral out of control, leading to a series of devastating consequences. Filled with suspense and moral dilemmas, the book explores the dark depths of human nature and the lengths people are willing to go to protect their secrets.

  5. 5. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson

    "Case Histories" is a gripping mystery novel that follows the story of a private investigator who is hired to solve three seemingly unrelated cold cases that took place decades ago. As he delves deeper into the mysteries, he uncovers dark secrets and hidden connections between the cases. The narrative is a complex web of intrigue, suspense, and drama, filled with well-crafted characters and unexpected plot twists that keep the reader hooked till the end.

  6. 6. Clockers by Richard Price

    This novel is a gritty examination of urban decay in America, focusing on the intertwined lives of a young drug dealer and a burnt-out homicide detective in a fictional New Jersey city. The story provides a stark depiction of the drug trade, exploring the desperation, violence, and moral complexities that come with it. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of the two main characters, offering a nuanced view of the challenges they face in their respective roles within the community.

  7. 7. La Dama Número Trece by José Carlos Somoza

    This novel is a thrilling blend of mystery, horror, and fantasy, revolving around a struggling writer who becomes the target of a secret society known as "The Thirteen Ladies". These shadowy figures have the ability to manipulate reality through the power of words and storytelling. As he is drawn deeper into their world, he must uncover their secrets and find a way to survive their deadly games. The narrative is a rich exploration of the power of language and mythology, with a suspenseful plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

  8. 8. Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger

    "Ordinary Grace" is a coming-of-age novel set in a small Minnesota town in the 1960s. The story follows Frank, a thirteen-year-old boy, as he navigates the complexities of family, friendship, and the harsh realities of life and death. When a series of tragic events befall the community, Frank is forced to confront the fragility of life and the power of forgiveness, ultimately learning valuable lessons about love, loss, and the importance of cherishing ordinary moments.

  9. 9. Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King

    This novel is a gripping psychological thriller that unfolds through the confession of its titular character, a housekeeper accused of murdering her wealthy employer. Set on a small island in Maine, the story delves deep into the protagonist's past, revealing a life marred by domestic abuse, a desperate act of violence to protect her children, and a complex relationship with her employer. The narrative, devoid of chapters and told entirely in the protagonist's voice, creates an intimate and compelling exploration of guilt, survival, and the lengths to which a person will go to escape a life of despair. Through its vivid character study and suspenseful plot, the novel examines themes of justice, loyalty, and the enduring impact of secrets.

  10. 10. Those Bones Are Not My Child by Toni Cade Bambara

    Set in Atlanta during the early 1980s, this novel explores the devastating impact of the Atlanta Child Murders on the African American community. Focusing on the lives of various characters, including parents, activists, and law enforcement, the story delves into the complex web of fear, grief, and resilience that arises in the face of a serial killer targeting black children. As the investigation unfolds, secrets are revealed, relationships tested, and the community's determination to find justice is put to the ultimate test.

  11. 11. Blanche Passes Go by Barbara Neely

    "Blanche Passes Go" is a compelling mystery novel that follows the life of Blanche White, an African-American housekeeper with a knack for solving crimes. When a prominent white family's matriarch mysteriously dies, Blanche becomes entangled in a web of secrets and deceit. As she navigates through racial tensions, family dynamics, and her own personal struggles, Blanche uses her wit and intelligence to uncover the truth behind the woman's death, exposing the dark underbelly of a seemingly perfect community.

  12. 12. The Emperor Of Ocean Park by Stephen L. Carter

    "The Emperor of Ocean Park" is a gripping novel that combines elements of mystery, legal drama, and family saga. Set in the affluent world of African-American elites in New England, the story follows Talcott Garland, a law professor and former Supreme Court nominee, as he investigates the mysterious death of his father, a prominent conservative judge. As Talcott delves deeper into his father's past, he uncovers a web of secrets, political intrigue, and corruption that threatens to unravel his own life and reputation. With its intricate plot and richly drawn characters, the book explores themes of power, loyalty, and the complexities of race and identity in America.

  13. 13. Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

    In a seemingly idyllic beachside town, three women's lives become entangled when their children start kindergarten. As the school year progresses, secrets, lies, and betrayals slowly unravel, leading to a shocking incident that will change their lives forever. With a mix of humor, suspense, and poignant moments, this gripping novel explores the complexities of motherhood, friendship, and the consequences of keeping secrets.

  14. 14. Felicia's Journey by William Trevor

    "Felicia's Journey" is a psychological thriller about a young, pregnant Irish girl who travels to England in search of her boyfriend, only to be taken in by a middle-aged man with a dark past. As the story unfolds, the man's sinister intentions become increasingly apparent, creating a suspenseful tale of manipulation and deception. The novel explores themes of loneliness, innocence, and the capacity for evil, offering a chilling exploration of human nature.

  15. 15. The Green Mile by Stephen King

    The book is a poignant narrative set in the 1930s, centered around the experiences of a death row corrections officer who oversees inmates at a penitentiary. The story unfolds through his recollections, particularly focusing on one condemned prisoner with a mysterious gift. This inmate, a gentle giant convicted of a heinous crime, displays supernatural abilities that profoundly affect those around him, challenging the guard's preconceived notions about justice, punishment, and the very nature of good and evil. As the execution date draws near, the guard grapples with the moral complexities of his role and the haunting realities of the penal system.

  16. 16. The Infatuations by Javier Marías

    A young woman becomes obsessed with a seemingly perfect couple she often sees at a café. When the husband is brutally murdered, she gets entangled with the widow and a mysterious man who knew the couple, leading her to question everything she thought she knew about love, death, and fate. As she delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding the husband's death, she is forced to confront unsettling truths about the nature of human relationships.

  17. 17. Asylum by Patrick McGrath

    The book is a psychological thriller that delves into the mind of Stella Raphael, the wife of a forensic psychiatrist working at a high-security mental hospital. Stella becomes dangerously infatuated with Edgar Stark, a charismatic patient and artist who is institutionalized for the gruesome murder of his wife. As Stella's obsession with Edgar deepens, she embarks on a passionate affair that leads her down a path of emotional turmoil and moral ambiguity. Her reckless actions threaten to unravel not only her own life but also the lives of those around her, as the narrative explores themes of madness, desire, and the blurred lines between sanity and insanity.

  18. 18. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

    "Everything I Never Told You" is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of a Chinese-American family living in 1970s Ohio. When their daughter Lydia goes missing and is later found dead, the Lee family is shattered by grief and forced to confront their own secrets and insecurities. As they navigate through their individual struggles, the novel explores themes of identity, race, and the pressures of societal expectations, painting a poignant portrait of a family on the brink of collapse.

  19. 19. Carter Beats The Devil by Glen David Gold

    Set in the early 20th century, this novel follows the life of a renowned magician, Charles Carter, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of deception and intrigue after he performs a trick on President Harding, who dies mysteriously hours later. Carter is forced to use his skills to clear his name, while also dealing with other challenges including a beautiful, elusive woman, a blind lion tamer, and a rivalry with Houdini. This historical novel weaves together a tale of magic, love, and suspense.

  20. 20. Notes on a Scandal by Zoë Heller

    The novel centers around a middle-aged high school teacher who develops an illicit relationship with her student, which is discovered by her older, lonely colleague. The colleague, who is envious of the teacher's seemingly perfect life, uses the scandal as leverage to foster a twisted friendship. The story unfolds as a complex exploration of obsession, loneliness, and manipulation.

  21. 21. In The Woods by Tana French

    In this psychological mystery, a detective on the Dublin Murder Squad is pulled into a case that unsettlingly intersects with his own past. As a child, he was the sole survivor of a mysterious incident that left two of his friends missing in the woods. Now, with the murder of a young girl in the same woods, he must confront his traumatic memories while trying to solve the case. The investigation becomes increasingly complex, blurring the lines between the detective's professional duties and his deeply personal quest for answers, leading to a chilling exploration of memory, identity, and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic settings.

  22. 22. Miracle Creek by Angie Kim

    In a small town, a Korean immigrant family runs a hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) facility, offering hope to desperate parents seeking treatment for their children's autism. However, tragedy strikes when a mysterious explosion occurs at the facility, killing two people. As the community reels from the incident, the subsequent trial uncovers a web of secrets and lies, revealing the complex relationships between the families involved and the lengths they would go to protect their loved ones. Told from multiple perspectives, "Miracle Creek" explores themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and the lengths people will go to find redemption in the face of tragedy.

  23. 23. The Other Americans by Laila Lalami

    "The Other Americans" by Laila Lalami is a compelling and intricate novel that explores the interconnected lives of a diverse group of characters living in a small California town. When a Moroccan immigrant is killed in a hit-and-run accident, the incident sets off a chain of events that uncover hidden secrets, racial tensions, and the complexities of identity in America. Through multiple perspectives, Lalami skillfully delves into themes of love, loss, and the search for belonging, ultimately painting a vivid portrait of contemporary American life.

  24. 24. Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha

    "Your House Will Pay" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of race, family, and forgiveness. Set in Los Angeles, the story follows two families, one African American and one Korean American, whose lives become intertwined after a shocking act of violence. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, the characters are forced to confront their past and grapple with the consequences of their actions. Through its powerful storytelling and complex characters, the book offers a profound examination of the lingering effects of historical injustices and the potential for redemption.

  25. 25. The Appeal by John Grisham

    In this gripping legal thriller, a small Mississippi town becomes the battleground for a high-stakes legal fight when a chemical company is accused of dumping toxic waste, leading to a spike in cancer cases among the town's residents. The case attracts the attention of a husband-and-wife legal team who are determined to seek justice for the victims. However, as they prepare for trial, they face an uphill battle against the company's ruthless billionaire owner, who will stop at nothing to secure a verdict in his favor. This includes manipulating the judicial election to ensure a sympathetic judge oversees the case. The novel explores themes of corporate malfeasance, environmental justice, and the corrupting influence of money on the legal system, delivering a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative.

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.

Download