The Greatest British "Suspense, Mystery, Fiction" Books Since 2000

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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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Genres

Suspense

Suspense is a genre of literature that is characterized by a feeling of tension, uncertainty, and anxiety that keeps the reader on edge and engaged throughout the story. It typically involves a protagonist who is facing a dangerous or threatening situation, and the plot is driven by the anticipation of what might happen next. Suspense novels often feature unexpected twists and turns, and the reader is left guessing until the very end. This genre is popular among readers who enjoy thrillers, mysteries, and crime fiction.

Mystery

The Mystery genre is a category of books that typically involves a crime, puzzle, or enigma that needs to be solved by the protagonist or a group of characters. These books often feature suspenseful and thrilling plotlines, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end. Mystery novels can range from cozy mysteries, which are lighter and more lighthearted, to hard-boiled detective stories, which are darker and more gritty. Overall, the Mystery genre is a popular and diverse category of books that appeals to readers who enjoy solving puzzles and uncovering secrets.

Fiction

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  1. 1. The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

    In this psychological thriller, the story revolves around a troubled woman who becomes entangled in a missing persons investigation that promises to send shockwaves throughout her life. As she rides the train every day, she fantasizes about the seemingly perfect couple she sees from her window, until one day she witnesses something shocking in their backyard. Her decision to report it to the authorities leads her down a dark path of intrigue, as she struggles to piece together her fragmented memories and the tangled web of lies, deceit, and complicated relationships that surround the case. Her involvement becomes increasingly dangerous as she tries to prove not only what she saw, but also her own worth and sanity.

    The 3732nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

    A 14-year-old boy named Alex Rider is suddenly thrust into the world of espionage after his uncle's mysterious death. Trained by MI6, he is sent on a dangerous mission to investigate a billionaire businessman who plans to distribute lethal viruses through computers. Using his wits and skills, Alex must stop this nefarious plan and save the world.

    The 3789th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. 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.

    The 4066th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Constant Gardener by John le Carré

    "The Constant Gardener" is a gripping tale of corporate corruption and its impact on the world's most vulnerable people. The story follows a British diplomat who embarks on a dangerous journey to find the truth behind his wife's murder. As he uncovers layers of deceit, he discovers that she was close to exposing a conspiracy involving a pharmaceutical company testing a dangerous drug on unsuspecting African villages. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the lengths one man will go to seek justice.

    The 4364th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Spies by Michael Frayn

    In the novel, two boys, Stephen and Keith, live in a quiet English suburb during World War II. Keith's mother becomes the object of their spy games when they suspect her of being a German spy. As the boys delve deeper into their espionage, they uncover secrets that change their understanding of their families, their neighborhood, and themselves. The story is a poignant exploration of childhood innocence, friendship, and the loss of innocence that comes with knowledge.

    The 6545th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters

    "The Little Stranger" is a gothic novel set in post-World War II Britain, where a country doctor becomes involved with an aristocratic family living in a crumbling mansion. The doctor becomes increasingly entangled with the family as he attempts to unravel the mystery of a malevolent presence that seems to be causing accidents and illness. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the haunting may be more psychological than supernatural, reflecting the decline of the British class system and the trauma of war.

    The 6736th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz

    In this thrilling young adult spy novel, a teenage secret agent is sent to infiltrate an elite boarding school located in the French Alps, which caters to the troubled sons of the ultra-wealthy. Posing as a student, the protagonist must uncover the sinister truth behind the school's facade. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers a chilling plot that threatens the lives of countless people. With high-stakes action and clever gadgets, the young spy must use his wits and skills to thwart the villainous scheme and save the day.

    The 6955th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. A Quiet Belief In Angels by R. J. Ellory

    This novel follows the life of Joseph Vaughan, a boy growing up in a small Georgia town during the 1930s and 1940s, who is haunted by a series of brutal murders of young girls. As the community is ravaged by fear and suspicion, Joseph makes a vow to protect its children. However, the killings continue over the years, shadowing Joseph's life even as he moves away, shaping his destiny. The narrative weaves a tale of mystery, loss, and a quest for justice, deeply exploring the themes of evil, redemption, and the enduring power of belief amidst the darkest circumstances.

    The 7145th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. 61 Hours by Lee Child

    In this gripping thriller, a retired military policeman turned drifter finds himself stranded in a small South Dakota town after a bus accident during a brutal winter storm. As the hours tick down, he becomes embroiled in a desperate defense of a key witness in a forthcoming drug trial, facing off against an enigmatic assassin and local corruption. With the clock ticking, he must use his skills and resourcefulness to protect the witness, navigate the icy conditions, and uncover the truth, all while a countdown to an unknown catastrophe looms, promising an explosive confrontation.

    The 8977th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The North Water by Ian McGuire

    "The North Water" by Ian McGuire is a dark historical fiction novel set in the 19th century that follows the journey of a whaling ship called the Volunteer and its crew as they embark on a dangerous voyage to the Arctic. The protagonist, Patrick Sumner, a disgraced surgeon, joins the crew as they set out on the perilous journey. However, the voyage takes a disturbing turn when they encounter a psychopathic harpooner named Henry Drax, who is capable of unspeakable acts of violence. The novel explores themes of morality, survival, and the human condition in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

    The 9037th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Turn Of The Key by Ruth Ware

    In "The Turn of the Key" by Ruth Ware, a young woman named Rowan Caine takes a job as a live-in nanny at a luxurious smart home in the Scottish Highlands. However, the seemingly perfect opportunity quickly turns into a nightmare as Rowan discovers the dark secrets hidden within the house and the tragic events that have unfolded in the past. As strange occurrences escalate and tensions rise, Rowan becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation, desperately trying to prove her innocence and uncover the truth before it's too late.

    The 9122nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Little Face by Sophie Hannah

    This psychological thriller revolves around a young mother, Alice, who insists that the baby in her home is not her daughter, Florence, but a stranger's child. Her husband, David, dismisses her claims, suggesting she's suffering from postpartum depression or worse. As Alice fights to prove her sanity and uncover the truth, the narrative delves into dark family secrets, manipulative dynamics, and the complexities of maternal bonds. The tension escalates with each chapter, weaving a tale of suspense, doubt, and the desperate lengths one will go to protect their loved ones.

    The 9199th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Labyrinth by Kate Mosse

    Set in the south of France, "Labyrinth" intertwines two compelling storylines separated by eight centuries. In the present day, a young archaeologist stumbles upon a cave and finds two skeletons and a labyrinth pattern, drawing her into a mystery that echoes back to the past. In the year 1209, a spirited young woman becomes the guardian of an ancient book believed to reveal the secrets of the Holy Grail. As both women face danger and betrayal, their tales converge, revealing a history of crusades, secrets, and a powerful relic that has shaped the region's destiny. The novel weaves historical detail with a tale of adventure and enduring love, as the past and present collide in a race to safeguard a long-hidden truth.

    The 9367th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Blue Lightning by Ann Cleeves

    This book is a gripping crime novel set on the remote Shetland Islands, where Detective Jimmy Perez returns home with his fiancée, only to be caught in a murder investigation when a renowned scientist is found dead. As a storm isolates the island from the outside world, Perez must navigate through a close-knit community full of secrets and lies to uncover the murderer. The harsh and beautiful landscape of the Shetlands, along with the complex relationships and tensions within the small community, provide a compelling backdrop to this mystery, testing Perez's detective skills and understanding of human nature to the limits.

    The 9529th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz

    This novel is a mystery within a mystery, where an editor receives a manuscript for the latest book in a popular detective series, only to find the last chapter missing. As she delves deeper into the manuscript and the life of the author, she uncovers a real-life murder that mirrors the fictional ones. The narrative ingeniously intertwines the world of the manuscript with the reality of the editor, blending classic whodunit elements with contemporary intrigue. This layered narrative challenges the reader to solve not just the fictional crime, but also the mystery surrounding the author's death, making it a compelling read for fans of clever, puzzle-like mysteries.

    The 10010th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. In A Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

    A reclusive writer receives an unexpected invitation to a bachelorette party of an old friend she hasn't seen in years. Curiosity gets the best of her, and she attends the gathering at a secluded cabin in the woods. As the weekend unfolds, tensions rise and secrets are revealed, leading to a shocking and tragic event that leaves the protagonist questioning her own sanity and the motives of those around her.

    The 10112th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. The Widow by Fiona Barton

    "The Widow" is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complex and secretive world of a woman named Jean Taylor. When her husband, Glen, becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of a toddler, Jean is forced to confront her own beliefs and loyalty. Told from multiple perspectives, the narrative explores the blurred lines between truth and deception, unveiling shocking revelations and challenging the reader's perception of innocence and guilt.

    The 10216th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Appeal by Janice Hallett

    "The Appeal" is a contemporary mystery novel that unfolds through a series of emails, texts, and documents as readers are invited to play detective. The story revolves around a small-town theater group that becomes embroiled in a complex case following a young girl's diagnosis with a rare form of cancer. As the community rallies to raise funds for her treatment, a new couple's arrival in town sets off a chain of events that leads to a murder. The novel challenges the reader to piece together clues and correspondences to uncover the truth behind the façade of charity, revealing the dark undercurrents of ambition, manipulation, and deceit within the seemingly close-knit community.

    The 10447th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Nova Swing by M. John Harrison

    "Nova Swing" by M. John Harrison is a science fiction novel set in a future where interstellar travel is possible. The story follows a group of characters, including an ex-cop turned private detective, a woman searching for her missing husband, and a man who sells illegal alien artifacts. As they navigate a mysterious city called Saudade, they become entangled in a web of intrigue involving parallel dimensions, time travel, and the enigmatic phenomenon known as the "Nova Swing." With its atmospheric prose and complex plot, the book explores themes of identity, memory, and the blurred boundaries between reality and imagination.

    The 10676th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. The Ghost by Robert Harris

    "The Ghost" is a suspenseful political thriller that revolves around a ghostwriter who is hired to finish the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister. As he delves into the politician's life, he uncovers secrets that put his own life in danger. The book explores themes of power, corruption, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction in a world of political spin.

    The 10865th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Full Dark House by Christopher Fowler

    This novel serves as the intriguing opener to a series that delves into the mysterious and often perilous investigations of the Peculiar Crimes Unit in London. The story masterfully intertwines two timelines: the contemporary investigation into the explosion of the unit's headquarters, and a harrowing case from the Blitz-ridden London of 1940 that set the stage for the unit's creation. Through the eyes of the unit's enduring detectives, Arthur Bryant and John May, readers are taken on a suspenseful journey that blends a historical whodunit with the complexities of a modern-day mystery, revealing dark secrets that have simmered beneath the surface for decades.

    The 10962nd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Tenderness of Wolves by Stef Penney

    Set in the 1860s, the novel tells the story of a small Canadian town rocked by the brutal murder of a French trapper. When a local woman's adopted son becomes the prime suspect, she embarks on a perilous journey through the wilderness to clear his name. Along the way, she uncovers a complex web of deceit and corruption within her community, while also coming to terms with her own past. The narrative is a gripping blend of mystery, adventure and historical fiction.

    The 11009th 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