The Greatest American "Mystery, Fiction" Books Since 2010

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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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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.

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  1. 26. Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips

    "Disappearing Earth" is a novel by Julia Phillips that explores the interconnected lives of the residents of a remote Russian peninsula after the disappearance of two young girls. Each chapter follows a different character as they grapple with their own personal struggles and the impact of the girls' disappearance on their community. Through vivid descriptions of the harsh landscape and the characters' complex relationships, Phillips weaves a gripping tale of loss, grief, and the enduring power of human connection.

  2. 27. Firekeeper's Daughter by Angeline Boulley

    The book revolves around an eighteen-year-old biracial, unenrolled tribal member who witnesses a shocking murder and is subsequently drawn into an FBI investigation of a lethal new drug. As she secretly collaborates with the investigation, using her knowledge of chemistry and traditional Ojibwe medicine, she must confront her own past and identity, navigating the tightrope between the demands of two very different communities. Her journey is one of courage and resilience, as she seeks justice for her community while grappling with complex issues of identity, family, and loyalty.

  3. 28. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

    The book revolves around a young woman with a troubled past who is given a second chance through a scholarship to an elite university, where she becomes involved with the secretive societies that practice magic and the occult. Tasked with monitoring their activities, she uncovers a series of supernatural crimes and mysteries that she must solve, using her own newfound magical abilities and wits. As she delves deeper into the university's hidden world, she confronts the dark power and privilege that fuel these ancient organizations, while also grappling with her own personal demons and histories.

  4. 29. Bird Box by Josh Malerman

    In a post-apocalyptic world, an unseen terror drives society to madness and suicide upon sight, leading survivors to navigate their lives blindfolded. The story follows a mother who must guide her two young children to safety on a perilous river journey to what she hopes will be a sanctuary. With the ever-present threat of the unseen horrors and the challenges of survival in a collapsed society, the novel is a tense exploration of fear, the unknown, and the lengths one will go to protect their family.

  5. 30. The Last Widow by Karin Slaughter

    In this gripping thriller, an abduction sets off a chilling chain of events in a case that tests the boundaries of forensic investigation and criminal psychology. A scientist from the Centers for Disease Control is kidnapped in broad daylight, leading to a desperate search by local law enforcement. Amidst the chaos, a series of catastrophic events unfolds, revealing a dark plot that threatens the heart of the city. A pair of investigators, one a medical examiner and the other a special agent, are drawn into the vortex of a sinister conspiracy. As they unravel the mystery, they must confront their own personal demons while racing against time to prevent a potential disaster of national significance.

  6. 31. The Weight Of Blood by Laura McHugh

    This gripping novel delves into the dark underbelly of a small town, where family secrets and the weight of heritage play a pivotal role. The story centers around a young woman whose investigation into her friend's disappearance unravels a tangled web of lies, revealing unsettling truths about her own family's past. As she digs deeper, the boundaries between loyalty and justice, kinship and crime blur, leading her to confront the harrowing implications of the blood ties that bind her. Set against a backdrop of haunting Ozark landscapes, this narrative masterfully explores the complexities of identity, the deep scars of trauma, and the powerful human yearning for belonging and redemption.

  7. 32. I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes

    The book is a gripping espionage thriller that follows a retired intelligence agent known only by his codename, Pilgrim, who is drawn back into the world of covert operations to prevent a catastrophic terrorist attack. The protagonist is a master of disguise and forensic investigation, and he must use all his skills to track down a brilliant adversary who has crafted an unstoppable bio-terrorism plot. As Pilgrim races against time across international borders, he uncovers a chilling connection to his own past, forcing him to confront the moral ambiguities of his clandestine profession and the haunting memories he has tried to leave behind. The narrative weaves together intricate plotlines, rich character development, and a deep understanding of the darker aspects of global intelligence work.

  8. 33. You by Caroline Kepnes

    "You" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the twisted mind of a charming bookstore manager, Joe, who becomes dangerously obsessed with a customer named Beck. Through the use of social media and surveillance, Joe meticulously orchestrates a plan to infiltrate Beck's life, manipulating and controlling her every move. As the story unfolds, the reader is taken on a chilling journey into the depths of Joe's disturbed psyche, blurring the lines between love, obsession, and possession.

  9. 34. Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

    "Eileen" is a psychological thriller about a troubled young woman working in a boys' prison in the 1960s. Eileen Dunlop is a disturbed 24-year-old woman who is stuck in a dead-end job at a boys' prison in New England. She suffers from low self-esteem and is trapped in a toxic relationship with her alcoholic father. Her life takes a turn when a new counselor, Rebecca, joins the prison staff. Eileen becomes infatuated with Rebecca, leading her into a world of crime and violence that ultimately forces her to leave her hometown.

  10. 35. The Destroyers by Christopher Bollen

    "The Destroyers" is a suspenseful novel set on the idyllic Greek island of Patmos. The story revolves around two childhood friends, one a wealthy inheritor of a construction empire and the other a struggling playboy, who reunite under mysterious circumstances. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into themes of wealth, friendship, betrayal, and identity, all against a backdrop of escalating danger and suspense. The protagonist finds himself embroiled in a web of deception and murder, as the seemingly paradise island reveals its darker underbelly.

  11. 36. The Border by Don Winslow

    This gripping novel concludes a powerful trilogy that delves into the complex and brutal world of drug cartels and the war on drugs. It follows the story of Art Keller, a determined DEA agent who has spent decades in the relentless battle against the Mexican drug cartels. As Keller ascends to the top of the DEA, he faces not only the ruthless kingpins of the drug trade but also corruption within his own ranks and the moral ambiguities of his war. Set against the backdrop of contemporary political and social issues, the narrative weaves together a tapestry of characters and stories, from the cartel bosses to the addicts, the politicians to the hitmen, exploring the far-reaching impact of the drug war on both sides of the border.

  12. 37. A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark

    Set in an alternate Cairo at the turn of the 20th century, where magic and steampunk technology infuse the air, the story follows Fatma el-Sha’arawi, the youngest woman working for the Ministry of Alchemy, Enchantments and Supernatural Entities. When someone claiming to be al-Jahiz, the famed Sufi mystic who opened the veil to the magical realm forty years prior, returns to wreak havoc in the form of a murderous cult, Fatma must unravel the mystery behind this imposter. With the help of her new partner, a clever ministry bureaucrat, and her girlfriend, an enigmatic lounge singer, Fatma delves into a world of djinn and gods to prevent the imposter's diabolical plot from unleashing chaos upon the world.

  13. 38. Mr Penumbra's 24 Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan

    This novel unfolds in a mysterious 24-hour bookstore in San Francisco, where the protagonist, Clay Jannon, discovers the store is a facade for a much larger, enigmatic puzzle. As Clay delves deeper into the store's secrets, he finds himself at the heart of a centuries-old conflict between technology and traditional knowledge. With the help of friends, technology, and his own ingenuity, Clay embarks on a high-tech adventure, exploring the intersection of books, technology, and the quest for immortality. The story is a celebration of the love for books in the digital age, blending mystery, history, and technology in a captivating narrative.

  14. 39. Dare Me by Megan Abbott

    This novel delves into the dark and complex world of competitive high school cheerleading, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and obsession. The story is centered around the intense and sometimes toxic relationships between the cheerleaders, particularly focusing on the bond between the team's captain and her best friend. The arrival of a new coach with a mysterious past brings about a dramatic shift in the team's dynamics, leading to a series of events that culminates in a shocking crime. As the investigation unfolds, secrets are revealed, testing the limits of friendship and loyalty, and challenging the characters' understanding of themselves and each other.

  15. 40. Disappearance At Devil's Rock by Paul Tremblay

    This novel is a gripping and eerie tale that unfolds in a small town where a teenage boy mysteriously vanishes from a local park, Devil's Rock, during a night out with friends. The story delves into the harrowing aftermath of his disappearance, as his mother and sister grapple with the unknown, piecing together clues that emerge in the form of shadowy figures, inexplicable diary entries, and unsettling folklore surrounding the park. The narrative masterfully blends elements of horror, suspense, and the supernatural, while also exploring themes of grief, family bonds, and the haunting nature of uncertainty. As the search intensifies, the community is drawn into a chilling quest for answers that blurs the lines between reality and nightmare.

  16. 41. Acceptance by Jeff VanderMeer

    "Acceptance" is the final installment in a science fiction trilogy that delves into the mysteries of Area X, a surreal and ever-changing landscape that defies explanation and has claimed the lives and sanity of many who have ventured into it. As the narrative shifts between multiple characters and timelines, the novel explores the fates of the expedition members, the origins of Area X, and the secretive agency attempting to understand it. The story weaves together the past and present, blending elements of horror, environmental science, and psychological drama to reveal the profound and often terrifying transformations wrought by this enigmatic zone. Through the eyes of a lighthouse keeper, a former director of the agency, and others deeply affected by Area X, the book examines themes of identity, the human impact on the environment, and the unknowable nature of the world around us.

  17. 42. A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher

    In "A House With Good Bones," readers are plunged into a gripping tale of suspense and horror that revolves around Sam Montgomery, who returns to her childhood home only to confront unsettling family secrets and a sinister presence lurking within. As Sam delves deeper into her family's past, she uncovers dark truths that challenge her understanding of her mother's eccentric behavior and her own identity. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly ordinary house that harbors malevolent forces, this story masterfully blends elements of psychological horror with the complexities of familial relationships, leading to a chilling conclusion that questions the very nature of home and heritage.

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