The Greatest American "Suspense, 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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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.

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  1. 26. Cross Fire by James Patterson

    In this thrilling installment of a popular detective series, the protagonist, a seasoned and tenacious detective, finds himself embroiled in a complex case involving a series of meticulously executed assassinations. The victims, all notorious public figures with a history of corruption and scandal, are taken out by a sniper whose skill and precision suggest a deeply personal vendetta. As the detective delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a tangled web of political intrigue and revenge, all while navigating his own impending nuptials and the ever-present danger to his loved ones. The narrative races towards a gripping climax, challenging the detective's moral compass and his commitment to justice.

    The 9291st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. 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.

    The 9397th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Rotters by Daniel Kraus

    The novel delves into the dark and macabre world of grave robbing, following the journey of a teenage boy who, after the death of his mother, is sent to live with his estranged father. He discovers that his father lives a secret life as a "digger," unearthing corpses for profit. As the boy is drawn into this grim and morally ambiguous underworld, he grapples with complex themes of family, identity, and the nature of legacy, all while navigating the challenges of high school life and the haunting allure of the grave-robbing subculture. The story is a chilling exploration of the bonds between father and son, set against a backdrop of decay and the search for redemption.

    The 9451st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Those Across The River by Christopher Buehlman

    In this gripping horror novel, a disillusioned World War I veteran moves with his partner to a small, seemingly idyllic town in Georgia to write a book about his family's history. However, they soon discover that the town is haunted by a dark and violent past that refuses to stay buried. As they delve deeper into the town's secrets, they encounter strange rituals and a menacing presence in the woods across the river, which the townspeople are desperately trying to appease. The couple's presence stirs the ancient evil, leading to a terrifying struggle for survival against a force that challenges the very nature of humanity and morality.

    The 9483rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. 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.

    The 9523rd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. 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.

    The 9574th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. 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.

    The 9621st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. The Passage by Justin Cronin

    "The Passage" is a gripping post-apocalyptic novel that follows the journey of a young girl named Amy, who holds the key to humanity's survival. Set in a world ravaged by a government experiment gone wrong, the story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the fight for redemption. As Amy grows older, she embarks on a perilous quest to find her purpose and confront the sinister beings known as Virals, while a group of survivors battles against the darkness that threatens to consume them all.

    The 9664th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. A Head Full Of Ghosts by Paul Tremblay

    The book is a chilling psychological thriller that blurs the lines between reality and supernatural horror. It revolves around the Barrett family, whose lives are turned upside down when their eldest daughter exhibits signs of acute mental illness—or perhaps demonic possession. As their situation grows increasingly dire, the family agrees to participate in a reality television show, with cameras documenting the exorcism of their daughter. The story is recounted years later by the younger sister, who reflects on the traumatic events and the impact of public scrutiny, leading readers to question the true nature of the horror that befell the Barretts.

    The 9675th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The Devil All The Time by Donald Ray Pollock

    "The Devil All The Time" is a dark and gritty novel that weaves together the lives of several deeply flawed characters in a small town in Ohio. Set in the aftermath of World War II, the story follows a troubled young man named Arvin Russell, whose path intersects with a corrupt preacher, a serial killer couple, and a corrupt sheriff. As their lives intertwine, the novel explores themes of violence, religion, and the consequences of one's actions, ultimately painting a disturbing portrait of the human condition.

    The 9731st Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. 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.

    The 9744th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Wylding Hall by Elizabeth Hand

    In this gothic novel, a 1970s British acid folk band retreats to an ancient country house to create their next album, only to find themselves enveloped by supernatural occurrences. As the young musicians are drawn into the eerie atmosphere of Wylding Hall, the strange environment fuels their creativity, leading to the creation of a legendary album. However, the summer takes a dark turn when the lead singer mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind a tangle of haunting memories and unanswered questions that persist for decades, until the surviving band members reluctantly confront their past in a series of interviews, revealing the chilling truth behind the disappearance.

    The 9751st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. 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.

    The 9753rd Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. 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.

    The 9776th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Furnace by Livia Llewellyn

    "Furnace" is a collection of dark and surreal short stories that delve into the depths of human depravity, desire, and despair. The narratives, rich with grotesque and erotic imagery, explore the boundaries of horror and fantasy, often blurring the lines between reality and nightmare. The tales within this anthology are characterized by their lush prose and haunting themes, taking readers on a journey through twisted landscapes and the darkest corners of the psyche, where the monstrous and the beautiful intertwine in a disturbing dance of the macabre.

    The 9782nd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. The Ballad Of Black Tom by Victor LaValle

    The book reimagines the early 20th-century horror landscape by centering on a Black protagonist, Charles Thomas Tester, in 1920s Harlem. Tester, a street musician and hustler, becomes entangled in the dark and supernatural underbelly of New York City when he delivers an occult tome to a reclusive sorceress. His actions catch the attention of malevolent forces, leading to a series of events that expose the racial tensions and eldritch horrors lurking beneath the city's surface. As Tester's involvement with these arcane powers deepens, he is transformed in ways that challenge the very fabric of reality, culminating in a confrontation with otherworldly consequences. The narrative serves as both a critique of Lovecraftian racism and a compelling tale of cosmic horror and societal injustice.

    The 9828th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. An Untamed State by Roxane Gay

    This novel tells the harrowing story of a Haitian-American woman who is kidnapped for ransom while visiting her parents in Haiti. Despite her father's wealth, he refuses to pay the ransom, leading to her prolonged captivity and abuse. The narrative explores the protagonist's struggle to survive and recover, as well as the complex dynamics of privilege, poverty, and power.

    The 9987th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. 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.

    The 9992nd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. 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.

    The 10032nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. The Hunger by Alma Katsu

    In this historical horror novel, a perilous journey unfolds as a wagon train bound for California faces not only the brutal realities of the American frontier but also a terrifying supernatural force preying upon them. As members of the group begin to disappear or show signs of an insidious illness, paranoia and fear escalate among the survivors. The travelers' dire situation is compounded by their own secrets and the mysterious backgrounds of their companions, leading to a harrowing struggle for survival that blurs the line between man and monster, hunger and horror.

    The 10044th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Alice by Christina Henry

    In this dark and twisted retelling of a classic fairytale, Alice finds herself trapped in a nightmarish version of Wonderland. With the help of a mysterious man named Hatcher, she embarks on a dangerous journey to escape the clutches of the sadistic ruler known as the Rabbit. As they navigate through the grotesque and violent world, Alice and Hatcher uncover the truth about their own pasts and must confront their inner demons in order to survive.

    The 10072nd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. 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.

    The 10197th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. 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.

    The 10252nd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Savages: A Novel by Don Winslow

    In "Savages: A Novel", two successful marijuana growers, Ben and Chon, live a comfortable life in Laguna Beach, California, sharing their girlfriend, O. Their lives take a drastic turn when a Mexican drug cartel kidnaps O, demanding a ransom and a share of their business. This forces the duo to employ every means possible, including violence, to save O and protect their livelihood. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, greed, and survival, painting a vivid picture of the underground drug trade.

    The 10269th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. The Cabin At The End Of The World by Paul Tremblay

    "The Cabin At The End Of The World" by Paul Tremblay is a gripping and suspenseful psychological thriller that follows a family's vacation turned nightmare. The story revolves around a group of strangers who invade a peaceful cabin in the woods, claiming that the world is about to end and they need the family's help to prevent it. As tension rises and trust is tested, the family must make impossible decisions to protect themselves and their daughter. With its intense atmosphere and thought-provoking themes, this book explores the depths of human nature and the lengths one will go to survive.

    The 10287th Greatest Book of All Time

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