The Greatest American, British "Thrillers, Fiction" Books Since 2000

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 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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

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

Add additional genre filters

Countries

American

British

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 Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

    This thriller novel follows symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptographer Sophie Neveu as they investigate a murder in the Louvre Museum in Paris. The murder leads them to a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci, revealing a religious mystery protected by a secret society for two thousand years. The mystery involves a conspiracy within the Catholic Church and threatens to overturn the foundations of Christianity.

    The 616th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

    The novel is a gripping tale set in Victorian England, revolving around two young women, a petty thief and a rich heiress, whose lives intertwine in unforeseen ways. The thief is part of a con to defraud the heiress of her fortune, but as the plot thickens, the lines between deception and truth, loyalty and betrayal, love and manipulation get blurred. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and turns, exploring themes of gender, sexuality, and class, and keeps the readers on the edge till the end.

    The 696th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

    This thrilling novel revolves around the sudden disappearance of a woman on her fifth wedding anniversary. As the investigation unfolds, all evidence points to her husband as the prime suspect. However, the story takes a twist as the wife's diary entries reveal a darker side to their seemingly perfect marriage. The narrative alternates between the husband's present-day perspective and the wife's diary entries, leaving readers in suspense about what truly happened. The book explores themes of deceit, media influence, and the complexities of marriage.

    The 795th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

    Set in a dystopian future, the novel revolves around a teenager named Katniss Everdeen, who lives in a post-apocalyptic nation where the government, in order to maintain control, forces each of its twelve districts to send a boy and girl to participate in a televised annual event. This event, known as the Hunger Games, is a fight to the death. When Katniss's younger sister is selected to participate, Katniss volunteers to take her place. The book follows her struggle for survival in the cruel game, against the backdrop of a brewing rebellion against the oppressive regime.

    The 865th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

    The novel is a complex and multi-layered narrative that revolves around a young man who comes across a manuscript written by a blind man about a documentary that doesn't appear to exist. The documentary is about a family who moves into a house that is larger on the inside than it is on the outside, with shifting walls and hallways that lead to impossible spaces. The novel is known for its experimental layout, with some pages containing only a few words and others filled with footnotes, different fonts, and sideways text, reflecting the disorienting and labyrinthine nature of the house itself.

    The 974th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. No Country for Old Men by Cormac McCarthy

    This novel is a gripping tale of a cat-and-mouse chase set in the harsh landscape of 1980 Texas. After stumbling upon a drug deal gone wrong and a suitcase full of money, a Vietnam War veteran finds himself pursued by a relentless hitman. As the veteran attempts to keep himself and his wife safe, a local sheriff struggles to keep up with the increasing violence and brutality of the modern world. The narrative explores themes of fate, conscience, and circumstance, painting a bleak and riveting picture of the human condition.

    The 1228th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen

    "The Sympathizer" is a gripping spy novel set during the Vietnam War. The protagonist is a half-French, half-Vietnamese army captain who is a communist double agent. After the Fall of Saigon, he moves to America with other South Vietnamese refugees and struggles to reconcile his dual loyalties as he continues to spy on his fellow countrymen in exile. The novel explores themes of identity, war, and politics, while providing a unique perspective on the Vietnam War and its aftermath.

    The 1315th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. 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.

    The 1739th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. 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.

    The 2303rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Under the Skin by Michel Faber

    "Under the Skin" is a novel that follows the story of a woman named Isserley who picks up male hitchhikers in Scotland. However, Isserley is not what she seems - she's actually an alien sent from another planet to capture unsuspecting men, who are then sent back to her home planet to be used as meat. The book explores themes of humanity, morality, and the ethics of the meat industry.

    The 2670th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown

    In this fast-paced thriller, a renowned symbologist is called to the Swiss research facility CERN to investigate a mysterious symbol seared into the chest of a murdered physicist. His investigation leads him to the Vatican City, where he uncovers the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati. As a conclave is underway to elect a new Pope, the symbologist and a gifted Italian scientist race against time to prevent a powerful time bomb from destroying the Vatican. They embark on a frantic hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, and deserted cathedrals, following a 400-year-old trail of ancient symbols that snake across Rome to the long-forgotten Illuminati lair.

    The 2769th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Mystic River by Dennis Lehane

    "Mystic River" is a gripping tale set in a close-knit neighborhood in Boston, revolving around three childhood friends - Jimmy, Sean, and Dave. Their lives are irrevocably altered when one of them, Dave, is abducted and sexually abused. Years later, they are brought back together by a horrifying event - the murder of Jimmy's daughter. As Sean, now a detective, investigates the murder, suspicion falls on Dave, leading to a tense and tragic conclusion.

    The 3067th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown

    In this thriller, the protagonist, a Harvard symbologist, is summoned to Washington D.C. to decipher a complex code linked to the Freemasons. His mentor's kidnapping propels him on a frantic chase through the hidden chambers, temples, and tunnels of the U.S. Capitol. Alongside a cryptologist, he unravels clues that must be solved to prevent a national catastrophe. The narrative weaves together secret societies, ancient wisdom, and a controversial scientific theory, culminating in a revelation that challenges the protagonist's understanding of the world.

    The 3391st Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The City & the City by China Miéville

    In a unique blend of noir detective fiction and speculative fantasy, the book explores the coexistence of two distinct cities occupying the same geographical space, yet remaining invisible to each other due to a strict set of societal rules and the mysterious force of "Breach" that enforces them. When a young woman is found murdered, a seasoned inspector must navigate the complex and often perilous overlap of these two cities to solve the crime. His investigation challenges the rigid separation of the cities, uncovering a conspiracy that blurs the lines between the two and threatens the very fabric of their existence.

    The 3427th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon

    In an alternate reality where Jewish refugees found sanctuary in Alaska during World War II, the book follows a homicide detective in the Yiddish-speaking metropolis of Sitka as he investigates the murder of a former chess prodigy. The detective's quest takes him from the city's seedy underbelly to the highest echelons of power, and he uncovers a vast conspiracy that threatens the very existence of the Jewish homeland in Alaska. The novel is a blend of detective fiction, alternate history, and Jewish humor.

    The 3436th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. 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
  17. 17. 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
  18. 18. 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
  19. 19. 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
  20. 20. The King Of Torts by John Grisham

    This legal thriller revolves around a young attorney who stumbles upon a career-defining case that catapults him from a low-level public defender to a high-stakes mass tort lawyer. As he navigates the murky waters of class-action lawsuits, he is seduced by the immense wealth and power that come with his new status. However, his rapid rise to the top is fraught with moral dilemmas, greed, and corruption, leading him to question the true cost of his ambition. The protagonist's journey is a gripping exploration of the American legal system and the ethical complexities that lawyers face in their pursuit of justice and personal gain.

    The 4819th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. What The Dead Know by Laura Lippman

    In "What The Dead Know" by Laura Lippman, a woman claiming to be one of the two missing Bethany sisters suddenly appears after thirty years, setting off a chain of events that forces the police, the media, and the families involved to revisit the unsolved case. As the truth slowly unravels, secrets from the past are exposed, revealing the devastating impact the disappearance had on the family and the lingering effects it has had on those left behind.

    The 4826th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. Tree of Smoke by Denis Johnson

    "Tree of Smoke" is a war novel that explores the chaos, violence, and moral ambiguity of the Vietnam War. The story follows a diverse cast of characters, including a CIA operative, a young soldier, and a pair of missionaries, all of whom are trying to navigate the uncertainties and horrors of the war. The novel delves into themes of faith, fate, and the human capacity for both good and evil, offering a gritty and complex portrait of a turbulent period in history.

    The 4881st Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. 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.

    The 5435th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke

    "Bluebird, Bluebird" follows the story of Darren Mathews, a black Texas Ranger who finds himself caught in a small East Texas town plagued by racial tensions and unsolved murders. When two bodies are discovered, one black and one white, Darren is determined to uncover the truth behind these racially charged crimes. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets, corruption, and long-buried truths that threaten to tear the town apart. In a gripping and atmospheric narrative, the book explores themes of race, justice, and identity while unraveling a complex mystery.

    The 5483rd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Lunar Park by Bret Easton Ellis

    The novel is a metafictional narrative blending reality and fiction, where a novelist with a tumultuous past grapples with the demons of his personal life, including substance abuse and strained relationships. As he settles into suburban life with his family, bizarre occurrences begin to unfold, blurring the lines between his creations and reality. The protagonist is haunted by the ghost of his father, a mysterious toy that comes to life, and a series of child abductions that eerily echo his own literary work, leading him on a surreal journey of self-discovery and redemption.

    The 5509th 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