The Greatest "Suspense, Mystery, Fiction, Historical fiction" Books Since 1970

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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

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

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  1. 1. The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

    The novel follows the story of a young boy in post-war Barcelona, who discovers a mysterious book in a hidden library that his father takes him to, which houses forgotten books. The boy becomes captivated by the book and its author, but as he grows older, he realizes that someone is destroying all books written by this author. As he delves deeper into the mystery, the boy's life becomes intertwined with the author's, revealing a dark and tragic past that someone wants to be kept hidden. The story is a mix of romance, mystery, and a historical narrative set against the turbulent backdrop of a city recovering from war.

    The 1060th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Fatherland by Robert Harris

    Set in an alternate history where Nazi Germany won World War II, the novel follows a German detective who uncovers a vast conspiracy while investigating a murder. As he delves deeper into the case, he realizes that the government is hiding a monumental secret that could shake the very foundations of the Reich. His pursuit of the truth leads him into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the state's oppressive security forces, challenging his loyalty to the regime and forcing him to confront the moral complexities of a world dominated by fascism.

    The 1775th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Eagle Has Landed by Jack Higgins

    In this gripping World War II thriller, a group of German paratroopers is given a secret mission to kidnap Winston Churchill from a remote village in England. As they meticulously plan their operation, tensions rise within the team, and unexpected alliances are formed. With a race against time and the fate of the war hanging in the balance, the paratroopers must navigate treacherous obstacles and face their own inner demons to complete their daring mission.

    The 2055th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Club Dumas by Arturo Pérez-Reverte

    The book follows Lucas Corso, a book detective who is hired to authenticate a rare manuscript by Alexandre Dumas. As he delves into the investigation, he finds himself entangled in a mystery involving two other books: a rare edition of "The Three Musketeers" and a satanic text, "The Book of Nine Doors of the Kingdom of Shadows". The narrative becomes a complex puzzle as Corso uncovers connections between the books, while also dealing with a seductive woman who seems to have stepped out of a Dumas novel, a mysterious killer, and a group of bibliophiles obsessed with Dumas. The lines between fiction and reality blur as he gets closer to the truth.

    The 2350th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. 11 22 63 by Stephen King

    "11/22/63" is a science fiction novel by Stephen King that follows the story of Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who discovers a portal that leads to 1958. After being convinced by his friend Al to use the portal to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jake embarks on a journey through time to change the course of history. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Sadie and faces various obstacles that threaten to alter the timeline he is trying to change. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the consequences of trying to change the past.

    The 2430th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Big Blowdown by George P. Pelecanos

    "The Big Blowdown" is a gritty crime novel set in 1940s Washington, D.C. The story follows three childhood friends, Pete, Nick, and Joey, as they navigate the dangerous underbelly of their neighborhood. When Joey is brutally murdered, Pete and Nick are determined to find his killer and seek justice. As they delve deeper into the dark world of gangsters and corruption, they must confront their own demons and make difficult choices that will test their loyalty and friendship. With its vivid portrayal of post-war America and its compelling characters, "The Big Blowdown" is a gripping tale of crime, redemption, and the power of friendship.

    The 3082nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Alienist by Caleb Carr

    Set in 1896 New York City, the novel follows a journalist and his friend, a psychologist (or "alienist"), as they work on an investigation into a series of gruesome murders of boy prostitutes. The team employs psychological profiling and early forensic methods to hunt down the serial killer. The book delves into the seedy underbelly of the city, exploring the grim realities of life at the time.

    The 3348th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. Chiefs by Stuart Woods

    "Chiefs" by Stuart Woods is a gripping novel that spans several generations, exploring the dark secrets and mysteries of a small southern town. Set against the backdrop of racial tensions and political corruption, the story follows three ambitious and determined law enforcement officers as they strive to uncover the truth behind a series of unsolved murders that have plagued the town for decades. With compelling characters and a suspenseful plot, this book delves into the complexities of power, justice, and the enduring impact of the past on the present.

    The 5057th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. 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.

    The 5324th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Past Caring by Robert Goddard

    In "Past Caring" by Robert Goddard, a mysterious painting leads Martin Radford on a quest to uncover the truth about his family's past. As he delves into the secrets and scandals of his ancestors, Martin becomes entangled in a dangerous web of deceit, betrayal, and murder. With each revelation, he is forced to confront his own identity and question the motives of those around him. This gripping thriller takes readers on a thrilling journey through the dark underbelly of the past, exploring themes of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of the truth.

    The 5478th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Sound Of Things Falling by Juan Gabriel Vásquez

    "The Sound Of Things Falling" is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex and haunting aftermath of the drug trade in Colombia. Set against the backdrop of a turbulent country, the story follows the lives of two men whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways. Through vivid storytelling and poignant reflections, the book explores themes of memory, guilt, and the lasting impact of violence on individuals and society.

    The 5709th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Chatham School Affair by Thomas Cook

    In a small New England town, a man returns to his childhood boarding school to confront a dark secret that has haunted him for decades. As he delves into the mystery surrounding the death of a fellow student, he uncovers a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal that threatens to unravel the fabric of the community. Set against the backdrop of the 1920s, this haunting tale explores the devastating consequences of forbidden love and the lengths one man will go to protect those he cares about.

    The 6445th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Eight by Katherine Neville

    The novel is a thrilling blend of historical fiction and contemporary adventure, revolving around a mystical chess set that has been sought after for centuries. The story unfolds across two timelines, one set during the French Revolution and the other in the 1970s, as two women, separated by time, become embroiled in a dangerous quest to find the chess pieces. The chess set, once owned by Charlemagne, is said to hold immense power and knowledge, and as the protagonists delve deeper into its mystery, they must navigate a web of historical figures, cryptic puzzles, and global conspiracies. The narrative weaves together an intricate tapestry of fact and fiction, challenging the characters to unravel the secrets of the past in order to control the game's outcome in their own times.

    The 6446th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. 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
  15. 15. 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
  16. 16. Queenpin by Megan Abbott

    "Queenpin" by Megan Abbott is a gripping crime novel set in the 1950s, following the life of a young woman who becomes entangled in the world of organized crime. The story delves into the dark underbelly of the criminal underworld as the protagonist navigates her way through dangerous alliances and power struggles. With its noir atmosphere and complex characters, "Queenpin" offers a thrilling and suspenseful exploration of loyalty, ambition, and the consequences of one's choices.

    The 6820th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Death In Andes by Mario Vargas Llosa

    "Death in the Andes" is a haunting and atmospheric novel set in the remote Andean village of Naccos, where two soldiers are sent to investigate the mysterious disappearance of three men. As they delve deeper into the village's secrets, they uncover a dark history of violence, political turmoil, and superstition. Blending elements of mystery, political commentary, and magical realism, this gripping tale explores the complexities of human nature and the impact of Peru's turbulent past on its present.

    The 7079th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Power Of The Dog by Don Winslow

    "The Power of the Dog" is a gripping and intense crime thriller that delves into the complex and dangerous world of drug trafficking. Set in the 1970s and spanning several decades, the story follows a DEA agent and a Mexican drug lord as their paths intertwine, resulting in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Filled with vivid characters, intricate plot twists, and a chilling portrayal of the drug trade, this novel explores themes of corruption, loyalty, and the far-reaching consequences of one's choices.

    The 7125th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. 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
  20. 20. Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan

    Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and World War II, the novel follows the life of a young woman who becomes the first female diver to repair ships at the Brooklyn Naval Yard, where her father once worked before his mysterious disappearance. As she grows into her new role, she is drawn into a complex web of underworld figures, sailors, and her father's past, all of which converge to reveal profound truths about her family and the larger world around her. The story is a rich tapestry of a bygone New York, exploring themes of resilience, the impact of war, and the quest for self-discovery amidst the tides of history.

    The 7871st Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. 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.

    The 8108th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry

    In this thrilling adventure, an ex-Justice Department operative stumbles upon a dangerous historical puzzle involving the Knights Templar. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he finds himself at the center of a deadly conflict between those who wish to protect the Templar's ancient secrets and those who seek to expose them. The quest leads him across Europe, racing against time and pursued by a shadowy cabal, as he tries to unravel centuries-old clues that could shake the foundations of Christianity and alter the world's power structure if revealed.

    The 8411th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Rampart Street by David Fulmer

    Set in the early 20th century in the vibrant and gritty streets of New Orleans, this mystery novel follows a Creole detective as he navigates the city's underbelly of jazz clubs, brothels, and corrupt power structures. Tasked with solving a series of violent crimes that threaten to disrupt the delicate social balance, the detective must use his wits and insider knowledge of the community to track down the perpetrator. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, each with their own secrets, and confronts the racial tensions and moral ambiguities of a city at the crossroads of tradition and modernity.

    The 8982nd Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. 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
  25. 25. 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

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