The Greatest Books of All Time on Investigation
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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 759 '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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The "Investigation" category of books typically involves stories that revolve around solving a mystery or crime. These books often feature detectives, private investigators, or other types of sleuths who use their skills and expertise to uncover clues, interview suspects, and ultimately solve the case. The investigation genre can include a wide range of sub-genres, such as police procedurals, cozy mysteries, and psychological thrillers, but all share a common focus on the process of uncovering the truth.
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1. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
A True Account of a Multiple Murder and Its Consequences
This true crime novel tells the story of the brutal 1959 murder of a wealthy farmer, his wife and two of their children in Holcomb, Kansas. The narrative follows the investigation led by the Kansas Bureau of Investigation that ultimately leads to the capture, trial, and execution of the killers. The book explores the circumstances surrounding this horrific crime and the effects it had on the community and the people involved.
The 109th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
2. The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
This classic detective novel follows a private investigator who is hired by a mysterious woman to track down her missing sister. The case quickly becomes complicated when the investigator is caught up in a dangerous hunt for a priceless artifact, the Maltese Falcon. As he navigates a world of treachery, deceit, and murder, he must use his wit and courage to outsmart his enemies and solve the mystery.
The 142nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
3. The Hound of the Baskervilles by Arthur Conan Doyle
This classic mystery novel follows a detective and his partner as they investigate a supernatural hound that has been haunting the Baskerville family for generations, supposedly causing the death of the recent family head. As the pair navigate the eerie moors surrounding the Baskerville estate, they unravel a plot of deception and murder, all while trying to protect the new heir from the same grisly fate. The story is a thrilling blend of mystery, suspense, and horror.
The 164th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
4. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie
In a small English village, a wealthy man named Roger Ackroyd is found dead, stabbed with a dagger. The victim's friend, a retired detective, comes out of retirement to solve the murder. The detective uncovers a web of deceit, blackmail, and hidden relationships among the victim's family and employees. The shocking twist ending reveals the unlikely murderer and the ingenious method used to commit the crime.
The 251st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
5. The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth
"The Day of the Jackal" is a suspenseful thriller that revolves around an unnamed and highly skilled professional assassin who is hired by a French dissident paramilitary organization to kill Charles de Gaulle, the President of France. The novel intricately details the meticulous preparations of the assassin, his many disguises, and his method of operation, while also depicting the desperate efforts of the French police to uncover his identity and prevent the assassination, leading to a tense cat-and-mouse chase across Europe.
The 415th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
6. Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
A renowned Belgian detective finds himself embroiled in a complex murder case aboard the luxurious Orient Express train. The victim is a wealthy American businessman with numerous enemies, and the train's diverse passenger list includes individuals of varying nationalities and backgrounds, each with their own secrets. As the train is halted due to a snowdrift, the detective must race against time to solve the murder before the train reaches its destination and the murderer has a chance to escape.
The 423rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
7. The Hollow Man by John Dickson Carr
A Gideon Fell Mystery
In "The Hollow Man," a renowned detective is faced with a seemingly impossible murder case. Driven by his reputation and intellect, he dives deep into the perplexing puzzle, exploring the motives and alibis of a group of suspects. As the tension rises and the truth becomes increasingly elusive, the detective's determination to solve the enigma grows stronger. With unexpected twists and a cleverly crafted plot, this gripping mystery keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final revelation.
The 457th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
8. Murder Must Advertise by Dorothy L. Sayers
When a copywriter at an advertising agency suspiciously dies in a fall, a private detective goes undercover to investigate the circumstances. He discovers a world of drugs, blackmail, and deceit hidden behind the agency's seemingly ordinary facade. As he delves deeper, he must unravel a web of secrets and lies to solve the murder, all while maintaining his cover and navigating the competitive world of advertising.
The 497th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
9. The Silence of the Lambs by Thomas Harris
In this gripping psychological thriller, a young FBI trainee is enlisted to interview an incarcerated and manipulative cannibalistic serial killer to gain insight into the mind of another active serial murderer. The trainee must navigate a complex game of cat and mouse, using her own wits and the killer's insights to understand and anticipate the criminal's moves before he strikes again. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she confronts not only the horrors of the criminal mind but also the darkness within her own past, leading to a tense and chilling confrontation.
The 578th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
10. The Third Man by Graham Greene
Set in post-World War II Vienna, the story revolves around an American writer who arrives in the city to discover that his childhood friend, whom he had planned to meet, has recently died in a mysterious accident. As he delves deeper into the circumstances surrounding his friend's death, he uncovers a web of intrigue involving black market dealings, corrupt officials, and a complex moral landscape. The writer's investigation leads him to question loyalty, morality, and the ambiguous nature of friendship in a city divided by occupation and rife with espionage and criminality.
The 586th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
11. The Nine Tailors by Dorothy L. Sayers
Changes Rung on an Old Theme in Two Short Touches and Two Full Peals
In this mystery novel, a car accident strands a detective in a small English village during New Year's Eve. He is roped into participating in a nine-hour bell-ringing marathon at the local church. Weeks later, a disfigured body is discovered in a grave, leading to a complex investigation involving stolen emeralds, a decades-old robbery, and a lethal "curse" tied to the tolling of the church bells. The detective must unravel the intricate puzzle to reveal the killer's identity.
The 625th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
12. The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett
This detective novel follows a retired private investigator, Nick Charles, who, while on a Christmas vacation in New York with his wife Nora, becomes embroiled in a murder investigation. The case involves a former client of his, Clyde Wynant, who has mysteriously disappeared after his secretary was found dead. As the investigation unfolds, Nick and Nora navigate a complex web of deceit, lies, and family drama, all while maintaining their witty banter and high-society lifestyle.
The 660th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
13. The Mask of Dimitrios by Eric Ambler
The book is a classic espionage thriller that revolves around a crime novelist who becomes intrigued by the story of a notorious criminal, Dimitrios. The novelist's curiosity leads him on a journey across Europe, tracing the steps of Dimitrios, who is believed to be dead. As he delves deeper into Dimitrios's world of political intrigue, drug trafficking, and murder, he finds himself caught up in a dangerous game with life-threatening consequences.
The 790th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
14. The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie
In this novel, a wealthy woman is found poisoned in her country home in England during World War I. A family friend who is visiting the house at the time of the murder calls upon his friend, a brilliant detective, to help solve the case. The detective uses his unique methods to investigate the crime, revealing a complex web of family secrets and betrayal. Throughout the investigation, the detective uncovers that the victim's husband, the housekeeper, and the victim's stepsons all had motives to kill her. The detective eventually solves the crime, revealing the unexpected murderer and their ingenious method of committing the crime.
The 801st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
15. We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson
This novel tells the story of the Blackwood sisters, Merricat and Constance, who live in isolation in their family mansion, following the mysterious death of their parents due to arsenic poisoning. The sisters' lives are disrupted when their estranged cousin, Charles, arrives with intentions of stealing their fortune. The story is a chilling exploration of family secrets, mental illness, and the destructive power of mob mentality.
The 861st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
16. Smilla's Sense of Snow by Peter Høeg
The novel revolves around Smilla Jaspersen, a woman of Greenlandic-Inuit and Danish descent living in Copenhagen, who investigates the mysterious death of a small Inuit boy who falls from the roof of their apartment building. Despite the authorities ruling it as an accident, Smilla's understanding of the Arctic snow and ice, her intuition, and her relentless pursuit for truth lead her to uncover a much darker, dangerous conspiracy involving powerful corporations and government agencies.
The 862nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
17. The Poisoned Chocolates Case by Anthony Berkeley
In this classic detective novel, a group of amateur sleuths, known as the Crimes Circle, is presented with a perplexing case involving a box of poisoned chocolates that leads to the death of a gentleman and nearly kills his sister. The members of the Circle, each employing their own unique methods of deduction, take turns proposing different solutions to the mystery, revealing a complex web of motives and opportunities. As the narrative unfolds, the reader is invited to puzzle out the identity of the murderer alongside the characters, leading to a series of surprising twists and a final, unexpected resolution that challenges the conventions of the genre. This story is celebrated for its ingenious plot and its exploration of the art of detection itself.
The 948th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
18. Trent's Last Case by E. C. Bentley
The Woman in Black
In this classic detective novel, the story follows the intelligent and resourceful amateur sleuth, Philip Trent, as he investigates the puzzling murder of a wealthy financier. Initially deemed an open-and-shut case, Trent delves deeper, uncovering a complex web of deceit, love, and betrayal. His sharp wit and keen observation lead him through a series of twists and turns, but his final conclusion is dramatically mistaken. In a surprising twist, Trent falls in love, which ultimately leads to a profound personal transformation and the unexpected resolution of the case, challenging the very nature of detective work and the fallibility of logical deduction.
The 953rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
19. A Study In Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle
Being a Reprint from the Reminiscences of John H. Watson, M.D., Late of the Army Medical Department
"A Study in Scarlet" is a gripping detective novel that introduces the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. John Watson. When a mysterious murder takes place in London, Holmes and Watson are called upon to solve the case. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a complex web of revenge, love, and betrayal that spans across continents and decades. With Holmes' unparalleled deductive skills and Watson's steadfast support, the duo unravels the truth behind the murder and brings the culprits to justice. This thrilling tale not only showcases Holmes' extraordinary abilities but also explores the unique bond between the detective and his trusted friend.
The 983rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
20. The Judge and His Hangman by Friedrich Dürrenmatt
This book is a crime novel set in Switzerland, where a police lieutenant is tasked with solving the murder of his former colleague. The narrative explores themes of justice, revenge, and the blurred lines between good and evil. The lieutenant, despite being terminally ill, is determined to solve the case and in the process, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that forces him to question his own morality and the nature of justice. The story is a philosophical examination of the criminal justice system and the moral dilemmas faced by those who enforce the law.
The 997th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
21. Red Dragon by Thomas Harris
A former FBI profiler, who is renowned for capturing a notorious serial killer, is lured out of retirement to track down a new killer who has a taste for families. The new killer, dubbed "The Tooth Fairy", is a complex character with a troubled past that leads him to commit his heinous crimes. As the profiler delves deeper into the investigation, he is forced to confront his own demons and the manipulative games of the serial killer he previously captured, who is now behind bars.
The 1001st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
22. Fantômas by Marcel Allain, Pierre Souvestre
The Silent Executioner
The book is a thrilling detective novel set in Paris, revolving around the character of Fantômas, a master criminal with no morals or scruples. Fantômas is a master of disguise, capable of assuming any identity at will, and his criminal activities range from petty theft to murder. The book follows the relentless pursuit of Fantômas by the determined Inspector Juve, leading to a series of exciting and suspenseful encounters.
The 1061st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
23. Gorky Park by Martin Cruz Smith
In the heart of Moscow, three corpses found in Gorky Park lead a dedicated Soviet police investigator on a complex and dangerous trail that entangles him in the web of the KGB and the FBI. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a chilling conspiracy and faces moral dilemmas that challenge his very principles and integrity. The investigation becomes a personal quest for truth that takes him far beyond the park's snowy borders, testing his resolve and putting his life at risk in the shadowy intersections of international espionage and political intrigue.
The 1094th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
24. The Chill by Ross Macdonald
In "The Chill," a private investigator named Lew Archer is hired by a wealthy family to find their missing son, who disappeared during a camping trip in the Sierra Nevada mountains. As Archer delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of secrets, lies, and betrayals that stretches back years. With each new revelation, Archer must navigate the treacherous waters of a dysfunctional family and a small town filled with corruption and violence, all while trying to bring the missing son home safely.
The 1105th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
25. The Moving Toyshop by Edmund Crispin
A Detective Story
In this classic British detective novel, a poet on holiday in Oxford stumbles upon a woman's body in a toyshop at night, only to find the shop has vanished by morning. Teaming up with an eccentric literature professor, the poet embarks on a whimsical and cerebral quest to solve the mystery, navigating a labyrinth of literary references, quirky characters, and puzzling clues. The story combines elements of farce and traditional whodunit, leading to a climactic chase and an unexpected twist, all set against the backdrop of the historic university town.
The 1214th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
Reading Statistics
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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.
DownloadTo download this list as a CSV file, please log in to your account. Once logged in, you'll be able to download the data for use in spreadsheet applications.
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