The Greatest Books of All Time on Kidnapping
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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 467 '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.
Genres
The "Kidnapping" category of books typically involves stories where a person or group of people are taken against their will, often for ransom or other nefarious purposes. These books can range from suspenseful thrillers to heart-wrenching dramas, and often explore the psychological and emotional impact of being abducted. The protagonists may be the victims themselves, or those trying to rescue them, and the stories can be set in a variety of contexts, from real-life abductions to fictionalized scenarios. Overall, the "Kidnapping" category offers readers a gripping and often intense reading experience.
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Date Range
Reading Statistics
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1. The Complete Sherlock Holmes by Arthur Conan Doyle
All 4 Novels and 56 Short Stories
This book is a comprehensive collection of all 56 short stories and four novels centered around the brilliant detective, Sherlock Holmes, and his loyal friend, Dr. John Watson. Set in late 19th and early 20th century London, the stories follow Holmes as he uses his exceptional deductive reasoning and astute observation skills to solve a variety of complex and intriguing mysteries. From murder and theft to espionage and the supernatural, no case is too challenging for this iconic detective.
The 146th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. The BFG by Roald Dahl
The book tells the story of a young orphan girl who befriends a benevolent giant, known as the Big Friendly Giant (BFG). Together, they embark on a mission to stop the other evil, man-eating giants from terrorizing the human world. With the help of the Queen of England and her armed forces, they manage to capture the evil giants and bring peace. The BFG and the girl then live happily in England, with the BFG delivering good dreams to children and the girl living in a new home at the palace.
The 977th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. The Franchise Affair by Josephine Tey
The book revolves around a solicitor named Robert Blair who is called upon to defend two women, Marion Sharpe and her mother, accused of kidnapping a teenage girl named Betty Kane. Betty claims she was held captive and forced to work as a servant at the Sharpes' home, The Franchise. However, as Blair delves deeper into the case, he uncovers inconsistencies in Betty's story and begins to suspect that there is more to the accusation than meets the eye. Set in postwar England, the narrative weaves through twists and turns as Blair seeks to prove the innocence of the Sharpes in a society eager to find scandal and guilt.
The 978th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. The Ipcress File by Len Deighton
The novel is a cold war espionage thriller that follows an unnamed British intelligence agent who is tasked with investigating the mysterious disappearances of prominent scientists. As he delves deeper into the case, he finds himself entangled in a complex web of intrigue, betrayal, and brainwashing. Set against the backdrop of the 1960s, the protagonist navigates the shadowy corridors of international espionage, dealing with cryptic codes, high-stakes negotiations, and the ever-present threat of a global conflict. With its gritty realism and intricate plot, the story offers a gripping look into the world of spies and the psychological toll of undercover operations.
The 1040th Greatest Book of All Time -
5. Where Are The Children? by Mary Higgins Clark
In this gripping psychological thriller, a young mother named Nancy Harmon finds herself living a nightmare when her two young children mysteriously disappear without a trace. Years later, after starting a new life and having two more children, Nancy's past comes back to haunt her as she becomes the prime suspect in a series of chilling murders. As she fights to clear her name and uncover the truth, Nancy must confront her darkest secrets and face a relentless killer who will stop at nothing to keep his own secrets hidden.
The 1460th Greatest Book of All Time -
6. Devil's Cub by Georgette Heyer
In this historical romance, a dashing and reckless nobleman known for his wild behavior finds himself captivated by a virtuous young woman who has little interest in his rakish reputation. After a series of misunderstandings and a botched elopement involving the nobleman's intended target, her sister, the young woman finds herself abducted and spirited away to France. Amidst the backdrop of high society and the gaming tables of Paris, the two protagonists engage in a battle of wits and wills, leading to an unexpected romance that challenges the nobleman's libertine ways and the young woman's preconceived notions of love and marriage. Their journey is filled with adventure, humor, and the transformational power of love.
The 1576th Greatest Book of All Time -
7. The Collector by John Fowles
The book revolves around a socially awkward and reclusive young man who wins a substantial amount of money in a lottery, which he uses to execute a long-held, sinister fantasy: to "collect" the object of his obsession, a beautiful and unattainable art student. He kidnaps her and holds her captive in the cellar of his rural farmhouse, convinced that she will grow to love him over time. The narrative delves into the psychological complexities of both captor and captive, exploring themes of power, possession, and the nature of love, ultimately revealing the chilling and tragic consequences of his delusional pursuit.
The 1797th Greatest Book of All Time -
8. 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 2421st Greatest Book of All Time -
9. The Honorary Consul by Graham Greene
Set in a remote city on the Parana River in Argentina, the novel follows the story of a British honorary consul who is mistakenly kidnapped by revolutionaries who intended to kidnap the American ambassador. As the consul battles alcoholism and depression, his young wife embarks on an affair with a local doctor, who is drawn into the political drama as he attempts to negotiate the consul's release. The book explores themes of love, political unrest, and moral ambiguity.
The 2512th Greatest Book of All Time -
10. A High Wind in Jamaica by Richard Hughes
The Innocent Voyage
This novel tells the story of a group of children who are accidentally kidnapped by pirates in the Caribbean after a hurricane destroys their home. The children adapt to life on the sea and form a unique bond with the pirates, causing them to question societal norms and morality. The book explores themes of childhood innocence, the loss of innocence, and the blurred lines between civilization and savagery.
The 2574th Greatest Book of All Time -
11. Along Came A Spider by James Patterson
The novel is a gripping psychological thriller that follows detective Alex Cross as he investigates the high-profile kidnapping of two children from an elite private school in Washington, D.C. The case becomes increasingly complex as Cross delves into the mind of the cunning and elusive kidnapper, who is orchestrating a series of crimes that challenge Cross's skills and determination. As the investigation unfolds, Cross must navigate a web of deceit and danger, confronting his own personal demons while racing against time to save the children and bring the criminal to justice.
The 2973rd Greatest Book of All Time -
12. Lady Joker by Kaoru Takamura
"Lady Joker" is a gripping crime thriller set in Japan, where a mysterious woman named Yuriko becomes entangled in a dangerous game of deceit and revenge. As she navigates the seedy underbelly of Tokyo, Yuriko takes on various identities, using her cunning and intelligence to manipulate those around her. With a complex web of characters and a plot filled with unexpected twists, the book explores themes of power, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil.
The 3227th Greatest Book of All Time -
13. The Journeying Boy by Michael Innes
A Detective Story
"The Journeying Boy" is a mystery novel that follows the peculiar adventures of Humphrey Paxton, the son of a famous physicist, as he travels to Ireland under the care of his tutor. However, the journey takes a series of unexpected turns when a mix-up at a guest house leads to a murder, drawing in an eccentric detective who must unravel a web of intrigue, espionage, and family secrets. As the plot thickens, the boy's safety is jeopardized, and the detective's skills are put to the test in a race against time to solve the case and protect young Humphrey from the dangers that surround him.
The 3354th Greatest Book of All Time -
14. Six Four by Hideo Yokoyama
In this gripping crime thriller, a former detective turned press officer is haunted by a cold case from 14 years ago, the unsolved abduction of a young girl. As he navigates the complex world of police bureaucracy and media pressure, he becomes entangled in a web of secrets and corruption that threatens to unravel his career and personal life. With meticulous attention to detail and a deep exploration of the human psyche, this novel delves into the complexities of crime, guilt, and the lengths one will go to protect their reputation.
The 3412th Greatest Book of All Time -
15. No Orchids for Miss Blandish by James Hadley Chase
This novel is a crime thriller set in America, featuring the kidnapping of a wealthy heiress, Miss Blandish, by a low-level gangster. However, when a more powerful and sadistic gangster, Slim Grisson, learns of the situation, he kills the original kidnapper and takes Miss Blandish for himself. As the police and Miss Blandish's father desperately search for her, she finds herself developing Stockholm Syndrome for her cruel captor. The story is filled with violence, suspense, and unexpected twists, leading to a tragic end.
The 3544th Greatest Book of All Time -
16. The Midnight Examiner by William Kotzwinkle
The novel follows the life of a former serious novelist turned tabloid editor in New York City. The protagonist's life takes a turn when he gets involved with a B-movie actress and a gangster who wants to finance his own movie. The story is a mix of adventure, comedy, and satire, offering a humorous and insightful look into the world of tabloid journalism.
The 3617th Greatest Book of All Time -
17. Ratking by Michael Dibdin
In this gripping crime novel, readers are introduced to a complex and moody detective, Aurelio Zen, who is tasked with solving a high-profile kidnapping case in Italy. The victim, a wealthy industrialist, is held captive by a mysterious entity known as the Ratking, a term that symbolizes the entangled and corrupt nature of the Italian elite. As Zen delves deeper into the investigation, he navigates through a labyrinth of deceit, power struggles, and family secrets, challenging his own ethics and the corrupt system he is a part of. The novel combines a richly atmospheric setting with intricate plot twists, offering a dark and sophisticated exploration of crime, society, and human nature.
The 3672nd Greatest Book of All Time -
18. The Blue Lotus by Hergé
In "The Blue Lotus," a young reporter is sent on a mission to Shanghai during the Sino-Japanese War, where he uncovers a dangerous opium trafficking operation. Along the way, he befriends a Chinese boy who helps him navigate the cultural and political complexities of the region. The story combines elements of adventure, mystery, and political intrigue, set against the backdrop of historical events.
The 3693rd Greatest Book of All Time -
19. Early Autumn by Robert B. Parker
"Early Autumn" is a gripping crime novel that follows Spenser, a tough private detective, as he takes on a new case involving a troubled teenager named Paul. As Spenser delves deeper into Paul's dysfunctional family and dangerous environment, he becomes determined to rescue the young boy from a life of crime and violence. Through his relentless pursuit of justice, Spenser must confront powerful adversaries while navigating the complexities of loyalty, love, and redemption.
The 3926th Greatest Book of All Time -
20. Frost At Christmas by R. D. Wingfield
"Frost At Christmas" is a crime novel that follows Detective Inspector Jack Frost as he investigates the disappearance of a young boy. Set in a small English town during the Christmas season, Frost navigates through a web of secrets and suspects, uncovering a disturbing truth that shakes the community to its core. With his unconventional methods and sharp wit, Frost must race against time to find the missing child and bring the culprit to justice.
The 4068th Greatest Book of All Time -
21. Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
The Arctic Incident
A 12-year-old genius and criminal mastermind, Artemis Fowl, kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short, for a large ransom of gold with the help of his bodyguard, Butler, to restore his family's fortune. In the process, he discovers an underground world of armed and dangerous fairies. The fairies fight back with magic, cunning, and technological weapons leading to a high-stakes battle of wits.
The 4433rd Greatest Book of All Time -
22. I'm Not Scared by Niccolò Ammaniti
Set in a small Italian village during the scorching summer of 1978, this novel tells the story of a 9-year-old boy who discovers a horrific crime being hidden by the adults in his community. The boy, while exploring an abandoned farmhouse, stumbles upon a young boy being held captive in a hole. As he tries to help the captive boy, he is forced to face the moral complexities of his world and the terrifying realization that his own father might be involved in this cruel act. The story is a poignant exploration of innocence, friendship and the loss thereof, and the harsh realities of adulthood.
The 4558th Greatest Book of All Time -
23. News Of A Kidnapping by Gabriel García Márquez
The book chronicles the harrowing real-life experiences of several journalists who were kidnapped in Colombia in the early 1990s by the Medellín drug cartel, led by Pablo Escobar. The narrative delves into the psychological and emotional turmoil faced by the hostages and their families, while also exploring the complex political and social landscape of Colombia during this tumultuous period. Through meticulous reporting and personal testimonies, the book sheds light on the pervasive influence of drug cartels on Colombian society and the extreme measures taken by Escobar to leverage his power against the government's extradition policies.
The 4928th Greatest Book of All Time -
24. The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver
A Lincoln Rhyme Novel
In this gripping crime thriller, a brilliant forensic detective and a young officer team up to catch a sadistic serial killer who leaves behind a trail of bone-chilling clues. As they race against time to solve the puzzle, they must navigate through a labyrinth of gruesome crime scenes and outsmart the ruthless murderer who always seems to be one step ahead. With unexpected twists and heart-stopping suspense, this novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final shocking revelation.
The 5200th Greatest Book of All Time -
25. The Crab With The Golden Claws by Hergé
In this thrilling adventure, a young reporter stumbles upon a mystery involving a drowned man, a tin of crab meat, and a sinister criminal organization trafficking opium. His investigation leads him to the high seas, where he, along with his faithful dog and a cantankerous sea captain, faces danger and intrigue. Together, they navigate treacherous waters, battle desert heat, and confront villains in their quest to dismantle the nefarious operation. This story is a blend of humor, action, and friendship, showcasing the courage and tenacity of its heroes as they pursue justice.
The 5341st 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