The Greatest Books of All Time on Murder

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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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Genres

Murder

The "Murder" category for books typically includes stories that revolve around the act of killing another person. These books often feature a crime that needs to be solved, with a focus on the investigation and the motives of the killer. The genre can include a range of sub-genres, such as mystery, thriller, and crime fiction, and can vary in tone from dark and gritty to more lighthearted and humorous. Overall, the "Murder" category is a popular choice for readers who enjoy suspenseful and thrilling stories that keep them on the edge of their seats.

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Date Range

Filter books by their publication year. Enter the earliest year (Start) and latest year (End) to find books published within that period. Leave either field empty to search from the beginning of time or up to the present day.

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  1. 526. Murder And Anger by Muwaffaq Khidr

    In this gripping thriller, a seasoned detective finds himself entangled in a complex web of deceit and vengeance as he investigates a series of brutal murders. Each crime scene reveals clues that point to a deeply personal vendetta, forcing the detective to confront his own past and the anger that has long simmered beneath the surface. As the investigation unfolds, he must navigate a labyrinth of secrets and lies, ultimately leading to a shocking revelation that challenges his understanding of justice and morality.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 527. Coyote Waits by Tony Hillerman

    The novel revolves around Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee as they investigate the murder of a fellow officer, Delbert Nez. The case becomes complex when a seemingly obvious suspect, a Navajo shaman named Ashie Pinto, is arrested but maintains his innocence. As Leaphorn and Chee delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a web of deception, cultural conflicts, and hidden motives that challenge their understanding of justice and tradition within the Navajo community. The story intricately weaves elements of Navajo culture and beliefs with a gripping mystery, highlighting the personal and professional struggles of the two detectives.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  3. 528. Angel Fire by Ron Franscell

    The True Story of a Small Town Mass Murder

    The book is a gripping thriller that follows the story of a former Marine turned private investigator who is drawn into a complex and dangerous case involving a missing girl. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that lead him to confront his own troubled past. The narrative is filled with suspense, unexpected twists, and a relentless pursuit of justice, making it a compelling read for fans of crime fiction.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  4. 529. Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice For Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto

    In this cozy mystery, a sharp-witted elderly woman named Vera Wong discovers a dead body in her tea shop, prompting her to embark on an amateur investigation. With her keen observational skills and a knack for giving unsolicited advice, Vera delves into the lives of her quirky customers, each harboring secrets and potential motives. As she unravels the mystery, Vera forms unexpected friendships and uncovers surprising truths, all while navigating the challenges of her own life with humor and determination. The story blends elements of mystery, humor, and heart, showcasing Vera's unique perspective and indomitable spirit.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  5. 530. As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson

    The Finale to A Good Girl's Guide to Murder

    In this gripping conclusion to the series, the protagonist finds herself entangled in a dangerous game as she investigates a new mystery that hits close to home. Struggling with the trauma from past events, she faces a chilling adversary who seems to know her every move. As she delves deeper, she uncovers shocking secrets and must confront her own fears and vulnerabilities. The tension escalates as she races against time to solve the mystery and protect those she loves, leading to a thrilling and unexpected climax.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 531. Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn

    A journalist returns to her hometown to cover the murder of two young girls, only to confront her own traumatic past and dysfunctional family dynamics. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers disturbing secrets about the town and her own family, leading to a chilling revelation. The story explores themes of psychological trauma, self-harm, and the complexities of mother-daughter relationships, all set against a backdrop of suspense and mystery.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  7. 532. The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch

    In this gripping science fiction thriller, a special agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service is tasked with solving a brutal family murder while grappling with the complexities of time travel. As she navigates a future where humanity faces an impending apocalypse, she uncovers a web of conspiracies and alternate timelines that challenge her understanding of reality. The narrative weaves together elements of mystery, existential dread, and the relentless pursuit of truth, as the protagonist races against time to prevent a catastrophic event that could annihilate all existence.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
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  8. 533. Dark Places by Gillian Flynn

    The novel follows Libby Day, the sole survivor of a massacre that claimed the lives of her mother and sisters when she was a child, a crime for which her brother Ben was convicted. As an adult, Libby is approached by a group of amateur sleuths called the Kill Club, who believe Ben is innocent and want her help in uncovering the truth. Reluctantly, Libby revisits her traumatic past, uncovering long-buried secrets and confronting the dark realities of her family's history, ultimately leading to shocking revelations about what truly happened on that fateful night.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
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  9. 534. Gone To See The River Man by Kristopher Triana

    The novel is a chilling psychological horror story that follows Lori, a woman obsessed with a notorious serial killer named Edmund Cox. In an attempt to prove her devotion, she agrees to a mysterious task he assigns her: to retrieve a key from a location known as the River Man. As Lori embarks on this eerie journey with her disabled sister, Abby, she descends into a nightmarish world filled with dark secrets and haunting revelations. The story explores themes of obsession, guilt, and the blurred lines between reality and madness, culminating in a disturbing and thought-provoking climax.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 535. Stalker by Lars Kepler

    A Joona Linna Novel

    In this gripping thriller, a series of unsettling videos sent to the police precedes the brutal murders of seemingly random women, plunging Detective Joona Linna into a complex investigation. As the team races against time to identify the elusive stalker, they uncover a chilling pattern and a connection to Joona's own past. With the help of hypnotist Erik Maria Bark, they delve into the psychological depths of the killer's mind, navigating a web of secrets and deception. The tension escalates as the detectives struggle to prevent further killings, leading to a shocking and unexpected climax.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 536. Without Remorse by Tom Clancy

    The novel follows John Kelly, a former Navy SEAL, who embarks on a personal mission of vengeance after the brutal murder of a woman he had grown close to. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War and Cold War tensions, Kelly transforms into a covert operative, taking on a new identity as John Clark. As he navigates a world of espionage and military operations, he uncovers a complex web of drug trafficking and corruption. The story intertwines themes of justice, retribution, and redemption, as Kelly confronts both personal demons and external adversaries in his relentless pursuit of justice.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  12. 537. The Throat by Peter Straub

    A Blue Rose Novel

    The novel is a complex and gripping thriller that follows the protagonist, Tim Underhill, as he returns to his hometown to investigate a series of brutal murders that echo a string of unsolved crimes from his past. As Underhill delves deeper into the mystery, he confronts haunting memories and uncovers dark secrets that blur the lines between reality and nightmare. The story weaves together themes of trauma, identity, and the nature of evil, creating a chilling narrative that keeps readers on edge until the very end.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  13. 538. And The Hippos Were Boiled In Their Tanks by William S. Burroughs

    Set in the gritty, bohemian world of 1940s New York City, the narrative follows two friends, Will Dennison and Mike Ryko, as they navigate a turbulent summer filled with existential angst, artistic ambition, and complex relationships. The story unfolds through alternating perspectives, capturing the raw, unfiltered experiences of the characters as they become entangled in a web of jealousy, obsession, and betrayal. The novel paints a vivid picture of a bygone era, exploring themes of youthful disillusionment and the search for identity amidst the backdrop of a murder that ultimately tests the limits of friendship and morality.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  14. 539. Odd Thomas by Dean R. Koontz

    The novel follows a young fry cook with an extraordinary ability to see and communicate with the dead. Living in a small California town, he uses his unique gift to help spirits find peace and to prevent impending disasters. When he encounters a mysterious man surrounded by ominous, shadowy entities, he realizes that a catastrophic event is looming. As he races against time to unravel the mystery and avert tragedy, he faces both supernatural and human threats, relying on his courage, wit, and the support of his close-knit group of friends.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 540. When You See Me by Lisa Gardner

    In this gripping thriller, a team of investigators, including Detective D.D. Warren, survivor-turned-avenger Flora Dane, and FBI agent Kimberly Quincy, converge on a small town in Georgia to unravel a series of cold cases linked to a deceased serial killer. As they dig deeper, they uncover a sinister network of human trafficking and exploitation, revealing dark secrets hidden within the seemingly idyllic community. The narrative weaves together the personal struggles and strengths of the protagonists as they confront their pasts and work together to bring justice to the victims, culminating in a tense and suspenseful climax.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 541. Look For Me by Lisa Gardner

    A Detective D.D. Warren Novel

    In this gripping thriller, a horrific crime scene leaves a family brutally murdered and a teenage girl missing, prompting Detective D.D. Warren and survivor-turned-avenger Flora Dane to join forces in unraveling the mystery. As they delve into the complexities of the case, they uncover dark secrets and hidden traumas within the family and the girl's life, leading them through a maze of suspects and motives. The narrative explores themes of survival, justice, and the impact of past abuse, culminating in a tense and emotional pursuit of truth and redemption.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 542. The 4th Man by Lisa Gardner

    A Short Story

    In this gripping thriller, a cold case detective and a seasoned FBI profiler join forces to unravel a decades-old mystery involving a brutal murder. As they delve into the past, they uncover a complex web of secrets, lies, and hidden motives that challenge their investigative skills and personal beliefs. The story weaves through unexpected twists and turns, keeping the tension high as the duo races against time to uncover the truth and bring justice to the victim.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 543. The Killing Hour by Lisa Gardner

    A Thriller

    In this gripping thriller, two FBI trainees, Kimberly Quincy and Michael "Mac" McCormack, find themselves in a race against time to stop a cunning serial killer known as the Eco-Killer. The murderer targets young women and leaves their bodies in remote wilderness areas, challenging the agents to decipher his cryptic clues before he strikes again. As Kimberly and Mac delve deeper into the investigation, they must confront their own personal demons and navigate the complexities of their budding relationship, all while piecing together a chilling pattern that could lead them to the killer's next victim.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 544. The Next Accident by Lisa Gardner

    A Thriller

    In this gripping thriller, an FBI agent is drawn into a complex web of danger and deceit when a series of seemingly unrelated accidents claim the lives of those connected to him. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he discovers a sinister pattern orchestrated by a cunning and vengeful adversary. With the help of a determined woman who has her own reasons for seeking justice, they race against time to unravel the mystery and prevent the next deadly "accident." The story is a tense exploration of trust, betrayal, and the relentless pursuit of truth.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 545. The Third Victim by Lisa Gardner

    The novel is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of a small-town community shaken by a school shooting. As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that the case is more intricate than it initially appears, with hidden motives and dark secrets coming to light. The story follows a determined detective and a resilient survivor as they navigate a web of deceit and trauma, ultimately uncovering the truth behind the tragic event. The narrative explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the impact of violence on individuals and communities.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 546. Alone by Lisa Gardner

    A Detective D.D. Warren Novel

    In this gripping thriller, a tense hostage situation unfolds when a troubled woman, Catherine, is held at gunpoint by her estranged husband in their Boston home. As the police respond, sniper Bobby Dodge makes a split-second decision to shoot, saving Catherine but igniting a complex investigation into her past. The narrative delves into themes of trauma, manipulation, and justice, as Bobby becomes entangled in a web of deceit and danger, questioning whether Catherine is a victim or a master manipulator. The story explores the fine line between right and wrong, keeping readers on edge with its unexpected twists and psychological depth.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 547. Ragdoll by Daniel Cole

    In this gripping thriller, a detective is drawn into a chilling investigation when a body is discovered, grotesquely stitched together from the parts of six different victims, earning it the nickname "Ragdoll." As the detective races against time to uncover the identity of the killer, he is taunted by a list of future victims, including his own name. The story weaves through a complex web of secrets, personal vendettas, and moral dilemmas, keeping readers on edge as the detective confronts his past and battles to prevent further murders.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  23. 548. Cadillac Jukebox by James Lee Burke

    A Dave Robicheaux Novel

    In this gripping crime novel, a Louisiana sheriff's deputy, Dave Robicheaux, finds himself entangled in a complex web of political corruption, racial tension, and personal vendettas. As he investigates the murder of a local civil rights leader, Robicheaux uncovers a sinister conspiracy involving powerful figures who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets. Amidst the sultry backdrop of the Deep South, he must navigate a dangerous landscape of deceit and violence, confronting his own demons while seeking justice for the victim. The story weaves together themes of morality, redemption, and the enduring struggle for truth.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  24. 549. The A26 by Pascal Garnier

    In this dark and atmospheric novel, an isolated brother and sister, Bernard and Yolande, live in a decaying house in rural France, cut off from the world as the construction of a new motorway, the A26, looms nearby. Bernard, who harbors a sinister secret, is driven by a compulsion to commit a series of gruesome murders, while Yolande, trapped in the past, remains oblivious to the outside world, believing World War II is still ongoing. As the siblings' lives spiral into chaos, the story explores themes of isolation, madness, and the inescapable passage of time, culminating in a chilling and tragic conclusion.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  25. 550. I Was Dora Suarez by Derek Raymond

    The novel is a gritty and intense crime thriller that follows the investigation of a brutal murder in London. The story centers around a detective known only as the unnamed narrator, who becomes deeply obsessed with solving the gruesome killing of a young woman named Dora Suarez. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption, violence, and depravity that challenges his own moral compass and sanity. The narrative is marked by its dark atmosphere, graphic depictions, and a relentless pursuit of justice in a world filled with despair and brutality.

    The 17119th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon

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

To 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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