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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  1. 151. The Luminaries by Eleanor Catton

    Set during the New Zealand Gold Rush of the 19th century, this novel follows Walter Moody, a prospector who stumbles upon a secret meeting of twelve local men who are trying to solve a series of unsolved crimes. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that the crimes, which include a rich man's disappearance, a prostitute's attempted suicide, and a huge fortune found in a drunkard's cottage, are all interconnected. The novel's complex narrative structure, which uses astrology to organize its characters and events, adds another layer of intrigue to the story.

    The 3271st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 152. 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 3321st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  3. 153. Thomas of Reading, Or, The Sixe Worthie Yeomen of the West by Thomas Deloney

    "Thomas of Reading, Or, The Sixe Worthie Yeomen of the West" is a historical novel set in the time of King Henry I. The story revolves around six wealthy clothiers who regularly travel to Reading and other towns to sell their goods. The tale combines elements of tragedy and comedy, with the central plot involving a conspiracy by the local millers and fullers to cheat the clothiers. The narrative also offers a glimpse into the socio-economic conditions of the time, highlighting the importance of the cloth industry in England's economy.

    The 3324th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  4. 154. Death Of A Red Heroine by Qiu Xiaolong

    "Death Of A Red Heroine" is a crime novel set in 1990s Shanghai, China. The story follows Inspector Chen Cao as he investigates the murder of a young woman, whose body is found in a canal. As Chen delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption, political intrigue, and personal secrets that challenge his loyalty to the Communist Party and force him to confront the complexities of modern Chinese society. Through vivid descriptions of Shanghai's changing landscape and insightful commentary on social issues, the novel offers a captivating portrayal of a country in transition.

    The 3389th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  5. 155. Wobble To Death by Peter Lovesey

    A Victorian Mystery

    Set in Victorian London, the book is a thrilling murder mystery centered around a grueling six-day endurance race known as a "wobble." As competitors push their limits in this test of stamina, the event takes a sinister turn when one of the contestants is found dead under suspicious circumstances. A determined and astute detective takes on the case, delving into the competitive world of pedestrianism—a popular sport of the era. Amidst the spectacle and drama of the race, the detective must unravel a web of deceit, rivalry, and ambition to uncover the truth behind the athlete's untimely demise, revealing the darker side of Victorian sportsmanship and obsession.

    The 3403rd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  6. 156. In A Lonely Place by Karl Edward Wagner

    "In A Lonely Place" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the life of a troubled writer named Michael, who becomes the prime suspect in a series of brutal murders. As the story unfolds, Michael's dark past and volatile personality raise doubts about his innocence, leaving readers questioning his true nature. Set against the backdrop of a gritty and atmospheric city, this novel delves into the depths of human psyche, exploring themes of obsession, violence, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.

    The 3407th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  7. 157. Falling Angel by William Hjortsberg

    In this gripping mystery novel, a down-on-his-luck private investigator is hired to find a missing person, only to uncover a web of dark secrets and supernatural forces. Set in 1950s New York City, the protagonist delves into the city's seedy underbelly, encountering eccentric characters and facing his own demons along the way. As he gets closer to the truth, the line between reality and fantasy becomes blurred, leading to a shocking and unexpected climax. With its atmospheric setting and intricate plot, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

    The 3448th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  8. 158. Hamlet, Revenge! by Michael Innes

    A Sir John Appleby Mystery

    In the detective novel set within the backdrop of an amateur production of Shakespeare's "Hamlet," a murder occurs during a country house party, prompting Inspector Appleby to investigate the ensemble of guests, which includes politicians, scholars, and actors. As the inspector delves into the complex relationships and motives of the suspects, the narrative weaves through a labyrinth of intellectual puzzles and literary references. The story combines elements of a classic whodunit with a sophisticated exploration of Shakespearean themes, leading to a dramatic and unexpected resolution.

    The 3457th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  9. 159. The First Deadly Sin by Lawrence Sanders

    In this gripping crime novel, a seasoned New York City detective is on the brink of retirement when he's drawn into a challenging and high-stakes investigation. The city is terrorized by a series of brutal murders, each victim found with a small, mysterious token left by the killer. As the detective delves deeper into the case, he must navigate a complex web of clues and confront his own personal demons, all while racing against time to stop the methodical murderer before they strike again. The novel combines a gritty police procedural with psychological depth, exploring the nature of obsession and the cost of justice.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  10. 160. Laura by Vera Caspary

    The novel revolves around the investigation into the murder of a beautiful and successful advertising executive, whose charm and elegance have captivated many men. As the detective delves into her life, he becomes increasingly obsessed with the victim, piecing together her complex relationships and the events leading up to her death. Through a series of twists and character revelations, the story explores themes of obsession, identity, and the facades people construct in their lives. The detective's journey through the victim's world blurs the lines between professional duty and personal fixation, leading to a surprising resolution that challenges his initial perceptions.

    The 3494th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  11. 161. The Journalist and the Murderer by Janet Malcolm

    The book is a gripping exploration of the uneasy relationship between journalists and their subjects. It delves into the ethical dilemmas faced by journalists when they become too involved with their subjects. The narrative centers around a lawsuit between a convicted murderer and the author who wrote about his case, revealing the blurred lines between objectivity and subjectivity in journalism. The book also raises questions about the morality and responsibility of the journalistic profession.

    The 3508th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  12. 162. Sidetracked by Henning Mankell

    A Kurt Wallander Mystery

    In this gripping Scandinavian crime novel, a renowned detective finds himself embroiled in a complex investigation when a brutal murder occurs just before a high-profile conference on African issues. As he delves into the case, he uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that extends beyond the borders of Sweden. Simultaneously, he must grapple with personal distractions and the challenge of keeping his own life from derailing. The detective's pursuit of justice leads him down a path where the distinction between right and wrong becomes increasingly blurred, and the stakes are as much personal as they are professional.

    The 3520th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  13. 163. The Death of Woman Wang MMP by Jonathan Spence

    Rural Life in China in the Seventeenth Century

    "The Death of Woman Wang MMP" is a historical narrative that vividly portrays 17th-century rural China, specifically the T'an-ch'eng county in Shantung province. The book focuses on the lives of ordinary people, their struggles, and the harsh realities they face, using the tragic story of a woman named Wang as the central narrative. It also provides a detailed account of the local judicial system and the role of the local historian, all of which are interwoven to create a comprehensive picture of the society and culture of the era.

    The 3537th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 164. I, The Jury by Mickey Spillane

    In this hard-boiled detective novel, a gritty and vengeful private investigator seeks justice for the murder of his best friend, who was killed by a .45 to the stomach. The protagonist navigates a seedy underworld of crime and corruption, encountering seductive femme fatales and ruthless criminals along the way. His relentless pursuit of the truth leads to a shocking revelation and a climactic confrontation, where personal codes of honor and the blurred lines between right and wrong come to a head. The novel is known for its tough-guy dialogue, violent action, and the detective's uncompromising moral compass.

    The 3545th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  15. 165. The Wolfen by Whitley Strieber

    "The Wolfen" is a gripping horror novel that follows two New York City detectives as they investigate a series of brutal murders. As they delve deeper into the case, they discover a terrifying secret: a pack of ancient, intelligent creatures known as the Wolfen, who possess the ability to blend seamlessly into human society. Faced with a deadly enemy unlike anything they have encountered before, the detectives must race against time to stop the Wolfen before they claim more innocent lives.

    The 3549th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  16. 166. Tragedy At Law by Cyril Hare

    "Tragedy at Law" follows the story of a High Court judge, Mr. Justice Barber, as he travels the circuit presiding over cases in the south of England during World War II. Amidst the backdrop of wartime Britain, the judge finds himself the target of a series of mysterious and potentially deadly "accidents." With the help of barrister Francis Pettigrew, the narrative unfolds as a classic whodunit, blending legal drama with elements of suspense and dark humor. As Pettigrew delves deeper into the investigation, the novel explores themes of justice, professional rivalry, and the complexities of the British legal system, culminating in a surprising and satisfying resolution.

    The 3556th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  17. 167. Green For Danger by Christianna Brand

    Set in a rural English hospital during the turmoil of World War II, this classic mystery novel revolves around a series of disturbing events in the hospital's operating theater. When a postman dies on the operating table in what should have been a routine surgery, suspicions arise, leading to an investigation by the charismatic Inspector Cockrill. As the staff's tangled relationships and personal dramas come to light, a second, seemingly accidental death complicates matters further. The inspector must sift through a web of deceit, jealousy, and secrets among the hospital staff to uncover the truth behind the deaths, leading to a tense and unexpected climax.

    The 3629th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  18. 168. The Totem by David Morrell

    A Novel of Horror

    "The Totem" by David Morrell is a gripping thriller that follows the story of a troubled young woman named Laura who becomes entangled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a relentless killer. As Laura tries to uncover the truth behind a series of brutal murders, she discovers a dark secret that connects her past to the present. With her life on the line, Laura must confront her deepest fears and outsmart her cunning adversary before it's too late.

    The 3635th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  19. 169. Maigret And The Old Lady by Georges Simenon

    In this mystery novel, Inspector Maigret is called to a small coastal village in Normandy to investigate the suspicious death of a wealthy elderly woman. As he delves into the case, Maigret encounters a web of family tensions, secrets, and local gossip. The old lady's relatives, each with their own motives and alibis, complicate the investigation. Maigret's keen intuition and methodical approach gradually unravel the truth, revealing the unexpected dynamics within the family and the true circumstances surrounding the woman's death.

    The 3638th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  20. 170. The Girl Next Door by Jack Ketchum

    A Novel of Terror

    The book is a harrowing and disturbing tale of suburban horror that delves into the darkest depths of human depravity. It centers around a teenage girl who, after the death of her parents, is left in the care of her mentally unstable aunt. In the aunt's house, the girl is subjected to unspeakable abuse at the hands of her caretaker and the local children, who are drawn into a cycle of sadism and torture. The narrative, based on a true story, is a chilling exploration of the potential for evil that lies within ordinary people and the ways in which societal pressures and the desire to conform can lead to complicity in atrocities.

    The 3854th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  21. 171. The Cellar by Richard Laymon

    Beast House Chronicles Book 1

    "The Cellar" is a chilling and suspenseful novel that follows the story of a young woman named Donna who finds herself trapped in a horrifying nightmare. After being kidnapped and locked in a dark cellar by a sadistic and deranged man, Donna must navigate the twisted and dangerous world she has been thrust into. With her life hanging in the balance, she must summon all her strength and courage to escape the clutches of her captor and survive the terrifying ordeal.

    The 3884th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  22. 172. The Tiger In The Smoke by Margery Allingham

    In this classic detective novel, London is shrouded in a dense, disorienting fog that sets the perfect stage for a thrilling cat-and-mouse game. The story follows the cunning and resourceful private detective as he navigates the murky underworld of post-war London in pursuit of a ruthless killer. The detective must unravel a complex web of deceit, revenge, and hidden identities, all linked to a mysterious figure known as "the Tiger." As the investigation draws him deeper into danger, the detective must rely on his wits and moral compass to bring the perpetrator to justice amidst the pervasive smoke that cloaks the city's streets.

    The 3913th Greatest Book of All Time
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  23. 173. In The Woods by Tana French

    In this psychological mystery, a detective on the Dublin Murder Squad is pulled into a case that unsettlingly intersects with his own past. As a child, he was the sole survivor of a mysterious incident that left two of his friends missing in the woods. Now, with the murder of a young girl in the same woods, he must confront his traumatic memories while trying to solve the case. The investigation becomes increasingly complex, blurring the lines between the detective's professional duties and his deeply personal quest for answers, leading to a chilling exploration of memory, identity, and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic settings.

    The 3927th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  24. 174. Collected Stories by Raymond Chandler

    "Collected Stories" is a compilation of short stories that showcase the author's signature noir style. The narratives are filled with complex plots, gritty settings, and cynical, hard-boiled characters, often featuring private detectives navigating the seedy underbelly of society. The collection highlights the author's distinct voice, characterized by sharp dialogue, vivid descriptions, and a keen observation of human nature.

    The 3938th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  25. 175. Phantom Lady by Cornell Woolrich

    "Phantom Lady" is a gripping noir thriller that follows Scott Henderson, a man wrongfully accused of his wife's murder. With no alibi and no witnesses to vouch for him, Scott's only hope lies in finding the mysterious woman he met at a bar on the night of the crime. As he delves deeper into the dark underbelly of New York City, Scott uncovers a web of deception, danger, and hidden motives, all while racing against time to prove his innocence and bring the real killer to justice.

    The 4070th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or 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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