The Greatest Books of All Time on Secrets
Click to learn how this list is calculated.
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.
What should I read next?
Get personalized book recommendations based on your reading history and preferences. Our algorithm analyzes your favorite books and reading patterns to suggest your next great read.
Get RecommendationsGenres
Countries
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.
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.
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.
Login to Download-
401. Birchwood by John Banville
"Birchwood" is a gothic novel that explores themes of decay, decline, and rebirth through the eyes of its young protagonist. Set on a decaying Irish estate, the story delves into the complexities of family legacy, madness, and the search for identity. As the protagonist returns to his ancestral home, he finds himself entangled in the chaotic lives of his eccentric relatives and the disintegration of the estate itself. The narrative weaves a haunting and surreal atmosphere, reflecting on the illusions of grandeur and the harsh realities of change and mortality.
The 12878th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
402. The Listeners by Maggie Stiefvater
In a world where the echoes of the past intertwine with the whispers of the present, a group of enigmatic individuals known as the Listeners possess the unique ability to hear the secrets of the universe. As they navigate a landscape filled with hidden truths and ancient mysteries, they must confront their own inner demons and the haunting melodies of forgotten memories. With the fate of their world hanging in the balance, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, unraveling the threads of destiny that bind them together and challenging the very fabric of reality.
The 12969th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
403. The Death Of Us by Abigail Dean
In a gripping tale of suspense and emotional depth, the story unfolds around a seemingly idyllic family whose dark secrets and hidden traumas come to light following a tragic event. As the narrative weaves through the perspectives of different family members, it reveals the intricate dynamics and unspoken tensions that have long simmered beneath the surface. With each revelation, the characters are forced to confront their past choices and the devastating impact they have on their present lives, ultimately leading to a poignant exploration of forgiveness, redemption, and the enduring bonds of family.
The 12973rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
404. Chaos by Constance Fay
Engineer and space mercenary Caro Ogunyemi infiltrates a prison planet run by the ruthless Pierce family and discovers Leviathan, a super soldier controlled by a brain chip. A single touch frees him, setting off a dangerous scramble to restore his autonomy, protect Caro’s crew, and stage an escape — all while they navigate the unexpected bond forming between them.
The 13052nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
405. Murder Takes A Vacation by Laura Lippman
Muriel “Mrs. Blossom,” a middle‑aged widow who once assisted a private investigator, takes a French river cruise after an unexpected change in her circumstances. When a man she met on the trip turns up dead in Paris, she finds herself drawn into a compact mystery aboard the MS Solitaire involving a possible stolen artwork and a persistent, enigmatic companion. As she questions who to trust, Mrs. Blossom uses her quiet instincts and curiosity to peel back layers of deception without leaving the cruise.
The 13061st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
406. Buried Above Ground by Mike Ripley
After decades of obscurity, mystery novelist Duncan Torrens draws sudden interest when a blogger and publishing figures start probing who controls the rights to his backlist. Told through five unreliable narrators—the Librarian, the Reader, the Publisher, the Editor and the Writer—the race to claim those rights uncovers secrets, rivalries and increasingly dangerous consequences. A darkly comic, twisty crime novel that plays with perspective without revealing the outcome.
The 13068th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
407. The Year Of Ice by Brian Malloy
Set in the chilly backdrop of 1978 Minneapolis, this coming-of-age story follows Kevin Doyle, a high school senior grappling with the complexities of adolescence and the aftermath of his mother's tragic death. As he navigates the turbulent waters of family secrets, burgeoning sexuality, and the search for identity, Kevin is forced to confront the emotional ice that has formed between him and his father. Through a poignant and introspective journey, he learns about love, loss, and the resilience needed to thaw the frozen ties that bind him to his past.
The 13217th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
408. The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson
In this science fiction novel, the protagonist, born in a world where travel between parallel universes is possible, is one of the rare individuals who can traverse these alternate realities due to her counterparts being dead in other worlds. The story delves into themes of identity, privilege, and survival, as she navigates complex relationships and a web of secrets. Her unique position allows her to gather intel across worlds, but it also places her in grave danger, leading her to confront her own past and the stark disparities between different versions of her life and society. As she moves through these spaces, she must grapple with the moral implications of her actions and the true meaning of having a place to call home.
The 13236th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
409. Death And Nightingales by Eugene McCabe
"Death and Nightingales" is a gripping and atmospheric novel set in 19th-century Ireland. The story follows Beth, a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage, who plans to escape with her lover, Liam. As the narrative unfolds over the course of a single day, tensions rise, secrets are revealed, and the characters' lives become entangled in a web of desire, betrayal, and violence. With its richly drawn characters and evocative prose, the book explores themes of love, power, and the consequences of one's choices in a society marked by oppression and turmoil.
The 13245th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
410. Wide Open by Nicola Barker
"Wide Open" is a novel set on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent, England, where the lives of a disparate group of characters intersect in unexpected ways. The narrative explores themes of love, loss, and the search for identity amidst the backdrop of a bleak, coastal landscape. The characters, each struggling with their own personal demons and secrets, are drawn together by a series of strange events, leading to a climax that forces them to confront their pasts and the possibilities of human connection in a world that often seems indifferent to their desires and fears. The book is known for its dark humor, eccentric characters, and the evocative portrayal of its setting.
The 13276th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
411. Swimming Home by Deborah Levy
In "Swimming Home," a vacation in the idyllic French Riviera is disrupted when a family of British tourists encounters an enigmatic woman named Kitty Finch, who swims naked into the villa's pool. Her presence becomes a catalyst for the unraveling of relationships, as she becomes intimately involved with the family, particularly the poet father. The novel explores themes of depression, the complexities of the human psyche, and the impact of an outsider on the fragile dynamics of family life, all while maintaining a tense, poetic atmosphere that culminates in a haunting conclusion.
The 13284th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
412. The Tainted Cup by Robert Jackson Bennett
A Whispers of the Dead Novel
Set in a richly imagined world where magic and technology intertwine, the story follows a determined detective as he navigates a labyrinth of political intrigue and dark secrets. Tasked with solving a high-profile murder that threatens to unravel the delicate balance of power, he must confront his own past and the shadowy forces that lurk in the city's underbelly. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he discovers that nothing is as it seems, and the truth could have devastating consequences for the realm.
The 13318th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
413. The Rule Of Four by Ian Caldwell, Dustin Thomason
Set against the backdrop of Princeton University, this gripping novel follows two college seniors, Tom Sullivan and Paul Harris, as they delve into the mysteries of the Hypnerotomachia Poliphili, a cryptic Renaissance text. Their academic curiosity soon spirals into a dangerous quest as they uncover hidden secrets and face life-threatening challenges. Blending elements of historical intrigue, friendship, and the pressures of academia, the story weaves a complex tapestry of intellectual discovery and personal growth, culminating in a thrilling race against time to unlock the book's enigmatic code.
The 13337th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
414. Susan Hopley by Catherine Crowe
or, The Adventures of a Maid-Servant
The novel follows the life of Susan Hopley, a resourceful and determined young woman who navigates a series of challenges and mysteries in Victorian England. As she works to uncover the truth behind a series of interconnected events, Susan demonstrates resilience and intelligence, ultimately revealing hidden secrets and solving complex puzzles. The story weaves together themes of social class, justice, and the power of perseverance, showcasing Susan's growth and the impact of her actions on those around her.
The 13359th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
415. As Simple As Snow by Gregory Galloway
In a small, nondescript town, a high school boy finds his world turned upside down when he meets the enigmatic and mysterious Anna Cayne, a girl with a penchant for cryptic puzzles and dark tales. As their relationship deepens, Anna's sudden disappearance leaves him grappling with a series of clues she left behind, each more perplexing than the last. Through a journey of self-discovery and unraveling secrets, he is drawn into a web of intrigue and mystery, questioning the nature of identity, love, and the unknown.
The 13511th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
416. Betty by Tiffany McDaniel
This novel is a poignant coming-of-age story set in the rural town of Breathed, Ohio, during the mid-20th century. It follows the life of a young girl of mixed white and Cherokee heritage, who grows up in a large, impoverished family plagued by dark secrets and personal tragedies. Through her eyes, we experience the harsh realities of racism, sexism, and the struggles of her family against the backdrop of Appalachian folklore and the deep connection to nature. The narrative is a tapestry of the protagonist's resilience, the power of storytelling, and the unbreakable bond she shares with her father, who instills in her the importance of her heritage and the strength found in one's roots.
The 13563rd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
417. Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
The story revolves around a failed bank robbery that turns into an accidental hostage situation during an apartment open house. The narrative delves into the lives of the hostages, each grappling with their own personal struggles and anxieties. Through a series of poignant and humorous interactions, the characters reveal their vulnerabilities and form unexpected connections, ultimately leading to a resolution that underscores the importance of empathy and understanding in the face of life's uncertainties.
The 13576th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
418. A Family Record by Patrick Modiano
The book delves into the intricate and often elusive nature of family history, weaving together fragmented memories and elusive details to construct a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Through a series of vignettes and reflections, the story explores themes of identity, memory, and the passage of time, painting a poignant portrait of the ways in which our past shapes our present. The narrative is marked by a sense of melancholy and longing, as the protagonist grapples with the gaps and silences that define their family's legacy.
The 13594th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
419. Trading Secrets by Paule Constant
Trading Secrets follows four aging women whose lives intersect around an academic conference in Kansas, where French scholar Aurore meets her American counterpart, Gloria. Darkly comic and psychologically observant, the novel contrasts French and American attitudes—around feminism, race and academia—and uses mirrored relationships to explore identity, memory and the small ways the past shapes who we become.
The 13599th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
420. What I Was by Meg Rosoff
Set in the 1960s, this coming-of-age novel follows a lonely, rebellious teenage boy who is sent to a boarding school on the bleak English coast. There, he encounters a mysterious and self-sufficient boy living in a dilapidated hut by the sea. As their friendship deepens, the protagonist becomes captivated by the boy's unconventional lifestyle and independence, leading him to question his own identity and the constraints of society. The story explores themes of friendship, identity, and the longing for freedom, all set against the backdrop of the harsh and isolating coastal landscape.
The 13715th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
421. Invisible Ink by Patrick Modiano
Set against the backdrop of Paris, the narrative follows a private detective named Jean Eyben as he delves into a decades-old missing person case that remains unsolved. As he retraces his steps through the labyrinthine streets and memories of the city, he becomes entangled in a web of forgotten identities and elusive truths. The story unfolds through a series of fragmented recollections and encounters, blurring the lines between past and present, reality and illusion, as Jean grapples with the ephemeral nature of memory and the haunting echoes of a life left in the shadows.
The 13762nd Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon -
422. Over And Under by Todd Tucker
The Untold Story of the Tunnel War
Set against the backdrop of a small Indiana town in the 1970s, the story follows the lives of two young boys, Andy and Tom, as they navigate the complexities of friendship, family, and the transition from childhood to adolescence. The narrative delves into their adventures and misadventures, capturing the innocence and curiosity of youth while exploring deeper themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the inevitable changes that come with growing up. Through vivid storytelling and rich character development, the book paints a nostalgic yet poignant picture of a bygone era, evoking a sense of longing for the simplicity and wonder of childhood.
The 13771st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
423. The Sunken Cathedral by Kate Walbert
The Sunken Cathedral follows a small cast negotiating a swiftly changing Manhattan neighborhood and the unease of twenty first century life. Marie and Simone are longtime friends and former immigrants who live as widows in Chelsea; Helen takes a painting class taught by Sid Morris in a dusty tenement studio slated for condo conversion; Elizabeth, Marie's upstairs tenant, grows increasingly unmoored. Told in a chorus of voices with interwoven long narrative footnotes, the novel examines the gap between outward action and inner longing.
The 13771st Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Bookshop.org -
424. The Bastard of Istanbul by Elif Shafak
"The Bastard of Istanbul" is a novel that tells the story of two families, one Turkish and one Armenian American. It explores the deep, intricate history between the two nations through the eyes of the characters, while also tackling themes of identity, memory, and the past. The narrative unfolds through the perspectives of the women in both families, who carry the burden of their ancestors' secrets, and a young man haunted by the ghost of a long-dead Armenian. The novel delves into the complexities of love, family, and the lasting effects of the Armenian genocide on its descendants.
The 13814th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase from Amazon -
425. L'ombra Delle Colline by Giovanni Arpino
The novel delves into the complexities of post-World War II Italy, exploring themes of memory, guilt, and the lingering shadows of the past. Through the eyes of its protagonist, the story unfolds in a small Italian village where the scars of war and the weight of personal and collective history shape the lives of its inhabitants. The narrative intricately weaves together the protagonist's introspective journey with the broader social and political changes of the era, painting a poignant picture of a society grappling with its identity and the consequences of its actions.
The 13817th Greatest Book of All TimePurchase 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.
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.
Login to Download