The Greatest Books of All Time on Thriller

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.

Follow on:

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 Recommendations

Genres

thriller

Add additional genre filters

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.

Filter

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.

Login to Download
View: List Grid Table
Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
  1. 26. Vantage Point by Sara Sligar

    On a remote Maine island, Clara returns to the family mansion with her brother Teddy and his wife, years after their parents’ mysterious deaths. When intimate videos of Clara surface online — videos she doesn’t remember making — the family’s reputation, a political campaign, and long-buried secrets collide. Tense and atmospheric, the novel follows Clara as she confronts betrayal, possible manipulation, and the uncertain line between public image and private truth.

    The 12102nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 27. Perspective by Laurent Binet

    Florence, 1557 : le peintre Pontormo est retrouvé assassiné près des fresques sur lesquelles il travaillait. Vasari, chargé de l'enquête par le duc, mène une correspondance avec un Michel‑Ange exilé à Rome pour démêler indices artistiques et jeux de pouvoir. Entre ateliers, couvents et cours princières, rivalités et secrets rendent chaque interlocuteur suspect — un polar historique épistolaire mêlant art, politique et suspicion, sans dévoiler la vérité finale.

    The 12212th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  3. 28. The Three Lives Of Cate Kay by Kate Fagan

    In a captivating narrative that intertwines the past, present, and future, the story follows Cate Kay, a woman who finds herself living three distinct lives across different timelines. Each life presents unique challenges and opportunities, forcing Cate to confront her deepest fears and desires while navigating the complexities of identity and choice. As she grapples with the consequences of her decisions in each life, Cate embarks on a journey of self-discovery, ultimately seeking to reconcile the fragmented pieces of her existence into a cohesive whole. This tale of resilience and transformation explores the profound impact of the choices we make and the lives we lead.

    The 12222nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  4. 29. The Librarians by Sherry Thomas

    In a quiet Austin branch library, four librarians—Hazel, Jonathan, Astrid, and Sophie—each carry their own secrets and reasons for staying. When a sudden murder shatters the safety of their workplace, they must learn to trust one another and protect the library and themselves.

    The 12288th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  5. 30. The Payback by Kashana Cauley

    Jada Williams, a former Hollywood wardrobe designer now working for minimum wage at a mall, finds herself targeted by the Debt Police after losing her job. Refusing to be crushed by crushing student debt, she teams up with two fellow mall coworkers to pull off a bold plan to erase their loans and strike back at a predatory system. The story is a darkly comic, character-driven heist about debt, survival, and revenge.

    The 12295th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  6. 31. Twist by Colum McCann

    A Novel

    Anthony Fennell, an Irish journalist and playwright, is sent to report on the undersea fiber‑optic cables that carry the world’s information. His investigation brings him to the west coast of Africa and aboard a cable‑repair ship led by John Conway, a skilled engineer and freediver, intersecting with Zanele, a South African actress. As they set out to repair deep breaks, the novel quietly examines the hidden labor behind global infrastructure and the ways people try to mend personal and collective ruptures.

    The 12310th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  7. 32. Angel Down by Daniel Kraus

    During World War I, five soldiers sent into No Man’s Land discover a fallen angel that might alter the course of the conflict. Confronted with fear, desire, and mistrust, they must decide whether to cooperate or give in to their impulses, setting off intense moral and psychological tensions. The story blends battlefield realism with a supernatural encounter as the men struggle to survive and confront what the angel represents.

    The 12319th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  8. 33. The House On Buzzards Bay by Dwyer Murphy

    Old college friends reunite for a summer at a family beach house on Buzzards Bay, hoping to reconnect as they navigate midlife. The mood shifts when one friend vanishes and a mysterious, seductive visitor arrives, while eerie break‑ins and strange disturbances suggest someone—or something—lurks near the marsh. Tensions and buried secrets rise as the group confronts how much their friendships and lives have changed.

    The 12408th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  9. 34. The Good Liar by Denise Mina

    Doctor Claudia O’Sheil, a renowned forensic scientist, is about to deliver a high-profile speech about evidence that helped secure a conviction in a notorious double-murder. New analysis suggests her testimony was flawed and an innocent man may be behind bars. As she faces the podium, Claudia must decide whether to expose the truth and risk her career, family security, and reputation, while revisiting the case to understand what really happened that night.

    The 12427th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  10. 35. Julie Chan Is Dead by Liann Zhang

    In a gripping tale of mystery and self-discovery, a young woman finds herself entangled in the enigmatic circumstances surrounding the death of her best friend. As she delves deeper into the secrets and lies that shroud her friend's life, she uncovers a web of deceit that challenges her perceptions of trust and loyalty. With each revelation, she is forced to confront her own past and the choices that have led her to this pivotal moment, ultimately leading to a profound understanding of friendship, betrayal, and the resilience of the human spirit.

    The 12446th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  11. 36. So Far Gone by Jess Walter

    Set against the backdrop of a small, economically struggling town, the story unfolds through the intertwined lives of its residents, each grappling with their own personal challenges and aspirations. As secrets unravel and past decisions come to light, the characters navigate a landscape of hope, regret, and redemption. Through a tapestry of vivid storytelling and poignant moments, the narrative explores themes of resilience, community, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity.

    The 12456th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  12. 37. Marble Hall Murders by Anthony Horowitz

    In a tale of suspense and intrigue, a series of mysterious murders unfolds within the opulent confines of a grand estate, where secrets lurk behind every marble pillar. As the body count rises, a determined detective delves into the lives of the eccentric residents and their hidden pasts, unraveling a web of deceit and betrayal. With each twist and turn, the detective must navigate a labyrinth of clues and red herrings to uncover the truth, all while racing against time to prevent the killer from striking again.

    The 12458th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  13. 38. This Book Will Bury Me by Ashley Winstead

    In a gripping tale of suspense and psychological intrigue, the story unfolds around a protagonist who finds themselves entangled in a web of secrets and deception. As they delve deeper into the mysteries surrounding them, they are forced to confront their own fears and the haunting truths that threaten to unravel their very existence. With each twist and turn, the narrative explores themes of identity, trust, and the dark corners of the human psyche, leading to a chilling climax that leaves readers questioning the boundaries between reality and illusion.

    The 12459th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  14. 39. The Inheritance by Trisha Sakhlecha

    Set against the backdrop of India's elite society, this gripping thriller unravels the dark secrets and hidden motives within a powerful family. As the protagonist returns home to attend her father's funeral, she is thrust into a web of deceit, betrayal, and ambition. With the family's vast fortune at stake, tensions rise and loyalties are tested, revealing the lengths to which individuals will go to secure their inheritance. The narrative intricately weaves past and present, exploring themes of power, legacy, and the haunting shadows of unresolved pasts.

    The 12461st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  15. 40. El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott

    Set against the backdrop of a sun-soaked suburban neighborhood, the story delves into the intricate web of secrets and desires that bind a seemingly perfect community. As the facade of idyllic family life begins to crack, hidden tensions and long-buried truths surface, threatening to unravel the lives of its residents. With a keen eye for detail and a masterful grasp of suspense, the narrative explores themes of ambition, betrayal, and the lengths people will go to protect their own. The tale is a gripping exploration of the dark undercurrents lurking beneath the surface of everyday life.

    The 12462nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  16. 41. Immaculate Conception by Ling Ling Huang

    In a world where the boundaries between science and spirituality blur, a young woman grapples with the profound implications of a miraculous pregnancy. As she navigates the complexities of her own identity and the expectations of those around her, she embarks on a transformative journey that challenges societal norms and personal beliefs. Her story unfolds with a delicate balance of introspection and external conflict, ultimately exploring themes of faith, autonomy, and the power of the human spirit in the face of the unknown.

    The 12465th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  17. 42. The Note by Alafair Burke

    In a gripping tale of suspense and mystery, the story unfolds around a seemingly innocuous note that sets off a chain of events, unraveling secrets and hidden truths. As the protagonist delves deeper into the origins and implications of the note, they find themselves entangled in a web of deception and danger. With each revelation, the stakes rise, and the protagonist must navigate a world where trust is scarce and every decision could be their last. The narrative weaves together elements of intrigue and tension, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the final, unexpected twist.

    The 12467th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  18. 43. Blood In The Water by Tiffany D. Jackson

    Set against the backdrop of a small, tight-knit community, this gripping thriller unravels the dark secrets hidden beneath the surface of a seemingly idyllic town. As the protagonist delves deeper into the mysterious disappearance of a local teenager, they uncover a web of deceit, betrayal, and long-buried grudges that threaten to tear the community apart. With each twist and turn, the story explores themes of trust, redemption, and the lengths people will go to protect their own, culminating in a shocking revelation that challenges everything the protagonist thought they knew.

    The 12475th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  19. 44. The Manor Of Dreams by Christina Li

    In a world where dreams hold the key to unlocking hidden truths, a young girl stumbles upon a mysterious manor that seems to exist beyond the boundaries of reality. As she delves deeper into its secrets, she discovers that the manor is a gateway to a realm where dreams and reality intertwine, revealing long-buried family secrets and untapped potential within herself. With the help of enigmatic allies and facing shadowy adversaries, she must navigate this dreamscape to uncover the truth and find her place in both worlds.

    The 12476th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  20. 45. Secret Lives Of The Dead by Tim Lebbon

    In a world where the boundary between life and death is blurred, a group of individuals discovers that the deceased have secrets that could alter the course of the living. As they delve deeper into the mysteries of the afterlife, they uncover a hidden realm where the dead communicate through cryptic messages, revealing truths that challenge their understanding of existence. This gripping tale weaves elements of suspense and the supernatural, exploring themes of mortality, memory, and the enduring connections that transcend the grave.

    The 12485th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  21. 46. When The Wolf Comes Home by Nat Cassidy

    Set in a small, isolated town, the story delves into the mysterious and eerie events that unfold when a long-lost family member returns home after years of absence. The narrative weaves together elements of suspense, folklore, and psychological tension as the protagonist grapples with unsettling changes in their environment and the resurfacing of dark secrets. As the line between reality and myth blurs, the community must confront the haunting past and the chilling presence that threatens to unravel their lives.

    The 12487th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  22. 47. Old Soul by Susan Barker

    Set against a backdrop of historical and contemporary China, this novel intricately weaves the lives of its characters through time, exploring themes of reincarnation and destiny. The story follows a protagonist who experiences vivid memories of past lives, each one intricately connected to the others, revealing a tapestry of love, betrayal, and redemption. As the protagonist navigates the complexities of their current life, they are drawn into a journey of self-discovery, uncovering the profound impact of their past actions and the enduring nature of the human soul.

    The 12492nd Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  23. 48. Girl Dinner by Olivie Blake

    Nina Kaur, a sophomore eager to secure her future, and Dr. Sloane Hartley, an adjunct professor and new mother asked to be the sorority’s academic liaison, are drawn into the rituals and culture of The House, an elite campus sisterhood. As they pursue belonging and influence, they must reckon with the moral and personal costs of loyalty to a group that demands conformity and secrecy.

    The 12498th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  24. 49. The Savage, Noble Death Of Babs Dionne by Ron Currie Jr.

    In small-town Waterville, Maine, Babs Dionne—a proud Franco-American grandmother and ruthless crime matriarch—runs the local drug trade with help from her allies and oldest daughter. When a distant kingpin dispatches a mysterious enforcer known as “The Man” to probe slipping numbers, and Babs’s youngest daughter, Sis, disappears, the town is thrown into a tense, dangerous search for answers.

    The 12501st Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org
  25. 50. Universality by Natasha Brown

    After a brutal assault at an illegal rave on a Yorkshire farm, an ambitious young journalist investigates, tracing connections between a banker landlord, a provocative columnist and a radical collective occupying the site. Her reporting exposes tangled motives and, without offering easy answers, probes how language and rhetoric shape power, truth and public perception.

    The 12505th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org

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.

Login to Download