The Greatest British, Irish "Thrillers, Mystery, Fiction" Books Since 1950

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 305 '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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Thrillers

Thrillers are a genre of books that are designed to keep readers on the edge of their seats. These books typically feature high-stakes plots, intense action, and suspenseful twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Thrillers can encompass a wide range of sub-genres, including crime, mystery, espionage, and horror, but they all share a common goal of keeping readers engaged and entertained through heart-pounding action and unexpected plot twists. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers or action-packed adventure stories, the thriller genre offers something for everyone who loves a good page-turner.

Mystery

The Mystery genre is a category of books that typically involves a crime, puzzle, or enigma that needs to be solved by the protagonist or a group of characters. These books often feature suspenseful and thrilling plotlines, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end. Mystery novels can range from cozy mysteries, which are lighter and more lighthearted, to hard-boiled detective stories, which are darker and more gritty. Overall, the Mystery genre is a popular and diverse category of books that appeals to readers who enjoy solving puzzles and uncovering secrets.

Fiction

Add additional genre filters

Countries

British

Irish

Add additional country filters

Date Range

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
  1. 1. The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John le Carré

    This novel is a fascinating tale of espionage during the Cold War, centered around a British intelligence officer who is seemingly ready to end his spy career. However, he is given one last mission before his retirement: to bring down the head of East German Intelligence. As he navigates the dangerous world of spies and double agents, he is forced to confront his own past and the sacrifices he has made for his country. The story is a complex exploration of morality, loyalty, and the personal cost of political conflict.

    The 152nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey

    A detective, laid up in the hospital, becomes fascinated with a portrait of Richard III, the historical figure accused of murdering his nephews to secure his throne. He decides to apply his investigative skills to delve into the mystery, using historical documents and records as his clues. As he pieces together the puzzle, he begins to question the accepted narrative of Richard as a villain, suggesting that this image was a fabrication by the Tudors to legitimize their own claim to the throne.

    The 364th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth

    "The Day of the Jackal" is a suspenseful thriller that revolves around an unnamed and highly skilled professional assassin who is hired by a French dissident paramilitary organization to kill Charles de Gaulle, the President of France. The novel intricately details the meticulous preparations of the assassin, his many disguises, and his method of operation, while also depicting the desperate efforts of the French police to uncover his identity and prevent the assassination, leading to a tense cat-and-mouse chase across Europe.

    The 385th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré

    In this espionage thriller, a semi-retired British intelligence officer is tasked with uncovering a Soviet mole within the highest ranks of the British Secret Service. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of betrayal and deceit that reaches far beyond the mole, threatening the very fabric of the British intelligence community. The novel is a masterful blend of suspense, intrigue, and complex characterization that explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the murky world of international espionage.

    The 498th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Casino Royale by Ian Fleming

    A British secret agent is tasked with bankrupting a French communist and paymaster of a Russian secret agency at a high-stakes card game in a casino. As he navigates the dangerous world of espionage, he encounters a beautiful woman who is being blackmailed by the enemy. The agent must outwit his opponents and survive numerous attempts on his life, all while grappling with his growing feelings for the woman.

    The 506th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Quiet American by Graham Greene

    Set during the French colonial war in Vietnam, this novel follows a British journalist and a young American idealist who become friends and find themselves in a love triangle with a Vietnamese woman. As the war escalates, the journalist becomes disillusioned with the American's naïve political views and the destructive impact of foreign intervention. The story is a critique of American involvement in Vietnam, exploring themes of love, friendship, and moral ambiguity.

    The 668th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

    The novel is a gripping tale set in Victorian England, revolving around two young women, a petty thief and a rich heiress, whose lives intertwine in unforeseen ways. The thief is part of a con to defraud the heiress of her fortune, but as the plot thickens, the lines between deception and truth, loyalty and betrayal, love and manipulation get blurred. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists and turns, exploring themes of gender, sexuality, and class, and keeps the readers on the edge till the end.

    The 696th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. A Judgement In Stone by Ruth Rendell

    "A Judgement In Stone" is a gripping psychological thriller that unravels the tragic events surrounding the murder of the wealthy Coverdale family. As the investigation unfolds, the true motives and dark secrets of the family's housekeeper, Eunice, are gradually revealed, leading to a shocking climax. With its intricate plot and complex characters, the book explores themes of class divide, social isolation, and the destructive power of secrets.

    The 980th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Eye Of The Needle by Ken Follett

    Set during World War II, the novel revolves around a ruthless German spy known as 'The Needle' due to his preference for a stiletto as his killing tool. His mission is to uncover the Allies' invasion plans and relay them to Hitler, potentially changing the course of the war. However, his plans are threatened when he becomes stranded on an isolated island with a young, lonely woman and her disabled husband, leading to a tense game of cat and mouse.

    The 1199th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. A Perfect Spy by John le Carré

    This espionage novel follows the life of Magnus Pym, a high-ranking British intelligence officer who disappears after attending his father's funeral, causing a massive manhunt. As the intelligence service scrambles to find him, the narrative dives into Pym's past, revealing his complex relationship with his conman father and his recruitment into the world of espionage. The story is a complex exploration of betrayal, identity, and the blurry line between loyalty and deception.

    The 1279th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. A Dark Adapted Eye by Barbara Vine

    "A Dark Adapted Eye" is a psychological thriller that delves into the complex dynamics of a family haunted by a dark secret. The story follows the life of Faith, who is drawn into investigating her aunt's execution for murder years ago. As she unravels the truth, she uncovers a web of deceit, jealousy, and obsession that has plagued her family for generations. With richly developed characters and a gripping narrative, the novel explores themes of family loyalty, the destructive power of secrets, and the lengths people will go to protect their own.

    The 1292nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. From Russia with Love by Ian Fleming

    In this thrilling spy novel, British secret agent James Bond is targeted by a Russian intelligence group, who lures him into a trap using a beautiful cipher clerk as bait. The plot thickens as Bond falls for the clerk and must navigate a series of dangerous encounters with Russian operatives, including a deadly face-off with a sadistic killer. The story is a blend of action, suspense, and romance, set against the backdrop of the Cold War.

    The 1361st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Fatherland by Robert Harris

    Set in an alternate history where Nazi Germany won World War II, the novel follows a German detective who uncovers a vast conspiracy while investigating a murder. As he delves deeper into the case, he realizes that the government is hiding a monumental secret that could shake the very foundations of the Reich. His pursuit of the truth leads him into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the state's oppressive security forces, challenging his loyalty to the regime and forcing him to confront the moral complexities of a world dominated by fascism.

    The 1775th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Killing Floor by Lee Child

    In this gripping thriller, a former military policeman drifting through a small town is arrested for a murder he didn't commit. Upon his release, he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy involving counterfeit money, a vast criminal enterprise, and the mysterious death of his brother. Determined to uncover the truth and exact revenge, he must use his skills to outwit the local police, FBI agents, and the mastermind behind the town's dark secrets, all while navigating a complex web of corruption and violence.

    The 1973rd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Smiley's People by John le Carré

    In this espionage thriller, a retired British intelligence officer, known for his bespectacled and unassuming demeanor, is called back into action when one of his former assets, a Soviet general, is found murdered. The investigation leads him across Europe, rekindling old rivalries and uncovering a complex web of betrayal and deception. As he delves deeper into the case, he must confront his own past and a formidable Soviet spymaster, ultimately leading to a high-stakes game of intelligence and counterintelligence, where the stakes are not just personal, but have far-reaching implications for the security of the West.

    The 2041st Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. 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 2055th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Last Seen Wearing by Colin Dexter

    "Last Seen Wearing" is a gripping crime novel that follows Inspector Morse as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of a young girl named Valerie Taylor. With little evidence and a trail that has gone cold, Morse must navigate through a web of secrets and lies to uncover the truth behind Valerie's vanishing, all while battling his own personal demons. As the investigation deepens, Morse's determination and sharp intuition lead him closer to a shocking revelation that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

    The 2069th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. A Taste For Death by P. D. James

    In this gripping crime novel, two bodies are discovered with their throats slashed in a London church, setting off a complex investigation led by Commander Adam Dalgliesh of Scotland Yard. As Dalgliesh and his team delve into the lives of the victims—a controversial Member of Parliament and a homeless man—it becomes clear that the case is as much about the intricacies of human relationships as it is about the murders themselves. The narrative weaves through the murky world of politics, the struggles of the underprivileged, and the personal demons of the investigators, revealing a web of motives and secrets that challenges the detective's psychological acumen and sense of justice.

    The 2099th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. A Place Of Execution by Val McDermid

    In a small and close-knit English village, a young girl mysteriously disappears in 1963, leaving the community in shock and despair. Decades later, a journalist becomes fascinated with the case and begins to unravel the truth behind the girl's disappearance, uncovering dark secrets and hidden motives that have haunted the village for years. As the journalist digs deeper, she uncovers a web of deceit, betrayal, and tragedy, ultimately leading to a shocking revelation that will leave readers questioning the nature of justice and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.

    The 2669th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Not After Midnight by Daphne du Maurier

    This book is a captivating collection of five short stories that delve into themes of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. Each narrative masterfully intertwines human emotions with eerie settings, leading the reader through a series of unexpected twists and turns. From the story of a schoolteacher whose vacation in Crete takes a dark turn to tales that explore the depths of obsession, betrayal, and the unexplained, the collection showcases the author's skill in creating atmospheres that are at once haunting and intriguing. The stories challenge the boundaries between the real and the surreal, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of the human psyche and the shadows that lurk within.

    The 3266th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. The City & the City by China Miéville

    In a unique blend of noir detective fiction and speculative fantasy, the book explores the coexistence of two distinct cities occupying the same geographical space, yet remaining invisible to each other due to a strict set of societal rules and the mysterious force of "Breach" that enforces them. When a young woman is found murdered, a seasoned inspector must navigate the complex and often perilous overlap of these two cities to solve the crime. His investigation challenges the rigid separation of the cities, uncovering a conspiracy that blurs the lines between the two and threatens the very fabric of their existence.

    The 3427th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

    In this psychological thriller, the story revolves around a troubled woman who becomes entangled in a missing persons investigation that promises to send shockwaves throughout her life. As she rides the train every day, she fantasizes about the seemingly perfect couple she sees from her window, until one day she witnesses something shocking in their backyard. Her decision to report it to the authorities leads her down a dark path of intrigue, as she struggles to piece together her fragmented memories and the tangled web of lies, deceit, and complicated relationships that surround the case. Her involvement becomes increasingly dangerous as she tries to prove not only what she saw, but also her own worth and sanity.

    The 3732nd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. The Woman In Black by Susan Hill

    The novel is a chilling ghost story set in the remote English countryside, where a young solicitor is sent to settle the estate of a recently deceased client. Upon his arrival at the eerie and isolated Eel Marsh House, he encounters unnerving supernatural occurrences and the repeated sightings of a mysterious woman dressed in black. As he delves deeper into the town's tragic history, he uncovers a tale of a vengeful spirit whose appearance foretells the death of children. The solicitor's skepticism turns to horror as he becomes entangled in the spectral web of the woman in black, and he must confront the haunting secrets that lie within the house and the town.

    The 3746th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

    A 14-year-old boy named Alex Rider is suddenly thrust into the world of espionage after his uncle's mysterious death. Trained by MI6, he is sent on a dangerous mission to investigate a billionaire businessman who plans to distribute lethal viruses through computers. Using his wits and skills, Alex must stop this nefarious plan and save the world.

    The 3789th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson

    "Case Histories" is a gripping mystery novel that follows the story of a private investigator who is hired to solve three seemingly unrelated cold cases that took place decades ago. As he delves deeper into the mysteries, he uncovers dark secrets and hidden connections between the cases. The narrative is a complex web of intrigue, suspense, and drama, filled with well-crafted characters and unexpected plot twists that keep the reader hooked till the end.

    The 4066th Greatest Book of All Time

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