The Greatest "Crime, United Kingdom" Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 '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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Crime

The "Crime" category of books typically includes stories that revolve around criminal activities, investigations, and the pursuit of justice. These books may feature detectives, police officers, or other law enforcement officials as main characters, as well as criminals and their victims. Crime novels often involve suspenseful plot twists and turns, as well as complex character development. The genre can encompass a wide range of subgenres, including mystery, thriller, and true crime, and may explore themes such as morality, ethics, and the human condition. Overall, the "Crime" category offers readers a thrilling and engaging look into the darker side of human nature and the justice system.

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  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.

  2. 2. The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan

    Set on the eve of World War I, the novel follows an ordinary man who becomes entangled in a dangerous plot after a mysterious stranger shows up at his apartment, claiming to be a spy. When the stranger is murdered, the protagonist is falsely accused and becomes a fugitive, fleeing to the Scottish highlands. He must unravel a conspiracy of international espionage and prevent a political assassination to clear his name.

  3. 3. 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.

  4. 4. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

    This thriller novel follows symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptographer Sophie Neveu as they investigate a murder in the Louvre Museum in Paris. The murder leads them to a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci, revealing a religious mystery protected by a secret society for two thousand years. The mystery involves a conspiracy within the Catholic Church and threatens to overturn the foundations of Christianity.

  5. 5. Riddle of the Sands by Erskine Childers

    This novel is a classic early 20th-century spy thriller that follows two British yachtsmen who stumble upon a German plot to invade England while on a sailing trip in the North Sea. The duo must use their wits and sailing skills to outmaneuver the Germans and alert the British government of the impending attack. The book is notable for its attention to detail and realism, particularly in its descriptions of sailing and the North Sea coastline.

  6. 6. London Fields by Martin Amis

    The novel is a darkly comic, murder mystery set in London at the end of the 20th century. The story follows three main characters: a terminally ill American writer, a petty criminal, and a beautiful but doomed woman who predicts her own murder but not the murderer. The narrative is filled with satirical social commentary, exploring themes of love, lust, greed, and deception.

  7. 7. Trainspotting by Irvine Welsh

    This novel is a gritty, raw portrayal of a group of heroin addicts living in Edinburgh, Scotland. The narrative is non-linear and told from multiple perspectives, providing a deep dive into the minds and lives of these characters. The story explores themes of poverty, addiction, friendship, and the struggle to escape one's circumstances, all set against the backdrop of a bleak urban landscape. It is known for its strong Scottish dialect, graphic content, and dark humor.

  8. 8. What a Carve Up! by Jonathan Coe

    This satirical novel follows the story of the Winshaw family, a wealthy and corrupt British family who have a significant influence on British society in fields such as politics, business, media, and the arts. The narrative is presented through the eyes of a commissioned biographer who is trying to make sense of the family's history and their impact on society. As he delves deeper into the family's affairs, he uncovers dark secrets and becomes entangled in a complex web of deceit and murder.

  9. 9. 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.

  10. 10. Greenmantle by John Buchan

    In this thrilling adventure novel, a British secret agent is sent to Istanbul during World War I to investigate a German plot to incite jihad in the Muslim world against the Allies. As he uncovers the plot, he must also find and neutralize the mysterious and influential figure known as "Greenmantle." The narrative combines espionage, political intrigue, and high-stakes action as the protagonist races against time to prevent a potential disaster.

  11. 11. The Beast Must Die by Nicholas Blake

    In this gripping detective novel, a grieving father, consumed by the desire for vengeance, sets out to track down and kill the reckless driver who killed his young son in a hit-and-run accident. As he infiltrates the suspect's life, his quest for justice becomes a complex game of cat and mouse, leading to an unexpected twist when the suspect is found dead. The case takes a further turn when a famed amateur detective is called in to unravel the mystery, delving into a web of deceit, secrets, and moral ambiguities, challenging the very notion of justice and retribution.

  12. 12. The Crow Road by Iain Banks

    "The Crow Road" is a darkly humorous and complex tale of a Scottish family, told through the eyes of a young man who is trying to make sense of his life and the mysterious disappearance of his uncle. The protagonist's journey takes him through various experiences including love, death, and the discovery of a novel written by his missing uncle. The narrative is a fascinating blend of family saga, coming-of-age story, and mystery thriller, all set against the backdrop of Scotland's landscapes and culture.

  13. 13. Hangover Square: A Story of Darkest Earl's Court by Patrick Hamilton

    Set in 1939, on the eve of World War II, the novel follows George Harvey Bone, a lonely, alcoholic man living in London's Earl's Court, who is infatuated with a manipulative small-time actress, Netta. George suffers from a form of split personality disorder, which leads him into periods of 'dead moods' where he contemplates murdering Netta. The book paints a grim picture of pre-war London, filled with despair, failed ambitions, and the looming threat of a global conflict.

  14. 14. 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.

  15. 15. For The Term Of His Natural Life by Marcus Clarke

    "For The Term Of His Natural Life" is a gripping historical novel set in the early 19th century, following the life of Rufus Dawes, a young man wrongly convicted of a crime he did not commit. Transported to the brutal penal colony of Van Diemen's Land, Rufus endures unimaginable hardships, including harsh labor, cruel punishments, and the constant threat of death. As he navigates the treacherous world of convicts and corrupt officials, Rufus forms unexpected alliances and discovers the resilience within himself to fight for justice and freedom. This epic tale explores themes of injustice, redemption, and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.

  16. 16. The Constant Gardener by John le Carré

    "The Constant Gardener" is a gripping tale of corporate corruption and its impact on the world's most vulnerable people. The story follows a British diplomat who embarks on a dangerous journey to find the truth behind his wife's murder. As he uncovers layers of deceit, he discovers that she was close to exposing a conspiracy involving a pharmaceutical company testing a dangerous drug on unsuspecting African villages. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the lengths one man will go to seek justice.

  17. 17. Trial And Error by Anthony Berkeley

    "Trial And Error" by "Anthony Berkeley" is a gripping mystery novel that follows the story of a lawyer named Anthony Merton who becomes embroiled in a complex murder case. As he delves into the details of the crime, Merton uncovers a web of deceit, hidden motives, and unexpected twists, challenging his investigative skills and forcing him to confront his own biases and preconceptions. With a cleverly crafted plot and well-developed characters, the book keeps readers on the edge of their seats, unraveling the truth through a series of trial and error.

  18. 18. Jumping Jenny by Anthony Berkeley

    "Jumping Jenny" is a thrilling mystery novel that follows the life of Jenny, a young woman who witnesses a murder while on a train. Determined to find the killer, Jenny embarks on a dangerous journey, facing unexpected twists and turns along the way. As she delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a web of deceit and betrayal that threatens her own life. With gripping suspense and clever plot twists, "Jumping Jenny" keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final revelation.

  19. 19. Say Nothing by Patrick Radden Keefe

    This book is a gripping exploration of the Troubles in Northern Ireland, focusing on the disappearance of Jean McConville, a mother of ten who was abducted by the Irish Republican Army (IRA) in 1972. The narrative weaves together the stories of several key figures in the IRA, including Dolours Price, an IRA member who became disillusioned with the organization, and Brendan Hughes, a former IRA commander. The book delves deep into the political and personal complexities of the conflict, revealing the long-lasting trauma and moral ambiguities that continue to haunt those involved.

  20. 20. The Second Shot by Anthony Berkeley

    "The Second Shot" by Anthony Berkeley is a gripping mystery novel that follows the story of a renowned detective who is called upon to investigate a seemingly impossible crime. When a man is shot dead in a locked room with no apparent escape or entry, the detective must unravel a web of deceit and hidden motives to uncover the truth. As the investigation unfolds, secrets are revealed, and the detective finds himself caught in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the cunning killer. With twists and turns at every corner, "The Second Shot" keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final, shocking revelation.

  21. 21. The Labyrinth Makers by Anthony Price

    The book is a thrilling espionage novel that follows Dr. David Audley, an intelligence analyst with a knack for history, as he investigates the mysterious crash of a cargo plane in the English countryside. The plane is found to contain a significant amount of gold, leading Audley into a complex labyrinth of intrigue involving a decades-old secret dating back to World War II. As he delves deeper into the case, Audley must navigate a treacherous path of double agents, covert operations, and hidden agendas, where the stakes are high and trust is a luxury he cannot afford. The narrative weaves together historical context and modern-day spy craft, challenging the protagonist to solve a puzzle that could have far-reaching implications for national security.

  22. 22. Clouds Of Witness by Dorothy L Sayers

    In this classic detective novel, an aristocratic family is embroiled in scandal when the Duke of Denver is accused of murdering his sister's fiancé. His brother, an amateur sleuth with a sharp intellect and keen eye for detail, takes on the case to clear the family name. As he delves into the mystery, he navigates a web of societal expectations, hidden motives, and damning evidence, employing his wit and resourcefulness to unravel the truth. Set against the backdrop of the English countryside and London's foggy streets, the story combines elements of a traditional whodunit with the intricacies of early 20th-century high society, leading to a courtroom climax where family secrets and unexpected revelations come to light.

  23. 23. The Colour Of Murder by Julian Symons

    In "The Colour Of Murder," a psychological thriller set in post-war England, we delve into the troubled mind of John Wilkins, a man plagued by blackouts and a dissatisfying life. After a series of disturbing dreams and a psychiatric consultation, Wilkins finds himself accused of a crime he cannot remember committing. As the narrative unfolds, the reader is taken on a journey through Wilkins' fragmented psyche, exploring themes of identity, madness, and the elusive nature of truth. The novel combines a gripping murder mystery with an incisive character study, challenging the reader to piece together the reality of Wilkins' actions and the darkness that lies beneath the surface of a seemingly ordinary man.

  24. 24. Moonraker by Ian Fleming

    In this thrilling spy novel, British Secret Service agent James Bond, also known by his code number 007, is tasked with uncovering the truth behind the mysterious "Moonraker" project, led by the enigmatic industrialist Sir Hugo Drax. When suspicions arise about Drax's true intentions for his nuclear missile program, which is ostensibly for Britain's defense, Bond goes undercover to infiltrate the project. Alongside the resourceful police officer Gala Brand, Bond discovers a nefarious plot that threatens the heart of London. Racing against time, Bond must use his wits, charm, and skill to thwart Drax's plans and prevent a catastrophic attack.

  25. 25. Shooting Script by Gavin Lyall

    In "Shooting Script," the protagonist, a former Royal Air Force pilot, finds himself entangled in a dangerous adventure after agreeing to fly a plane to the Caribbean for a film shoot. What begins as a seemingly straightforward job quickly spirals into a perilous mission involving smuggling, treachery, and murder. As he navigates the treacherous world of criminals and double-crosses, the pilot must use his wits and flying skills to outmaneuver his enemies and uncover a conspiracy that threatens more than just his life. The novel is a thrilling blend of action, suspense, and aerial exploits, delivering a gripping tale of intrigue in exotic locales.

Reading Statistics

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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.

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