The Greatest "Thrillers, New York" 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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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.

New York

The "New York" category of books typically refers to literature that is set in or explores the city of New York. These books may focus on the city's history, culture, and landmarks, or they may delve into the lives of its diverse inhabitants. From gritty crime novels to romantic comedies, the "New York" category encompasses a wide range of genres and styles, all united by their connection to one of the world's most iconic cities. Whether you're a native New Yorker or a curious outsider, these books offer a unique glimpse into the heart of the Big Apple.

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  1. 1. The Talented Mr. Ripley by Patricia Highsmith

    The Talented Mr. Ripley is a psychological thriller that follows the story of Tom Ripley, a young man struggling to make ends meet in New York City. When a wealthy shipbuilder mistakes Tom for a close friend of his son, Dickie Greenleaf, he offers him an all-expenses-paid trip to Italy to persuade his wayward son to return home. Instead, Tom becomes obsessed with the luxurious lifestyle of Dickie and his girlfriend, Marge, and goes to extreme lengths to make it his own, including identity theft and murder.

  2. 2. The Godfather by Mario Puzo

    The book revolves around the powerful Italian-American crime family of Don Vito Corleone. When the don's youngest son, Michael, reluctantly joins the mafia, he becomes involved in the inevitable cycle of violence and betrayal. Although Michael tries to maintain a normal relationship with his wife, Kay, he is drawn deeper into the family business. The narrative follows the Corleone family's struggle to hold onto power in a rapidly changing world, as well as Michael's transformation from reluctant family outsider to ruthless mafia boss.

  3. 3. The Last of the Mohicans by James Fenimore Cooper

    Set during the French and Indian War, this historical novel follows the journey of Hawkeye, a skilled frontiersman, and his two Mohican companions as they guide two daughters of a British colonel through the dangerous wilderness of the American frontier. The group faces numerous perils and conflicts, not only from the war-torn landscape and hostile tribes, but also from a treacherous Huron scout. The novel explores themes of racial conflict, survival, and the fading of indigenous cultures.

  4. 4. American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis

    The novel is a disturbing and graphic exploration of the mind of a wealthy, young and handsome Wall Street investment banker who is also a psychopathic serial killer. He leads a double life, appearing to be a charming and sophisticated businessman by day, while indulging in horrific acts of violence and murder by night. The narrative provides a satirical critique of 1980s American consumer culture, vanity, and excess, while also delving into the dark underbelly of human nature.

  5. 5. The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett

    This detective novel follows a retired private investigator, Nick Charles, who, while on a Christmas vacation in New York with his wife Nora, becomes embroiled in a murder investigation. The case involves a former client of his, Clyde Wynant, who has mysteriously disappeared after his secretary was found dead. As the investigation unfolds, Nick and Nora navigate a complex web of deceit, lies, and family drama, all while maintaining their witty banter and high-society lifestyle.

  6. 6. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

    This thrilling novel revolves around the sudden disappearance of a woman on her fifth wedding anniversary. As the investigation unfolds, all evidence points to her husband as the prime suspect. However, the story takes a twist as the wife's diary entries reveal a darker side to their seemingly perfect marriage. The narrative alternates between the husband's present-day perspective and the wife's diary entries, leaving readers in suspense about what truly happened. The book explores themes of deceit, media influence, and the complexities of marriage.

  7. 7. The Leavenworth Case by Anna Katharine Green

    "The Leavenworth Case" is a gripping detective novel that follows the investigation of a wealthy man's murder. When the head of the Leavenworth family is found dead in his locked study, suspicion falls on his niece, who stands to inherit his fortune. As the evidence against her mounts, a brilliant young lawyer is determined to uncover the truth and prove her innocence. With twists and turns at every corner, this thrilling mystery keeps readers guessing until the final page.

  8. 8. We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver

    "We Need To Talk About Kevin" is a gripping and unsettling novel that explores the complex relationship between a mother and her troubled son. Told through a series of letters written by the mother to her estranged husband, the book delves into the aftermath of a horrific school massacre committed by Kevin. As the mother reflects on her own guilt, fears, and doubts, she questions whether her own actions and choices played a role in shaping Kevin's violent nature. This thought-provoking and chilling narrative explores themes of nature versus nurture, parental responsibility, and the profound impact of tragedy on a family.

  9. 9. 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.

  10. 10. The Alienist by Caleb Carr

    Set in 1896 New York City, the novel follows a journalist and his friend, a psychologist (or "alienist"), as they work on an investigation into a series of gruesome murders of boy prostitutes. The team employs psychological profiling and early forensic methods to hunt down the serial killer. The book delves into the seedy underbelly of the city, exploring the grim realities of life at the time.

  11. 11. The Conjure Man Dies by Rudolph Fisher

    "The Conjure Man Dies" is a captivating mystery set in 1930s Harlem, where a prominent African American physician is found dead in his home. As the police investigate, a cast of intriguing characters emerges, including a voodoo priest, a cunning detective, and a journalist determined to uncover the truth. With its rich portrayal of the vibrant Harlem Renaissance and a complex web of secrets and motives, this novel delves into race, class, and the supernatural, keeping readers guessing until the final page.

  12. 12. The League Of Frightened Men by Rex Stout

    In this gripping mystery, a brilliant and eccentric private detective is hired to address the fears of a group of men who believe they are being targeted by someone seeking revenge for a prank gone wrong years ago, which resulted in a tragic accident. As members of the group begin to meet untimely ends under mysterious circumstances, the detective uses his unique intellect and unconventional methods to unravel a complex web of guilt, deception, and murder. Set against the backdrop of New York City, the story combines psychological intrigue with the detective's sharp wit and profound insights into human nature, leading to a surprising resolution that challenges the concepts of justice and retribution.

  13. 13. 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.

  14. 14. The Greek Coffin Mystery by Ellery Queen

    "The Greek Coffin Mystery" by "Ellery Queen" is a thrilling detective novel that follows the renowned detective Ellery Queen as he investigates the baffling murder of a wealthy Greek art collector. Set in New York City, Queen must unravel a complex web of clues, hidden motives, and eccentric characters in order to solve the perplexing case. With his sharp intellect and keen observational skills, Queen navigates through a series of twists and turns, leading readers on an exciting journey filled with suspense and intrigue.

  15. 15. The Egyptian Cross Mystery by Ellery Queen

    In "The Egyptian Cross Mystery," a wealthy man is found dead in his locked study, with a mysterious Egyptian cross lying beside him. As Ellery Queen investigates the puzzling circumstances surrounding the murder, he uncovers a web of secrets, hidden identities, and a complex plot that leads him to a thrilling and unexpected conclusion. With a blend of intricate puzzles, suspenseful twists, and a dash of Egyptian mythology, this gripping mystery keeps readers guessing until the very end.

  16. 16. Bank Shot by Donald E. Westlake

    In this comedic crime caper, a motley crew of thieves concocts an audacious plan to steal a bank. Rather than attempting a traditional heist, they decide to literally take the entire bank with them by hijacking a mobile home that serves as a temporary bank branch. The ringleader, a clever and somewhat luckless criminal, leads his eccentric team through a series of misadventures and close calls as they try to outwit the authorities and pull off what they hope will be a lucrative, if not entirely well-thought-out, crime. The novel is a blend of humor and suspense, delivering a story where the heist itself becomes as unpredictable as the characters attempting it.

  17. 17. Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem

    The novel follows Lionel Essrog, a detective with Tourette's Syndrome, as he navigates the rough streets of Brooklyn to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna. Despite his condition, Lionel's obsessive mind proves to be a valuable asset in uncovering the truth about Frank's death, leading him through a maze of secrets, corruption, and betrayal within the Brooklyn underworld. The book is a compelling blend of mystery, humor, and an exploration of the human condition through the eyes of a uniquely gifted protagonist.

  18. 18. Eight Million Ways To Die by Lawrence Block

    In this gripping crime novel, a former cop turned private investigator, Matt Scudder, is hired to find the killer of a high-class call girl. As he delves deeper into the dark underbelly of New York City, Scudder becomes entangled in a web of deceit, corruption, and addiction. With his own demons haunting him, Scudder must navigate the dangerous streets and confront his own personal demons in order to bring justice to the victims and find redemption for himself.

  19. 19. An American Dream by Norman Mailer

    The book is a narrative of Stephen Rojack, a decorated war hero turned professor, television personality, and philanderer who struggles with his inner demons and the existential dread of modern life. After murdering his estranged wife in a drunken rage, he embarks on a surreal journey through the seedy underbelly of 1960s New York, engaging in a series of sexual and violent encounters, and getting involved with a nightclub singer and the mafia. The novel explores themes of violence, masculinity, and American identity.

  20. 20. The Cold Moon by Jeffrey Deaver

    In this gripping thriller, a notorious killer known as The Watchmaker resurfaces, leaving a trail of brutal murders in his wake. As the bodies pile up, Lincoln Rhyme, a quadriplegic forensic expert, and his partner Amelia Sachs must race against time to decipher the cryptic clues left by the killer. With the clock ticking, they delve into the dark world of the Watchmaker, uncovering shocking secrets and facing a deadly game of cat and mouse.

  21. 21. Running Dog by Don DeLillo

    The novel is a fast-paced political thriller set in the aftermath of the Vietnam War, revolving around the search for a possibly mythical pornographic film that may have been shot in Hitler's bunker. As various parties—including a journalist, a government operative, and a group of radicals—vie for possession of the film, the narrative delves into the seedy underbelly of late 1970s New York. The story explores themes of power, obsession, and the commodification of history, all while providing a critique of American culture and the pervasive influence of the media. The characters' intersecting quests lead to a dark and violent confrontation, reflecting the paranoia and disillusionment of the era.

  22. 22. About The Author by John Colapinto

    This book presents a satirical and darkly comedic narrative centered around Cal Cunningham, an aspiring but unsuccessful writer who finds himself in a morally ambiguous and complex situation. After a freak accident leaves his more talented friend and roommate incapacitated, Cal seizes the opportunity to claim his friend's exceptional manuscript as his own. This decision catapults him into literary stardom, bringing fame, fortune, and a constant fear of exposure. The story delves into themes of identity, ambition, and the high price of stolen success, all while exploring the cutthroat world of publishing and the lengths to which people will go for recognition and acclaim.

  23. 23. When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole

    "When No One Is Watching" is a gripping thriller that takes place in a gentrifying Brooklyn neighborhood. Sydney, a young Black woman, becomes increasingly suspicious of the changes happening around her as her neighbors mysteriously disappear. Teaming up with her new white neighbor, Theo, they uncover a dark conspiracy that threatens to upend the community and their lives. As Sydney and Theo dig deeper, they must navigate a web of lies, secrets, and hidden agendas, while also confronting their own personal demons. This thought-provoking novel explores themes of race, identity, and the insidious nature of systemic oppression, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking conclusion.

  24. 24. Trust by Hernán Díaz

    "Trust" by Hernán Díaz is a novel that follows the journey of a young man named Rafael, who leaves his home in Mexico to pursue the American Dream in the 19th century. Rafael's journey takes him through the Wild West, where he encounters a diverse cast of characters and faces numerous challenges. Along the way, he learns about the complexities of trust and betrayal, and ultimately discovers the true meaning of home and belonging. The novel is a poignant exploration of identity, immigration, and the American experience.

  25. 25. You by Caroline Kepnes

    "You" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the twisted mind of a charming bookstore manager, Joe, who becomes dangerously obsessed with a customer named Beck. Through the use of social media and surveillance, Joe meticulously orchestrates a plan to infiltrate Beck's life, manipulating and controlling her every move. As the story unfolds, the reader is taken on a chilling journey into the depths of Joe's disturbed psyche, blurring the lines between love, obsession, and possession.

Reading Statistics

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