The Greatest "New York City, Crime" 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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New York City

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. Bonfire of the Vanities by Tom Wolfe

    This novel follows the life of a successful Wall Street bond trader who, after a wrong turn in the Bronx, finds his life spiraling out of control. After a hit-and-run accident in a predominantly black neighborhood, he becomes the target of a political witch hunt, exacerbating racial tensions in the city. As the protagonist's world unravels, the story provides a satirical commentary on 1980s New York City, exploring themes of racism, classism, politics, and greed.

  2. 2. 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.

  3. 3. 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.

  4. 4. A Kiss Before Dying by Ira Levin

    In this gripping psychological thriller, a charming and manipulative young man becomes obsessed with achieving wealth and power, leading him to commit a series of calculated murders. As he weaves a web of deception, he targets a wealthy family and pursues a romantic relationship with the daughter, all while concealing his true identity and sinister intentions. With suspenseful twists and a shocking climax, this dark tale explores the depths of human obsession and the lengths one will go to achieve their desires.

  5. 5. The Hot Rock by Donald E. Westlake

    "The Hot Rock" is a thrilling heist novel that follows the misadventures of a group of criminals as they attempt to steal a valuable gem known as the Balabomo Emerald. Led by the clever and resourceful Dortmunder, the team encounters numerous obstacles and setbacks, including double-crossing partners, a persistent detective, and a series of comical mishaps. With a blend of humor, suspense, and unexpected twists, the book takes readers on a wild ride through the world of high-stakes theft and the eccentric characters that inhabit it.

  6. 6. Cop Hater by Ed McBain

    In the gritty urban landscape of the 87th Precinct, a series of brutal murders targeting police officers sends shockwaves through the force. As detectives scramble to find a pattern and motive behind the killings, they must navigate the treacherous streets and the complexities of their personal lives. The novel delves into the lives of the cops, their camaraderie, and the relentless pressure of working on a case where they themselves are the targets. With each officer's death, the tension mounts, and the precinct must catch the murderer before fear undermines their duty to protect and serve.

  7. 7. 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.

  8. 8. Blind Man with a Pistol by Chester Himes

    In the heart of Harlem, a blind man shoots his pistol aimlessly, setting off a series of chaotic events. Two detectives are tasked with investigating the resulting crimes, which include a restaurant bombing and a murder. The narrative is filled with dark humor, social commentary, and vivid descriptions of Harlem life, as the detectives navigate the complexities of their community and the absurdity of their situation.

  9. 9. 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.

  10. 10. The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver

    In this gripping crime thriller, a brilliant forensic detective and a young officer team up to catch a sadistic serial killer who leaves behind a trail of bone-chilling clues. As they race against time to solve the puzzle, they must navigate through a labyrinth of gruesome crime scenes and outsmart the ruthless murderer who always seems to be one step ahead. With unexpected twists and heart-stopping suspense, this novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final shocking revelation.

  11. 11. Koko by Peter Straub

    This psychological horror novel centers around four Vietnam War veterans who reunite to confront a series of gruesome murders that eerily resemble war crimes they witnessed. The story delves into the complexities of trauma and the bonds of military brotherhood as the men embark on a harrowing journey to track down the enigmatic figure known only as "Koko," whose identity is as mysterious as the motives behind the killings. As they traverse the globe from the urban landscapes of the United States to the bustling streets of Southeast Asia, the veterans must grapple with their own inner demons and the possibility that the killer they seek may be one of their own.

  12. 12. Night Has A Thousand Eyes by George Hopley

    "Night Has A Thousand Eyes" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the life of a troubled man named John, who possesses an uncanny ability to foresee tragic events before they occur. Plagued by his gift, John becomes increasingly isolated and tormented, as he struggles to prevent the impending disasters that haunt his visions. As the line between reality and premonition blurs, John embarks on a desperate quest to understand the origins of his power and find a way to break free from its relentless grip.

  13. 13. Falling Angel by William Hjortsberg

    In this gripping mystery novel, a down-on-his-luck private investigator is hired to find a missing person, only to uncover a web of dark secrets and supernatural forces. Set in 1950s New York City, the protagonist delves into the city's seedy underbelly, encountering eccentric characters and facing his own demons along the way. As he gets closer to the truth, the line between reality and fantasy becomes blurred, leading to a shocking and unexpected climax. With its atmospheric setting and intricate plot, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

  14. 14. 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.

  15. 15. I, The Jury by Mickey Spillane

    In this hard-boiled detective novel, a gritty and vengeful private investigator seeks justice for the murder of his best friend, who was killed by a .45 to the stomach. The protagonist navigates a seedy underworld of crime and corruption, encountering seductive femme fatales and ruthless criminals along the way. His relentless pursuit of the truth leads to a shocking revelation and a climactic confrontation, where personal codes of honor and the blurred lines between right and wrong come to a head. The novel is known for its tough-guy dialogue, violent action, and the detective's uncompromising moral compass.

  16. 16. The Doorbell Rang by Rex Stout

    In this classic detective novel, the brilliant and eccentric private investigator Nero Wolfe, along with his sharp-witted assistant Archie Goodwin, is hired by a wealthy woman to disprove the FBI's unfounded harassment against her. She believes the agency is targeting her because she distributed copies of a book critical of the FBI. As Wolfe and Goodwin delve into the case, they navigate a complex web of surveillance, intimidation, and murder, all while outsmarting the persistent scrutiny of the formidable J. Edgar Hoover's agents. The story is a clever dance of wits and strategy, showcasing the detective's ingenuity in solving a case that reaches far beyond a simple doorbell ring.

  17. 17. Sadie When She Died by Ed McBain

    In this gritty police procedural, a seasoned detective investigates the brutal murder of a woman, only to uncover a web of deceit and infidelity. As the detective delves into the victim's tumultuous marriage and the husband's suspicious behavior, he must navigate through a series of misleading clues and potential suspects. The case becomes more complex when the detective's own sense of justice is challenged, leading to a tense and unexpected resolution that questions the boundaries between law, morality, and the pursuit of truth in the face of crime.

  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. Marathon Man by William Goldman

    The novel revolves around a history Ph.D. student and avid runner in New York City who becomes entangled in a deadly plot involving his estranged brother, a government agent, and a notorious Nazi war criminal living in exile. When a series of events leads to the murder of his brother and the revelation of a precious gem smuggling operation, the protagonist must use his wits and endurance to survive torture and chase, uncovering a harrowing conspiracy that forces him to confront his own family's secrets and a past that is inextricably linked to the horrors of the Holocaust.

  20. 20. Lush Life by Richard Price

    This novel is a vivid exploration of life on the Lower East Side of Manhattan, focusing on the aftermath of a random street crime that shakes the community. The narrative delves into the lives of the victim, the witnesses, and the suspects, painting a rich tapestry of urban life with its complexities and contradictions. The investigation of the crime exposes the cultural and social divides of the neighborhood, as well as the personal struggles and ambitions of those involved. Through sharp dialogue and detailed character studies, the book offers a gritty, realistic portrayal of the challenges and resilience found within the city's vibrant streets.

  21. 21. The Cabinet Of Curiosities by Douglas Preston, Lincoln Child

    In this thrilling novel, a gruesome discovery of 36 murdered bodies from the late 1800s buried in a charnel basement in New York City propels FBI Special Agent Pendergast, journalist Bill Smithback, and archaeologist Nora Kelly into a dangerous investigation. The trio uncovers a serial killer's lair, filled with bizarre antiques and relics, leading them on a harrowing chase through history and science. As they unravel the mystery of the murders, which seem to be resurfacing in the present, they must confront the possibility that the killer might not be confined to the past but could be striking again, following a pattern laid out over a century ago. The narrative weaves together elements of horror, history, and crime, creating a suspenseful tale that delves deep into the macabre and the arcane.

  22. 22. Worst Case by James Patterson

    In this gripping thriller, a detective from the NYPD and an FBI agent team up to tackle a series of kidnappings that target the children of New York's wealthiest families. The perpetrator, driven by a twisted sense of justice, puts the victims through a bizarre test of moral integrity, threatening their lives if they fail to meet his standards. As the investigators delve deeper into the case, they find themselves racing against time to save the victims while grappling with their own personal demons and the ethical dilemmas posed by the kidnapper's motives. The tension escalates with each new abduction, leading to a climactic confrontation that tests the limits of their resolve and the strength of their dedication to justice.

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