The Greatest "Chicago, Suspense" Books of All Time

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 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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Chicago

The "Chicago" category of books refers to literature that is set in or inspired by the city of Chicago. These books may explore the city's rich history, diverse culture, and unique architecture, or delve into the lives of its residents and the challenges they face. From gritty crime novels to heartwarming coming-of-age stories, the Chicago genre encompasses a wide range of themes and styles, all united by their connection to this iconic American city.

Suspense

Suspense is a genre of literature that is characterized by a feeling of tension, uncertainty, and anxiety that keeps the reader on edge and engaged throughout the story. It typically involves a protagonist who is facing a dangerous or threatening situation, and the plot is driven by the anticipation of what might happen next. Suspense novels often feature unexpected twists and turns, and the reader is left guessing until the very end. This genre is popular among readers who enjoy thrillers, mysteries, and crime fiction.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

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. Presumed Innocent by Scott Turow

    A gripping legal thriller, this novel follows the story of a chief deputy prosecutor who finds himself accused of the brutal murder of his colleague, with whom he had a passionate extramarital affair. As the evidence against him mounts, he struggles to prove his innocence while uncovering corruption and deceit within the very system he once served. The story is a riveting exploration of the complexities of the legal system, human nature, and the concept of presumed innocence.

  2. 2. The Devil In The White City by Erik Larson

    This book intertwines the true tales of two men during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair: Daniel H. Burnham, the architect responsible for the fair's construction, and H.H. Holmes, a serial killer masquerading as a charming doctor. The narrative alternates between the story of Burnham, his challenges and successes in building the fair, and the chilling story of Holmes, who used the fair to lure his victims to their death. It's a vivid portrayal of the Gilded Age and a chilling exploration of one of America's first known serial killers.

  3. 3. Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer

    "Kane and Abel" is a captivating saga that follows the lives of two men born on the same day on opposite sides of the world. One is born into a life of privilege and the other in extreme poverty. Despite their vastly different beginnings, their lives intertwine in a tale of ambition, rivalry, and revenge. Over the decades, they build successful lives, unaware of each other, until their paths cross, leading to a fierce battle that only one of them can win.

  4. 4. The Asphalt Jungle by W. R. Burnett

    This novel delves into the gritty underworld of urban crime, focusing on a meticulously planned jewelry heist that promises to be the ultimate payday for its diverse crew of small-time crooks and down-on-their-luck characters. However, as the operation unfolds, the group's carefully laid plans begin to unravel due to a mix of greed, betrayal, and the relentless pressure from law enforcement. Set against the backdrop of a bleak, post-war American city, the narrative explores themes of desperation, the elusive American dream, and the thin line between order and chaos in the pursuit of survival and redemption.

  5. 5. Left Behind by Tim LaHaye, Jerry B. Jenkins

    "Left Behind" is a gripping story set in the aftermath of the Rapture, when millions of people around the world suddenly disappear, leaving behind everything but their clothes and personal belongings. The novel follows a group of survivors, including a commercial airline pilot, a journalist, and a college student, as they navigate the chaos and confusion of a world in crisis. As they search for answers and try to understand what has happened, they are drawn to the words of the Bible, which seem to predict the events unfolding around them. Together, they form the Tribulation Force, a group dedicated to fighting the forces of evil and spreading the word of God in a world on the brink of the Apocalypse.

  6. 6. Laura by Vera Caspary

    The novel revolves around the investigation into the murder of a beautiful and successful advertising executive, whose charm and elegance have captivated many men. As the detective delves into her life, he becomes increasingly obsessed with the victim, piecing together her complex relationships and the events leading up to her death. Through a series of twists and character revelations, the story explores themes of obsession, identity, and the facades people construct in their lives. The detective's journey through the victim's world blurs the lines between professional duty and personal fixation, leading to a surprising resolution that challenges his initial perceptions.

  7. 7. Dead Time by Eleanor Taylor Bland

    "Dead Time" is a gripping crime novel that follows the determined and resourceful African-American police detective, Marti MacAlister, as she investigates a series of mysterious deaths in a small Midwestern town. As the body count rises, Marti must navigate through a web of secrets and lies, uncovering shocking truths about the victims and their connections, while also facing personal demons from her own past. With a strong female protagonist, intricate plot twists, and a vividly described setting, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final page.

  8. 8. Toxic Shock by Sara Paretsky

    This gripping novel plunges readers into the heart of a chilling mystery when a seemingly routine investigation turns deadly. The protagonist, a tenacious private investigator, finds herself embroiled in a complex case involving a tampered toxic shock syndrome study, corporate greed, and a trail of suspicious deaths. As she digs deeper, navigating through a web of lies and deceit, she not only risks her life but also confronts personal demons and the ethical dilemmas of justice. Set against a backdrop of corporate malfeasance and scientific misconduct, this story is a thrilling ride that explores the dark intersections of power, science, and morality.

  9. 9. Primal Fear by William Diehl

    In this gripping legal thriller, a high-profile murder case rocks Chicago when an archbishop is brutally killed, and a young altar boy stands accused. A defense attorney with a talent for taking on lost causes is drawn into the case, uncovering a web of corruption and deceit that reaches the highest levels of the city's power structure. As the lawyer delves deeper, he faces a cunning adversary and must confront his own demons, all while questioning the very nature of innocence and guilt. The novel twists and turns towards a shocking revelation that challenges the boundaries between justice and manipulation, ultimately revealing the dark and primal nature of fear itself.

  10. 10. Blacklist by Sara Paretsky

    In this gripping mystery, a private detective is hired to investigate seemingly unrelated cases: a clandestine love affair from the 1950s and a modern-day murder. The investigation leads her into the heart of Chicago's exclusive society, where she uncovers a complex web of deceit involving blacklisted writers and McCarthy-era political persecution. As she delves deeper, the detective finds disturbing connections between the past and present, revealing how the shadows of history continue to shape the lives and actions of those involved. The novel masterfully blends suspense, historical intrigue, and social commentary, making it a compelling read.

  11. 11. The Chamber by John Grisham

    This legal thriller delves into the life of a young attorney who faces the daunting task of defending his grandfather, a former Ku Klux Klan member sentenced to death for a racially motivated bombing. As the lawyer digs deeper into his family's past and the case, he confronts not only the legal system's complexities but also the entrenched racial prejudices and moral dilemmas surrounding the death penalty. Set against the backdrop of the American South, the narrative explores themes of justice, redemption, and the possibility of change, challenging the protagonist and readers to reconsider their views on punishment and forgiveness.

  12. 12. 206 Bones by Kathy Reichs

    In "206 Bones," a forensic anthropologist finds herself the target of a sinister plot when she wakes up bound and trapped in a dark, cold space. As she navigates through her memories to piece together how she ended up in this dire situation, the narrative intertwines with her recent cases involving the mysterious deaths of several elderly women. The protagonist must use her expertise to solve the puzzle of her own predicament and the crimes she's been investigating, all while the clock is ticking on her survival. The novel is a blend of suspense, science, and intrigue, as it delves into the complexities of forensic investigation and the depths of human malevolence.

  13. 13. The Shadow Knows by Diane Johnson

    "The Shadow Knows" is a psychological thriller that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the darker aspects of the human psyche. The story follows a woman grappling with her own mental stability as she becomes increasingly paranoid about the intentions of those around her. Set against a backdrop of suspense and intrigue, the novel explores themes of identity, trust, and the fine line between reality and delusion, keeping readers on edge as they try to discern what is real and what is imagined in the protagonist's mind.

  14. 14. Battle Ground by Jim Butcher

    In this thrilling installment of a popular urban fantasy series, the city of Chicago becomes the epicenter of a supernatural war. The protagonist, a wizard detective, must rally his allies, both mortal and magical, to defend the city against a formidable and ancient enemy leading an army of monsters. As the battle rages, the stakes are higher than ever, pushing the hero to the limits of his power and resolve. Loyalties are tested, and sacrifices are made, in a desperate fight not just for survival, but for the soul of the city itself. The narrative is packed with action, magic, and the series' hallmark witty dialogue, making it a gripping read from start to finish.

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