The Greatest British "Adventure, Fiction, Crime" Books Since 1900

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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

Adventure

The Adventure genre is characterized by stories that take readers on thrilling journeys filled with danger, excitement, and unexpected twists and turns. These books often feature brave protagonists who embark on quests, explore new territories, and face challenges that test their physical and mental limits. Adventure stories can be set in any time period or location, from ancient civilizations to futuristic worlds, and can include elements of romance, mystery, and suspense. Whether it's a treasure hunt, a survival story, or a battle against evil forces, Adventure books offer readers an escape into a world of excitement and adventure.

Fiction

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. 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.

  2. 2. Rogue Male by Geoffrey Household

    The book is a classic thriller that follows the story of an unnamed British sportsman who embarks on a daring attempt to assassinate a European dictator prior to World War II. After being caught and tortured, he escapes back to England, but his ordeal is far from over. Pursued by enemy agents who want to finish the job they started, he must use his wits and survival skills to evade capture. The protagonist goes to ground in the English countryside, engaging in a deadly game of cat and mouse with his relentless pursuers, as he grapples with his own moral convictions and the consequences of his actions.

  3. 3. 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.

  4. 4. Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency by Douglas Adams

    This humorous science fiction novel follows the eccentric detective Dirk Gently, who operates based on the fundamental interconnectedness of all things. His cases involve time travel, ghosts, and an Electric Monk, a labor-saving device that believes things for you. Dirk's current investigation revolves around the disappearance of a cat, a multimillionaire, and a horse in a bathroom, all seemingly unrelated events, but in Dirk's holistic world, everything is connected.

  5. 5. The Guns Of Navarone by Alistair MacLean

    In this thrilling World War II adventure, a team of Allied commandos is tasked with an almost impossible mission: to destroy a seemingly impregnable German fortress that houses massive guns on the island of Navarone. These guns control the sea channels to the Aegean Sea, preventing the rescue of British troops stranded on nearby islands. The diverse group of experts must scale sheer cliffs, confront traitors within their ranks, and battle the elements to complete their mission and turn the tide of the war in the Allies' favor. Their journey is fraught with danger, action, and suspense, testing the limits of their skills and courage.

  6. 6. 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.

  7. 7. Midnight Plus One by Gavin Lyall

    In "Midnight Plus One" by Gavin Lyall, a former RAF pilot turned freelance pilot and investigator, Sam Hannah, is hired to transport a mysterious passenger to a secret destination. However, when the passenger is kidnapped mid-flight, Hannah finds himself entangled in a dangerous web of espionage, betrayal, and international conspiracy. As he races against time to rescue the captive and uncover the truth, Hannah must rely on his wit, skills, and resourcefulness to outsmart his enemies and survive the perilous mission.

  8. 8. My Brother Michael by Mary Stewart

    The novel is a romantic suspense story set in the picturesque backdrop of Greece, where a young Englishwoman, Camilla Haven, accidentally becomes embroiled in a dangerous adventure when she receives a car intended for someone else with a note pleading for help in Delphi. Driven by a sense of intrigue and the memory of her brother, who died in the war, she sets off to Delphi and meets a charismatic and mysterious Englishman who is searching for his brother's grave. Together, they become entangled in a perilous quest that leads them through ancient ruins and into the heart of a modern conspiracy, testing their courage and blossoming affection for one another.

  9. 9. 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.

  10. 10. 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.

  11. 11. Diamonds Are Forever by Ian Fleming

    This novel follows a British secret agent who is tasked with infiltrating a diamond smuggling ring. The agent travels from London to New York, Las Vegas, and eventually Africa, facing various threats and challenges along the way. As he delves deeper into the operation, he uncovers a sinister plot involving a ruthless American gangster and a deadly assassin. The agent must use his cunning and skills to survive and stop the criminals.

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