The Greatest British "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 305 '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. 51. 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.

    The 2023rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 52. 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.

    The 2026th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 53. A Study In Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle

    "A Study in Scarlet" is a gripping detective novel that introduces the brilliant detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. John Watson. When a mysterious murder takes place in London, Holmes and Watson are called upon to solve the case. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a complex web of revenge, love, and betrayal that spans across continents and decades. With Holmes' unparalleled deductive skills and Watson's steadfast support, the duo unravels the truth behind the murder and brings the culprits to justice. This thrilling tale not only showcases Holmes' extraordinary abilities but also explores the unique bond between the detective and his trusted friend.

    The 2029th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 54. The Four Just Men by Edgar Wallace

    The book revolves around a group of vigilantes known as The Four Just Men, who are renowned for their commitment to justice, executing those they deem beyond the reach of the law. As the British government introduces an oppressive piece of legislation, the group targets a minister responsible for its potential enactment, leading to a tense cat-and-mouse game with the authorities. The novel combines elements of political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and suspense, as the nation is gripped by the question of whether the minister will survive, and whether the Four Just Men can carry out their audacious plan without being caught.

    The 2031st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 55. The False Inspector Dew by Peter Lovesey

    Set in the 1920s, the novel is a clever blend of murder mystery and romance, revolving around a dentist who, in a bid to escape his dreary life and loveless marriage, plans to run away with his mistress on an ocean liner to America. However, his plan goes awry when he is mistaken for a famous detective, the titular Inspector Dew. As he plays along with the charade, a murder occurs on board the ship, and he is unwittingly thrust into the role of solving the crime. The story unfolds with a series of twists and turns, combining humor and suspense as the protagonist navigates through the unexpected complications of his new identity.

    The 2043rd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 56. Smiley's People by John le Carré

    In this espionage thriller, a retired British intelligence officer, known for his bespectacled and unassuming demeanor, is called back into action when one of his former assets, a Soviet general, is found murdered. The investigation leads him across Europe, rekindling old rivalries and uncovering a complex web of betrayal and deception. As he delves deeper into the case, he must confront his own past and a formidable Soviet spymaster, ultimately leading to a high-stakes game of intelligence and counterintelligence, where the stakes are not just personal, but have far-reaching implications for the security of the West.

    The 2054th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 57. Strong Poison by Dorothy L Sayers

    In this classic detective novel, a mystery writer is accused of poisoning his former lover with arsenic-laced pralines, leading to a high-stakes trial that seems certain to end in a guilty verdict. However, an aristocratic amateur sleuth, intrigued by the case and convinced of the writer's innocence, sets out to uncover the truth. With the help of his keen intellect and a small circle of friends, he delves into the victim's complex personal life, uncovering a web of relationships and motives. Through a series of clever deductions and a bit of undercover work, the detective not only saves the accused from the gallows but also stumbles upon an unexpected romantic entanglement of his own.

    The 2056th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 58. 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.

    The 2068th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 59. Smallbone Deceased by Michael Gilbert

    In this classic British mystery, a solicitor's office becomes the unlikely scene of a perplexing crime when a dead body is discovered in a deed box, leading to an investigation that delves into the intricate and secretive world of legal work. The novel combines wit with a meticulously plotted whodunit, as the charming and astute Inspector Hazelrigg, along with his team and a young, eager solicitor, untangle a web of deceit, embezzlement, and office politics to uncover the murderer among a cast of sharply drawn characters, each with motives and opportunities. The story is renowned for its clever twists, legal authenticity, and the delightful interplay of suspense and humor.

    The 2073rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 60. Wobble To Death by Peter Lovesey

    Set in Victorian London, the book is a thrilling murder mystery centered around a grueling six-day endurance race known as a "wobble." As competitors push their limits in this test of stamina, the event takes a sinister turn when one of the contestants is found dead under suspicious circumstances. A determined and astute detective takes on the case, delving into the competitive world of pedestrianism—a popular sport of the era. Amidst the spectacle and drama of the race, the detective must unravel a web of deceit, rivalry, and ambition to uncover the truth behind the athlete's untimely demise, revealing the darker side of Victorian sportsmanship and obsession.

    The 2077th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 61. Last Seen Wearing by Colin Dexter

    "Last Seen Wearing" is a gripping crime novel that follows Inspector Morse as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of a young girl named Valerie Taylor. With little evidence and a trail that has gone cold, Morse must navigate through a web of secrets and lies to uncover the truth behind Valerie's vanishing, all while battling his own personal demons. As the investigation deepens, Morse's determination and sharp intuition lead him closer to a shocking revelation that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.

    The 2082nd Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 62. Death On The Nile by Agatha Christie

    "Death On The Nile" is a thrilling murder mystery set aboard a luxurious Nile river cruise. When a young and beautiful heiress is found dead, renowned detective Hercule Poirot must navigate a web of deceit, jealousy, and hidden motives to uncover the truth behind her untimely demise. As the suspects become increasingly desperate to protect their secrets, Poirot races against time to solve the puzzle before the killer strikes again.

    The 2091st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 63. A Taste For Death by P. D. James

    In this gripping crime novel, two bodies are discovered with their throats slashed in a London church, setting off a complex investigation led by Commander Adam Dalgliesh of Scotland Yard. As Dalgliesh and his team delve into the lives of the victims—a controversial Member of Parliament and a homeless man—it becomes clear that the case is as much about the intricacies of human relationships as it is about the murders themselves. The narrative weaves through the murky world of politics, the struggles of the underprivileged, and the personal demons of the investigators, revealing a web of motives and secrets that challenges the detective's psychological acumen and sense of justice.

    The 2111th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 64. A Morbid Taste For Bones by Ellis Peters

    In this historical mystery, set in the 12th century, a Welsh Benedictine monk with a talent for solving puzzles is dispatched with his fellow monks to a small village in Wales to acquire the relics of a saint for their abbey. Upon arrival, they encounter resistance from the local community, who revere the saint and oppose the removal of the holy relics. When the leading opponent to the monks' mission is found dead, the monk must employ his deductive skills to unravel the truth behind the murder, ensuring justice is served and the sanctity of the saint is preserved. The story weaves together elements of faith, tradition, and the pursuit of piety with the intrigue of a classic whodunit.

    The 2152nd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 65. 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.

    The 2174th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 66. Affinity by Sarah Waters

    In "Affinity" by Sarah Waters, a young woman named Margaret Prior becomes a visitor at Millbank Prison in Victorian London, where she becomes intrigued by a spiritualist named Selina Dawes. As their relationship deepens, Margaret is drawn into a web of secrets and deception, leading to unexpected consequences for both women. This atmospheric and suspenseful novel explores themes of desire, obsession, and the blurred boundaries between reality and illusion.

    The 2216th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 67. 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.

    The 2286th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 68. The Murder At The Vicarage by Agatha Christie

    In this classic whodunit, a small English village is rocked by the murder of a despised colonel, found dead in the vicar's study. The local vicar, who narrates the tale, finds himself amidst a complex web of gossip, secrets, and potential suspects, ranging from the colonel's estranged wife to various village residents with their own motives for murder. As the investigation unfolds, the astute Miss Marple, a shrewd elderly spinster with a knack for solving puzzles, emerges to cut through the red herrings and uncover the truth, demonstrating that no one is above suspicion in this tightly plotted mystery.

    The 2344th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 69. The Honorary Consul by Graham Greene

    Set in a remote city on the Parana River in Argentina, the novel follows the story of a British honorary consul who is mistakenly kidnapped by revolutionaries who intended to kidnap the American ambassador. As the consul battles alcoholism and depression, his young wife embarks on an affair with a local doctor, who is drawn into the political drama as he attempts to negotiate the consul's release. The book explores themes of love, political unrest, and moral ambiguity.

    The 2454th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 70. Cause for Alarm by Eric Ambler

    "Cause for Alarm" is a thrilling novel set in the backdrop of pre-World War II Europe. The protagonist, a British engineer, gets entangled in a dangerous world of espionage and international politics when he is sent to Italy for work. He unknowingly becomes a pawn in the deadly game between British and Italian intelligence agencies, leading to a series of thrilling and suspenseful events. The book is a gripping exploration of the world of spies, secret agents, and the looming war.

    The 2454th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 71. 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.

    The 2679th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 72. Ratking by Michael Dibdin

    In this gripping crime novel, readers are introduced to a complex and moody detective, Aurelio Zen, who is tasked with solving a high-profile kidnapping case in Italy. The victim, a wealthy industrialist, is held captive by a mysterious entity known as the Ratking, a term that symbolizes the entangled and corrupt nature of the Italian elite. As Zen delves deeper into the investigation, he navigates through a labyrinth of deceit, power struggles, and family secrets, challenging his own ethics and the corrupt system he is a part of. The novel combines a richly atmospheric setting with intricate plot twists, offering a dark and sophisticated exploration of crime, society, and human nature.

    The 3081st Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 73. The City & the City by China Miéville

    In a unique blend of noir detective fiction and speculative fantasy, the book explores the coexistence of two distinct cities occupying the same geographical space, yet remaining invisible to each other due to a strict set of societal rules and the mysterious force of "Breach" that enforces them. When a young woman is found murdered, a seasoned inspector must navigate the complex and often perilous overlap of these two cities to solve the crime. His investigation challenges the rigid separation of the cities, uncovering a conspiracy that blurs the lines between the two and threatens the very fabric of their existence.

    The 3434th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 74. The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

    In this psychological thriller, the story revolves around a troubled woman who becomes entangled in a missing persons investigation that promises to send shockwaves throughout her life. As she rides the train every day, she fantasizes about the seemingly perfect couple she sees from her window, until one day she witnesses something shocking in their backyard. Her decision to report it to the authorities leads her down a dark path of intrigue, as she struggles to piece together her fragmented memories and the tangled web of lies, deceit, and complicated relationships that surround the case. Her involvement becomes increasingly dangerous as she tries to prove not only what she saw, but also her own worth and sanity.

    The 3742nd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 75. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson

    "Case Histories" is a gripping mystery novel that follows the story of a private investigator who is hired to solve three seemingly unrelated cold cases that took place decades ago. As he delves deeper into the mysteries, he uncovers dark secrets and hidden connections between the cases. The narrative is a complex web of intrigue, suspense, and drama, filled with well-crafted characters and unexpected plot twists that keep the reader hooked till the end.

    The 4077th Greatest Book of All Time

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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