The Greatest American, Irish "Suspense, Drama, Fiction" Books Since 1990

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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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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.

Drama

Drama is a genre of literature that typically deals with serious and emotional themes, often exploring the complexities of human relationships and the struggles individuals face in their lives. These books often feature intense character development and intricate plotlines, delving into the depths of human experience and the challenges of navigating the world around us. From family dramas to political intrigue, the drama genre encompasses a wide range of stories that aim to captivate readers with their raw and powerful storytelling.

Fiction

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  1. 1. The Secret History by Donna Tartt

    A group of six classics students at a small, elite Vermont college, led by a charismatic professor, become entranced by the study of Greek culture and decide to recreate a Dionysian ritual, which ends in a tragic accident. The group, bound by their shared secret, begins to unravel as paranoia and guilt take hold. The novel explores themes of beauty and terror, the allure of the esoteric, and the destructive consequences of obsession.

    The 191st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

    A teenage girl is brutally murdered in her small town, and from her new home in heaven, she watches over her family and friends as they struggle to cope with her loss. She also keeps an eye on her killer, hoping that he will eventually be brought to justice. Through her observations, she explores the complexities of human relationships, the ripple effects of her death, and the concept of moving on while still holding onto memories.

    The 1067th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Butcher Boy by Patrick McCabe

    The Butcher Boy is a dark and disturbing tale set in small-town Ireland, following the life of a troubled young boy who descends into madness and violence. The protagonist's life is filled with neglect, abuse and mental health issues, and his increasingly erratic behavior and gruesome fantasies lead him down a path of horrific actions. The novel provides a stark exploration of the effects of societal neglect and the failure of mental health systems.

    The 1117th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt

    The book follows the life of a young boy who survives a terrorist bombing at an art museum, which kills his mother. In the confusion following the explosion, he steals a priceless Dutch painting, The Goldfinch, which becomes his secret treasure and eventually draws him into the criminal underworld. The narrative explores themes of loss, survival, and the power of art to shape human destiny.

    The 1357th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. 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.

    The 1749th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. The Round House by Louise Erdrich

    A teenage boy navigates the complexities of life after his mother is brutally attacked on their reservation in North Dakota. As the legal system fails to bring justice due to jurisdictional issues, the boy takes matters into his own hands. The novel explores themes of tribal law, justice, and the transition into adulthood, all set against the backdrop of Native American culture and history.

    The 2312th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. 11 22 63 by Stephen King

    "11/22/63" is a science fiction novel by Stephen King that follows the story of Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who discovers a portal that leads to 1958. After being convinced by his friend Al to use the portal to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jake embarks on a journey through time to change the course of history. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Sadie and faces various obstacles that threaten to alter the timeline he is trying to change. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the consequences of trying to change the past.

    The 2439th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. A Simple Plan by Scott Smith

    "A Simple Plan" by Scott Smith is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the lives of three ordinary men who stumble upon a crashed plane containing a large sum of money. As they decide to keep the money for themselves, their lives quickly spiral out of control, leading to a series of devastating consequences. Filled with suspense and moral dilemmas, the book explores the dark depths of human nature and the lengths people are willing to go to protect their secrets.

    The 2714th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. 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.

    The 2741st Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Room by Emma Donoghue

    "Room" by Emma Donoghue is a novel about a young woman named Ma who has been held captive in a small room for seven years with her five-year-old son Jack. The story is told from Jack's point of view as he struggles to understand the world outside of Room and adjust to life after their escape. The novel explores themes of resilience, trauma, and the power of love and imagination.

    The 2778th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Green Mile by Stephen King

    The book is a poignant narrative set in the 1930s, centered around the experiences of a death row corrections officer who oversees inmates at a penitentiary. The story unfolds through his recollections, particularly focusing on one condemned prisoner with a mysterious gift. This inmate, a gentle giant convicted of a heinous crime, displays supernatural abilities that profoundly affect those around him, challenging the guard's preconceived notions about justice, punishment, and the very nature of good and evil. As the execution date draws near, the guard grapples with the moral complexities of his role and the haunting realities of the penal system.

    The 3357th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King

    This novel is a gripping psychological thriller that unfolds through the confession of its titular character, a housekeeper accused of murdering her wealthy employer. Set on a small island in Maine, the story delves deep into the protagonist's past, revealing a life marred by domestic abuse, a desperate act of violence to protect her children, and a complex relationship with her employer. The narrative, devoid of chapters and told entirely in the protagonist's voice, creates an intimate and compelling exploration of guilt, survival, and the lengths to which a person will go to escape a life of despair. Through its vivid character study and suspenseful plot, the novel examines themes of justice, loyalty, and the enduring impact of secrets.

    The 5830th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Blanche Passes Go by Barbara Neely

    "Blanche Passes Go" is a compelling mystery novel that follows the life of Blanche White, an African-American housekeeper with a knack for solving crimes. When a prominent white family's matriarch mysteriously dies, Blanche becomes entangled in a web of secrets and deceit. As she navigates through racial tensions, family dynamics, and her own personal struggles, Blanche uses her wit and intelligence to uncover the truth behind the woman's death, exposing the dark underbelly of a seemingly perfect community.

    The 6177th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Emperor Of Ocean Park by Stephen L. Carter

    "The Emperor of Ocean Park" is a gripping novel that combines elements of mystery, legal drama, and family saga. Set in the affluent world of African-American elites in New England, the story follows Talcott Garland, a law professor and former Supreme Court nominee, as he investigates the mysterious death of his father, a prominent conservative judge. As Talcott delves deeper into his father's past, he uncovers a web of secrets, political intrigue, and corruption that threatens to unravel his own life and reputation. With its intricate plot and richly drawn characters, the book explores themes of power, loyalty, and the complexities of race and identity in America.

    The 6406th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Carter Beats The Devil by Glen David Gold

    Set in the early 20th century, this novel follows the life of a renowned magician, Charles Carter, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of deception and intrigue after he performs a trick on President Harding, who dies mysteriously hours later. Carter is forced to use his skills to clear his name, while also dealing with other challenges including a beautiful, elusive woman, a blind lion tamer, and a rivalry with Houdini. This historical novel weaves together a tale of magic, love, and suspense.

    The 8120th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Dragonfly In Amber by Diana Gabaldon

    The book is the second installment in a historical fiction series that weaves together romance, science fiction, and adventure. It continues the story of a 20th-century Englishwoman who has time-traveled to 18th-century Scotland and fallen in love with a dashing Highland warrior. As the Jacobite rebellion leads to the fateful Battle of Culloden, the couple faces the threat of being torn apart by the tumultuous events of history. Interwoven with their past is the present-day narrative of their daughter, who discovers her parents' remarkable story and the truth of her own origins. The novel explores themes of love, loyalty, and the impact of the past on the present.

    The 8326th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. In The Woods by Tana French

    In this psychological mystery, a detective on the Dublin Murder Squad is pulled into a case that unsettlingly intersects with his own past. As a child, he was the sole survivor of a mysterious incident that left two of his friends missing in the woods. Now, with the murder of a young girl in the same woods, he must confront his traumatic memories while trying to solve the case. The investigation becomes increasingly complex, blurring the lines between the detective's professional duties and his deeply personal quest for answers, leading to a chilling exploration of memory, identity, and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly idyllic settings.

    The 8484th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson

    The book centers on a teenage girl with a traumatic past, who was convicted of a heinous crime at a very young ageā€”the murder of a baby. Now living in a group home and dealing with the complex dynamics within, she struggles with the weight of her past and the challenges of her present. As she contends with a society quick to label her as irredeemable, she seeks to uncover the truth and fight for a future that seems increasingly out of reach. Her journey is one of resilience and the quest for redemption, as she navigates a system that is often more interested in judgment than justice.

    The 9020th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

    In this historical fiction novel, we follow the continuing adventures of a time-traveling nurse from the 20th century and her 18th-century Scottish Highlander husband as they navigate the perils of life in colonial America. Set against the backdrop of the looming American Revolution, the couple struggles to maintain their family and homestead while dealing with the political and social unrest of the era. The story intertwines romance, historical events, and fantasy elements as the couple faces challenges that test their bond and their ability to shape their destiny amidst the fiery cross of change and rebellion.

    The 9094th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Miracle Creek by Angie Kim

    In a small town, a Korean immigrant family runs a hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) facility, offering hope to desperate parents seeking treatment for their children's autism. However, tragedy strikes when a mysterious explosion occurs at the facility, killing two people. As the community reels from the incident, the subsequent trial uncovers a web of secrets and lies, revealing the complex relationships between the families involved and the lengths they would go to protect their loved ones. Told from multiple perspectives, "Miracle Creek" explores themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, and the lengths people will go to find redemption in the face of tragedy.

    The 9130th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Your House Will Pay by Steph Cha

    "Your House Will Pay" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of race, family, and forgiveness. Set in Los Angeles, the story follows two families, one African American and one Korean American, whose lives become intertwined after a shocking act of violence. As tensions rise and secrets are revealed, the characters are forced to confront their past and grapple with the consequences of their actions. Through its powerful storytelling and complex characters, the book offers a profound examination of the lingering effects of historical injustices and the potential for redemption.

    The 9130th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Appeal by John Grisham

    In this gripping legal thriller, a small Mississippi town becomes the battleground for a high-stakes legal fight when a chemical company is accused of dumping toxic waste, leading to a spike in cancer cases among the town's residents. The case attracts the attention of a husband-and-wife legal team who are determined to seek justice for the victims. However, as they prepare for trial, they face an uphill battle against the company's ruthless billionaire owner, who will stop at nothing to secure a verdict in his favor. This includes manipulating the judicial election to ensure a sympathetic judge oversees the case. The novel explores themes of corporate malfeasance, environmental justice, and the corrupting influence of money on the legal system, delivering a suspenseful and thought-provoking narrative.

    The 9147th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. A Breath Of Snow And Ashes by Diana Gabaldon

    In this installment of the historical fiction series, the story continues to follow the lives of a time-traveling 20th-century doctor and her 18th-century Scottish Highlander husband as they navigate the perils of life in colonial America. As the American Revolution looms, the couple faces personal tragedies, political upheaval, and the constant threat of violence. They struggle to protect their family and their community in the backwoods of North Carolina, all while dealing with the complexities of their unique situation and the implications of knowing the future. The novel blends romance, adventure, and historical detail, creating a vivid and tumultuous world for its characters.

    The 9374th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

    The book revolves around a young woman with a troubled past who is given a second chance through a scholarship to an elite university, where she becomes involved with the secretive societies that practice magic and the occult. Tasked with monitoring their activities, she uncovers a series of supernatural crimes and mysteries that she must solve, using her own newfound magical abilities and wits. As she delves deeper into the university's hidden world, she confronts the dark power and privilege that fuel these ancient organizations, while also grappling with her own personal demons and histories.

    The 9617th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. The Devil All The Time by Donald Ray Pollock

    "The Devil All The Time" is a dark and gritty novel that weaves together the lives of several deeply flawed characters in a small town in Ohio. Set in the aftermath of World War II, the story follows a troubled young man named Arvin Russell, whose path intersects with a corrupt preacher, a serial killer couple, and a corrupt sheriff. As their lives intertwine, the novel explores themes of violence, religion, and the consequences of one's actions, ultimately painting a disturbing portrait of the human condition.

    The 9776th Greatest Book of All Time

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