The Greatest American, British "Contemporary, Crime, Fiction" 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 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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Genres

Contemporary

Contemporary books are a genre that focuses on stories set in the present day, often exploring current social, cultural, and political issues. These books are typically written in a modern style and often feature relatable characters dealing with real-life situations. Contemporary books can cover a wide range of topics, from romance and family drama to coming-of-age stories and thrillers. The genre is constantly evolving to reflect the changing world we live in, making it a popular choice for readers who want to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and issues.

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.

Fiction

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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.

    The 243rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. London Fields by Martin Amis

    The novel is a darkly comic, murder mystery set in London at the end of the 20th century. The story follows three main characters: a terminally ill American writer, a petty criminal, and a beautiful but doomed woman who predicts her own murder but not the murderer. The narrative is filled with satirical social commentary, exploring themes of love, lust, greed, and deception.

    The 970th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. What a Carve Up! by Jonathan Coe

    This satirical novel follows the story of the Winshaw family, a wealthy and corrupt British family who have a significant influence on British society in fields such as politics, business, media, and the arts. The narrative is presented through the eyes of a commissioned biographer who is trying to make sense of the family's history and their impact on society. As he delves deeper into the family's affairs, he uncovers dark secrets and becomes entangled in a complex web of deceit and murder.

    The 1189th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. 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 2163rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Wild at Heart: The Story of Sailor and Lula by Barry Gifford

    The book tells the story of Sailor Ripley and Lula Pace Fortune, two young lovers from the South who embark on a terrifying and exhilarating journey across America. Sailor, a rebellious outlaw with a troubled past, and Lula, a passionate woman with a zest for life, face numerous challenges and dangerous situations, including encounters with eccentric characters and run-ins with the law. Their compelling, roller-coaster romance is a testament to the extreme lengths people will go to preserve their love amidst chaos and adversity.

    The 3349th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Gb84 by David Peace

    "GB84" by David Peace is a gripping novel set during the 1984-1985 miners' strike in Britain. The story follows the lives of various characters, including union leaders, miners, and government officials, as they navigate the brutal and violent clash between the National Union of Mineworkers and the Conservative government. With its intense portrayal of the social, political, and economic turmoil of the time, the book offers a raw and realistic depiction of the struggles faced by both the striking miners and those in power.

    The 5634th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. American Rust by Philipp Meyer

    This novel takes place in a small, economically depressed Pennsylvania town and follows two young men, Isaac and Billy, who are best friends. After a tragic incident involving a transient, the two friends are forced to flee. The novel explores themes of friendship, the American Dream, and the harsh realities of life in a declining Rust Belt town. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including the two friends, their family members, and the local sheriff.

    The 6151st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Souljah

    This novel tells the story of Winter Santiaga, the teenage daughter of a powerful drug lord in Brooklyn. After her father's empire collapses and he is imprisoned, Winter's privileged lifestyle ends abruptly, and she must navigate the harsh realities of poverty, addiction, and the criminal justice system. The narrative explores themes of race, class, and the consequences of choices, offering a gritty, unflinching look at life in urban America.

    The 6406th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. 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 9012th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden

    "Winter Counts" is a gripping and thought-provoking novel set on the Rosebud Indian Reservation in South Dakota. The story follows Virgil Wounded Horse, a local enforcer who takes justice into his own hands when the legal system fails his community. When his nephew becomes entangled in the dangerous world of drug trafficking, Virgil embarks on a mission to protect his family and seek retribution. Through its powerful narrative and exploration of Native American culture, the book sheds light on the complexities of modern-day reservation life and the struggle for justice in an unjust world.

    The 9263rd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Disappearing Earth by Julia Phillips

    "Disappearing Earth" is a novel by Julia Phillips that explores the interconnected lives of the residents of a remote Russian peninsula after the disappearance of two young girls. Each chapter follows a different character as they grapple with their own personal struggles and the impact of the girls' disappearance on their community. Through vivid descriptions of the harsh landscape and the characters' complex relationships, Phillips weaves a gripping tale of loss, grief, and the enduring power of human connection.

    The 9425th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Mars Room by Rachel Kushner

    The novel delves into the life of a young woman serving two consecutive life sentences plus six years at Stanville Women's Correctional Facility in California. Through her eyes, the narrative explores the harsh realities of the American prison system and the interwoven lives of inmates, shedding light on themes of poverty, violence, and the struggle for survival within a society that often overlooks the marginalized. The protagonist's past unfolds alongside her present incarceration, revealing the circumstances that led to her imprisonment and her attempts to maintain a connection with the outside world, particularly with her son. The story is a gritty and unflinching examination of the consequences of systemic injustice and the human capacity for resilience in the face of a life confined by bars.

    The 9448th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. An Untamed State by Roxane Gay

    This novel tells the harrowing story of a Haitian-American woman who is kidnapped for ransom while visiting her parents in Haiti. Despite her father's wealth, he refuses to pay the ransom, leading to her prolonged captivity and abuse. The narrative explores the protagonist's struggle to survive and recover, as well as the complex dynamics of privilege, poverty, and power.

    The 10028th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Destroyers by Christopher Bollen

    "The Destroyers" is a suspenseful novel set on the idyllic Greek island of Patmos. The story revolves around two childhood friends, one a wealthy inheritor of a construction empire and the other a struggling playboy, who reunite under mysterious circumstances. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into themes of wealth, friendship, betrayal, and identity, all against a backdrop of escalating danger and suspense. The protagonist finds himself embroiled in a web of deception and murder, as the seemingly paradise island reveals its darker underbelly.

    The 10234th 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