The Greatest American "Crime, Fiction" Books Since 1980

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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. 101. When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole

    "When No One Is Watching" is a gripping thriller that takes place in a gentrifying Brooklyn neighborhood. Sydney, a young Black woman, becomes increasingly suspicious of the changes happening around her as her neighbors mysteriously disappear. Teaming up with her new white neighbor, Theo, they uncover a dark conspiracy that threatens to upend the community and their lives. As Sydney and Theo dig deeper, they must navigate a web of lies, secrets, and hidden agendas, while also confronting their own personal demons. This thought-provoking novel explores themes of race, identity, and the insidious nature of systemic oppression, keeping readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking conclusion.

    The 9270th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 102. Blacktop Wasteland by S.A. Cosby

    In this gripping crime novel, a former getaway driver turned mechanic, named Beauregard "Bug" Montage, is tempted to return to his criminal past when faced with mounting financial struggles. As he struggles to provide for his family and keep his auto shop afloat, Bug finds himself drawn back into the dangerous world of high-stakes heists. With a blend of adrenaline-fueled action and poignant family dynamics, this book delves into themes of race, identity, and the consequences of one's choices.

    The 9270th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 103. 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 9432nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 104. No Visible Bruises by Rachel Louise Snyder

    "No Visible Bruises" by Rachel Louise Snyder is a powerful and eye-opening book that explores the issue of domestic violence. Through a combination of personal stories, statistics, and research, Snyder reveals the devastating impact of domestic violence on individuals, families, and society as a whole. She also highlights the flaws in the criminal justice system and the societal attitudes that perpetuate this cycle of violence. This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the complex and urgent issue of domestic violence and work towards creating a safer and more just society.

    The 9432nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 105. 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 9455th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 106. Black Water Rising by Attica Locke

    This gripping novel is set in 1980s Houston, Texas, and follows Jay Porter, a struggling African American lawyer who becomes embroiled in a complex murder investigation after he hears a woman scream and subsequently rescues her from the bayou. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that stretches from the oil industry to the highest levels of political power. The protagonist's past as a civil rights activist and his determination to seek justice in a society rife with racial tension add layers of depth to this thrilling narrative, making it not just a compelling mystery but also a poignant exploration of race, power, and the quest for redemption.

    The 9472nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 107. 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
  8. 108. Survivor’s Guilt by Robyn Gigl

    "Survivor's Guilt" follows the gripping journey of a defense attorney named Lily Forrester, who becomes haunted by a traumatic event from her past. Faced with the guilt of surviving a tragic accident that claimed the lives of her best friend and a young girl, Lily's life takes a dark turn as she grapples with the consequences of her actions. As she delves deeper into the truth surrounding the accident, Lily must confront her own demons and fight for redemption, all while navigating the complex world of the legal system. This suspenseful and emotionally charged novel explores themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the lengths one will go to seek justice and find peace.

    The 9690th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 109. 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
  10. 110. The Last Widow by Karin Slaughter

    In this gripping thriller, an abduction sets off a chilling chain of events in a case that tests the boundaries of forensic investigation and criminal psychology. A scientist from the Centers for Disease Control is kidnapped in broad daylight, leading to a desperate search by local law enforcement. Amidst the chaos, a series of catastrophic events unfolds, revealing a dark plot that threatens the heart of the city. A pair of investigators, one a medical examiner and the other a special agent, are drawn into the vortex of a sinister conspiracy. As they unravel the mystery, they must confront their own personal demons while racing against time to prevent a potential disaster of national significance.

    The 9789th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 111. I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes

    The book is a gripping espionage thriller that follows a retired intelligence agent known only by his codename, Pilgrim, who is drawn back into the world of covert operations to prevent a catastrophic terrorist attack. The protagonist is a master of disguise and forensic investigation, and he must use all his skills to track down a brilliant adversary who has crafted an unstoppable bio-terrorism plot. As Pilgrim races against time across international borders, he uncovers a chilling connection to his own past, forcing him to confront the moral ambiguities of his clandestine profession and the haunting memories he has tried to leave behind. The narrative weaves together intricate plotlines, rich character development, and a deep understanding of the darker aspects of global intelligence work.

    The 9821st Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 112. Dodgers by Bill Beverly

    This novel follows the journey of East, a young Los Angeles gang member, who is sent by his uncle along with three other teenagers on a mission to kill a key witness hiding out in Wisconsin. The narrative delves into the cross-country trip that serves as a rite of passage for East, exploring themes of brotherhood, survival, and the quest for a life beyond the violent streets that shaped him. As the group navigates the unfamiliar terrains of rural America, their loyalties and their resolve are tested, leading to a climax that forces East to confront his past and future. The story is a poignant exploration of the complexities of growing up under the shadow of inevitable violence, and the possibility of redemption and change.

    The 10017th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 113. 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 10035th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 114. You by Caroline Kepnes

    "You" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the twisted mind of a charming bookstore manager, Joe, who becomes dangerously obsessed with a customer named Beck. Through the use of social media and surveillance, Joe meticulously orchestrates a plan to infiltrate Beck's life, manipulating and controlling her every move. As the story unfolds, the reader is taken on a chilling journey into the depths of Joe's disturbed psyche, blurring the lines between love, obsession, and possession.

    The 10040th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 115. Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

    "Eileen" is a psychological thriller about a troubled young woman working in a boys' prison in the 1960s. Eileen Dunlop is a disturbed 24-year-old woman who is stuck in a dead-end job at a boys' prison in New England. She suffers from low self-esteem and is trapped in a toxic relationship with her alcoholic father. Her life takes a turn when a new counselor, Rebecca, joins the prison staff. Eileen becomes infatuated with Rebecca, leading her into a world of crime and violence that ultimately forces her to leave her hometown.

    The 10080th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 116. 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 10241st Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 117. The Border by Don Winslow

    This gripping novel concludes a powerful trilogy that delves into the complex and brutal world of drug cartels and the war on drugs. It follows the story of Art Keller, a determined DEA agent who has spent decades in the relentless battle against the Mexican drug cartels. As Keller ascends to the top of the DEA, he faces not only the ruthless kingpins of the drug trade but also corruption within his own ranks and the moral ambiguities of his war. Set against the backdrop of contemporary political and social issues, the narrative weaves together a tapestry of characters and stories, from the cartel bosses to the addicts, the politicians to the hitmen, exploring the far-reaching impact of the drug war on both sides of the border.

    The 10297th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 118. Savages: A Novel by Don Winslow

    In "Savages: A Novel", two successful marijuana growers, Ben and Chon, live a comfortable life in Laguna Beach, California, sharing their girlfriend, O. Their lives take a drastic turn when a Mexican drug cartel kidnaps O, demanding a ransom and a share of their business. This forces the duo to employ every means possible, including violence, to save O and protect their livelihood. The novel explores themes of love, friendship, greed, and survival, painting a vivid picture of the underground drug trade.

    The 10314th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 119. A Crime In The Neighborhood by Suzanne Berne

    In this captivating novel, a young girl named Marsha recounts a summer in the 1970s when her suburban neighborhood is shaken by a shocking crime. As tensions rise and suspicions grow, Marsha becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind the crime, all while navigating her own complex family dynamics and the challenges of adolescence. With a keen eye for detail and a masterful portrayal of the human psyche, the author crafts a compelling narrative that explores themes of guilt, deception, and the lasting impact of traumatic events on a community.

    The 10386th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 120. Shadow Country by Peter Matthiessen

    Shadow Country is a historical novel that explores the life of outlaw and entrepreneur Edgar J. Watson, a notorious figure in the late 19th and early 20th century American South. The narrative delves deep into Watson's complex character, his violent deeds, and the mystery surrounding his death, providing a panoramic view of the lawless frontier life in Florida's Everglades. The story is told from multiple perspectives, each revealing a different aspect of Watson's life and the era he lived in, making it a compelling study of human nature and the American frontier.

    The 10700th 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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