The Greatest Italian, German "Mystery, Fiction" Books Since 1990

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Mystery

The Mystery genre is a category of books that typically involves a crime, puzzle, or enigma that needs to be solved by the protagonist or a group of characters. These books often feature suspenseful and thrilling plotlines, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end. Mystery novels can range from cozy mysteries, which are lighter and more lighthearted, to hard-boiled detective stories, which are darker and more gritty. Overall, the Mystery genre is a popular and diverse category of books that appeals to readers who enjoy solving puzzles and uncovering secrets.

Fiction

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Italian

German

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

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
  1. 1. I'm Not Scared by Niccolò Ammaniti

    Set in a small Italian village during the scorching summer of 1978, this novel tells the story of a 9-year-old boy who discovers a horrific crime being hidden by the adults in his community. The boy, while exploring an abandoned farmhouse, stumbles upon a young boy being held captive in a hole. As he tries to help the captive boy, he is forced to face the moral complexities of his world and the terrifying realization that his own father might be involved in this cruel act. The story is a poignant exploration of innocence, friendship and the loss thereof, and the harsh realities of adulthood.

    The 5052nd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Crime by Ferdinand Von Schirach

    "Crime" is a collection of short stories that explores the complexities of human behavior and the legal system. Each story presents a different crime and delves into the motivations and consequences behind it, challenging readers to question their own notions of justice and morality. With a keen eye for detail and a unique perspective, the author weaves together thought-provoking narratives that expose the intricacies of the human psyche and the flaws of the legal system.

    The 8149th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Acqua Alta by Donna Leon

    In this gripping installment of a celebrated mystery series set in Venice, the protagonist, a thoughtful and diligent detective, finds himself embroiled in a complex case that intertwines a brutal attack on a famous opera singer with a sinister burglary at a local museum. As the detective delves deeper into the investigation, navigating the atmospheric and flood-prone streets of Venice, he uncovers a web of deceit, corruption, and long-buried secrets. With the city's unique and treacherous acqua alta (high water) providing both a backdrop and a clue, the detective must use all his skills and local knowledge to solve the case before the rising waters erase all traces of the perpetrator's crimes.

    The 8267th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. August Heat by Andrea Camilleri

    In "August Heat," readers are plunged into the sweltering Sicilian summer, where Inspector Montalbano finds himself grappling with a particularly perplexing case amidst the oppressive heat. The story unfolds as Montalbano seeks refuge in a beach house to escape the scorching temperatures, only to stumble upon a perplexing mystery involving a murdered girl and a labyrinthine villa that hides more than just family secrets. As he delves deeper, the inspector must navigate a complex web of deceit, passion, and betrayal, testing his detective skills to their limits. This installment of the beloved series combines a gripping mystery with the rich, evocative setting of Sicily, showcasing the inspector's sharp wit and the local flavors of the island.

    The 9185th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Collini Case by Ferdinand Von Schirach

    This gripping legal thriller delves into the complexities of the German legal system through the lens of a seemingly inexplicable murder case. When an elderly industrialist is found brutally murdered, the suspect, an Italian man with no apparent motive, confesses to the crime, sparking a sensational trial. The young defense attorney assigned to the case finds himself embroiled in a deep-seated legal conundrum that challenges his beliefs about justice and morality. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a dark chapter of German history that reveals the true motive behind the murder, forcing him to confront uncomfortable truths about the past and its impact on the present. This novel is a compelling exploration of guilt, redemption, and the quest for justice in the shadow of historical atrocities.

    The 9578th 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