The Greatest "Psychological, Fiction, Crime" Books Since 2000

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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.

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Genres

Psychological

The Psychological genre of books typically explores the inner workings of the human mind and emotions, often delving into complex and sometimes disturbing psychological states. These books may focus on mental illness, trauma, relationships, or personal growth, and often challenge readers to confront their own beliefs and perceptions. Psychological books may be suspenseful, thought-provoking, and emotionally intense, offering readers a deep and often unsettling glimpse into the human psyche.

Fiction

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. 1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

    This thrilling novel revolves around the sudden disappearance of a woman on her fifth wedding anniversary. As the investigation unfolds, all evidence points to her husband as the prime suspect. However, the story takes a twist as the wife's diary entries reveal a darker side to their seemingly perfect marriage. The narrative alternates between the husband's present-day perspective and the wife's diary entries, leaving readers in suspense about what truly happened. The book explores themes of deceit, media influence, and the complexities of marriage.

  2. 2. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson

    A disgraced journalist is hired by a wealthy industrialist to solve a forty-year-old mystery involving the disappearance of his niece. He is assisted in his investigation by a brilliant but deeply troubled hacker. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a twisted web of family secrets, corruption, and murder. The story is a dark and gripping exploration of Swedish society, as well as a thrilling mystery.

  3. 3. 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.

  4. 4. Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk

    This novel centers around an eccentric woman living in a remote Polish village, who becomes embroiled in a series of mysterious deaths occurring in her community. As she investigates, she is drawn into a deeper exploration of nature, astrology, and the human psyche, all while navigating the dismissive attitudes of the local law enforcement. The narrative is a blend of dark comedy, philosophical inquiry, and mystery, with a strong underlying commentary on animal rights and environmentalism.

  5. 5. Mystic River by Dennis Lehane

    "Mystic River" is a gripping tale set in a close-knit neighborhood in Boston, revolving around three childhood friends - Jimmy, Sean, and Dave. Their lives are irrevocably altered when one of them, Dave, is abducted and sexually abused. Years later, they are brought back together by a horrifying event - the murder of Jimmy's daughter. As Sean, now a detective, investigates the murder, suspicion falls on Dave, leading to a tense and tragic conclusion.

  6. 6. 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.

  7. 7. 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.

  8. 8. Child 44 by Tom Rob Smith

    In a 1950s Soviet Union gripped by fear and paranoia, Leo Demidov, a dedicated officer of the state security agency, is faced with a chilling reality: a series of brutal child murders that the government refuses to acknowledge. As Leo defies his superiors and embarks on a dangerous investigation, he becomes entangled in a web of political intrigue and personal danger, risking everything to uncover the truth and protect those he loves. "Child 44" is a gripping thriller that explores the dark underbelly of a repressive regime and the resilience of one man determined to bring justice to a society plagued by secrets.

  9. 9. 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.

  10. 10. What The Dead Know by Laura Lippman

    In "What The Dead Know" by Laura Lippman, a woman claiming to be one of the two missing Bethany sisters suddenly appears after thirty years, setting off a chain of events that forces the police, the media, and the families involved to revisit the unsolved case. As the truth slowly unravels, secrets from the past are exposed, revealing the devastating impact the disappearance had on the family and the lingering effects it has had on those left behind.

  11. 11. La Dama Número Trece by José Carlos Somoza

    This novel is a thrilling blend of mystery, horror, and fantasy, revolving around a struggling writer who becomes the target of a secret society known as "The Thirteen Ladies". These shadowy figures have the ability to manipulate reality through the power of words and storytelling. As he is drawn deeper into their world, he must uncover their secrets and find a way to survive their deadly games. The narrative is a rich exploration of the power of language and mythology, with a suspenseful plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

  12. 12. City of Bohane by Kevin Barry

    Set in the year 2053, the book is a dystopian tale about the city of Bohane, a place filled with vice, violence, and tribal warfare. The city is controlled by a gangster named Logan Hartnett, who is challenged by his estranged wife Macu and her lover, a rival gang leader. The narrative is filled with colorful characters, rich language, and a unique blend of futuristic and archaic elements, creating a vivid, darkly comic vision of a future Ireland.

  13. 13. 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.

  14. 14. The Devotion Of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino

    "The Devotion of Suspect X" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the cat-and-mouse game between a brilliant mathematician and a determined detective. When a woman commits murder to protect her daughter, her neighbor, a brilliant mathematician, comes to her aid, meticulously planning the perfect alibi. As the detective investigates the crime, he becomes entangled in a battle of wits with the mathematician, leading to a suspenseful and unexpected climax.

  15. 15. Super Cannes: A Novel by J. G. Ballard

    In this novel, a high-powered advertising executive moves to an ultra-exclusive, high-tech business park on the French Riviera, where the world's elite professionals reside. As he settles into this seemingly idyllic community, he begins to uncover a disturbing undercurrent of psychological manipulation, violence, and hedonism that belies the area's polished surface. His investigation into the dark and twisted activities of the park's inhabitants leads him down a dangerous path, revealing the sinister realities behind the facade of a corporate utopia. The narrative delves into themes of power, control, and the human capacity for savagery beneath the veneer of civilization.

  16. 16. My Sister, The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

    In this darkly comedic novel, a nurse named Korede finds herself repeatedly cleaning up after her sister Ayoola, who has a disturbing habit of killing her boyfriends. As Ayoola's murderous tendencies escalate, Korede is torn between her loyalty to her sister and her growing concern for the next potential victim. As secrets unravel and tensions rise, the sisters' bond is put to the ultimate test, leading to a gripping and unexpected conclusion.

  17. 17. The Perfect Nanny by Leïla Slimani

    "The Perfect Nanny" by Leïla Slimani is a psychological thriller that explores the relationship between a wealthy Parisian family and their nanny, Louise. The novel begins with the murder of the two children in the family by Louise, who had been their caregiver for several years. The story then delves into the events leading up to the tragic incident, revealing the complex dynamics between the family and Louise. Slimani's novel is a chilling portrayal of the blurred lines between love and obsession, and the dangers that can arise when those lines are crossed.

  18. 18. The Plotters by Un-su Kim

    "The Plotters" is a gripping novel set in a dystopian world where assassins are hired to eliminate targets chosen by a secret organization. Reseng, a highly skilled and detached killer, finds himself caught in a web of conspiracy and betrayal when his latest target turns out to be someone he knows. As he delves deeper into the mysterious workings of the organization, Reseng must confront his own past and question the morality of his profession. With its dark humor and unpredictable twists, this book explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the consequences of one's actions.

  19. 19. 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.

  20. 20. The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker

    In this psychological thriller, an FBI agent with a troubled past is on the hunt for a serial killer who believes he is on a divine mission to collect brides for God, leaving his victims posed as if in a serene marital bliss after their deaths. The killer's twisted theology and the agent's own personal demons intertwine as the investigation leads to a group of mentally ill patients who may hold the key to stopping the murderer. As the body count rises, the race against time intensifies, pushing the boundaries of sanity and redemption in a chilling game of cat and mouse.

  21. 21. 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 age—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.

  22. 22. The Turn Of The Key by Ruth Ware

    In "The Turn of the Key" by Ruth Ware, a young woman named Rowan Caine takes a job as a live-in nanny at a luxurious smart home in the Scottish Highlands. However, the seemingly perfect opportunity quickly turns into a nightmare as Rowan discovers the dark secrets hidden within the house and the tragic events that have unfolded in the past. As strange occurrences escalate and tensions rise, Rowan becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation, desperately trying to prove her innocence and uncover the truth before it's too late.

  23. 23. Stonedogs by Craig Marriner

    "Stonedogs" by Craig Marriner is a gritty and atmospheric novel set in New Zealand, following the lives of a group of disillusioned young people living on the fringes of society. The story delves into their struggles with addiction, violence, and the search for meaning in a world that seems to offer them little hope. With vivid and raw prose, Marriner explores the complexities of human nature and the consequences of one's choices, ultimately painting a haunting portrait of a generation lost in a haze of drugs and desperation.

  24. 24. Little Face by Sophie Hannah

    This psychological thriller revolves around a young mother, Alice, who insists that the baby in her home is not her daughter, Florence, but a stranger's child. Her husband, David, dismisses her claims, suggesting she's suffering from postpartum depression or worse. As Alice fights to prove her sanity and uncover the truth, the narrative delves into dark family secrets, manipulative dynamics, and the complexities of maternal bonds. The tension escalates with each chapter, weaving a tale of suspense, doubt, and the desperate lengths one will go to protect their loved ones.

  25. 25. 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.

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