The Greatest "Psychological, Mystery, 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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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.

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

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  1. 26. The Book Of Evidence by John Banville

    The novel is a dark and introspective tale of guilt and psychological turmoil, narrated by a convicted murderer reflecting on the events leading up to his crime. The protagonist, a dispassionate and unreliable narrator, recounts his life of privilege, his descent into a disaffected existence, and the impulsive theft and subsequent murder that land him in prison. As he attempts to construct a logical narrative of his actions, the reader is drawn into a world where the boundaries between truth and fabrication are blurred, revealing the complex layers of the human psyche and the elusive nature of reality.

    The 3388th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. 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.

    The 3427th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Out by Natsuo Kirino

    "Out" by Natsuo Kirino is a gripping and dark psychological thriller set in Tokyo. The story revolves around four women who work the night shift at a factory and become entangled in a web of murder and cover-up. As they struggle to dispose of a dead body, their lives quickly spiral out of control, revealing their hidden desires and the depths they are willing to go to protect themselves. With its intense plot and exploration of societal pressures and gender dynamics, "Out" is a compelling and thought-provoking read.

    The 3635th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. 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.

    The 3732nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. 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.

    The 4015th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. 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.

    The 4066th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Clockers by Richard Price

    This novel is a gritty examination of urban decay in America, focusing on the intertwined lives of a young drug dealer and a burnt-out homicide detective in a fictional New Jersey city. The story provides a stark depiction of the drug trade, exploring the desperation, violence, and moral complexities that come with it. The narrative alternates between the perspectives of the two main characters, offering a nuanced view of the challenges they face in their respective roles within the community.

    The 4505th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. City of Glass by Paul Auster

    A struggling author becomes entangled in a complex mystery when he receives a wrong-number call asking for a private detective. After impulsively deciding to take on the role, he is hired to protect a man from his mentally unstable father who has recently been released from prison. As he delves deeper into the case, the lines between fiction and reality blur, leading him on a metaphysical exploration of identity and purpose.

    The 4818th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. 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.

    The 4826th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. The Devil and Miss Prym by Paulo Coelho

    A stranger arrives in the small town of Viscos, carrying with him a choice that could bless or curse the entire community. The town's inhabitants are forced to confront their deepest fears and question their moral compasses as they wrestle with the stranger's proposition: he will give them a fortune in gold if they kill one of their own. The stranger's presence stirs up chaos and brings to light the darkness within the human soul, challenging the townsfolk to make a decision that will determine their future.

    The 4905th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem

    The novel follows Lionel Essrog, a detective with Tourette's Syndrome, as he navigates the rough streets of Brooklyn to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna. Despite his condition, Lionel's obsessive mind proves to be a valuable asset in uncovering the truth about Frank's death, leading him through a maze of secrets, corruption, and betrayal within the Brooklyn underworld. The book is a compelling blend of mystery, humor, and an exploration of the human condition through the eyes of a uniquely gifted protagonist.

    The 5012th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Watchers by Dean R. Koontz

    The book is a thrilling tale of suspense and science fiction, revolving around two unique and extraordinary beings, one a golden retriever with superior intelligence and the other a monstrous, violent creature. The story follows the journey of these two creatures, their impact on the people they encounter, and their inevitable confrontation. As the golden retriever forms a special bond with a lonely man and woman, the terrifying creature leaves a trail of chaos and destruction in its wake, leading to a suspenseful climax.

    The 5221st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. 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.

    The 5324th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. The Black Book by Orhan Pamuk

    The novel focuses on a man searching for his wife in Istanbul, who disappeared without a trace. In his search, he discovers a secret, surreal world in the city and starts to understand his wife's involvement in political activism. The narrative is interwoven with stories from a column written by his wife's half-brother, which the protagonist believes may hold clues to her disappearance. The book is a complex exploration of identity, storytelling, and the role of literature in society.

    The 5380th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. The Sound Of Things Falling by Juan Gabriel Vásquez

    "The Sound Of Things Falling" is a thought-provoking novel that delves into the complex and haunting aftermath of the drug trade in Colombia. Set against the backdrop of a turbulent country, the story follows the lives of two men whose paths intertwine in unexpected ways. Through vivid storytelling and poignant reflections, the book explores themes of memory, guilt, and the lasting impact of violence on individuals and society.

    The 5709th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Morituri by Yasmina Khadra

    "Morituri" by Yasmina Khadra is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of terrorism and its impact on individuals and society. Set in the backdrop of Algeria's civil war, the story follows a young police inspector as he investigates a series of brutal murders committed by an unknown terrorist group. As he delves deeper into the case, he confronts his own beliefs and struggles with the blurred lines between good and evil. Through vivid storytelling and compelling characters, the novel explores the consequences of violence and the eternal struggle for justice in a world plagued by extremism.

    The 5823rd Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. Different Seasons by Stephen King

    "Different Seasons" is a collection of four novellas, each with a distinct theme and season in mind, exploring the complexities of human nature and the moral challenges faced by the characters. The stories range from a tale of a prison inmate with a gift for a successful escape, to the bond between two boys who discover a shocking secret in their small town, a man falsely accused of his wife's murder and his unique path to revenge, and a coming-of-age narrative about a group of friends who set out to find the body of a missing boy. Each story delves into the darker aspects of life, blending elements of drama, horror, and suspense, showcasing the author's versatility beyond the realm of horror for which he is best known.

    The 5831st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. Those Bones Are Not My Child by Toni Cade Bambara

    Set in Atlanta during the early 1980s, this novel explores the devastating impact of the Atlanta Child Murders on the African American community. Focusing on the lives of various characters, including parents, activists, and law enforcement, the story delves into the complex web of fear, grief, and resilience that arises in the face of a serial killer targeting black children. As the investigation unfolds, secrets are revealed, relationships tested, and the community's determination to find justice is put to the ultimate test.

    The 6096th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Monster by Walter Dean Myers

    The book is a powerful exploration of the American juvenile justice system through the eyes of a 16-year-old African-American boy who is on trial for his alleged involvement in a robbery-turned-murder. As he faces the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence, the protagonist grapples with his identity, the perceptions of others, and the harsh realities of a system that is quick to label him a monster. The narrative is uniquely presented through a mix of screenplay format and diary entries, offering an introspective and multifaceted look at the protagonist's experiences and the complexities of morality, truth, and humanity within the confines of a legal battle for his future.

    The 6262nd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. 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 6394th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Felicia's Journey by William Trevor

    "Felicia's Journey" is a psychological thriller about a young, pregnant Irish girl who travels to England in search of her boyfriend, only to be taken in by a middle-aged man with a dark past. As the story unfolds, the man's sinister intentions become increasingly apparent, creating a suspenseful tale of manipulation and deception. The novel explores themes of loneliness, innocence, and the capacity for evil, offering a chilling exploration of human nature.

    The 6534th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

    In "Mexican Gothic," a young woman named Noemí travels to a remote mansion in the Mexican countryside to rescue her cousin who has seemingly fallen under the spell of her new husband. As Noemí delves deeper into the eerie and unsettling atmosphere of the house, she uncovers dark family secrets and confronts a malevolent force that threatens their lives. Blending elements of gothic horror and Mexican folklore, this atmospheric tale explores themes of colonialism, racism, and female empowerment in a captivating and chilling narrative.

    The 6598th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. 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.

    The 6608th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Les Racines Du Mal by Maurice G. Dantec

    The book is a dark and complex thriller set in the near future, where a series of gruesome murders has gripped Europe. The narrative follows a troubled detective with a cybernetically enhanced brain as he tracks a serial killer whose crimes are linked to a sinister biotechnology corporation. As the investigation deepens, the detective uncovers a web of conspiracy that challenges the boundaries of human nature and technology, leading to a chilling exploration of the roots of evil and the potential horrors of a post-human world.

    The 6699th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. 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.

    The 6709th 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