The Greatest "Suspense, Fiction" Books Since 1990

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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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Suspense

Suspense is a genre of literature that is characterized by a feeling of tension, uncertainty, and anxiety that keeps the reader on edge and engaged throughout the story. It typically involves a protagonist who is facing a dangerous or threatening situation, and the plot is driven by the anticipation of what might happen next. Suspense novels often feature unexpected twists and turns, and the reader is left guessing until the very end. This genre is popular among readers who enjoy thrillers, mysteries, and crime fiction.

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  1. 51. 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
  2. 52. 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
  3. 53. Pereira Maintains by Antonio Tabucchi

    "Pereira Maintains" is a novel set in the backdrop of 1938 Portugal during the fascist dictatorship of Antonio de Oliveira Salazar. The narrative follows Pereira, a widowed, overweight editor of the culture section of a second-rate Lisbon newspaper, who becomes politically awakened after meeting a young anti-fascist. As he grapples with his conscience, he risks everything to help his new friend and his pregnant girlfriend escape to safety. The story is a compelling exploration of the struggle for moral integrity in a climate of political oppression.

    The 4105th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 54. The Constant Gardener by John le Carré

    "The Constant Gardener" is a gripping tale of corporate corruption and its impact on the world's most vulnerable people. The story follows a British diplomat who embarks on a dangerous journey to find the truth behind his wife's murder. As he uncovers layers of deceit, he discovers that she was close to exposing a conspiracy involving a pharmaceutical company testing a dangerous drug on unsuspecting African villages. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the lengths one man will go to seek justice.

    The 4364th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 55. Waking the Moon by Elizabeth Hand, Elisabeth Hand

    "Waking the Moon" is a dark fantasy novel that follows the story of Sweeney Cassidy, a college student who becomes involved in a secret society dedicated to the worship of the Moon Goddess. As Sweeney delves deeper into the society's rituals and beliefs, she uncovers a sinister plot to awaken the goddess and unleash her power upon the world. With the help of her friends and a mysterious stranger, Sweeney must stop the society's plans before it's too late. The novel explores themes of power, feminism, and the dangers of blindly following tradition.

    The 4454th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 56. Intensity by Dean R. Koontz

    In "Intensity," a young woman named Chyna Shepherd visits her friend's family home, only to witness a horrifying night of terror when a psychopathic killer invades the house. After the murderer, Edgler Vess, slaughters the family, Chyna narrowly escapes and embarks on a relentless pursuit to stop him from killing again. Her journey is one of courage and survival as she confronts her own traumatic past while trying to save another potential victim from Vess's sadistic clutches. The novel is a gripping psychological thriller that explores the depths of human resilience and the capacity for evil.

    The 4468th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 57. Blood Oranges by John Hawkes

    "Blood Oranges" is a dark, surreal narrative that follows the journey of an unnamed narrator, a failed poet turned farmer, as he navigates through a landscape ravaged by a mysterious plague. The narrative is filled with bizarre and grotesque imagery, highlighting the narrator's descent into madness and his struggle to find meaning in a world that is falling apart. The story is a complex exploration of human nature, despair, and the struggle for survival in the face of overwhelming adversity.

    The 4741st Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 58. Six Of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

    In a gritty and dangerous city, a notorious gang leader named Kaz Brekker is offered a life-changing heist that could make him unimaginably rich. He assembles a team of skilled outcasts, each with their own unique talents, to pull off an impossible mission. As they navigate through treacherous streets and face deadly enemies, the group must rely on their wits and trust each other to survive. Along the way, secrets are revealed, loyalties are tested, and unexpected alliances are formed, all while the fate of their world hangs in the balance.

    The 4757th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 59. Crossfire by Miyuki Miyabe

    Crossfire is a suspenseful novel that follows the life of a young woman who possesses pyrokinetic abilities, allowing her to start fires with her mind. She uses her powers to avenge victims of violent crimes, but her actions attract the attention of a determined detective. As she continues her vigilante justice, she becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving a religious cult and must confront her own past and the consequences of her actions.

    The 4759th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 60. The King Of Torts by John Grisham

    This legal thriller revolves around a young attorney who stumbles upon a career-defining case that catapults him from a low-level public defender to a high-stakes mass tort lawyer. As he navigates the murky waters of class-action lawsuits, he is seduced by the immense wealth and power that come with his new status. However, his rapid rise to the top is fraught with moral dilemmas, greed, and corruption, leading him to question the true cost of his ambition. The protagonist's journey is a gripping exploration of the American legal system and the ethical complexities that lawyers face in their pursuit of justice and personal gain.

    The 4819th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 61. 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
  12. 62. The Reluctant Fundamentalist by Mohsin Hamid

    The novel is a monologue by a young Pakistani man, Changez, who tells his life story to an American stranger in a café in Lahore. Changez recounts his journey from a scholarship student at Princeton to a high-flying job in a prestigious New York valuation firm and his subsequent disillusionment with the American Dream post 9/11. The story explores themes of identity, love, and the shifting global power dynamics, as Changez grapples with his feelings towards America, his native Pakistan, and his love interest, Erica. The narrative ends ambiguously, leaving the reader to interpret the true nature of Changez and his American listener's relationship.

    The 4882nd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 63. 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
  14. 64. 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
  15. 65. 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 5058th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 66. G Is For Gumshoe by Sue Grafton

    In this installment of a detective series, the tenacious female private investigator celebrates her 33rd birthday by not only upgrading her living situation but also by unwittingly putting herself in the crosshairs of a hitman. As she navigates the complexities of her latest case, involving a frail elderly woman seeking to uncover the mysterious past of her long-lost son, the detective must simultaneously dodge the lethal intentions of the assassin. Her investigative skills are put to the test as she delves into a web of deceit and danger, with the added challenge of staying alive while outsmarting those who wish her harm.

    The 5106th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 67. Kolymsky Heights by Lionel Davidson

    The novel is a gripping espionage thriller set in the frigid, remote reaches of Siberia, where a secret scientific research facility, hidden deep within the vast and treacherous Kolyma region, draws the interest of Western intelligence. The protagonist, a brilliant and linguistically gifted Englishman, is recruited for an almost impossible mission: to infiltrate the top-secret installation, Kolymsky Heights, and uncover its mysteries. Disguised as a native Siberian truck driver, he embarks on a perilous journey through the icy wilderness, facing extreme weather, treacherous terrain, and the ever-present risk of discovery by Soviet authorities. His quest for knowledge becomes a harrowing adventure of survival and espionage, as he delves into the enigmatic purpose of the facility and attempts to relay its secrets to the outside world.

    The 5146th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 68. 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
  19. 69. Dead Time by Eleanor Taylor Bland

    "Dead Time" is a gripping crime novel that follows the determined and resourceful African-American police detective, Marti MacAlister, as she investigates a series of mysterious deaths in a small Midwestern town. As the body count rises, Marti must navigate through a web of secrets and lies, uncovering shocking truths about the victims and their connections, while also facing personal demons from her own past. With a strong female protagonist, intricate plot twists, and a vividly described setting, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final page.

    The 5329th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 70. The Echo Maker by Richard Powers

    The novel revolves around a man who, after surviving a near-fatal car accident, wakes up with a rare neurological condition known as Capgras syndrome. He believes his sister, who has been caring for him, is an imposter despite all evidence to the contrary. A renowned neurologist, struggling with his own personal and professional dilemmas, is called to help unravel this complex case. The narrative delves into the mysteries of the human mind, the bonds of family, and the fragility of identity.

    The 5368th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 71. Kiss The Girls by James Patterson

    In this gripping thriller, a detective and forensic psychologist embarks on a harrowing investigation to track down a serial kidnapper and murderer who refers to himself as "Casanova." The stakes are raised when the detective's niece becomes one of the victims, leading to a desperate race against time. As the detective delves deeper into the case, he discovers that Casanova is not the only predator at large—another killer, known as "The Gentleman Caller," is committing similar crimes across the country. The narrative weaves a tale of suspense and terror as the detective must unravel the twisted motives of these killers while trying to save the lives of their captives before it's too late.

    The 5448th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 72. Jar City by Arnaldur Indriðason

    In this gripping Icelandic crime novel, a seasoned detective investigates the murder of an elderly man, only to uncover a web of long-buried secrets. As the detective delves deeper into the case, he discovers a connection to a decades-old unsolved rape, a mysterious genetic condition, and a hidden "jar city" of preserved human tissue samples. The investigation challenges the detective to confront ethical dilemmas surrounding genetic privacy and the ghosts of the past, while navigating the complexities of his own personal life. The novel intertwines a compelling mystery with the stark atmosphere of Iceland, creating a dark and thought-provoking narrative that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.

    The 5468th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 73. When Death Comes Stealing by Valerie Wilson Wesley

    "When Death Comes Stealing" is a gripping mystery novel that follows Tamara Hayle, a former cop turned private investigator, as she delves into the suspicious death of a young woman named Crystal. As Tamara unravels the truth behind Crystal's demise, she uncovers a web of deceit, corruption, and secrets that lead her to confront her own past demons. With her sharp wit and determination, Tamara navigates through the dangerous streets of Newark, New Jersey, in her quest for justice, all while battling her own personal struggles. This thrilling and thought-provoking story explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the resilience of the human spirit.

    The 5471st Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 74. Bluebird, Bluebird by Attica Locke

    "Bluebird, Bluebird" follows the story of Darren Mathews, a black Texas Ranger who finds himself caught in a small East Texas town plagued by racial tensions and unsolved murders. When two bodies are discovered, one black and one white, Darren is determined to uncover the truth behind these racially charged crimes. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of secrets, corruption, and long-buried truths that threaten to tear the town apart. In a gripping and atmospheric narrative, the book explores themes of race, justice, and identity while unraveling a complex mystery.

    The 5483rd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 75. Lunar Park by Bret Easton Ellis

    The novel is a metafictional narrative blending reality and fiction, where a novelist with a tumultuous past grapples with the demons of his personal life, including substance abuse and strained relationships. As he settles into suburban life with his family, bizarre occurrences begin to unfold, blurring the lines between his creations and reality. The protagonist is haunted by the ghost of his father, a mysterious toy that comes to life, and a series of child abductions that eerily echo his own literary work, leading him on a surreal journey of self-discovery and redemption.

    The 5509th 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.

Download