The Greatest British, German "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. 26. A Quiet Belief In Angels by R. J. Ellory

    This novel follows the life of Joseph Vaughan, a boy growing up in a small Georgia town during the 1930s and 1940s, who is haunted by a series of brutal murders of young girls. As the community is ravaged by fear and suspicion, Joseph makes a vow to protect its children. However, the killings continue over the years, shadowing Joseph's life even as he moves away, shaping his destiny. The narrative weaves a tale of mystery, loss, and a quest for justice, deeply exploring the themes of evil, redemption, and the enduring power of belief amidst the darkest circumstances.

    The 7145th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Asylum by Patrick McGrath

    The book is a psychological thriller that delves into the mind of Stella Raphael, the wife of a forensic psychiatrist working at a high-security mental hospital. Stella becomes dangerously infatuated with Edgar Stark, a charismatic patient and artist who is institutionalized for the gruesome murder of his wife. As Stella's obsession with Edgar deepens, she embarks on a passionate affair that leads her down a path of emotional turmoil and moral ambiguity. Her reckless actions threaten to unravel not only her own life but also the lives of those around her, as the narrative explores themes of madness, desire, and the blurred lines between sanity and insanity.

    The 7889th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. 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 8155th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. Notes on a Scandal by Zoë Heller

    The novel centers around a middle-aged high school teacher who develops an illicit relationship with her student, which is discovered by her older, lonely colleague. The colleague, who is envious of the teacher's seemingly perfect life, uses the scandal as leverage to foster a twisted friendship. The story unfolds as a complex exploration of obsession, loneliness, and manipulation.

    The 8281st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Atrocity Archives by Charles Stross

    The book is a unique blend of espionage thriller and Lovecraftian horror, following a tech-savvy protagonist who works for a clandestine British agency responsible for suppressing dangerous occult phenomena. The narrative weaves together bureaucratic satire with supernatural elements, as the protagonist must navigate the perils of office politics and eldritch abominations alike. Tasked with halting extradimensional entities from wreaking havoc on Earth, he uncovers a sinister plot that threatens to unleash an unspeakable horror, leading to a high-stakes mission that blurs the lines between advanced technology and ancient magical forces.

    The 8675th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. 61 Hours by Lee Child

    In this gripping thriller, a retired military policeman turned drifter finds himself stranded in a small South Dakota town after a bus accident during a brutal winter storm. As the hours tick down, he becomes embroiled in a desperate defense of a key witness in a forthcoming drug trial, facing off against an enigmatic assassin and local corruption. With the clock ticking, he must use his skills and resourcefulness to protect the witness, navigate the icy conditions, and uncover the truth, all while a countdown to an unknown catastrophe looms, promising an explosive confrontation.

    The 8977th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The North Water by Ian McGuire

    "The North Water" by Ian McGuire is a dark historical fiction novel set in the 19th century that follows the journey of a whaling ship called the Volunteer and its crew as they embark on a dangerous voyage to the Arctic. The protagonist, Patrick Sumner, a disgraced surgeon, joins the crew as they set out on the perilous journey. However, the voyage takes a disturbing turn when they encounter a psychopathic harpooner named Henry Drax, who is capable of unspeakable acts of violence. The novel explores themes of morality, survival, and the human condition in a harsh and unforgiving environment.

    The 9037th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. 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.

    The 9122nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. 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.

    The 9199th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Labyrinth by Kate Mosse

    Set in the south of France, "Labyrinth" intertwines two compelling storylines separated by eight centuries. In the present day, a young archaeologist stumbles upon a cave and finds two skeletons and a labyrinth pattern, drawing her into a mystery that echoes back to the past. In the year 1209, a spirited young woman becomes the guardian of an ancient book believed to reveal the secrets of the Holy Grail. As both women face danger and betrayal, their tales converge, revealing a history of crusades, secrets, and a powerful relic that has shaped the region's destiny. The novel weaves historical detail with a tale of adventure and enduring love, as the past and present collide in a race to safeguard a long-hidden truth.

    The 9367th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. Blue Lightning by Ann Cleeves

    This book is a gripping crime novel set on the remote Shetland Islands, where Detective Jimmy Perez returns home with his fiancée, only to be caught in a murder investigation when a renowned scientist is found dead. As a storm isolates the island from the outside world, Perez must navigate through a close-knit community full of secrets and lies to uncover the murderer. The harsh and beautiful landscape of the Shetlands, along with the complex relationships and tensions within the small community, provide a compelling backdrop to this mystery, testing Perez's detective skills and understanding of human nature to the limits.

    The 9529th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. 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 9601st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. The Girl With All The Gifts by M. R. Carey

    In a dystopian future where humanity is ravaged by a fungal infection that turns its hosts into mindless, flesh-eating "hungries," a unique group of children who retain their intellect despite being infected are studied at a military base. Among them is a special girl with extraordinary abilities, who forms a bond with her teacher. When the base is overrun, the girl, her teacher, a scientist, and a soldier must journey to find safety, confronting the horrors of the outside world. As they travel, the girl's true nature and the potential for a new world come to light, challenging what it means to be human and what the future may hold for mankind.

    The 9699th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz

    This novel is a mystery within a mystery, where an editor receives a manuscript for the latest book in a popular detective series, only to find the last chapter missing. As she delves deeper into the manuscript and the life of the author, she uncovers a real-life murder that mirrors the fictional ones. The narrative ingeniously intertwines the world of the manuscript with the reality of the editor, blending classic whodunit elements with contemporary intrigue. This layered narrative challenges the reader to solve not just the fictional crime, but also the mystery surrounding the author's death, making it a compelling read for fans of clever, puzzle-like mysteries.

    The 10010th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. In A Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

    A reclusive writer receives an unexpected invitation to a bachelorette party of an old friend she hasn't seen in years. Curiosity gets the best of her, and she attends the gathering at a secluded cabin in the woods. As the weekend unfolds, tensions rise and secrets are revealed, leading to a shocking and tragic event that leaves the protagonist questioning her own sanity and the motives of those around her.

    The 10112th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. The Widow by Fiona Barton

    "The Widow" is a gripping psychological thriller that delves into the complex and secretive world of a woman named Jean Taylor. When her husband, Glen, becomes the prime suspect in the disappearance of a toddler, Jean is forced to confront her own beliefs and loyalty. Told from multiple perspectives, the narrative explores the blurred lines between truth and deception, unveiling shocking revelations and challenging the reader's perception of innocence and guilt.

    The 10216th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. The Sudden Appearance Of Hope by Claire North

    The novel centers around Hope Arden, a woman who is afflicted with a peculiar condition that makes her unmemorable to everyone she encounters, effectively rendering her invisible in society. Despite her unique challenge, Hope becomes a master thief, capitalizing on her ability to slip through the cracks of people's consciousness. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she steals a piece of jewelry that ties her to a sinister technology company with a global influence. As she delves deeper into the company's operations, she uncovers a conspiracy that threatens her anonymity and the very fabric of her existence, leading her on a journey that challenges the nature of identity, memory, and what it means to be truly seen.

    The 10295th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. A Sight for Sore Eyes by Ruth Rendell

    "A Sight for Sore Eyes" is a psychological thriller that intertwines the lives of three characters: a beautiful, but emotionally scarred girl; a charming, but psychopathic young man; and a woman obsessed with the Victorian age. The narrative explores their complex relationships and the devastating effects of obsession, mental illness, and the desire for beauty and perfection. The story builds towards a shocking climax, where the protagonists' lives collide with deadly consequences.

    The 10311th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Altered Carbon by Richard Morgan

    This novel is a gripping foray into a future where human consciousness can be stored digitally and transferred between bodies, known as "sleeves." The story follows Takeshi Kovacs, a former elite soldier turned private investigator, who is hired to solve a wealthy man's murder. As Kovacs delves into the case, he navigates a world of corporate intrigue, futuristic technology, and morally ambiguous choices. The narrative explores themes of identity, mortality, and the essence of humanity, set against a backdrop of cyberpunk noir and visceral action.

    The 10421st Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. The Appeal by Janice Hallett

    "The Appeal" is a contemporary mystery novel that unfolds through a series of emails, texts, and documents as readers are invited to play detective. The story revolves around a small-town theater group that becomes embroiled in a complex case following a young girl's diagnosis with a rare form of cancer. As the community rallies to raise funds for her treatment, a new couple's arrival in town sets off a chain of events that leads to a murder. The novel challenges the reader to piece together clues and correspondences to uncover the truth behind the façade of charity, revealing the dark undercurrents of ambition, manipulation, and deceit within the seemingly close-knit community.

    The 10447th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. Dreaming In Smoke by Tricia Sullivan

    "Dreaming In Smoke" by Tricia Sullivan is a science fiction novel set in a future where people can connect their minds to a virtual reality world called the Dreaming. The story follows a young woman named Mallory who becomes trapped in the Dreaming after her mother's death. As she navigates this virtual realm, she uncovers dark secrets and must confront her own fears and desires. With themes of identity, loss, and the power of dreams, Sullivan's novel explores the boundaries between reality and illusion in a captivating and thought-provoking way.

    The 10593rd Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Blackwing by Ed McDonald

    In a gritty, post-apocalyptic world ravaged by otherworldly forces and magic, a battle-scarred bounty hunter navigates a landscape of devastation and corruption. Tasked with protecting a powerful noblewoman who may hold the key to turning the tide against the encroaching darkness, the hunter is drawn into a web of political intrigue and ancient powers. As monstrous enemies and twisted magic threaten to overrun humanity, he must confront his own demons and make impossible choices to save the remnants of a world on the brink of collapse.

    The 10619th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Nova Swing by M. John Harrison

    "Nova Swing" by M. John Harrison is a science fiction novel set in a future where interstellar travel is possible. The story follows a group of characters, including an ex-cop turned private detective, a woman searching for her missing husband, and a man who sells illegal alien artifacts. As they navigate a mysterious city called Saudade, they become entangled in a web of intrigue involving parallel dimensions, time travel, and the enigmatic phenomenon known as the "Nova Swing." With its atmospheric prose and complex plot, the book explores themes of identity, memory, and the blurred boundaries between reality and imagination.

    The 10676th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. The Ghost by Robert Harris

    "The Ghost" is a suspenseful political thriller that revolves around a ghostwriter who is hired to finish the memoirs of a former British Prime Minister. As he delves into the politician's life, he uncovers secrets that put his own life in danger. The book explores themes of power, corruption, and the blurred lines between truth and fiction in a world of political spin.

    The 10865th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. Indigo by Graham Joyce

    This novel weaves a compelling narrative around the mysterious concept of invisibility, exploring the depths of human desire, guilt, and redemption. The protagonist, Jack Chambers, is drawn into a secretive organization that claims to have mastered the art of becoming invisible, a skill rooted in ancient wisdom and intense discipline. As Jack delves deeper into this enigmatic world, he confronts not only the moral complexities of using such power but also the shadows of his own past. Set against a backdrop of intrigue and psychological suspense, the story challenges the boundaries between the seen and unseen, ultimately questioning the price of ambition and the nature of reality itself.

    The 10923rd Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

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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