The Greatest American "Thrillers, 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.
Genres
Thrillers are a genre of books that are designed to keep readers on the edge of their seats. These books typically feature high-stakes plots, intense action, and suspenseful twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Thrillers can encompass a wide range of sub-genres, including crime, mystery, espionage, and horror, but they all share a common goal of keeping readers engaged and entertained through heart-pounding action and unexpected plot twists. Whether you're a fan of psychological thrillers or action-packed adventure stories, the thriller genre offers something for everyone who loves a good page-turner.
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Reading Statistics
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26. A Flag For Sunrise by Robert Stone
Set in a fictional Central American country on the brink of revolution, the narrative weaves together the lives of disparate characters: an anthropologist seeking meaning, a disillusioned missionary, a coast guard officer, and a young American woman entangled with a mysterious, possibly treasonous, poet. Their paths intersect against a backdrop of political turmoil, personal betrayal, and moral ambiguity. As the tension escalates, each character is forced to confront the chaos within the country and within themselves, leading to a climax that questions the price of integrity and the cost of survival in a world fraught with corruption and violence.
The 1639th Greatest Book of All Time -
27. We Need To Talk About Kevin by Lionel Shriver
"We Need To Talk About Kevin" is a gripping and unsettling novel that explores the complex relationship between a mother and her troubled son. Told through a series of letters written by the mother to her estranged husband, the book delves into the aftermath of a horrific school massacre committed by Kevin. As the mother reflects on her own guilt, fears, and doubts, she questions whether her own actions and choices played a role in shaping Kevin's violent nature. This thought-provoking and chilling narrative explores themes of nature versus nurture, parental responsibility, and the profound impact of tragedy on a family.
The 1739th Greatest Book of All Time -
28. The Big Nowhere by James Ellroy
"The Big Nowhere" is a gripping crime novel set in 1950s Los Angeles, where three protagonists find themselves entangled in a web of corruption, violence, and deceit. As they navigate the dark underbelly of Hollywood and the police force, their lives become intertwined in a dangerous investigation involving murder, organized crime, and political scandal. With a relentless pace and intricate plot twists, the book explores themes of loyalty, ambition, and the blurred lines between good and evil in a city where everyone has something to hide.
The 1845th Greatest Book of All Time -
29. LaBrava by Elmore Leonard
A former Secret Service agent turned photographer, Joe LaBrava, becomes entangled in a plot involving a faded movie star, Jean Shaw, whom he idolized in his youth. The story is set in Miami, where LaBrava is drawn into a scheme by Shaw and her lover to scam a mobster out of a large sum of money. As LaBrava gets deeper into the plot, he must use his old skills to navigate the dangerous underworld and protect Shaw, while also dealing with his feelings for her.
The 2119th Greatest Book of All Time -
30. Flicker by Theodore Roszak
The novel is a thriller that delves into the world of subliminal messaging in film. The protagonist, a film scholar, becomes obsessed with the work of a mysterious B-movie director whose films seem to induce strange psychological effects on viewers. As he delves deeper into the director's work, he uncovers a shadowy conspiracy that reaches into the heart of Hollywood and the Catholic Church, leading him to question the nature of reality itself.
The 2212th Greatest Book of All Time -
31. Mean Spirit by Linda Hogan
"Mean Spirit" by Linda Hogan is a gripping novel set in 1920s Oklahoma during the oil boom, where greed and violence run rampant. The story follows the lives of several interconnected characters, including members of the Osage Nation who are targeted for their newfound wealth and forced to confront a sinister conspiracy. As the tension escalates, the characters must navigate a treacherous landscape of corruption, racism, and murder, ultimately revealing the devastating consequences of unchecked power and the resilience of the human spirit.
The 2259th Greatest Book of All Time -
32. The Round House by Louise Erdrich
A teenage boy navigates the complexities of life after his mother is brutally attacked on their reservation in North Dakota. As the legal system fails to bring justice due to jurisdictional issues, the boy takes matters into his own hands. The novel explores themes of tribal law, justice, and the transition into adulthood, all set against the backdrop of Native American culture and history.
The 2303rd Greatest Book of All Time -
33. L.A. Confidential by James Ellroy
Set in 1950s Los Angeles, the novel follows three LAPD officers with different personalities and methods, who find themselves entwined in a web of corruption, sex, and murder. As they navigate the city's seedy underbelly, each officer faces his own moral dilemmas and personal demons, all while trying to solve a series of gruesome murders. The narrative explores themes of crime, power, and the thin line between right and wrong in a noir-style setting.
The 2321st Greatest Book of All Time -
34. Postmortem by Patricia Daniels Cornwell
In this gripping crime thriller, a forensic pathologist named Kay Scarpetta finds herself in the midst of a serial killer investigation. As she delves into the brutal murders of several young women, Scarpetta must use her expertise to unravel the clues left behind by the sadistic murderer. With her own life in danger, Scarpetta races against time to catch the killer before he strikes again, leading to a shocking and unexpected conclusion.
The 2357th Greatest Book of All Time -
35. A Simple Plan by Scott Smith
"A Simple Plan" by Scott Smith is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the lives of three ordinary men who stumble upon a crashed plane containing a large sum of money. As they decide to keep the money for themselves, their lives quickly spiral out of control, leading to a series of devastating consequences. Filled with suspense and moral dilemmas, the book explores the dark depths of human nature and the lengths people are willing to go to protect their secrets.
The 2709th Greatest Book of All Time -
36. Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
In this fast-paced thriller, a renowned symbologist is called to the Swiss research facility CERN to investigate a mysterious symbol seared into the chest of a murdered physicist. His investigation leads him to the Vatican City, where he uncovers the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati. As a conclave is underway to elect a new Pope, the symbologist and a gifted Italian scientist race against time to prevent a powerful time bomb from destroying the Vatican. They embark on a frantic hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, and deserted cathedrals, following a 400-year-old trail of ancient symbols that snake across Rome to the long-forgotten Illuminati lair.
The 2769th Greatest Book of All Time -
37. Pet Sematary by Stephen King
The book revolves around a family that moves to a rural town in Maine, where they discover a mysterious burial ground hidden deep in the woods near their new home. After their cat is killed by a car, it is buried in this "pet sematary," only to return to life with a malevolent change in its behavior. Tragedy strikes the family again, and despite warnings about the dangerous powers of the ancient burial ground, the grieving father makes a decision that unleashes a chain of horrific events, ultimately confronting the devastating consequences of tampering with the boundary between life and death.
The 2834th Greatest Book of All Time -
38. 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.
The 3067th Greatest Book of All Time -
39. The Big Blowdown by George P. Pelecanos
"The Big Blowdown" is a gritty crime novel set in 1940s Washington, D.C. The story follows three childhood friends, Pete, Nick, and Joey, as they navigate the dangerous underbelly of their neighborhood. When Joey is brutally murdered, Pete and Nick are determined to find his killer and seek justice. As they delve deeper into the dark world of gangsters and corruption, they must confront their own demons and make difficult choices that will test their loyalty and friendship. With its vivid portrayal of post-war America and its compelling characters, "The Big Blowdown" is a gripping tale of crime, redemption, and the power of friendship.
The 3082nd Greatest Book of All Time -
40. Metzger's Dog by Thomas Perry
The novel revolves around a cunning criminal named Chinese Gordon, who, along with his eclectic team, inadvertently stumbles upon a classified CIA document while planning a heist. The document contains information that could compromise national security, and as a result, they find themselves pursued by the government. The group, along with an intelligent stray dog they've adopted, uses their wits and unconventional tactics to outmaneuver the agents on their tail. The story combines elements of crime, espionage, and humor, as the band of thieves navigates the dangerous game of cat and mouse with the CIA, raising questions about the competence and moral integrity of government agencies.
The 3229th Greatest Book of All Time -
41. The Firm by John Grisham
The book centers on a young, ambitious attorney who is seduced into joining a prestigious law firm with a dark secret. Lured by the promise of wealth and status, he and his wife become entangled in a world of luxury that quickly turns into a nightmare. As he discovers the firm's involvement in illegal activities and its ruthless methods of ensuring loyalty and silence, he becomes a target himself. With the FBI pressuring him to help expose the firm's criminal dealings, he must navigate a treacherous path to outwit his employers, protect his family, and escape with his life.
The 3248th Greatest Book of All Time -
42. The Alienist by Caleb Carr
Set in 1896 New York City, the novel follows a journalist and his friend, a psychologist (or "alienist"), as they work on an investigation into a series of gruesome murders of boy prostitutes. The team employs psychological profiling and early forensic methods to hunt down the serial killer. The book delves into the seedy underbelly of the city, exploring the grim realities of life at the time.
The 3348th Greatest Book of All Time -
43. The Lost Symbol by Dan Brown
In this thriller, the protagonist, a Harvard symbologist, is summoned to Washington D.C. to decipher a complex code linked to the Freemasons. His mentor's kidnapping propels him on a frantic chase through the hidden chambers, temples, and tunnels of the U.S. Capitol. Alongside a cryptologist, he unravels clues that must be solved to prevent a national catastrophe. The narrative weaves together secret societies, ancient wisdom, and a controversial scientific theory, culminating in a revelation that challenges the protagonist's understanding of the world.
The 3391st Greatest Book of All Time -
44. The Yiddish Policemen's Union by Michael Chabon
In an alternate reality where Jewish refugees found sanctuary in Alaska during World War II, the book follows a homicide detective in the Yiddish-speaking metropolis of Sitka as he investigates the murder of a former chess prodigy. The detective's quest takes him from the city's seedy underbelly to the highest echelons of power, and he uncovers a vast conspiracy that threatens the very existence of the Jewish homeland in Alaska. The novel is a blend of detective fiction, alternate history, and Jewish humor.
The 3436th Greatest Book of All Time -
45. The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver
In this gripping crime thriller, a brilliant forensic detective and a young officer team up to catch a sadistic serial killer who leaves behind a trail of bone-chilling clues. As they race against time to solve the puzzle, they must navigate through a labyrinth of gruesome crime scenes and outsmart the ruthless murderer who always seems to be one step ahead. With unexpected twists and heart-stopping suspense, this novel keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final shocking revelation.
The 3454th Greatest Book of All Time -
46. Koko by Peter Straub
This psychological horror novel centers around four Vietnam War veterans who reunite to confront a series of gruesome murders that eerily resemble war crimes they witnessed. The story delves into the complexities of trauma and the bonds of military brotherhood as the men embark on a harrowing journey to track down the enigmatic figure known only as "Koko," whose identity is as mysterious as the motives behind the killings. As they traverse the globe from the urban landscapes of the United States to the bustling streets of Southeast Asia, the veterans must grapple with their own inner demons and the possibility that the killer they seek may be one of their own.
The 3608th Greatest Book of All Time -
47. 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 -
48. 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 -
49. 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 -
50. The Keep by F. Paul Wilson
"The Keep" is a gripping supernatural thriller that follows the story of a Nazi commander who takes control of an ancient castle in Romania during World War II. As the commander and his soldiers begin to experience strange and terrifying occurrences, they soon realize that they are not alone in the castle. With the help of a mysterious prisoner, they must confront a malevolent force that has been awakened, threatening their lives and sanity. This dark and suspenseful tale explores themes of good versus evil, redemption, and the power of ancient forces.
The 4591st Greatest Book of All Time
Reading Statistics
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