The Greatest American, German "Suspense, Fiction, Historical fiction" 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 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.

Fiction

Historical fiction

Historical fiction is a genre of literature that combines fictional stories with real historical events, settings, and characters. These books often take place in a specific time period and are based on research and factual information, but also include imaginative elements to create a compelling narrative. Historical fiction allows readers to experience the past in a unique and engaging way, while also providing insight into the social, cultural, and political issues of the time.

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  1. 1. 11 22 63 by Stephen King

    "11/22/63" is a science fiction novel by Stephen King that follows the story of Jake Epping, a high school English teacher who discovers a portal that leads to 1958. After being convinced by his friend Al to use the portal to prevent the assassination of John F. Kennedy, Jake embarks on a journey through time to change the course of history. Along the way, he falls in love with a woman named Sadie and faces various obstacles that threaten to alter the timeline he is trying to change. The book explores themes of love, loss, and the consequences of trying to change the past.

    The 2430th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Terror by Dan Simmons

    "The Terror" is a historical fiction and horror novel that follows the ill-fated Franklin Expedition. The crew of two British Royal Navy ships are trapped in the Arctic ice, where they face not only the harsh environmental conditions but also a mysterious and brutal monster that stalks them in the endless night. The novel combines historical and survival themes with supernatural horror, creating a chilling and suspenseful atmosphere.

    The 6131st Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Queenpin by Megan Abbott

    "Queenpin" by Megan Abbott is a gripping crime novel set in the 1950s, following the life of a young woman who becomes entangled in the world of organized crime. The story delves into the dark underbelly of the criminal underworld as the protagonist navigates her way through dangerous alliances and power struggles. With its noir atmosphere and complex characters, "Queenpin" offers a thrilling and suspenseful exploration of loyalty, ambition, and the consequences of one's choices.

    The 6820th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Power Of The Dog by Don Winslow

    "The Power of the Dog" is a gripping and intense crime thriller that delves into the complex and dangerous world of drug trafficking. Set in the 1970s and spanning several decades, the story follows a DEA agent and a Mexican drug lord as their paths intertwine, resulting in a deadly game of cat and mouse. Filled with vivid characters, intricate plot twists, and a chilling portrayal of the drug trade, this novel explores themes of corruption, loyalty, and the far-reaching consequences of one's choices.

    The 7125th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Manhattan Beach by Jennifer Egan

    Set against the backdrop of the Great Depression and World War II, the novel follows the life of a young woman who becomes the first female diver to repair ships at the Brooklyn Naval Yard, where her father once worked before his mysterious disappearance. As she grows into her new role, she is drawn into a complex web of underworld figures, sailors, and her father's past, all of which converge to reveal profound truths about her family and the larger world around her. The story is a rich tapestry of a bygone New York, exploring themes of resilience, the impact of war, and the quest for self-discovery amidst the tides of history.

    The 7871st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Carter Beats The Devil by Glen David Gold

    Set in the early 20th century, this novel follows the life of a renowned magician, Charles Carter, who becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of deception and intrigue after he performs a trick on President Harding, who dies mysteriously hours later. Carter is forced to use his skills to clear his name, while also dealing with other challenges including a beautiful, elusive woman, a blind lion tamer, and a rivalry with Houdini. This historical novel weaves together a tale of magic, love, and suspense.

    The 8108th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Invisible Life Of Addie La Rue by V. E. Schwab

    The book follows the story of a young woman in 18th-century France who, desperate to escape an arranged marriage and yearning for freedom, makes a Faustian bargain with a mysterious god-like figure to live forever without being remembered by anyone she meets. Her immortality becomes a curse as she moves through the centuries, leaving no mark on the world until, 300 years later, she stumbles upon a young man in a bookstore who, to her shock, remembers her name. This encounter unfolds into a tale of love, memory, and the intrinsic value of leaving one's mark on the world.

    The 8342nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry

    In this thrilling adventure, an ex-Justice Department operative stumbles upon a dangerous historical puzzle involving the Knights Templar. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he finds himself at the center of a deadly conflict between those who wish to protect the Templar's ancient secrets and those who seek to expose them. The quest leads him across Europe, racing against time and pursued by a shadowy cabal, as he tries to unravel centuries-old clues that could shake the foundations of Christianity and alter the world's power structure if revealed.

    The 8411th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Rampart Street by David Fulmer

    Set in the early 20th century in the vibrant and gritty streets of New Orleans, this mystery novel follows a Creole detective as he navigates the city's underbelly of jazz clubs, brothels, and corrupt power structures. Tasked with solving a series of violent crimes that threaten to disrupt the delicate social balance, the detective must use his wits and insider knowledge of the community to track down the perpetrator. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, each with their own secrets, and confronts the racial tensions and moral ambiguities of a city at the crossroads of tradition and modernity.

    The 8982nd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Fiery Cross by Diana Gabaldon

    In this historical fiction novel, we follow the continuing adventures of a time-traveling nurse from the 20th century and her 18th-century Scottish Highlander husband as they navigate the perils of life in colonial America. Set against the backdrop of the looming American Revolution, the couple struggles to maintain their family and homestead while dealing with the political and social unrest of the era. The story intertwines romance, historical events, and fantasy elements as the couple faces challenges that test their bond and their ability to shape their destiny amidst the fiery cross of change and rebellion.

    The 9086th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. A Breath Of Snow And Ashes by Diana Gabaldon

    In this installment of the historical fiction series, the story continues to follow the lives of a time-traveling 20th-century doctor and her 18th-century Scottish Highlander husband as they navigate the perils of life in colonial America. As the American Revolution looms, the couple faces personal tragedies, political upheaval, and the constant threat of violence. They struggle to protect their family and their community in the backwoods of North Carolina, all while dealing with the complexities of their unique situation and the implications of knowing the future. The novel blends romance, adventure, and historical detail, creating a vivid and tumultuous world for its characters.

    The 9367th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Black Water Rising by Attica Locke

    This gripping novel is set in 1980s Houston, Texas, and follows Jay Porter, a struggling African American lawyer who becomes embroiled in a complex murder investigation after he hears a woman scream and subsequently rescues her from the bayou. As he delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that stretches from the oil industry to the highest levels of political power. The protagonist's past as a civil rights activist and his determination to seek justice in a society rife with racial tension add layers of depth to this thrilling narrative, making it not just a compelling mystery but also a poignant exploration of race, power, and the quest for redemption.

    The 9465th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Those Across The River by Christopher Buehlman

    In this gripping horror novel, a disillusioned World War I veteran moves with his partner to a small, seemingly idyllic town in Georgia to write a book about his family's history. However, they soon discover that the town is haunted by a dark and violent past that refuses to stay buried. As they delve deeper into the town's secrets, they encounter strange rituals and a menacing presence in the woods across the river, which the townspeople are desperately trying to appease. The couple's presence stirs the ancient evil, leading to a terrifying struggle for survival against a force that challenges the very nature of humanity and morality.

    The 9515th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Hunger by Alma Katsu

    In this historical horror novel, a perilous journey unfolds as a wagon train bound for California faces not only the brutal realities of the American frontier but also a terrifying supernatural force preying upon them. As members of the group begin to disappear or show signs of an insidious illness, paranoia and fear escalate among the survivors. The travelers' dire situation is compounded by their own secrets and the mysterious backgrounds of their companions, leading to a harrowing struggle for survival that blurs the line between man and monster, hunger and horror.

    The 10085th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Go Tell The Bees That I Am Gone by Diana Gabaldon

    In this historical fiction novel, we follow the story of a time-traveling woman who has reunited with her 18th-century husband in pre-Revolutionary America. As the couple attempts to build a life together in the tumultuous setting of the American colonies, they are faced with the challenges of the impending war, family drama, and the complexities of navigating a society on the brink of rebellion. The novel intertwines elements of romance, adventure, and historical events, as the protagonists balance their personal lives with the larger historical forces at play, all while maintaining the secret of the woman's time-traveling origins.

    The 10478th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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