The Greatest "Crime, Los Angeles" Books of All Time

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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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Crime

The "Crime" category of books typically includes stories that revolve around criminal activities, investigations, and the pursuit of justice. These books may feature detectives, police officers, or other law enforcement officials as main characters, as well as criminals and their victims. Crime novels often involve suspenseful plot twists and turns, as well as complex character development. The genre can encompass a wide range of subgenres, including mystery, thriller, and true crime, and may explore themes such as morality, ethics, and the human condition. Overall, the "Crime" category offers readers a thrilling and engaging look into the darker side of human nature and the justice system.

Los Angeles

The "Los Angeles" category of books refers to literature that is set in or explores the unique culture, history, and lifestyle of the city of Los Angeles. This category encompasses a wide range of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and poetry, and often delves into themes such as Hollywood, the entertainment industry, urban development, race relations, and the city's diverse communities. Books in this category offer readers a glimpse into the vibrant and complex world of Los Angeles, from its glitz and glamour to its grit and struggle.

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  1. 26. The Monkey's Raincoat by Robert Crais

    In this gritty detective novel, a wisecracking private investigator takes on the case of a missing woman and her son, leading him into the seedy underbelly of Hollywood. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he encounters a slew of dangerous characters, from drug dealers to professional hitmen, all while grappling with his own personal demons. The case becomes increasingly complex, revealing a web of deceit and corruption that challenges the protagonist's wit, resourcefulness, and moral compass. With sharp dialogue and a fast-paced narrative, the story keeps readers on the edge of their seats until its thrilling conclusion.

    The 6404th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly

    "The Lincoln Lawyer" is a gripping legal thriller that follows the life of Mickey Haller, a criminal defense attorney who operates out of his car, a Lincoln. When Haller is assigned a high-profile case defending a wealthy real estate agent accused of assault, he soon discovers a web of corruption and deceit that puts not only his client's innocence but also his own life at stake. With a fast-paced narrative and complex characters, the book explores the dark underbelly of the legal system and keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the final page.

    The 6608th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Snakeskin Shamisen by Naomi Hirahara

    "Snakeskin Shamisen" is a captivating mystery novel set in Los Angeles, following the life of Mas Arai, a Japanese-American gardener and Hiroshima survivor. When a fellow musician is found dead, Mas becomes entangled in a web of secrets and cultural tensions as he navigates the worlds of traditional Japanese music and the dark underbelly of the city. With vivid descriptions, complex characters, and a thought-provoking exploration of identity and heritage, this book takes readers on a thrilling journey through the hidden corners of LA.

    The 6671st Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Munch Mancini Mystery Series by Barbara Seranella

    The Munch Mancini Mystery Series follows the gritty life and adventures of Miranda "Munch" Mancini, a woman with a troubled past involving drug addiction and time in prison. Having turned her life around, Munch now works as an auto mechanic in Los Angeles and occasionally assists the police with her unique insight into the criminal underworld. Throughout the series, she becomes an amateur sleaver, using her street smarts and resilience to solve various crimes and confront personal demons, all while striving to maintain her hard-won sobriety and build a better future.

    The 8054th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. The Last Coyote by Michael Connelly

    In this gripping crime novel, the protagonist, a Los Angeles homicide detective, finds himself suspended from the LAPD and grappling with personal demons. Amidst this tumultuous period, he becomes obsessed with solving the decades-old murder of his own mother, an unsolved case that has haunted him since childhood. As he delves deeper into the investigation without the badge to shield him, he uncovers a web of corruption and secrets that challenges his understanding of justice and family. His journey is not just a quest for the truth, but also a path towards personal redemption and understanding.

    The 8179th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Land Of Shadows by Rachel Howzell Hall

    In this gripping thriller, a homicide detective named Elouise "Lou" Norton is determined to solve the mysterious murder of a teenage girl in South Los Angeles. As she delves deeper into the case, Lou uncovers a web of secrets and corruption that reaches far beyond the crime scene. With her own troubled past haunting her, Lou must navigate through the dangerous underbelly of the city to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice.

    The 8288th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. Dodgers by Bill Beverly

    This novel follows the journey of East, a young Los Angeles gang member, who is sent by his uncle along with three other teenagers on a mission to kill a key witness hiding out in Wisconsin. The narrative delves into the cross-country trip that serves as a rite of passage for East, exploring themes of brotherhood, survival, and the quest for a life beyond the violent streets that shaped him. As the group navigates the unfamiliar terrains of rural America, their loyalties and their resolve are tested, leading to a climax that forces East to confront his past and future. The story is a poignant exploration of the complexities of growing up under the shadow of inevitable violence, and the possibility of redemption and change.

    The 10010th 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