The Greatest American "Mystery, Fiction, Speculative Fiction" Books Since 1970

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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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Genres

Mystery

The Mystery genre is a category of books that typically involves a crime, puzzle, or enigma that needs to be solved by the protagonist or a group of characters. These books often feature suspenseful and thrilling plotlines, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers engaged and guessing until the very end. Mystery novels can range from cozy mysteries, which are lighter and more lighthearted, to hard-boiled detective stories, which are darker and more gritty. Overall, the Mystery genre is a popular and diverse category of books that appeals to readers who enjoy solving puzzles and uncovering secrets.

Fiction

Speculative Fiction

Speculative fiction is an umbrella genre encompassing narrative fiction with supernatural or futuristic elements. This includes genres such as science fiction, fantasy, horror, supernatural fiction, superhero fiction, utopian and dystopian fiction, apocalyptic and post-apocalyptic fiction, and alternate history. The unifying factor of speculative fiction is its departure from the narrative constraints of reality, exploring imaginative and often profound questions that challenge our understanding of the world and our place within it. These stories often delve into themes like the human condition, social commentary, and the exploration of philosophical and ethical dilemmas through the lens of the fantastical or the yet-to-be-possible. By pushing the boundaries of the known, speculative fiction invites readers to consider the myriad possibilities of existence and the potential consequences of our actions in worlds that are, at once, vastly different from and eerily similar to our own.

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  1. 1. Misery by Stephen King

    A successful novelist is rescued from a car crash by a deranged fan who is upset with the death of her favorite character from his books. Trapped in her remote home, the writer is subjected to physical and psychological torture as the fan forces him to write a new novel bringing the character back to life. As he writes for his life, he must also plan his escape before his captor's rage becomes deadly.

    The 617th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Time and Again by Jack Finney

    Time and Again is a science fiction novel that follows Simon Morley, a young advertising artist living in New York City, who is recruited by a secret government project to travel back in time to the year 1882. The novel explores themes of nostalgia, love, and the complexity of time travel, as Simon falls in love with a woman from the past and must decide whether to stay in the 19th century or return to his own time.

    The 690th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Red Dragon by Thomas Harris

    A former FBI profiler, who is renowned for capturing a notorious serial killer, is lured out of retirement to track down a new killer who has a taste for families. The new killer, dubbed "The Tooth Fairy", is a complex character with a troubled past that leads him to commit his heinous crimes. As the profiler delves deeper into the investigation, he is forced to confront his own demons and the manipulative games of the serial killer he previously captured, who is now behind bars.

    The 708th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski

    The novel is a complex and multi-layered narrative that revolves around a young man who comes across a manuscript written by a blind man about a documentary that doesn't appear to exist. The documentary is about a family who moves into a house that is larger on the inside than it is on the outside, with shifting walls and hallways that lead to impossible spaces. The novel is known for its experimental layout, with some pages containing only a few words and others filled with footnotes, different fonts, and sideways text, reflecting the disorienting and labyrinthine nature of the house itself.

    The 974th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. A Series of Unfortunate Events #1: The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

    This book is the first in a series that follows the unfortunate lives of the Baudelaire children, Violet, Klaus, and Sunny, after their parents die in a mysterious fire. The children are sent to live with their distant relative, Count Olaf, who is cruel and only interested in their large inheritance. The children must use their unique skills and intellect to outsmart Olaf's evil plans and find a way to escape his clutches.

    The 1537th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Who Made Stevie Crye? by Michael Bishop

    In "Who Made Stevie Crye?" a brilliant scientist named Victor Huntley creates a lifelike android named Stevie, who becomes his lover. However, when Stevie mysteriously malfunctions, Huntley's life takes a dark turn. As he desperately tries to fix Stevie, he becomes entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder. With a blend of science fiction and psychological thriller, this gripping novel explores the boundaries of love, obsession, and the consequences of playing god.

    The 2146th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. 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
  8. 8. Boy's Life by Robert R. McCammon

    Set in the 1960s in the fictional town of Zephyr, Alabama, the novel follows the life of 12-year-old Cory Mackenson, whose life takes a mysterious turn when he witnesses his father attempt to save a man from a sinking car. The man is already handcuffed to the steering wheel, dead by strangulation. This event triggers a series of adventures and mysteries that Cory must unravel, all the while dealing with the challenges and joys of growing up. The book is a rich blend of nostalgia, magic realism, and the dark undercurrents of life in the American South.

    The 2223rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. 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
  10. 10. 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
  11. 11. 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
  12. 12. The Complete Short Stories Of Ambrose Bierce by Ambrose Bierce

    "The Complete Short Stories of Ambrose Bierce" is a collection of gripping and thought-provoking tales that showcase the author's mastery of the short story form. Bierce's stories delve into the dark recesses of the human psyche, exploring themes of war, death, and the supernatural. With his sharp wit and incisive writing style, Bierce crafts narratives that are both entertaining and deeply unsettling, leaving readers pondering the complexities of the human condition long after they have finished reading.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. In A Lonely Place by Karl Edward Wagner

    "In A Lonely Place" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the life of a troubled writer named Michael, who becomes the prime suspect in a series of brutal murders. As the story unfolds, Michael's dark past and volatile personality raise doubts about his innocence, leaving readers questioning his true nature. Set against the backdrop of a gritty and atmospheric city, this novel delves into the depths of human psyche, exploring themes of obsession, violence, and the blurred lines between reality and fiction.

    The 4131st Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Falling Angel by William Hjortsberg

    In this gripping mystery novel, a down-on-his-luck private investigator is hired to find a missing person, only to uncover a web of dark secrets and supernatural forces. Set in 1950s New York City, the protagonist delves into the city's seedy underbelly, encountering eccentric characters and facing his own demons along the way. As he gets closer to the truth, the line between reality and fantasy becomes blurred, leading to a shocking and unexpected climax. With its atmospheric setting and intricate plot, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

    The 4383rd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Ghost Story by Peter Straub

    "Ghost Story" by Peter Straub is a chilling tale that follows a group of elderly men who are haunted by a dark secret from their past. As they gather to share ghost stories, they soon realize that their own lives have become intertwined with the supernatural. The line between reality and the supernatural blurs as they are forced to confront their deepest fears and face the consequences of their actions. With atmospheric prose and a gripping plot, this haunting novel explores themes of guilt, redemption, and the power of secrets.

    The 4444th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. 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
  17. 17. 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
  18. 18. Inherit The Stars by James P. Hogan

    "Inherit The Stars" is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that follows a team of scientists who discover a 50,000-year-old human skeleton on the moon. As they investigate the origins of this mysterious body, they uncover shocking evidence that challenges the conventional understanding of human evolution and raises profound questions about humanity's place in the universe. With its blend of scientific discovery, political intrigue, and philosophical contemplation, the book offers a captivating exploration of the mysteries of the cosmos and the complexities of human existence.

    The 4768th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Tea With The Black Dragon by R. A. MacAvoy

    In this enchanting blend of fantasy and mystery, a mother searching for her missing daughter enlists the help of a mysterious man who possesses the ancient wisdom and power of a black dragon in human form. As they delve into the underbelly of California's Silicon Valley, they confront dark magic and computer crime, unraveling a complex web that ties the mundane to the mystical. The novel weaves a tale of transformation, redemption, and the enduring power of love, set against a backdrop where technology meets sorcery, and the modern world intersects with the timeless.

    The 4784th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Watchers by Dean R. Koontz

    The book is a thrilling tale of suspense and science fiction, revolving around two unique and extraordinary beings, one a golden retriever with superior intelligence and the other a monstrous, violent creature. The story follows the journey of these two creatures, their impact on the people they encounter, and their inevitable confrontation. As the golden retriever forms a special bond with a lonely man and woman, the terrifying creature leaves a trail of chaos and destruction in its wake, leading to a suspenseful climax.

    The 5221st Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Down A Dark Hall by Lois Duncan

    The novel centers around a teenage girl who is sent to a remote and mysterious boarding school where only a handful of students are enrolled. As she settles into her new environment, she discovers that the school harbors dark secrets and that the students, including herself, are being manipulated by the sinister headmistress and her staff to channel the spirits of dead geniuses. The protagonist must unravel the eerie mysteries of the school and confront the supernatural forces at play to escape the dangerous situation and save herself and her peers from the clutches of the school's malevolent influence.

    The 6076th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The House With A Clock In Its Walls by John Bellairs

    In this gothic mystery novel, a young orphan named Lewis Barnavelt moves to New Zebedee, Michigan, to live with his eccentric Uncle Jonathan, who turns out to be a mediocre, but well-intentioned, warlock. Lewis discovers that his uncle's house, a creaky, old mansion with a mysterious ticking heart, was previously owned by a sinister couple who sought to bring about the end of the world using a magical clock hidden within the walls. As Lewis learns magic from his uncle and befriends a neighboring witch named Mrs. Zimmerman, he must confront his own insecurities and fears while they all race against time to find the clock and stop the apocalyptic plans set in motion by the house's former inhabitants.

    The 6143rd Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. The Other by Thomas Tryon

    The book is a chilling psychological horror novel set in the 1930s that delves into the lives of identical twin brothers, Niles and Holland Perry, living in a rural Connecticut town. When a series of tragic events begins to unfold, it becomes apparent that one of the twins is influencing these occurrences. As the story progresses, the line between reality and illusion blurs, revealing a dark and twisted secret that challenges the nature of innocence and evil. The narrative's suspenseful exploration of identity and the supernatural culminates in a shocking twist, leaving readers to question the very essence of humanity and the impact of familial bonds.

    The 6149th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Anita Blake by Laurell K. Hamilton

    This series introduces readers to a world where vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings are legal citizens of the United States, and follows the life of Anita Blake, a professional zombie raiser, vampire executioner, and supernatural consultant for the police. Set in St. Louis, Missouri, Anita navigates the complexities of her personal and professional life, dealing with various supernatural mysteries, crimes, and often finding herself in the middle of vampire politics. As the series progresses, Anita's powers and relationships with the supernatural community grow, leading her into ever more dangerous and morally ambiguous situations. The blend of urban fantasy, horror, and mystery, along with a strong, complex female protagonist, has garnered a dedicated fan base.

    The 6737th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. Fledgling by Octavia E. Butler

    "Fledgling" is a novel that blends science fiction with vampire lore, telling the story of a young amnesiac girl who discovers she is actually a genetically modified, 53-year-old vampire. As she slowly regains her memories, she learns about her unique vampire family, their complex societal structures, and the symbiotic relationships they maintain with humans. The narrative delves into themes of identity, race, sexuality, and consent, challenging traditional vampire myths while exploring the implications of power dynamics and prejudice within a reimagined society where vampires and humans coexist in a tenuous balance.

    The 7916th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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

Download

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