The Greatest French, Japanese "Mystery" 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 301 '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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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.

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  1. 1. The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

    A young sailor, unjustly accused of treason, is imprisoned without trial in a grim fortress. After a daring escape, he uncovers a hidden treasure and transforms himself into the mysterious and wealthy Count of Monte Cristo. He then sets out to exact revenge on those who wronged him, using his newfound power and influence. Throughout his journey, he grapples with questions about justice, vengeance, and whether ultimate power can ultimately corrupt.

    The 104th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

    The novel is a haunting tale of three friends, who grow up together at a seemingly idyllic English boarding school. As they mature, they discover a dark secret about their school and the purpose of their existence, which is to become organ donors for the rest of society. The story is a profound exploration of what it means to be human, the morality of scientific innovation, and the heartbreaking reality of love and loss.

    The 405th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Phantom of the Opera by Gaston Leroux

    The book tells the story of a beautiful soprano at the Paris Opera House named Christine Daaé who becomes the obsession of a mysterious, disfigured musical genius living in the subterranean labyrinth beneath the opera house. Known as the Phantom, he terrorizes the opera company to compel them to keep giving roles to Christine, whom he tutors in secret. The tale unfolds with love, jealousy, and violence, culminating in a dramatic conclusion.

    The 1276th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. La Bête humaine by Émile Zola

    "La Bête humaine" is a psychological thriller set against the backdrop of the French railway system during the 19th century. The plot revolves around a railway worker who, despite being a seemingly ordinary man, harbors a dark, uncontrollable urge to kill. The narrative is a grim exploration of human nature, delving into themes of inherited violence, animalistic instincts, and the impact of industrialization on society. The novel is also filled with a variety of subplots involving jealousy, betrayal, and murder, all intricately tied to the characters' lives.

    The 1558th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Fantômas by Marcel Allain, Pierre Souvestre

    The book is a thrilling detective novel set in Paris, revolving around the character of Fantômas, a master criminal with no morals or scruples. Fantômas is a master of disguise, capable of assuming any identity at will, and his criminal activities range from petty theft to murder. The book follows the relentless pursuit of Fantômas by the determined Inspector Juve, leading to a series of exciting and suspenseful encounters.

    The 1558th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. A Wild Sheep Chase by Haruki Murakami

    A Wild Sheep Chase follows the story of a recently divorced advertising executive in Tokyo who is given a mysterious assignment by a sinister, powerful man: to find a particular sheep with a star-shaped birthmark. This mission leads him to travel across the snowy landscapes of Northern Japan, crossing paths with peculiar characters, and exploring themes of loneliness, fate, and identity. The narrative is a blend of detective story, postmodern critique, and surreal journey, infused with the author's unique style of magical realism.

    The 1737th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Erasers by Alain Robbe-Grillet

    The book is a complex and innovative narrative that blurs the lines between reality and imagination, following a detective who is investigating a series of connected murders in a nameless town. As the detective delves deeper into the case, the story unfolds in a non-linear fashion, challenging the reader's perception of time and causality. The novel's structure, characterized by repetitive descriptions and a lack of clear resolution, reflects the themes of uncertainty and the elusiveness of truth, ultimately questioning the nature of existence and the reliability of memory and perception.

    The 1815th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Honjin Murders by Seishi Yokomizo

    "The Honjin Murders" is a captivating mystery novel set in a rural village in Japan. When a young couple is found brutally murdered on their wedding night in an isolated mansion, the local police are baffled by the lack of evidence and suspects. As the investigation unfolds, dark family secrets, hidden motives, and a series of puzzling clues emerge, leading the reader on a thrilling journey to uncover the truth behind the Honjin murders.

    The 2208th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Out by Natsuo Kirino

    "Out" by Natsuo Kirino is a gripping and dark psychological thriller set in Tokyo. The story revolves around four women who work the night shift at a factory and become entangled in a web of murder and cover-up. As they struggle to dispose of a dead body, their lives quickly spiral out of control, revealing their hidden desires and the depths they are willing to go to protect themselves. With its intense plot and exploration of societal pressures and gender dynamics, "Out" is a compelling and thought-provoking read.

    The 3628th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. The Spectre Of Alexander Wolf by Gaito Gazdanov

    The novel is a haunting exploration of fate, guilt, and identity, centered around a Russian émigré living in Paris who stumbles upon a short story that recounts a murder he committed during the Russian Civil War. This discovery propels him on a quest to find the author, who seems to know the true details of the incident, leading to an obsession with the mysterious writer and the specter of a man he believed he had killed. As the protagonist delves deeper into the enigma, the boundaries between his own life and the story begin to blur, culminating in a confrontation with the elusive Alexander Wolf and a profound reckoning with his past.

    The 3742nd Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. The Blue Room by Georges Simenon

    This novel delves into the complexities of human emotions and the consequences of illicit love affairs. Set in a small French town, it tells the story of a man who becomes embroiled in a passionate affair with a woman, not his wife. Their secret meetings in the titular "blue room" at a local inn lead to unforeseen tragedy and a subsequent investigation that unravels their lives. The narrative explores themes of guilt, betrayal, and the destructive power of secrets, as the protagonist is forced to confront the consequences of his actions in a society that is unforgiving of moral transgressions. Through a series of flashbacks and courtroom testimonies, the story reveals the dark undercurrents of seemingly ordinary lives, showcasing the author's skill in psychological depth and suspense.

    The 4144th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Mystery Of The Yellow Room by Gaston Leroux

    In this thrilling mystery novel, a young journalist is drawn into an intriguing investigation when a renowned scientist is found murdered inside a locked room. With no visible signs of entry or escape, the baffling crime scene becomes the center of attention for the journalist and his detective friend. As they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of secrets, false identities, and unexpected twists that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

    The 4492nd Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Trap For Cinderella by Sebastien Japrisot

    "Trap For Cinderella" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the story of a young woman who survives a devastating fire that leaves her with amnesia. As she tries to piece together her past, she uncovers dark secrets and a web of deceit that lead her to question her own identity. With suspenseful twists and turns, the novel explores themes of identity, memory, and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.

    The 4527th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Woman Of Straw by Catherine Arley

    In "Woman Of Straw" by Catherine Arley, a wealthy and manipulative old man named Charles purchases the loyalty of a young woman named Maria. Charles plans to use Maria as a pawn in his scheme to deceive his family and secure his inheritance. However, Maria's true intentions and the extent of her cunning nature become increasingly apparent as the story unfolds, leading to a gripping tale of betrayal, suspense, and unexpected twists.

    The 4546th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Monsieur Lecoq by Émile Gaboriau

    The book is a classic detective novel that follows the young, ambitious French detective Monsieur Lecoq as he investigates a mysterious double murder at a Parisian inn. Initially appearing to be a simple case of a quarrel gone wrong, Lecoq's keen observation and deductive skills uncover a much more complex plot involving disguise, mistaken identity, and a criminal mastermind. As he delves deeper into the investigation, Lecoq must navigate a web of deceit and betrayal, using his intelligence and resourcefulness to solve the case and prove his worth within the police force. The novel is a seminal work in the detective genre, showcasing the use of scientific methods in crime solving and the archetype of the brilliant detective.

    The 4602nd Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. My Friend Maigret by Georges Simenon, Shaun Whiteside

    In this detective novel, the protagonist, a renowned French police inspector, finds himself under the watchful eye of a Scotland Yard official who has come to observe his methods. The story unfolds on the sun-drenched island of Porquerolles, where a small-time crook who claimed to be a friend of the inspector has been murdered. As the inspector delves into the case, he navigates through a colorful cast of characters and local intrigue, all while grappling with the pressure of being scrutinized by his English counterpart. The investigation leads him through a web of lies and secrets, challenging him to solve the crime while maintaining his professional composure under the unaccustomed scrutiny.

    The 4610th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. The Hollow Needle by Maurice Leblanc

    "The Hollow Needle" is a thrilling mystery novel that follows the adventures of Arsène Lupin, a master thief and gentleman crook. When Lupin discovers a hidden needle that holds the key to a vast treasure, he becomes entangled in a deadly game of cat and mouse with a secret society determined to protect their ancient secrets. As Lupin races against time to solve the riddles and unlock the treasure's location, he must outwit his adversaries and navigate a web of deception, danger, and intrigue. With its clever plot twists and charismatic protagonist, "The Hollow Needle" is a captivating tale of suspense and cunning.

    The 4631st Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Crossfire by Miyuki Miyabe

    Crossfire is a suspenseful novel that follows the life of a young woman who possesses pyrokinetic abilities, allowing her to start fires with her mind. She uses her powers to avenge victims of violent crimes, but her actions attract the attention of a determined detective. As she continues her vigilante justice, she becomes embroiled in a conspiracy involving a religious cult and must confront her own past and the consequences of her actions.

    The 4753rd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. The Decagon House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji

    In a secluded island, seven university students gather at the Decagon House to spend their summer vacation. However, their peaceful retreat quickly turns into a nightmare when one of them is found dead, mimicking a murder described in a mystery novel. As more bodies appear, the remaining students must unravel the secrets of the Decagon House and uncover the identity of the killer before they become the next victims. With a thrilling blend of suspense and intricate puzzles, this book keeps readers on the edge of their seats until the shocking truth is revealed.

    The 4848th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Lady Joker by Kaoru Takamura

    "Lady Joker" is a gripping crime thriller set in Japan, where a mysterious woman named Yuriko becomes entangled in a dangerous game of deceit and revenge. As she navigates the seedy underbelly of Tokyo, Yuriko takes on various identities, using her cunning and intelligence to manipulate those around her. With a complex web of characters and a plot filled with unexpected twists, the book explores themes of power, identity, and the blurred lines between good and evil.

    The 5817th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Six Four by Hideo Yokoyama

    In this gripping crime thriller, a former detective turned press officer is haunted by a cold case from 14 years ago, the unsolved abduction of a young girl. As he navigates the complex world of police bureaucracy and media pressure, he becomes entangled in a web of secrets and corruption that threatens to unravel his career and personal life. With meticulous attention to detail and a deep exploration of the human psyche, this novel delves into the complexities of crime, guilt, and the lengths one will go to protect their reputation.

    The 6057th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Lady In The Car With Glasses And A Gun by Sebastien Japrisot

    This novel is a thrilling tale of mystery and suspense that follows the journey of a young secretary who, on a whim, decides to take her boss's car for a drive to the sea. What starts as an impulsive trip quickly spirals into a nightmarish adventure as she encounters a series of bizarre and frightening events, including being accused of a crime she has no memory of committing. With its intricate plot, the story masterfully blends elements of amnesia, paranoia, and deception, leading the protagonist and the reader through a labyrinth of twists and turns, all while questioning the reliability of memory and perception.

    The 6298th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. A Very Long Engagement by Sebastien Japrisot

    The novel is a poignant exploration of love and perseverance set against the backdrop of World War I. It follows a young Frenchwoman who refuses to accept the official story that her fiancé has died on the battlefield. Despite being told he was executed for self-mutilation to escape military service, along with four other condemned soldiers, she embarks on a relentless quest to discover the truth. Her journey reveals a tangled web of deceit, cover-ups, and unexpected alliances, as she holds onto hope that her beloved is still alive. Through her unwavering determination, the narrative delves into the horrors of war and the enduring power of love.

    The 6496th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. The Devotion Of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino

    "The Devotion of Suspect X" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the cat-and-mouse game between a brilliant mathematician and a determined detective. When a woman commits murder to protect her daughter, her neighbor, a brilliant mathematician, comes to her aid, meticulously planning the perfect alibi. As the detective investigates the crime, he becomes entangled in a battle of wits with the mathematician, leading to a suspenseful and unexpected climax.

    The 6604th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. 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 6668th 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