The Greatest American "Psychological, Mystery, 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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Psychological

The Psychological genre of books typically explores the inner workings of the human mind and emotions, often delving into complex and sometimes disturbing psychological states. These books may focus on mental illness, trauma, relationships, or personal growth, and often challenge readers to confront their own beliefs and perceptions. Psychological books may be suspenseful, thought-provoking, and emotionally intense, offering readers a deep and often unsettling glimpse into the human psyche.

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

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  1. 1. Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

    This thrilling novel revolves around the sudden disappearance of a woman on her fifth wedding anniversary. As the investigation unfolds, all evidence points to her husband as the prime suspect. However, the story takes a twist as the wife's diary entries reveal a darker side to their seemingly perfect marriage. The narrative alternates between the husband's present-day perspective and the wife's diary entries, leaving readers in suspense about what truly happened. The book explores themes of deceit, media influence, and the complexities of marriage.

    The 795th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. 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
  3. 3. The Sympathizer by Viet Thanh Nguyen

    "The Sympathizer" is a gripping spy novel set during the Vietnam War. The protagonist is a half-French, half-Vietnamese army captain who is a communist double agent. After the Fall of Saigon, he moves to America with other South Vietnamese refugees and struggles to reconcile his dual loyalties as he continues to spy on his fellow countrymen in exile. The novel explores themes of identity, war, and politics, while providing a unique perspective on the Vietnam War and its aftermath.

    The 1315th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. 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
  5. 5. 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
  6. 6. 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
  7. 7. What The Dead Know by Laura Lippman

    In "What The Dead Know" by Laura Lippman, a woman claiming to be one of the two missing Bethany sisters suddenly appears after thirty years, setting off a chain of events that forces the police, the media, and the families involved to revisit the unsolved case. As the truth slowly unravels, secrets from the past are exposed, revealing the devastating impact the disappearance had on the family and the lingering effects it has had on those left behind.

    The 4826th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Emperor Of Ocean Park by Stephen L. Carter

    "The Emperor of Ocean Park" is a gripping novel that combines elements of mystery, legal drama, and family saga. Set in the affluent world of African-American elites in New England, the story follows Talcott Garland, a law professor and former Supreme Court nominee, as he investigates the mysterious death of his father, a prominent conservative judge. As Talcott delves deeper into his father's past, he uncovers a web of secrets, political intrigue, and corruption that threatens to unravel his own life and reputation. With its intricate plot and richly drawn characters, the book explores themes of power, loyalty, and the complexities of race and identity in America.

    The 6394th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Special Topics In Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl

    "Special Topics in Calamity Physics" is a coming-of-age novel about a teenage girl named Blue van Meer who attends a prestigious boarding school in North Carolina. Blue's father is a charismatic and eccentric professor who teaches her about literature, philosophy, and film. When a mysterious death occurs at the school, Blue becomes involved in a group of students who are investigating the incident. As she navigates the complexities of friendship, love, and identity, Blue must confront the secrets and lies that surround her and learn to trust her own intuition.

    The 7041st Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. 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
  11. 11. Everything I Never Told You by Celeste Ng

    "Everything I Never Told You" is a gripping and emotionally charged novel that delves into the complexities of a Chinese-American family living in 1970s Ohio. When their daughter Lydia goes missing and is later found dead, the Lee family is shattered by grief and forced to confront their own secrets and insecurities. As they navigate through their individual struggles, the novel explores themes of identity, race, and the pressures of societal expectations, painting a poignant portrait of a family on the brink of collapse.

    The 7954th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. The Changeling by Victor LaValle

    The novel is a dark fairy tale that explores themes of parenthood, identity, and the impact of technology on modern life. It follows Apollo Kagwa, an antiquarian book dealer from New York City, whose life is turned upside down when his wife, Emma, commits a horrific act and then disappears. As Apollo searches for answers, he is drawn into a world filled with mythical creatures, secretive societies, and ancient folklore. Along his journey, he must confront his own past and the dark history of his family while navigating a city that seems to harbor magical secrets. The story blends the fantastical with the everyday to create a narrative that examines the fears and anxieties of being a parent in the 21st century.

    The 8147th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Bride Collector by Ted Dekker

    In this psychological thriller, an FBI agent with a troubled past is on the hunt for a serial killer who believes he is on a divine mission to collect brides for God, leaving his victims posed as if in a serene marital bliss after their deaths. The killer's twisted theology and the agent's own personal demons intertwine as the investigation leads to a group of mentally ill patients who may hold the key to stopping the murderer. As the body count rises, the race against time intensifies, pushing the boundaries of sanity and redemption in a chilling game of cat and mouse.

    The 8958th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Allegedly by Tiffany D. Jackson

    The book centers on a teenage girl with a traumatic past, who was convicted of a heinous crime at a very young age—the murder of a baby. Now living in a group home and dealing with the complex dynamics within, she struggles with the weight of her past and the challenges of her present. As she contends with a society quick to label her as irredeemable, she seeks to uncover the truth and fight for a future that seems increasingly out of reach. Her journey is one of resilience and the quest for redemption, as she navigates a system that is often more interested in judgment than justice.

    The 9012th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. Samedi The Deafness by Jesse Ball

    The novel revolves around a man who, after witnessing a murder, is drawn into a surreal conspiracy at a mysterious institution where the residents are engaged in a bizarre form of psychological warfare. The protagonist must navigate through a labyrinth of lies and cryptic rules, trying to uncover the truth while grappling with the concept of "samedi" — a sort of collective madness or deception. As he delves deeper into this enigmatic world, he confronts the challenges of communication, the nature of truth, and the power of societal constructs, all while the boundaries between reality and delusion blur.

    The 9069th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. The Bone Key by Sarah Monette

    "The Bone Key" is a collection of interconnected short stories centered around the character of Kyle Murchison Booth, a socially awkward museum archivist with a penchant for the supernatural. The tales are steeped in gothic horror and follow Booth as he encounters a series of eerie and otherworldly mysteries that he must solve. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of ancient artifacts and the occult, Booth navigates through hauntings, curses, and the restless undead, all while grappling with his own personal demons and the loneliness that pervades his life. The stories are rich in atmosphere and evoke the style of classic ghost stories, offering a modern homage to the genre with a unique, introspective protagonist.

    The 9141st Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

    The book revolves around a young woman with a troubled past who is given a second chance through a scholarship to an elite university, where she becomes involved with the secretive societies that practice magic and the occult. Tasked with monitoring their activities, she uncovers a series of supernatural crimes and mysteries that she must solve, using her own newfound magical abilities and wits. As she delves deeper into the university's hidden world, she confronts the dark power and privilege that fuel these ancient organizations, while also grappling with her own personal demons and histories.

    The 9610th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. Bird Box by Josh Malerman

    In a post-apocalyptic world, an unseen terror drives society to madness and suicide upon sight, leading survivors to navigate their lives blindfolded. The story follows a mother who must guide her two young children to safety on a perilous river journey to what she hopes will be a sanctuary. With the ever-present threat of the unseen horrors and the challenges of survival in a collapsed society, the novel is a tense exploration of fear, the unknown, and the lengths one will go to protect their family.

    The 9657th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. You by Caroline Kepnes

    "You" is a gripping psychological thriller that follows the twisted mind of a charming bookstore manager, Joe, who becomes dangerously obsessed with a customer named Beck. Through the use of social media and surveillance, Joe meticulously orchestrates a plan to infiltrate Beck's life, manipulating and controlling her every move. As the story unfolds, the reader is taken on a chilling journey into the depths of Joe's disturbed psyche, blurring the lines between love, obsession, and possession.

    The 10033rd Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Eileen by Ottessa Moshfegh

    "Eileen" is a psychological thriller about a troubled young woman working in a boys' prison in the 1960s. Eileen Dunlop is a disturbed 24-year-old woman who is stuck in a dead-end job at a boys' prison in New England. She suffers from low self-esteem and is trapped in a toxic relationship with her alcoholic father. Her life takes a turn when a new counselor, Rebecca, joins the prison staff. Eileen becomes infatuated with Rebecca, leading her into a world of crime and violence that ultimately forces her to leave her hometown.

    The 10073rd Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Lost Boy Lost Girl by Peter Straub

    In "Lost Boy Lost Girl," a haunting narrative unfolds around the mysterious disappearance of a teenage boy shortly after his mother, a troubled novelist, commits suicide. The boy's uncle, a writer, delves into the dark and unsettling history of the family's home, uncovering secrets that blur the lines between fiction and reality. As he investigates, he encounters stories of a malevolent presence and a hidden room that may hold the key to the family's terrifying and tragic past. The novel explores themes of loss, the impact of trauma, and the possibility of the supernatural.

    The 10227th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Destroyers by Christopher Bollen

    "The Destroyers" is a suspenseful novel set on the idyllic Greek island of Patmos. The story revolves around two childhood friends, one a wealthy inheritor of a construction empire and the other a struggling playboy, who reunite under mysterious circumstances. As the narrative unfolds, it delves into themes of wealth, friendship, betrayal, and identity, all against a backdrop of escalating danger and suspense. The protagonist finds himself embroiled in a web of deception and murder, as the seemingly paradise island reveals its darker underbelly.

    The 10234th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. Dare Me by Megan Abbott

    This novel delves into the dark and complex world of competitive high school cheerleading, exploring themes of power, loyalty, and obsession. The story is centered around the intense and sometimes toxic relationships between the cheerleaders, particularly focusing on the bond between the team's captain and her best friend. The arrival of a new coach with a mysterious past brings about a dramatic shift in the team's dynamics, leading to a series of events that culminates in a shocking crime. As the investigation unfolds, secrets are revealed, testing the limits of friendship and loyalty, and challenging the characters' understanding of themselves and each other.

    The 10925th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Disappearance At Devil's Rock by Paul Tremblay

    This novel is a gripping and eerie tale that unfolds in a small town where a teenage boy mysteriously vanishes from a local park, Devil's Rock, during a night out with friends. The story delves into the harrowing aftermath of his disappearance, as his mother and sister grapple with the unknown, piecing together clues that emerge in the form of shadowy figures, inexplicable diary entries, and unsettling folklore surrounding the park. The narrative masterfully blends elements of horror, suspense, and the supernatural, while also exploring themes of grief, family bonds, and the haunting nature of uncertainty. As the search intensifies, the community is drawn into a chilling quest for answers that blurs the lines between reality and nightmare.

    The 11063rd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. A House With Good Bones by T. Kingfisher

    In "A House With Good Bones," readers are plunged into a gripping tale of suspense and horror that revolves around Sam Montgomery, who returns to her childhood home only to confront unsettling family secrets and a sinister presence lurking within. As Sam delves deeper into her family's past, she uncovers dark truths that challenge her understanding of her mother's eccentric behavior and her own identity. Set against the backdrop of a seemingly ordinary house that harbors malevolent forces, this story masterfully blends elements of psychological horror with the complexities of familial relationships, leading to a chilling conclusion that questions the very nature of home and heritage.

    The 11327th 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