The Greatest British "Suspense, Crime" Books Since 1990

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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.

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.

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  1. 1. Killing Floor by Lee Child

    In this gripping thriller, a former military policeman drifting through a small town is arrested for a murder he didn't commit. Upon his release, he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous conspiracy involving counterfeit money, a vast criminal enterprise, and the mysterious death of his brother. Determined to uncover the truth and exact revenge, he must use his skills to outwit the local police, FBI agents, and the mastermind behind the town's dark secrets, all while navigating a complex web of corruption and violence.

    The 1988th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. A Place Of Execution by Val McDermid

    In a small and close-knit English village, a young girl mysteriously disappears in 1963, leaving the community in shock and despair. Decades later, a journalist becomes fascinated with the case and begins to unravel the truth behind the girl's disappearance, uncovering dark secrets and hidden motives that have haunted the village for years. As the journalist digs deeper, she uncovers a web of deceit, betrayal, and tragedy, ultimately leading to a shocking revelation that will leave readers questioning the nature of justice and the lengths people will go to protect their secrets.

    The 2679th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

    In this psychological thriller, the story revolves around a troubled woman who becomes entangled in a missing persons investigation that promises to send shockwaves throughout her life. As she rides the train every day, she fantasizes about the seemingly perfect couple she sees from her window, until one day she witnesses something shocking in their backyard. Her decision to report it to the authorities leads her down a dark path of intrigue, as she struggles to piece together her fragmented memories and the tangled web of lies, deceit, and complicated relationships that surround the case. Her involvement becomes increasingly dangerous as she tries to prove not only what she saw, but also her own worth and sanity.

    The 3742nd Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. Case Histories by Kate Atkinson

    "Case Histories" is a gripping mystery novel that follows the story of a private investigator who is hired to solve three seemingly unrelated cold cases that took place decades ago. As he delves deeper into the mysteries, he uncovers dark secrets and hidden connections between the cases. The narrative is a complex web of intrigue, suspense, and drama, filled with well-crafted characters and unexpected plot twists that keep the reader hooked till the end.

    The 4077th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Constant Gardener by John le Carré

    "The Constant Gardener" is a gripping tale of corporate corruption and its impact on the world's most vulnerable people. The story follows a British diplomat who embarks on a dangerous journey to find the truth behind his wife's murder. As he uncovers layers of deceit, he discovers that she was close to exposing a conspiracy involving a pharmaceutical company testing a dangerous drug on unsuspecting African villages. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the lengths one man will go to seek justice.

    The 4375th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Vendetta by Michael Dibdin

    This book is a gripping installment in a series that follows an Italian detective as he navigates the complex and often dangerous landscape of crime in his country. In "Vendetta," the detective is drawn into a convoluted case that begins with a seemingly straightforward investigation into a series of murders. However, as he delves deeper, he uncovers a web of vendettas that challenge his understanding of justice and morality. Set against the backdrop of Italy's picturesque yet sinister landscapes, the novel combines thrilling crime-solving with a deep exploration of the personal and professional dilemmas faced by the protagonist.

    The 5659th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Bones And Silence by Reginald Hill

    In this gripping installment of a renowned detective series, the protagonist, a shrewd and seasoned detective, finds himself embroiled in a complex case that intertwines a mysterious death, which at first glance appears to be a suicide, with the intricacies of a local amateur dramatic society's production of a medieval mystery play. As the detective delves deeper into the investigation, he is confronted with a series of cryptic messages and puzzles, challenging his analytical skills and drawing him into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a cunning adversary. Set against the backdrop of a small English town, the narrative weaves together themes of passion, betrayal, and the quest for justice, all while exploring the moral ambiguities that lie at the heart of human nature.

    The 5659th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. King Solomon's Carpet by Barbara Vine

    This novel weaves a complex tapestry of lives intersecting in the atmospheric underground of London's Tube system. Centered around a dilapidated house near a Tube station, inherited by Jarvis, a reclusive music composer fascinated by the subway's dark allure, the narrative delves into the secrets and obsessions of its diverse inhabitants. These characters, drawn together by their fascination with the underground, navigate their interconnected stories of love, loss, and the pursuit of passion. The book masterfully explores themes of isolation and connection, creating a suspenseful and psychological exploration of human nature set against the backdrop of one of London's most iconic and labyrinthine landscapes.

    The 5718th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Dead Lagoon by Michael Dibdin

    In "Dead Lagoon," readers are taken on a suspenseful journey through the atmospheric and enigmatic city of Venice. The narrative follows a detective who returns to his hometown to investigate a missing person case, only to find himself entangled in a web of secrets, corruption, and murder that challenges his perceptions of the past and forces him to confront the dark underbelly of the city he once knew. As the investigation deepens, the detective must navigate through the labyrinthine canals and alleys of Venice, unraveling a complex mystery that draws him into the heart of the city's darkest mysteries. This gripping tale combines a richly detailed setting with a complex plot of intrigue and betrayal, making it a compelling read for fans of crime and detective fiction.

    The 6100th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. Black And Blue by Ian Rankin

    This novel is a gripping entry in a series featuring a Scottish detective, delving into a complex web of murder, corruption, and the haunting shadows of past crimes. The protagonist, a seasoned detective, finds himself embroiled in a challenging investigation that draws connections between a recent murder case and a notorious, unsolved series of killings from decades ago. As he navigates the murky waters of police politics and societal pressures, he must also confront his personal demons and the toll his career has taken on his life. Set against the backdrop of Scotland's gritty urban landscapes, the story masterfully combines elements of mystery, thriller, and police procedural, showcasing the detective's relentless pursuit of justice amidst the moral ambiguities of law enforcement.

    The 6310th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Nineteen Seventy Four by David Peace

    This novel plunges readers into the bleak, violent landscape of Northern England in 1974, following a young journalist who becomes obsessed with solving a series of child abductions and murders. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a dark web of corruption, violence, and collusion that stretches from the criminal underworld to the police and beyond. The protagonist's quest for truth not only puts his life in danger but also challenges his very perception of reality and morality. Set against a backdrop of social decay and political turmoil, the story is a gritty, noirish exploration of the power dynamics and societal ills of the time.

    The 6504th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Nineteen Seventy Seven by David Peace

    This novel is the second installment in a gripping quartet of books that delve into the gritty and dark underbelly of Yorkshire, England, during the 1970s and 1980s. Set against the backdrop of the year 1977, it intertwines the lives of a journalist and a detective as they navigate through a landscape riddled with corruption, violence, and the chilling shadow of the Yorkshire Ripper. The narrative is characterized by its intense, visceral prose and the haunting atmosphere it evokes, capturing the desperation and decay of the time. As both men become increasingly obsessed with their respective investigations, their paths cross in unexpected ways, leading to a harrowing exploration of the human capacity for evil and the quest for justice amidst widespread fear and moral ambiguity.

    The 6574th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. Exit Music by Ian Rankin

    In "Exit Music," readers are plunged into the gritty streets of Edinburgh, where Detective Inspector John Rebus faces the twilight of his career. With retirement looming, Rebus is drawn into a complex case following the murder of a dissident Russian poet, which spirals into a high-stakes investigation involving power, corruption, and the dangerous intersection of politics and big money. As Rebus navigates the murky waters of international intrigue, he must also confront his own demons and the realization that in order to solve the case, he may have to cross lines he's never crossed before. This gripping tale not only explores the intricacies of crime and justice but also serves as a poignant commentary on the challenges of change and the inevitability of the end.

    The 7170th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. Hide And Seek by Ian Rankin

    In "Hide And Seek," readers are plunged into the dark, gritty streets of Edinburgh, where Detective John Rebus finds himself embroiled in a perplexing case. The discovery of a drug addict's corpse in a squat, posed in a hideously symbolic manner, draws Rebus into the murky depths of the city's drug trade and the high society that profits from it. As he delves deeper, navigating through a labyrinth of corruption, betrayal, and criminal intrigue, Rebus is forced to confront not only the demons lurking within the city’s underbelly but also those within himself. This gripping narrative masterfully combines a complex mystery with a profound exploration of the human condition, showcasing the detective's relentless pursuit of justice amidst the chaos.

    The 7854th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. The Keys To The Street by Ruth Rendell

    This novel weaves a suspenseful tale set against the backdrop of London's Regent's Park, where the lives of the affluent and the homeless intersect with deadly consequences. The story follows Mary Jago, who donates bone marrow to save the life of a stranger, thereby escaping her abusive relationship. However, her act of kindness inadvertently draws her into a web of murder, deceit, and danger. As a series of brutal murders terrorize the park's inhabitants, Mary finds herself deeply entangled in a mystery that forces her to confront her own fears and secrets. The narrative masterfully explores themes of social inequality, redemption, and the complex nature of human relationships, all while keeping the reader on the edge of their seat with its gripping suspense and unexpected twists.

    The 8307th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. People Who Eat Darkness by Richard Lloyd Parry

    This book is a gripping true-crime narrative that delves into the mysterious disappearance of a young British woman in Tokyo. The investigation unfolds into a harrowing journey through Japan's shadowy underworld, exposing the cultural and legal intricacies that complicated the search and captivated a nation. The author meticulously reconstructs the events leading up to the disappearance, the intense investigation that followed, and the eventual arrest and trial of the suspect. Through interviews, court documents, and a deep understanding of Japanese society, the narrative not only tells the story of a tragic loss but also explores themes of justice, obsession, and the impact of crime on families and communities.

    The 8607th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 17. 61 Hours by Lee Child

    In this gripping thriller, a retired military policeman turned drifter finds himself stranded in a small South Dakota town after a bus accident during a brutal winter storm. As the hours tick down, he becomes embroiled in a desperate defense of a key witness in a forthcoming drug trial, facing off against an enigmatic assassin and local corruption. With the clock ticking, he must use his skills and resourcefulness to protect the witness, navigate the icy conditions, and uncover the truth, all while a countdown to an unknown catastrophe looms, promising an explosive confrontation.

    The 9002nd Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 18. The Turn Of The Key by Ruth Ware

    In "The Turn of the Key" by Ruth Ware, a young woman named Rowan Caine takes a job as a live-in nanny at a luxurious smart home in the Scottish Highlands. However, the seemingly perfect opportunity quickly turns into a nightmare as Rowan discovers the dark secrets hidden within the house and the tragic events that have unfolded in the past. As strange occurrences escalate and tensions rise, Rowan becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation, desperately trying to prove her innocence and uncover the truth before it's too late.

    The 9150th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 19. Little Face by Sophie Hannah

    This psychological thriller revolves around a young mother, Alice, who insists that the baby in her home is not her daughter, Florence, but a stranger's child. Her husband, David, dismisses her claims, suggesting she's suffering from postpartum depression or worse. As Alice fights to prove her sanity and uncover the truth, the narrative delves into dark family secrets, manipulative dynamics, and the complexities of maternal bonds. The tension escalates with each chapter, weaving a tale of suspense, doubt, and the desperate lengths one will go to protect their loved ones.

    The 9226th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 20. Blacklands by Belinda Bauer

    This gripping novel delves into the life of a young boy who embarks on a dangerous quest to bring closure to his family, tormented by the loss of his uncle, a victim of a notorious child serial killer. Living in a small English village, the boy decides to correspond with the imprisoned murderer, hoping to locate his uncle's body and heal his family's wounds. However, his actions unwittingly draw him into a chilling psychological game with the killer. The narrative masterfully explores themes of grief, redemption, and the desperate human need for closure, all while weaving a suspenseful tale that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

    The 9556th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 21. Blue Lightning by Ann Cleeves

    This book is a gripping crime novel set on the remote Shetland Islands, where Detective Jimmy Perez returns home with his fiancée, only to be caught in a murder investigation when a renowned scientist is found dead. As a storm isolates the island from the outside world, Perez must navigate through a close-knit community full of secrets and lies to uncover the murderer. The harsh and beautiful landscape of the Shetlands, along with the complex relationships and tensions within the small community, provide a compelling backdrop to this mystery, testing Perez's detective skills and understanding of human nature to the limits.

    The 9556th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 22. The Cuckoo’s Calling by J. K Rowling

    This novel introduces readers to Cormoran Strike, a down-on-his-luck private detective living in London, who is barely scraping by. The story kicks off when Strike is hired to investigate the supposed suicide of a famous model, Lula Landry, who fell to her death from her apartment balcony. Despite the police ruling it a suicide, her brother believes foul play was involved and seeks Strike's help. As Strike delves deeper into the glamorous yet treacherous world of high fashion and celebrity, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies, revealing that Lula's life was far more complicated than it appeared. With the help of his determined and clever assistant, Robin Ellacott, Strike sets out to unravel the truth behind the model's death, leading to unexpected revelations and danger.

    The 9755th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 23. A Book Of Scars by William Shaw

    This gripping novel is set in the late 1960s, weaving together a tale of murder, family secrets, and the tumultuous social changes of the era. The story follows a determined detective who delves into a cold case from five years prior, involving the brutal murder of a young woman on a farm. As the investigation unfolds, it reveals connections to London's criminal underworld and the Nigerian Civil War, exposing a complex web of racial tensions, revenge, and the long shadows cast by past atrocities. The narrative masterfully combines historical detail with suspenseful storytelling, exploring themes of justice, memory, and the indelible marks of violence.

    The 9970th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 24. Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz

    This novel is a mystery within a mystery, where an editor receives a manuscript for the latest book in a popular detective series, only to find the last chapter missing. As she delves deeper into the manuscript and the life of the author, she uncovers a real-life murder that mirrors the fictional ones. The narrative ingeniously intertwines the world of the manuscript with the reality of the editor, blending classic whodunit elements with contemporary intrigue. This layered narrative challenges the reader to solve not just the fictional crime, but also the mystery surrounding the author's death, making it a compelling read for fans of clever, puzzle-like mysteries.

    The 10040th Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 25. In A Dark, Dark Wood by Ruth Ware

    A reclusive writer receives an unexpected invitation to a bachelorette party of an old friend she hasn't seen in years. Curiosity gets the best of her, and she attends the gathering at a secluded cabin in the woods. As the weekend unfolds, tensions rise and secrets are revealed, leading to a shocking and tragic event that leaves the protagonist questioning her own sanity and the motives of those around her.

    The 10142nd 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