The Greatest Brazilian, Egyptian, British "Suspense, 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.
Genres
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.
Countries
Date Range
Reading Statistics
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1. The Day of the Jackal by Frederick Forsyth
"The Day of the Jackal" is a suspenseful thriller that revolves around an unnamed and highly skilled professional assassin who is hired by a French dissident paramilitary organization to kill Charles de Gaulle, the President of France. The novel intricately details the meticulous preparations of the assassin, his many disguises, and his method of operation, while also depicting the desperate efforts of the French police to uncover his identity and prevent the assassination, leading to a tense cat-and-mouse chase across Europe.
The 385th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy by John le Carré
In this espionage thriller, a semi-retired British intelligence officer is tasked with uncovering a Soviet mole within the highest ranks of the British Secret Service. As he delves deeper into the investigation, he uncovers a web of betrayal and deceit that reaches far beyond the mole, threatening the very fabric of the British intelligence community. The novel is a masterful blend of suspense, intrigue, and complex characterization that explores themes of loyalty, identity, and the murky world of international espionage.
The 500th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. The Wasp Factory: A Novel by Iain Banks
The novel is a dark and disturbing tale of a 16-year-old boy named Frank who lives on a secluded island with his eccentric father. Frank, who has killed three children in his past, spends his time engaging in violent rituals and maintaining his "Wasp Factory," a barbaric contraption he uses for divination. The narrative takes a turn when his older brother, who is institutionalized, escapes and heads home, leading to shocking revelations about their family's past and Frank's identity.
The 626th Greatest Book of All Time -
4. The Children of Men by P. D. James
Set in a dystopian future where mankind has become infertile, the novel centers on a history professor who becomes involved with a group of revolutionaries seeking to overthrow the oppressive government. As the world descends into chaos due to the impending extinction of the human race, a miraculous pregnancy offers a glimmer of hope. The professor must protect the pregnant woman and navigate the dangerous political landscape, while grappling with the implications of a world without children.
The 862nd Greatest Book of All Time -
5. A Judgement In Stone by Ruth Rendell
"A Judgement In Stone" is a gripping psychological thriller that unravels the tragic events surrounding the murder of the wealthy Coverdale family. As the investigation unfolds, the true motives and dark secrets of the family's housekeeper, Eunice, are gradually revealed, leading to a shocking climax. With its intricate plot and complex characters, the book explores themes of class divide, social isolation, and the destructive power of secrets.
The 981st Greatest Book of All Time -
6. Sandman by Neil Gaiman
"Sandman" is a dark and fantastical series that follows the character Dream, also known as Morpheus, one of the seven Endless who personify certain universal concepts that transcend beyond gods. The narrative explores Dream's realm and responsibilities, his interactions with humans, gods, and his own family, as well as the consequences when he is captured and subsequently escapes after 70 years. The series is renowned for its blending of myth, history, and contemporary issues, creating a richly nuanced universe that delves into the nature of storytelling itself.
The 1105th Greatest Book of All Time -
7. Eye Of The Needle by Ken Follett
Set during World War II, the novel revolves around a ruthless German spy known as 'The Needle' due to his preference for a stiletto as his killing tool. His mission is to uncover the Allies' invasion plans and relay them to Hitler, potentially changing the course of the war. However, his plans are threatened when he becomes stranded on an isolated island with a young, lonely woman and her disabled husband, leading to a tense game of cat and mouse.
The 1202nd Greatest Book of All Time -
8. A Perfect Spy by John le Carré
This espionage novel follows the life of Magnus Pym, a high-ranking British intelligence officer who disappears after attending his father's funeral, causing a massive manhunt. As the intelligence service scrambles to find him, the narrative dives into Pym's past, revealing his complex relationship with his conman father and his recruitment into the world of espionage. The story is a complex exploration of betrayal, identity, and the blurry line between loyalty and deception.
The 1282nd Greatest Book of All Time -
9. A Dark Adapted Eye by Barbara Vine
"A Dark Adapted Eye" is a psychological thriller that delves into the complex dynamics of a family haunted by a dark secret. The story follows the life of Faith, who is drawn into investigating her aunt's execution for murder years ago. As she unravels the truth, she uncovers a web of deceit, jealousy, and obsession that has plagued her family for generations. With richly developed characters and a gripping narrative, the novel explores themes of family loyalty, the destructive power of secrets, and the lengths people will go to protect their own.
The 1295th Greatest Book of All Time -
10. A Fatal Inversion by Barbara Vine
In this psychological thriller, a group of young people's idyllic summer spent at a secluded English country house takes a dark turn when they discover a baby's body buried in the garden. Years later, the consequences of that summer resurface as the makeshift family's secrets begin to unravel, threatening to expose the truth behind the infant's death. The narrative weaves between past and present, exploring themes of guilt, memory, and the lengths to which people will go to protect their seemingly perfect lives from the stains of past sins.
The 1305th Greatest Book of All Time -
11. Life After Life by Kate Atkinson
"Life After Life" follows the story of Ursula Todd who is born and dies repeatedly in February 1910. Each time Ursula dies, her life restarts, with each successive life bringing different circumstances and decisions. The novel explores themes of fate, free will, and the infinite possibilities of existence. Through Ursula's many lives, the narrative provides different perspectives on significant historical events, including both World Wars.
The 1693rd Greatest Book of All Time -
12. Fatherland by Robert Harris
Set in an alternate history where Nazi Germany won World War II, the novel follows a German detective who uncovers a vast conspiracy while investigating a murder. As he delves deeper into the case, he realizes that the government is hiding a monumental secret that could shake the very foundations of the Reich. His pursuit of the truth leads him into a dangerous game of cat and mouse with the state's oppressive security forces, challenging his loyalty to the regime and forcing him to confront the moral complexities of a world dominated by fascism.
The 1789th Greatest Book of All Time -
13. 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 -
14. The False Inspector Dew by Peter Lovesey
Set in the 1920s, the novel is a clever blend of murder mystery and romance, revolving around a dentist who, in a bid to escape his dreary life and loveless marriage, plans to run away with his mistress on an ocean liner to America. However, his plan goes awry when he is mistaken for a famous detective, the titular Inspector Dew. As he plays along with the charade, a murder occurs on board the ship, and he is unwittingly thrust into the role of solving the crime. The story unfolds with a series of twists and turns, combining humor and suspense as the protagonist navigates through the unexpected complications of his new identity.
The 2043rd Greatest Book of All Time -
15. Smiley's People by John le Carré
In this espionage thriller, a retired British intelligence officer, known for his bespectacled and unassuming demeanor, is called back into action when one of his former assets, a Soviet general, is found murdered. The investigation leads him across Europe, rekindling old rivalries and uncovering a complex web of betrayal and deception. As he delves deeper into the case, he must confront his own past and a formidable Soviet spymaster, ultimately leading to a high-stakes game of intelligence and counterintelligence, where the stakes are not just personal, but have far-reaching implications for the security of the West.
The 2054th Greatest Book of All Time -
16. The Eagle Has Landed by Jack Higgins
In this gripping World War II thriller, a group of German paratroopers is given a secret mission to kidnap Winston Churchill from a remote village in England. As they meticulously plan their operation, tensions rise within the team, and unexpected alliances are formed. With a race against time and the fate of the war hanging in the balance, the paratroopers must navigate treacherous obstacles and face their own inner demons to complete their daring mission.
The 2068th Greatest Book of All Time -
17. Last Seen Wearing by Colin Dexter
"Last Seen Wearing" is a gripping crime novel that follows Inspector Morse as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of a young girl named Valerie Taylor. With little evidence and a trail that has gone cold, Morse must navigate through a web of secrets and lies to uncover the truth behind Valerie's vanishing, all while battling his own personal demons. As the investigation deepens, Morse's determination and sharp intuition lead him closer to a shocking revelation that will leave readers on the edge of their seats.
The 2082nd Greatest Book of All Time -
18. A Taste For Death by P. D. James
In this gripping crime novel, two bodies are discovered with their throats slashed in a London church, setting off a complex investigation led by Commander Adam Dalgliesh of Scotland Yard. As Dalgliesh and his team delve into the lives of the victims—a controversial Member of Parliament and a homeless man—it becomes clear that the case is as much about the intricacies of human relationships as it is about the murders themselves. The narrative weaves through the murky world of politics, the struggles of the underprivileged, and the personal demons of the investigators, revealing a web of motives and secrets that challenges the detective's psychological acumen and sense of justice.
The 2111th Greatest Book of All Time -
19. Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer
"Kane and Abel" is a captivating saga that follows the lives of two men born on the same day on opposite sides of the world. One is born into a life of privilege and the other in extreme poverty. Despite their vastly different beginnings, their lives intertwine in a tale of ambition, rivalry, and revenge. Over the decades, they build successful lives, unaware of each other, until their paths cross, leading to a fierce battle that only one of them can win.
The 2263rd Greatest Book of All Time -
20. The Honorary Consul by Graham Greene
Set in a remote city on the Parana River in Argentina, the novel follows the story of a British honorary consul who is mistakenly kidnapped by revolutionaries who intended to kidnap the American ambassador. As the consul battles alcoholism and depression, his young wife embarks on an affair with a local doctor, who is drawn into the political drama as he attempts to negotiate the consul's release. The book explores themes of love, political unrest, and moral ambiguity.
The 2454th Greatest Book of All Time -
21. Saturday by Ian McEwan
"Saturday" is a novel that unfolds over a single day in London, following the life of a successful neurosurgeon. His day is disrupted by a violent encounter with a petty criminal, which leads to a series of tense situations that force him to confront his values, his family's safety, and his view of the world. The narrative explores themes of love, fear, and the randomness of life, all set against the backdrop of a post-9/11 world.
The 2619th Greatest Book of All Time -
22. 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 -
23. Under the Skin by Michel Faber
"Under the Skin" is a novel that follows the story of a woman named Isserley who picks up male hitchhikers in Scotland. However, Isserley is not what she seems - she's actually an alien sent from another planet to capture unsuspecting men, who are then sent back to her home planet to be used as meat. The book explores themes of humanity, morality, and the ethics of the meat industry.
The 2680th Greatest Book of All Time -
24. Not After Midnight by Daphne du Maurier
This book is a captivating collection of five short stories that delve into themes of mystery, suspense, and the supernatural. Each narrative masterfully intertwines human emotions with eerie settings, leading the reader through a series of unexpected twists and turns. From the story of a schoolteacher whose vacation in Crete takes a dark turn to tales that explore the depths of obsession, betrayal, and the unexplained, the collection showcases the author's skill in creating atmospheres that are at once haunting and intriguing. The stories challenge the boundaries between the real and the surreal, leaving readers to ponder the complexities of the human psyche and the shadows that lurk within.
The 3272nd Greatest Book of All Time -
25. The Prestige by Christopher Priest
"The Prestige" is a captivating tale of rivalry and obsession set in the world of 19th-century stage magic. The story follows two magicians, Alfred Borden and Rupert Angier, as they engage in a fierce competition to create the ultimate illusion. As their rivalry escalates, both men become consumed by their craft, resorting to increasingly dangerous and unethical methods to outdo each other. Filled with twists and turns, the novel explores themes of sacrifice, identity, and the price of obsession, leaving readers questioning the nature of reality until the very last page.
The 3729th Greatest Book of All Time
Reading Statistics
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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