The Greatest British "Suspense" 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 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.

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  1. 51. 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 2069th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 52. Death On The Nile by Agatha Christie

    "Death On The Nile" is a thrilling murder mystery set aboard a luxurious Nile river cruise. When a young and beautiful heiress is found dead, renowned detective Hercule Poirot must navigate a web of deceit, jealousy, and hidden motives to uncover the truth behind her untimely demise. As the suspects become increasingly desperate to protect their secrets, Poirot races against time to solve the puzzle before the killer strikes again.

    The 2078th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 53. 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 2099th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 54. 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 2253rd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 55. Hangover Square: A Story of Darkest Earl's Court by Patrick Hamilton

    Set in 1939, on the eve of World War II, the novel follows George Harvey Bone, a lonely, alcoholic man living in London's Earl's Court, who is infatuated with a manipulative small-time actress, Netta. George suffers from a form of split personality disorder, which leads him into periods of 'dead moods' where he contemplates murdering Netta. The book paints a grim picture of pre-war London, filled with despair, failed ambitions, and the looming threat of a global conflict.

    The 2276th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 56. Lady Audley's Secret by M. E. Braddon

    The novel revolves around the beautiful and enigmatic Lady Audley, who harbors a dark secret that threatens to unravel her new life of luxury and status upon marrying Sir Michael Audley. When Sir Michael's nephew, Robert Audley, becomes suspicious of his new aunt's past, he embarks on a quest for the truth, leading to a series of dramatic and suspenseful events. The story delves into themes of identity, bigamy, and the role of women in Victorian society, as the characters grapple with the consequences of deception and the pursuit of justice.

    The 2306th Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 57. The Prisoner Of Zenda by Anthony Hope

    The novel is set in a fictional European kingdom where an Englishman on vacation becomes embroiled in royal intrigue when he is asked to impersonate the soon-to-be-crowned king, who has been kidnapped by his treacherous half-brother. Assuming the monarch's identity, the protagonist navigates a dangerous web of political machinations, romance, and duels, all while attempting to rescue the rightful king and secure the throne against the usurper's schemes. The story blends adventure, romance, and a touch of comedy as the hero must outwit his enemies and protect the honor of the woman he loves, all within the backdrop of a sharply divided and perilous court.

    The 2306th Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 58. 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 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 59. Cause for Alarm by Eric Ambler

    "Cause for Alarm" is a thrilling novel set in the backdrop of pre-World War II Europe. The protagonist, a British engineer, gets entangled in a dangerous world of espionage and international politics when he is sent to Italy for work. He unknowingly becomes a pawn in the deadly game between British and Italian intelligence agencies, leading to a series of thrilling and suspenseful events. The book is a gripping exploration of the world of spies, secret agents, and the looming war.

    The 2443rd Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 60. The Shadow Line by Joseph Conrad

    A young man takes command of his first ship, navigating the challenges of leadership, isolation, and responsibility. As they journey from Bangkok to Singapore, the ship is becalmed and the crew falls ill, leading to a tense and eerie atmosphere. The protagonist is forced to confront his own fears and insecurities, ultimately coming to terms with his own mortality and the sacrifices required for command. The tale is a profound exploration of the transition from youth to adulthood, framed within a maritime adventure.

    The 2605th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 61. 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 2611th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 62. 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 2669th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 63. 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 2670th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 64. Mr Standfast by John Buchan

    "Mr Standfast" is a thrilling espionage novel set during World War I. The protagonist is a British intelligence officer who is tasked with tracking down a German spy. The mission takes him on a dangerous journey across war-torn Europe, where he encounters a variety of characters and faces numerous challenges. Along the way, he uncovers a plot that could change the course of the war. The novel is a blend of suspense, action, and romance, with a strong emphasis on patriotism and duty.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 65. Ratking by Michael Dibdin

    In this gripping crime novel, readers are introduced to a complex and moody detective, Aurelio Zen, who is tasked with solving a high-profile kidnapping case in Italy. The victim, a wealthy industrialist, is held captive by a mysterious entity known as the Ratking, a term that symbolizes the entangled and corrupt nature of the Italian elite. As Zen delves deeper into the investigation, he navigates through a labyrinth of deceit, power struggles, and family secrets, challenging his own ethics and the corrupt system he is a part of. The novel combines a richly atmospheric setting with intricate plot twists, offering a dark and sophisticated exploration of crime, society, and human nature.

    The 3074th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 66. 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 3266th Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 67. 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 3719th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 68. 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 3732nd Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 69. The Woman In Black by Susan Hill

    The novel is a chilling ghost story set in the remote English countryside, where a young solicitor is sent to settle the estate of a recently deceased client. Upon his arrival at the eerie and isolated Eel Marsh House, he encounters unnerving supernatural occurrences and the repeated sightings of a mysterious woman dressed in black. As he delves deeper into the town's tragic history, he uncovers a tale of a vengeful spirit whose appearance foretells the death of children. The solicitor's skepticism turns to horror as he becomes entangled in the spectral web of the woman in black, and he must confront the haunting secrets that lie within the house and the town.

    The 3746th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 70. Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz

    A 14-year-old boy named Alex Rider is suddenly thrust into the world of espionage after his uncle's mysterious death. Trained by MI6, he is sent on a dangerous mission to investigate a billionaire businessman who plans to distribute lethal viruses through computers. Using his wits and skills, Alex must stop this nefarious plan and save the world.

    The 3789th Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 71. And The Darkness Falls by Boris Karloff

    "And The Darkness Falls" is a chilling tale that follows a small town plagued by a series of mysterious deaths. As the darkness engulfs the community, a group of unlikely heroes must uncover the sinister secrets lurking beneath the surface. With suspenseful twists and turns, the book explores themes of fear, redemption, and the power of unity in the face of darkness.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 72. Quatermass And The Pit by Nigel Kneale

    "Quatermass And The Pit" is a science fiction novel that follows the investigations of Professor Bernard Quatermass, a brilliant scientist, as he unravels the mystery behind a strange object discovered during an excavation in London. As Quatermass delves deeper into the origins of the object, he uncovers a terrifying truth that connects it to ancient Martian civilization and its influence on human evolution. With the threat of a malevolent force awakening, Quatermass must race against time to prevent a catastrophic event that could change the course of humanity forever.

    The 3791st Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 73. 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 4066th Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 74. Sweetheart, Sweetheart by Bernard Taylor

    In "Sweetheart, Sweetheart" by Bernard Taylor, a young man named David inherits a grand old mansion from his estranged twin brother, Colin, who died tragically years ago. As David settles into his new home, he begins to experience eerie occurrences and encounters the ghostly presence of his deceased brother. Haunted by the past, David delves into the dark secrets of the house and his family, uncovering a chilling tale of love, jealousy, and revenge that spans generations. With its blend of supernatural elements and psychological suspense, this gripping novel takes readers on a haunting journey through the twisted corridors of the human mind.

    The 4131st Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 75. The Case Of The Gilded Fly by Edmund Crispin

    This book is a classic detective novel set in post-World War II Oxford, where a group of actors and playwrights gather to stage a new play. Amidst the theatrical setting, a complex murder mystery unfolds when a despised actress is found dead, seemingly a suicide. However, the astute and eccentric amateur detective, also a professor of English at Oxford, suspects foul play. Using his unique blend of literary knowledge and logical reasoning, he delves into the lives and secrets of the theatrical troupe, unraveling a web of jealousy, ambition, and deceit to expose the murderer. The narrative is celebrated for its witty dialogue, atmospheric setting, and the clever intertwining of literary references with a classic whodunit plot.

    The 4151st 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