Are you a fan of thrilling whodunits, heart-pounding mysteries, and spine-chilling suspense? If so, you’re in for a treat! In this article, we have curated a list of the 20 best books about crime fiction that are guaranteed to keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you’re a seasoned crime fiction enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the genre, these books are sure to satisfy your craving for gripping tales of deceit, betrayal, and justice. So, grab a cup of coffee, settle into your favorite reading nook, and get ready to embark on a thrilling journey through the pages of these captivating crime fiction books.
Contents
- 1 The Girl on the Train
- 2 Gone Girl
- 3 The Silent Patient
- 4 The Cuckoo’s Calling
- 5 The Dry
- 6 The Snowman
- 7 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- 8 The Secret Place
- 9 The Thirst
- 10 The Couple Next Door
- 11 The Girl Before
- 12 The Woman in the Window
- 13 The Hound of the Baskervilles
- 14 The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
- 15 The Lincoln Lawyer
- 16 The Alienist
- 17 The Surgeon
- 18 The Poet
- 19 The Black Echo
- 20 The Big Sleep
- 21 Conclusion
The Girl on the Train
by Paula Hawkins
Are you a fan of thrilling mysteries? Do you love immersing yourself in the world of crime fiction? If so, then Paula Hawkins’ The Girl on the Train is the perfect book for you!
This gripping novel takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the dark and twisted alleys of crime fiction. With its intricate plot, fascinating characters, and heart-pounding suspense, The Girl on the Train will leave you guessing until the very last page.
Set in the bustling cityscape, this book follows Rachel, a troubled protagonist who becomes entangled in a web of deceit and danger after witnessing something shocking from her train window. As she becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth, the line between fantasy and reality begins to blur, making for an electrifying read.
With its masterfully crafted narrative, The Girl on the Train keeps you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning each page to uncover the next clue. Hawkins’ skillful storytelling and vivid descriptions create a palpable atmosphere of tension and unease, making you feel as if you’re right there with Rachel, desperately trying to solve the mystery.
Whether you’re a seasoned crime fiction enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the genre, this book is a must-read. With its compelling story, complex characters, and unexpected twists, The Girl on the Train will keep you engrossed from beginning to end.
Gone Girl
by Gillian Flynn
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is a thrilling rollercoaster ride that will leave you breathless. This book on crime fiction will keep you hooked from the very first page until the shocking twist at the end.
The Silent Patient
by Alex Michaelides
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a gripping book on crime fiction that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This crime fiction book follows the mysterious story of Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who seemingly has it all. However, her life takes a dark turn when she is found guilty of murdering her husband and then retreats into silence, refusing to speak a single word.
Enter Theo Faber, a psychotherapist who becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind Alicia’s chilling silence. As he delves deeper into her past, he unravels a web of secrets and hidden motives that will leave you guessing until the very end.
With its clever twists and turns, The Silent Patient is not your typical book about crime fiction. It is a psychological thriller that will challenge your assumptions and keep you guessing at every page. Prepare to be captivated by its brilliant storytelling and unforgettable characters.
The Cuckoo’s Calling
by Robert Galbraith
The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith is a riveting book about the dark underbelly of the glamorous world. This captivating crime fiction novel takes readers on a thrilling journey through the streets of London, where private detective Cormoran Strike unravels the mysteries surrounding the suspicious death of a supermodel.
The Dry
by Jane Harper
The Dry is a captivating crime fiction novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This enthralling book takes you on a thrilling journey into the heart of a small Australian town plagued by drought and secrets. With its gripping plot and expertly crafted characters, The Dry is a must-read for fans of crime fiction.
The Snowman
by Jo Nesbo
The Snowman by Jo Nesbo is a chilling and gripping book on crime fiction that will leave you on the edge of your seat. Step into the intriguing world of detective Harry Hole as he unravels the dark and twisted secrets behind a series of gruesome murders. This thrilling crime fiction book will keep you guessing until the very end, with its intricate plot, complex characters, and unexpected twists. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of suspense, mystery, and nail-biting tension as you join Harry Hole in his relentless pursuit of a cunning and elusive killer. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of emotions and prepare to be captivated by Jo Nesbo’s masterful storytelling in this captivating book about crime fiction.
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
by Stieg Larsson
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is a thrilling book on crime fiction that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Written by the talented Stieg Larsson, this gripping novel takes readers on a dark and twisted journey through the world of crime and mystery.
The Secret Place
by Tana French
Are you ready to dive into a riveting tale of mystery, deception, and secrets? Look no further than The Secret Place by Tana French. This extraordinary crime fiction book will have you on the edge of your seat from the very first page.
Set in an elite boarding school in Dublin, this captivating story takes us deep into the hidden world of teenage friendships and the dark secrets they hold. When a young boy is found murdered on the school grounds, the detectives are left with more questions than answers.
As they dig deeper into the case, they discover a secret meeting place where a group of girls share their deepest fears, desires, and suspicions. Each girl has her own motive, and each one is a potential suspect. The tension rises as the detectives struggle to unravel the truth and catch the killer before they strike again.
With her masterful storytelling and intricate plot twists, Tana French has created a book on crime fiction that will keep you guessing until the very end. The Secret Place is a thrilling rollercoaster ride that explores the complexities of friendship, loyalty, and the lengths we will go to protect those we love.
If you’re a fan of books about crime fiction that are filled with suspense, psychological depth, and unforgettable characters, then The Secret Place is a must-read. Get ready to lose yourself in this mesmerizing tale of secrets and lies that will leave you breathless.
The Thirst
by Jo Nesbo
The Thirst by Jo Nesbo is a gripping crime fiction book that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This thrilling novel takes you into the dark and twisted mind of a serial killer, as renowned detective Harry Hole races against time to catch the murderer before they strike again.
The Couple Next Door
by Shari Lapena
The Couple Next Door by Shari Lapena is a thrilling book on crime fiction that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
The Girl Before
by JP Delaney
The Girl Before is a gripping crime fiction book that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. With its intricate plot and suspenseful twists, this novel will leave you guessing until the very end.
The Woman in the Window
by A.J. Finn
The Woman in the Window by A.J. Finn is an electrifying book on crime fiction that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. With its gripping plot and atmospheric storytelling, this psychological thriller is a must-read for fans of crime fiction.
The Hound of the Baskervilles
by Arthur Conan Doyle
Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles is a thrilling book about crime fiction that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Set in the eerie moorlands of Dartmoor, this legendary detective story follows the infamous detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr. John Watson as they investigate the mysterious death of Sir Charles Baskerville.
The Baskerville family is plagued by a curse that has haunted them for generations. Legend has it that a demonic hound roams the moors, preying on the Baskerville heirs. As Holmes and Watson delve deeper into the case, they uncover a web of deception, intrigue, and family secrets.
This book on crime fiction is a masterclass in suspense and deduction. Doyle’s vivid descriptions of the atmospheric moorlands create a sense of foreboding, adding an extra layer of tension to the already gripping narrative. The characters are expertly drawn, with Holmes’ sharp intellect and keen observational skills contrasting with Watson’s steadfast loyalty and determination.
As the duo races against time to unravel the truth behind the curse, they encounter a colorful cast of suspects, each with their own motives and secrets. From the eccentric Barrymore family to the enigmatic Stapleton, every character adds depth and complexity to the story.
With its intricate plot, atmospheric setting, and compelling characters, The Hound of the Baskervilles is a timeless classic in the world of crime fiction. Whether you’re a long-time fan of Sherlock Holmes or new to the genre, this mesmerizing tale will leave you guessing until the very end.
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
by Alexander McCall Smith
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is not your typical book on crime fiction. Set in the vibrant and picturesque landscape of Botswana, this captivating novel takes readers on a captivating journey into the world of Precious Ramotswe, a courageous and intuitive woman who starts her own detective agency.
The Lincoln Lawyer
by Michael Connelly
The Lincoln Lawyer is a captivating crime fiction book by Michael Connelly that will grip you from the very first page. Step into the thrilling world of defense attorney Mickey Haller as he navigates the dark underbelly of the criminal justice system.
The Alienist
by Caleb Carr
The Alienist by Caleb Carr is a captivating book on crime fiction that takes you on a thrilling journey into the dark underbelly of 19th century New York City. Set in the Gilded Age, this crime fiction book delves into the mind of a serial killer, exploring the psychology behind their heinous acts. Carr’s masterful storytelling and meticulous attention to historical detail make this novel a must-read for any fan of crime fiction. Prepare to be enthralled as you join a team of unlikely heroes, including a brilliant criminal psychologist, a newspaper reporter, and a headstrong police secretary, as they race against time to catch a cunning and elusive murderer. With its atmospheric setting, complex characters, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, The Alienist is a book about crime fiction that will keep you guessing until the very end.
The Surgeon
by Tess Gerritsen
The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen is a gripping book on crime fiction that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This thrilling crime fiction book follows the story of a serial killer known as “The Surgeon,” who terrorizes the city of Boston by targeting women and performing horrifying surgical procedures on them.
The Poet
by Michael Connelly
The Poet by Michael Connelly is a thrilling book about crime fiction that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
The Black Echo
by Michael Connelly
The Black Echo, written by Michael Connelly, is an exhilarating crime fiction book that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This thrilling tale takes you deep into the world of crime and suspense, keeping you guessing at every turn.
The Big Sleep
by Raymond Chandler
The Big Sleep is a thrilling detective novel written by Raymond Chandler, a master of the noir genre. This book on crime fiction takes readers on a captivating journey through the gritty underbelly of 1930s Los Angeles.
Conclusion
Crime fiction has always captivated readers with its thrilling narratives, complex characters, and suspenseful plot twists. If you’re looking to dive into the world of crime fiction, these 20 books are an absolute must-read. From classic whodunits to gritty noir tales, this list has something for every mystery lover. So, grab a cup of coffee, curl up in your favorite reading nook, and get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure through the pages of these captivating books about crime fiction.