If you’re a lover of crime mysteries and enjoy the thrill of unraveling twisted plots, then this list is for you. We’ve compiled the ultimate collection of the 20 best books about crime investigation that will keep you on the edge of your seat. From classic detective novels to true crime stories, these gripping tales will immerse you in the world of crime-solving, taking you on a thrilling journey alongside brilliant detectives and relentless investigators. So, grab your magnifying glass and get ready to dive into the captivating world of crime investigation books.
Contents
- 1 The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
- 2 Gone Girl
- 3 The Cuckoo’s Calling
- 4 The Silence of the Lambs
- 5 The Da Vinci Code
- 6 Big Little Lies
- 7 The Snowman
- 8 In Cold Blood
- 9 The Secret History
- 10 The Alienist
- 11 The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
- 12 The Bone Collector
- 13 The Black Echo
- 14 The Surgeon
- 15 The Poet
- 16 The Lincoln Lawyer
- 17 The Girl on the Train
- 18 The Shadow of the Wind
- 19 The Dry
- 20 The Suspect
- 21 Conclusion
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
by Stieg Larsson
Are you ready to delve into a riveting journey of mystery and intrigue? Look no further than The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson. This gripping novel takes you into the heart of a chilling crime investigation, unraveling a web of secrets and deception.
Gone Girl
by Gillian Flynn
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn is a jaw-dropping rollercoaster of a crime investigation book that will leave you breathless. This mind-bending thriller takes the genre to a whole new level, delivering a chilling tale of deception, manipulation, and psychological warfare.
The Cuckoo’s Calling
by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling)
The Cuckoo’s Calling by Robert Galbraith (J.K. Rowling) is a sensational book on crime investigation that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Set in the bustling streets of London, this thrilling novel follows the enigmatic private detective, Cormoran Strike, as he delves into the mysterious death of a supermodel.
The Silence of the Lambs
by Thomas Harris
The Silence of the Lambs is a gripping crime investigation book that will have you hooked from the very first page. Written by the brilliant Thomas Harris, this thrilling novel takes readers on a dark and twisted journey into the world of criminal psychology.
Set in the gritty world of crime investigation, this book delves deep into the mind of a serial killer and the efforts of a young FBI trainee to catch him. With its expertly crafted plot and complex characters, The Silence of the Lambs will keep you guessing until the very end.
Harris’s masterful storytelling and attention to detail make this book about crime investigation a true masterpiece. The suspense and tension build with each turn of the page, as the reader is drawn deeper into the twisted mind games between the killer and the brilliant but disturbed psychiatrist, Dr. Hannibal Lecter.
With its gritty atmosphere and shocking revelations, The Silence of the Lambs is not for the faint of heart. But for those who love crime investigation books that push the boundaries and explore the darkest corners of the human psyche, this is a must-read.
Prepare to be captivated by Harris’s brilliant prose and his ability to keep you on the edge of your seat. The Silence of the Lambs is a crime investigation book that will leave you breathless and craving for more.
The Da Vinci Code
by Dan Brown
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown is a mind-bending and riveting book on crime investigation that will leave you breathless. Set against the backdrop of art, history, and secret societies, this book about crime investigation follows renowned symbologist Robert Langdon as he unravels a web of clues, codes, and enigmatic symbols.
Intrigue and suspense build with every turn of the page as Langdon and a brilliant French cryptologist, Sophie Neveu, race against time to decipher a cryptic message left by a murdered curator. As they delve deeper into the mystery, they uncover a shocking secret that could shake the foundations of Christianity. However, they are not alone in their quest, as a shadowy organization will stop at nothing to protect the secret.
The Da Vinci Code is a crime investigation book that seamlessly weaves together art, history, and religion into a heart-pounding thriller. With its intricate plot, surprising twists, and thought-provoking revelations, it challenges readers to question everything they thought they knew about famous masterpieces and the foundations of faith.
Prepare to be captivated by Brown’s masterful storytelling and his ability to keep you guessing until the very last page. This book on crime investigation will take you on a thrilling ride through the dark underbelly of secret societies and the hidden meanings behind timeless works of art.
Big Little Lies
by Liane Moriarty
Get ready to dive into the thrilling world of deception, secrets, and scandal with Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty. This captivating novel takes you on a rollercoaster ride through the lives of three women living in the idyllic seaside town of Pirriwee.
At first glance, Pirriwee seems like the perfect place to raise a family, but behind the beautiful façade lies a web of lies and deceit. Madeline, Celeste, and Jane, our three fierce protagonists, find themselves entangled in a murder investigation that shakes their seemingly perfect lives to the core.
As the story unfolds, we learn that someone has been killed, but the question remains: who did it and why? With each chapter, Moriarty expertly weaves together a tapestry of clues and revelations, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.
But Big Little Lies is more than just a book about crime investigation. It delves into the complex dynamics of friendship, motherhood, and the power of secrets. Moriarty skillfully explores the lives of these women, their struggles, and their triumphs, creating a rich and compelling narrative.
So if you’re craving a crime investigation book that will keep you guessing until the very end, Big Little Lies is the perfect choice. With its gripping plot, well-developed characters, and surprising twists, this novel will leave you breathless and hungry for more. Prepare to be captivated by the secrets and scandals of Pirriwee, and join Madeline, Celeste, and Jane as they navigate the treacherous waters of friendship and betrayal.
The Snowman
by Jo Nesbo
The Snowman by Jo Nesbo is a gripping crime thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat. This heart-pounding book on crime investigation follows Detective Harry Hole as he races against time to catch a devious murderer known as “The Snowman”. Set in the chilling backdrop of Oslo, Norway, this crime investigation book takes you deep into the mind of a serial killer and the twisted game he plays with the police. With its intense suspense, clever plot twists, and a protagonist haunted by his own demons, The Snowman is a must-read for fans of the genre.
In Cold Blood
by Truman Capote
In Cold Blood, written by Truman Capote, is a riveting book about a heinous crime that captivated the nation. It delves into the chilling details of a real-life murder case, making it a must-read for anyone fascinated by crime investigation. Combining elements of a true crime story and a psychological thriller, this groundbreaking book takes readers on a gripping journey into the minds of both the killers and the investigators. With its meticulous research and vivid storytelling, In Cold Blood remains a timeless classic in the genre of crime investigation literature.
The Secret History
by Donna Tartt
The Secret History by Donna Tartt is an exhilarating journey into the dark and mysterious world of academia, where the lines between right and wrong become blurred. This captivating novel, often described as a ‘book on crime investigation’, delves deep into the psyche of a group of students at an elite New England college. As they navigate the complexities of their studies, they find themselves entangled in a web of deceit, betrayal, and murder.
The Alienist
by Caleb Carr
The Alienist, written by Caleb Carr, is an enthralling book about crime investigation set in the late 19th century. This captivating historical thriller takes readers on a journey through the dark underbelly of New York City, as a team of brilliant minds come together to solve a series of gruesome murders.
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
by Alexander McCall Smith
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith is a captivating book on crime investigation that takes readers on a thrilling journey through the streets of Botswana.
The Bone Collector
by Jeffery Deaver
The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver is a gripping book on crime investigation that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Set in the bustling streets of New York City, this crime investigation book follows the story of Lincoln Rhyme, a brilliant but disabled forensic expert, and Amelia Sachs, a young and determined police officer.
When a sadistic serial killer begins terrorizing the city, leaving behind a trail of cryptic clues, Rhyme is reluctantly drawn back into the world of crime-solving. Bound to his bed due to a tragic accident, Rhyme uses his sharp intellect and vast knowledge to guide Sachs through the investigation.
The chemistry between Rhyme and Sachs is electric, as they navigate the twisted mind of the killer and race against the clock to save innocent lives. With each clue they uncover, the stakes grow higher, pushing them to their limits both physically and emotionally.
This book about crime investigation is filled with heart-pounding suspense, intricate plot twists, and a cast of unforgettable characters. Deaver’s masterful storytelling keeps readers guessing until the very end, as they are taken on a thrilling rollercoaster ride through the dark underbelly of New York City.
If you’re a fan of thrilling mysteries and complex crime investigations, The Bone Collector is a must-read. Get ready to be immersed in a world of danger and intrigue, where every clue brings you closer to the truth and every page leaves you hungry for more.
The Black Echo
by Michael Connelly
The Black Echo by Michael Connelly is a gripping crime investigation book that will take you on a thrilling journey into the dark underbelly of Los Angeles. Prepare to be captivated from the very first page as you delve into the world of Harry Bosch, a relentless detective with a troubled past.
In this book about crime investigation, Bosch finds himself caught up in a high-stakes case that leads him to uncover a dangerous conspiracy. When the body of a fellow Vietnam War veteran is discovered in a drainpipe, Bosch is determined to solve the mystery behind the murder. As he follows the trails of corruption and deception, he will face numerous obstacles and come face-to-face with dangerous criminals.
Connelly’s writing is masterful, with vivid descriptions that bring the gritty streets of LA to life. The protagonist, Harry Bosch, is a complex and compelling character, haunted by his past and driven by a relentless pursuit of justice. As you turn the pages, you will find yourself becoming deeply invested in Bosch’s journey, rooting for him every step of the way.
The Black Echo is a book on crime investigation that will keep you on the edge of your seat, as Connelly expertly weaves together a web of suspense and intrigue. With its fast-paced plot, intricate twists, and well-developed characters, this crime thriller is sure to satisfy any fan of the genre.
If you’re looking for a gripping and immersive crime investigation book, The Black Echo is a must-read. Prepare to be taken on a thrilling ride through the dark and dangerous streets of Los Angeles, as Harry Bosch uncovers the truth and battles against all odds to bring justice to those who deserve it.
The Surgeon
by Tess Gerritsen
The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen is a thrilling book on crime investigation that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This captivating crime investigation book takes you into the dark and twisted mind of a serial killer, leaving you guessing until the very end. Prepare yourself for a heart-pounding journey as you join Detective Jane Rizzoli in her relentless pursuit of justice. With its suspenseful plot, clever twists, and chilling atmosphere, this book about crime investigation is a must-read for fans of the genre. Get ready to dive deep into the world of forensic pathology and unravel the secrets hidden within the darkest corners of the human psyche. Are you ready to uncover the truth?
The Poet
by Michael Connelly
The Poet by Michael Connelly is a gripping book on crime investigation that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This thrilling novel takes readers on a rollercoaster ride through the twisted mind of a killer, as a determined journalist and an FBI agent join forces to track down a notorious serial murderer.
The Lincoln Lawyer
by Michael Connelly
The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly is a gripping book about crime investigation that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This thrilling novel follows the story of Mickey Haller, a defense attorney who works out of his car, a Lincoln Town Car. Haller takes on cases of all kinds, from drug dealers to bikers, but everything changes when he is hired to defend a wealthy realtor accused of assaulting a prostitute.
As Haller digs deeper into the case, he uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that reaches far beyond the courtroom. With his own life at stake, Haller must navigate the dangerous world of Los Angeles crime and outsmart those who will stop at nothing to protect their secrets.
The Lincoln Lawyer is not just a typical book on crime investigation. Connelly’s masterful storytelling and attention to detail make this novel a thrilling and suspenseful read. The plot twists and turns keep you guessing until the very end, and the complex characters will leave you rooting for Haller as he fights for justice.
If you enjoy crime investigation books that keep you guessing and captivate you from start to finish, then The Lincoln Lawyer is a must-read. Connelly’s skillful writing and intricate plot make this novel a standout in the genre. So buckle up and get ready for a wild ride through the world of crime and justice with Mickey Haller in The Lincoln Lawyer.
The Girl on the Train
by Paula Hawkins
The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins is a gripping thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This book is a page-turner, filled with suspense and mystery. If you’re a fan of crime investigation books, then this is a must-read for you.
The Shadow of the Wind
by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
The Shadow of the Wind is a mesmerizing book about crime investigation that takes you on a thrilling journey through the dark and mysterious streets of Barcelona. Set in the aftermath of the Spanish Civil War, it follows the young protagonist Daniel Sempere as he stumbles upon a hidden book that will change his life forever.
This captivating crime investigation book dives deep into the secrets and intrigues of Barcelona’s literary world, where books hold immense power and danger lurks around every corner. As Daniel delves into the enigmatic past of the author and the origins of the book, he becomes entangled in a web of love, betrayal, and revenge.
With a vivid and evocative writing style, Carlos Ruiz Zafón skillfully weaves together multiple storylines, taking readers on a thrilling ride filled with twists and turns. From the hauntingly beautiful Cemetery of Forgotten Books to the shadowy figures that haunt its pages, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat.
The Shadow of the Wind is not just a mere book on crime investigation; it is a love letter to literature itself. It explores the power of books to transport us to different worlds, to ignite our imaginations, and to uncover the deepest truths of our own lives. It is a must-read for anyone who craves a gripping mystery filled with suspense, romance, and a touch of the supernatural.
The Dry
by Jane Harper
The Dry by Jane Harper is a riveting crime investigation book that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Set in a small, drought-stricken Australian town, this gripping novel follows Federal Agent Aaron Falk as he returns to his hometown to attend the funeral of his childhood best friend. What initially appears to be a tragic murder-suicide soon reveals itself to be a complex web of secrets and lies, as Falk is drawn into the investigation by the town’s suspicious residents. With its atmospheric setting, compelling characters, and clever twists, The Dry is a must-read for fans of books about crime investigation. Prepare to be captivated by Harper’s masterful storytelling as she weaves a tale of suspense and redemption.
The Suspect
by Fiona Barton
The Suspect: A Gripping Crime Investigation Thriller
If you’re a fan of captivating crime investigation stories, then Fiona Barton’s The Suspect is a must-read for you!
In this thrilling and suspenseful novel, Barton explores the dark and gritty world of crime investigation, taking readers on an exhilarating journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Set against the backdrop of a tight-knit community, the story follows the lives of two teenage girls who mysteriously vanish while backpacking in Thailand. As the search for the missing girls intensifies, journalist Kate Waters becomes deeply involved in the case, determined to uncover the truth.
Barton masterfully weaves together multiple perspectives and timelines, creating a gripping narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. With every page turn, the tension builds, revealing shocking secrets and hidden motives.
Through her meticulous research and attention to detail, Barton paints a vivid picture of the complex world of crime investigation. She delves into the minds of detectives, journalists, and the families affected by the disappearance, offering a unique and insightful perspective on the challenges they face.
With its compelling characters, atmospheric setting, and relentless pace, The Suspect is a crime investigation book that will leave you guessing until the very end. Prepare to be captivated by Barton’s skillful storytelling as she unravels the truth behind the disappearance of these two young girls.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 20 books about crime investigation offer a thrilling and captivating journey into the world of criminal justice. Whether you’re a true crime enthusiast, a detective at heart, or simply looking for a gripping read, these books provide a unique insight into the complexities of solving crimes. From classic detective novels to true crime exposés, each book on this list is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat, eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth. So, grab a copy of one (or all) of these books, and prepare to immerse yourself in the fascinating world of crime investigation.