What’s better than reading up thrilling-dark crime novels when you are alone at home and with lights off? Well, nothing! Here we bring you some of the best crime fiction novels with the darkest of plot themes and villains that you begrudgingly have to respect because they are just so smart.
P.S. The books are not arranged in any specific order or rank. They are all awesome and you should just read them all.
So, let’s get started. Here are the 10 best crime novels of all time:
#1 DI Ridpath Series by M.J. Lee
About the Book
Title: DI Ridpath
Author: M.J. Lee
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime
Publisher: Canelo
Type: Series
No. of Books: 8
Books in it: #1 Where the Truth Lies, #2 Where the Dead Fall, #3 Where the Silence Calls, #4 Where the Innocent Die, #5 When the Past Kills, #6 When the Evil Waits, #7 When the Guilty Cry, #8 When the Night Ends (to be published)
Goodreads Rating: 4.5/5
DI Thomas Ridpath was at the peak of his career when his first case was about capturing an infamous serial killer. However, ten years later, his life is on the verge of unraveling. But then people start dying, and Ridpath has finally got a chance to make a difference in his life. But this case is bringing in unwanted memories from his first case. And when a detective on duty goes missing, Manchester is about to be turned upside down. Unless Ridpath can do something about it and do it fast because time is not on the city’s side.
Why do we recommend this book?
Something mild (not) to start the list, DI Ridpath is a police procedural series where each book in the series has different conflicts and central threats. And it’s fantastic. Each book can be read as a standalone, however, reading it in the sequence is recommended because how else would you see those remarkable character developments?
If you want to buy/gift DI Ridpath Book-1, click below: 👇
#2 What’s Done in Darkness by Laura McHugh
About the Book
Title: What’s Done in Darkness
Author: Laura McHugh
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Contemporary, Adult, Crime
Publisher: Random House
Type: Standalone
Pages: 256
Goodreads Rating: 3.9/5
Sarabeth wants to leave the Arkansas farmstead where her recently turned religious fanatic parents forcefully brought her. Her wish comes true in the worst way imaginable when she gets kidnapped by a masked man and is found a week later on a roadside, injured and traumatized. Now, five years later, she is pulled back to the small town again when the investigator Nick Farrow calls her up. Because unfortunately, there has been another abduction, remarkably similar to Sara’s case. And if she wants to save the young girl, she would have to finally dig up the past that she buried years ago and find out what happened to her.
Why do we recommend this book?
Please, this rural-noir genre is so underrated! What’s Done in Darkness is a pretty short read, which is why it didn’t give any time to flush out its characters, but the mystery and suspense are done so right! Not to mention, the plot twists are unpredictable, which makes it a fun enough ride, except not fun, because of, you know, the kidnappings of young girls.
If you want to buy/gift What’s Done in Darkness click below: 👇
#3 Pentecost and Parker Series by Stephen Spotswood
About the Book
Title: Pentecost and Parker
Author: Stephen Spotswood
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Historical fiction, LGBT
Publisher: Doubleday Books
Type: Series
No. of Books: 2
Books in it: #1 Fortune Favours the Dead, #2 Murder Under Her Skin
Goodreads Rating: 4/5
The Pentecost and Parker series is about two unconventional female detectives who couldn’t care less about playing by the rules in their cases and lives. It’s 1942 New York, and the street smart, circus runaway Will Parker has just saved the life of the famous female PI, Lillian Pentecost. So what luck is that Will offered a career change just days after the incident? Now three years later, Lillian and her assistant Will are on a murder case that’s leaning more and more towards the paranormal, and the case becomes even more complicated when Will finds herself at the center of the mystery, with the next target pointing right at herself.
Why do we recommend this book?
Both Lillian and Will are so charming as characters, and the mystery and suspense keep one on the edge of their seat. The second book is honestly way more interesting than the first one, but the character growth is so satisfying to read in it after reading the books in sequence. Also, I loved the gothic vibes in both the books.
If you want to buy/gift Pentecost and Parker Book-1 click below: 👇
#4 Just Thieves by Gregory Galloway
About the Book
Title: Just Thieves
Author: Gregory Galloway
Genre: Mystery, Crime, Thriller
Publisher: Melville House Publishing
Type: Standalone
Pages: 272
Goodreads Rating: 3.7/5
Rick and Frank are professional house thieves who work on the handler’s orders, who assign them their tasks. They have a solid partnership that goes beyond their professionalism, with both being recovering drug addicts until their new task, which brings them to a crossroads. While Frank disappears with the stolen item, Rick is obliged to revisit his past that derails his sense of reality. And his struggle to find Frank is hindered by his need to battle his demons.
Why do we recommend this book?
One of those rare books that stay with you long after you read it, Just Thieves is a treasure that keeps giving. The build-up to the end is remarkable, the plot overall is very fast-paced, and the characters are all nicely layered.
If you want to buy/gift Just Thieves click below 👇
#5 The Killing Hills by Chris Offutt
About the Book
Title: The Killing Hills
Author: Chris Offutt
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Suspense
Publisher: Grove Press
Type: Standalone
Pages: 240
Goodreads Rating: 3.9/5
Mick Hardin is asked by his newly appointed sheriff’s sister to help her with her first murder case. As an Army CID, he is more than confident in handling it as early as possible and reaching his wife in time for her delivery. But as the case keeps turning into strange directions and Mick finds himself unconsciously being pulled deeper into the town’s secrets, his own family’s mysteries start to unravel in a way he never imagined.
Why do we recommend this book?
The plot develops gradually; it gets boring at times (rarely though), but both – Mick’s murder case and his case – manages to keep the readers engaged till the very end. The prose and characterization are pretty impressive, and the overall pacing was moderately paced.
If you want to buy/gift The Killing Hills click below 👇
#6 Hank Thompson Series by Charlie Huston
About the Book
Title: Hank Thompson
Author: Charlie Huston
Genre: Crime, Mystery, Thriller, Action, Adventure
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Type: Series
No. of Books: 3
Books in it: #1 Caught Stealing, #2 Six Bad Things, #3 A Dangerous Man
Goodreads Rating: 4/5
Henry Thompson is a former high school star baseball player who now makes a living by bartending. His drinking problems came free with the ‘former’ stuff. He lives an everyday life, which changes after agreeing to keep his neighbor’s cat with him until they come back from holidays. And now he is sure the damn cat will get him killed. Hank Thompson Series follows Henry ‘Hank’ as he journey around the country, on the run from some Russian thugs who won’t listen to him when he says he doesn’t have whatever it is that they want.
Why do we recommend this book?
Hank is one of the most well-written protagonists of a mystery crime thriller that we have read, and he deserves more love! He is so problematic and stupid and borderline self-destructing, but he is also so lovable with how honest and loyal he always is. Plus, the mystery is well-executed, but the humor is just so immaculate. Not to mention, the chase is so much fun!
If You Want to buy/gift Hank Thompson Book-1 click below 👇
#7 A Jake and Laura Mystery Series by Michael Murphy
About the Book
Title: A Jake and Laura Mystery
Author: Michael Murphy
Genre: Mystery, Historical fiction, Thriller
Publisher: Alibi imprint
Type: Series
No. of Books: 4
Books in it: #1 The Yankee Club,#2 All That Glitters, #3 Wings In The Dark, #4 The Big Brush-Off
Goodreads Rating: 4/5
For Jake Donovon, a former detective turned mystery-thriller writer, returning home to Manhattan after years means coming face to face with the life he abandoned, namely Laura Wilson – a rising star and his ex-girlfriend, now engaged to a millionaire. He doesn’t have time for regrets because right after his arrival, he is nearly killed. As Jake and Laura plunge into the middle of the conspiracies running the entire country amok, they try to fish out the criminal organization hidden in plain sight and save the nation from a far worse history than the great depression.
Why do we recommend this book?
The series is set during the probation period, and the almost historical accuracy of the story’s background is just love. The mystery is also very unpredictable and twisty. All the characters have got their roles to play, and the number of details that were given felt like we were right there in the 1930s watching America struggle during a time that is now just history for us.
If you want to buy/gift A Jake and Laura Mystery click below 👇
#8 Sandman Slim Series by Richard Kedrey
About the Book
Title: Sandman Slim
Author: Richard Kedrey
Genre: Fantasy, Supernatural, Mystery, Horror
Publisher: Harper Voyager
Type: Series
No. of Books: 12
Books in it: #1 Sandman Slim,#2 Kill the Dead,#3 Aloha from Hell,#4 Devil Said Bang,#5 Kill City Blues,#6 The Getaway God,#7 Killing Pretty,#8 The Perdition Score,#9 The Kill Society,#10 Hollywood Dead,#11 Ballistic Kiss, #12 King Bullet
Goodreads Rating: 4.1/5
Collection of stories told from the point of view of James Stark – the Sandman Slim series follows the half-angel, half-magician hell returner with a thirst for revenge against the ones who sent him there. After spending 11 years in hell as a hitman, Stark finally escapes, only to end up in a place worse than hell – Los Angeles. And while Stark just wants to live his life after avenging himself, heaven and hell both seem to have something else in their mind for him. He is not going to save the world, no way. Unless you pay him, of course.
Why do we recommend this book?
The great thing about this series? You can read any book you want to without worrying about not understanding anything. Kedrey does a great job at recapping, which is bad news for sequence readers because it gets repetitive after three books. But whatever! The series is worth it! Stark is one hilarious anti-hero, and every book has got something for someone – zombies, ghost apocalypse, criminal organizations, you name it. So don’t miss out on this gem!
If you want to buy/gift Sandman Slim click below 👇
#9 The Forgotten by David Baldacci
About the Book
Title: The Forgotten
Author: David Baldacci
Pages: 422
Publisher: Pan Books
Genre: Suspense and Mystery, Crime and Detective, Thriller
Type: Series *can be read as standalone
Predecessor: Zero Day
Followed by: The Escape
Goodreads Rating: 4.1 / 5
In the book, The Forgotten, John Puller, Criminal Investigator, visits Paradise in Florida to find that his aunt has died. The local police have ruled it an accident. But is it an accident? Puller is very suspicious about it. Also, there have been other murders of old age like these. Was his aunt murdered? And is Puller right?
Why do we recommend this book?
The Forgotten has a very mysterious plot, and you will surely enjoy reading it. The writing style of David Baldacci sucks you into the world, and you will not be able to put the book down until you finish it. It’s a fantastic book.
If you want to know our full thought about this book, click on this: Book Review: The Forgotten by David Baldacci (Spoiler Free)
If you want to buy/gift The Forgotten by David Baldacci, click on the link below:👇
#10 The Girl Who Lived by Christopher Greyson
About the Book
Title: The Girl Who Lived
Author: Christopher Greyson
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Crime
Publisher: Greyson Media
Type: Standalone
Pages: 397
Goodreads Rating: 3.9 / 5
The authorities have closed the case despite Faith claiming that she has seen a murderer who had killed her sister. She nicknamed him “Ratface”. But, the local law enforcement had closed the case claiming Faith’s father to be the killer. And this causes Faith a lot of trauma. Eventually, she ends up being institutionalized. So, this story begins when Faith leaves the mental institution and returns home as an adult. And this mystery is still unsolved. That is when Faith herself decides to find the killer. And this book is her journey of doing that. The Girl Who Lived tells us the story of Faith, the lone survivor of multiple brutal killings.
Why do we recommend this book?
I LOVED this book and how fast-paced and well-written it was. It is truly a fantastic read! The plot is written so beautifully that once you grab the book, you won’t be able to keep it down until it’s over. Also, there are a lot of plot twists, and you won’t be able to guess the killer until the end. Indeed, beautifully written suspense and crime thriller.
P.S.: This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read this book for free.
If you want to buy/gift The Girl Who Lived, click on the link below:👇
#11 The Goodbye Man by Jeffery Deaver
About the Book
Title: The Goodbye Man
Author: Jeffery Deaver
Genre: Mystery, Suspense, Adventure
Publisher: HarperCollins India
Type: Series *can be read as a standalone
Pages: 468
Predecessor: The Never Game
Successor: The Final Twist
Goodreads Rating: 3.8 / 5
When Colter Shaw, an investigator, is pursuing two armed fugitives in the wilderness of Washington State, he witnesses an unexpected suicide. It leads him to the Foundation – a cult that promises to transform people’s lives and save them all. But it doesn’t feel like that. So, he decides to go and experience it himself to conclude. What will Colter find there? Will he be able to solve the mystery that is Osiris Foundation? Or will he deem it too dangerous in the end?
Why do we recommend this book?
This book surpassed all my expectations. Details given in the book were precisely written. They were so precise that you could imagine what was happening very clearly. Overall, this book had it all. It had a captivating writing style, suspenseful plot, and surprising twists. If you like the thriller or mystery genre, you will definitely enjoy this one.
If you want to buy/gift The Goodbye Man, click on the link below: 👇
#12 The Murder Between Us by Tal Bauer
About the Book
Title: The Murder Between Us
Author: Tal Bauer
Genre: LGBT, Suspense, Romance, Crime
Publisher: WGW Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 280
Goodreads rating: 4.3 / 5
FBI Agent Noah Downing had questions about his sexuality that a single night in Vegas should have answered. And then, one night, when Noah meets Cole, all his doubts are cleared. He is now sure that he is gay. So now they both, Noah and Cole, plan to meet the next day again. But then they don’t, as Noah gets an urgent call from his home. There, a vicious serial killer on the loose. He has suddenly resurfaced after six years. And Noah has to catch him anyhow. And in between this, Cole gets stood up by Noah. But when Noah’s team requests a profiler from the FBI, he doesn’t expect that person to be Cole at all. So this book is about Noah and Cole, how they get past their awkwardness and how they try to catch the killer.
P.S.: This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read this book for free.
Why do we recommend this book?
There are many twists and turns. Some I saw coming, and some I didn’t. And, don’t get me started on the relationship between Cole and Noah. It was everything I thought it would be and more. I absolutely loved it. It was fun guessing who the murderer might be. You will love reading this book!
P.S.: This book is available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read this book for free.
If you want to buy/gift The Murder Between Us, click on the link below:👇
#13 This Lie Will Kill You by Chelsea Pitcher
About the Book
Title: This Lie Will Kill You
Author: Chelsea Pitcher
Genre: Murder Mystery, Thriller
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Type: Standalone
Pages: 320
Goodreads Rating: 3.2 / 5
This book is about a night in an isolated mansion. There is a contest with a grand prize of $50,00. It will be held in a mansion, at least that’s what they are told. They are Ruby, Gavin, Brett, Parker, and Juniper. So when they arrive there, all of them feel a bit creeped out. But then they still decide to go in as they all need that money. However, this mansion is not what it seems like. Exactly one year back, a boy had died. And this night is about finding out who is responsible for that. This book is filled with clues, fire, games, and dangers.
*This book has mentioned suicide
Why do we recommend this book?
While reading this book, my heart was beating so fast. There is so much suspense and mystery in this book!! And the ending is soo shocking. I didn’t see it coming at all. If you’re looking for a heart-racing thriller, then this book is for you.
If you want to buy/read This Lie Will Kill You, click on the link below:👇
That’s all for the recommendations. Now if anyone still wants to know the answer to ‘what’s the best place to hide a body?’, then the answer is – a graveyard, duh! You are very much welcome.
P.S: Some books recommended here are available on Kindle Unlimited. If you have subscribed to it, then you can read these books for free. Check out this article: Is Kindle Unlimited Worth It?
So, to conclude, here are the 10 Best Crime novels for Noir Lovers
| 1. | DI Ridpath Series by M.J. Lee | Buy Now |
| 2. | What’s Done in Darkness by Laura McHugh | Buy Now |
| 3. | Pentecost and Parker Series by Stephen Spotswood | Buy Now |
| 4. | Just Thieves by Gregory Galloway | Buy Now |
| 5. | The Killing Hills by Chris Offutt | Buy Now |
| 6. | Hank Thompson Series by Charlie Huston | Buy Now |
| 7. | A Jake and Laura Mystery Series by Michael Murphy | Buy Now |
| 8. | Sandman Slim by Richard Kedrey | Buy Now |
| 9. | The Forgotten by David Baldacci | Buy Now |
| 10. | The Girl Who Lived by Christopher Greyson | Buy Now |
| 11. | The Goodbye Man by Jeffery Deaver | Buy Now |
| 12. | The Murder Between Us by Tal Bauer | Buy Now |
| 13. | This Lie Will Kill You by Chelsea Pitcher | Buy Now |
Do read on this list of the best crime novels. They all are all fantastic.
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Happy Reading and Keep Smiling!!
Really enjoyed this blog post.Much thanks again. Keep writing.