Well, 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' is definitely on the list. It has a strong female lead, Lisbeth Salander, who is both fascinating and a force to be reckoned with. Then there's Henning Mankell's 'Wallander' series. These novels are great as they give a deep look into the detective's personal life while also presenting complex crime cases. Also, 'Miss Smilla's Feeling for Snow' stands out. The title character's ability to read the snow is an interesting aspect that adds to the mystery of the crime she's trying to solve.
Jo Nesbø's 'Harry Hole' series is also highly recommended. Harry Hole is an alcoholic, yet brilliant detective. Nesbø's novels are known for their fast - paced action and unexpected twists. His descriptions of Oslo and Norwegian culture are an added bonus. These novels often explore the darker side of human nature, which makes them both thrilling and thought - provoking.
I'd say 'The Call of the Wild' is a must - read. It shows the struggle for survival in the wild and the transformation of the main character, Buck. It gives you a real sense of the Yukon during that era.
One of the best is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex mystery involving a journalist and a hacker girl. The story is set in Sweden and delves deep into dark family secrets and corporate corruption. Another great one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. It's a psychological thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat with its twists and turns regarding a missing wife and a husband who becomes the prime suspect.
Well, 'Man of Steel' is definitely on the list. It delves deep into Superman's origin story, giving readers a great understanding of who he is. 'Superman: Red Son' is really interesting as it explores what would happen if Superman had landed in the Soviet Union instead of the United States. And 'Action Comics' #1 is a classic that started it all for Superman in the graphic novel world.
Among the top ten 2016 fiction books, 'The Nix' by Nathan Hill is a standout. It's a complex and engaging story that weaves together different timelines and characters. The main character's relationship with his mother and his journey to understand her past is really captivating. 'Swing Time' by Zadie Smith is another gem. It's about two girls with a shared passion for dance and how their lives diverge over time. It also touches on themes like race, class, and friendship in a nuanced way. 'The Vegetarian' by Han Kang is a disturbing yet fascinating read that challenges our views on family, self - determination, and mental health through the story of a woman who decides to stop eating meat.
Another notable 2017 thriller novel was 'Final Girls' by Riley Sager. It played with the concept of the 'final girl' from horror movies. The story follows a woman who was the sole survivor of a massacre years ago, and when similar killings start happening again, she has to face her past and figure out what's really going on. The plot was filled with suspense and unexpected revelations.
A great 2018 thriller novel was 'The Outsider' by Stephen King. King is a master of the genre, and this book was no exception. It had a supernatural element to the mystery which made it really engaging. The story follows the investigation of a seemingly impossible crime, and the characters are well - developed. It keeps you guessing until the very end.
Well, 'The Dark Knight Returns' is definitely up there. It reinvented Batman for a new era. It shows an older, grittier Batman coming out of retirement. Also, 'Persepolis' is a great one. It's a coming - of - age story set against the backdrop of the Iranian Revolution, giving a very personal and eye - opening view of that time and place.
Well, 'Before the Fall' was also a great thriller in 2016. It combined elements of mystery, drama, and a bit of conspiracy. The story unfolds in a very interesting way as it jumps between different time periods and perspectives, making it a very engaging read.
Among the top 20, 'Moby - Dick' by Herman Melville is a remarkable one. It's not just about a man's pursuit of a whale but also a profound exploration of obsession, fate, and the human condition. 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger gives a unique look into the mind of a disillusioned teenager. Also, 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte, with its passionate and complex love story set on the moors.