The book 'The Death of Mrs. Westaway' by Ruth Ware is also a good one. It's a mystery full of family secrets and a young woman who gets caught up in a web of lies. The atmosphere is spooky and the plot keeps you engaged as you try to figure out the truth behind Mrs. Westaway's death along with the main character.
In 2018, 'The Chalk Man' by C.J. Tudor was a great crime fiction. It has an interesting premise where a series of chalk drawings are linked to a mystery from the past. The characters are well - developed and the sense of dread builds up steadily as the story progresses.
Another great one is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn. The story is full of twists and turns. It starts as a missing person case but quickly evolves into a much more complex and disturbing web of lies and secrets between the two main characters, Nick and Amy.
I really like 'The Silence of the Lambs' by Thomas Harris. The character of Hannibal Lecter is one of the most iconic in crime fiction. The cat - and - mouse game between Clarice Starling and Lecter as she tries to solve a serial killer case is gripping. The book also delves deep into the minds of the characters, which makes it even more interesting.
'Bluebird, Bluebird' by Attica Locke was also a top crime novel in 2018 fiction. It's set in small - town Texas and delves into issues of race and justice. The main character, a black Texas Ranger, has to investigate two murders while facing racial tensions in the community. It's a great read that combines crime solving with social commentary.
One must - read is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex plot full of mystery and intrigue. Another is 'Gone Girl' by Gillian Flynn, which has a really twisted storyline that keeps you guessing. And 'In Cold Blood' by Truman Capote is a classic that is based on a real - life crime and is very well - written.
I think 'Chinatown' by Robert Towne is a great Hollywood crime novel. It was later made into a famous movie. The story has all the elements of a classic crime tale set in Hollywood, with political corruption, a mysterious femme fatale, and a complex mystery that keeps you guessing.
Well, 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir is also among the best 2021 fiction. It's an exciting science - fiction story about a lone astronaut on a desperate mission. 'Matrix' by Lauren Groff is a historical fiction that reimagines the life of a 12th - century nun. These books are all great reads from 2021 in the fiction category.
One great survivalist fiction book is 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy. It shows a father - son duo's struggle to survive in a post - apocalyptic world. Another is 'Lord of the Flies' by William Golding. It's about a group of boys stranded on an island and how they try to survive while also dealing with power struggles. And 'Hatchet' by Gary Paulsen is also excellent. A young boy has to survive in the wilderness alone after a plane crash.
One of the must - read books in Scandinavian crime fiction is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It has a complex mystery and strong, unique characters. Another great one is 'Smilla's Sense of Snow' by Peter Høeg. The story is full of intrigue and the main character, Smilla, is very engaging. Also, 'Jar City' by Arnaldur Indriðason is worth reading. It gives a great insight into Icelandic society while presenting a gripping crime plot.
One of the best European crime novels is 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' by Stieg Larsson. It combines a complex mystery with engaging characters. The story is set in Sweden and delves into dark family secrets and corporate corruption.
Another great one is 'Perfume: The Story of a Murderer' by Patrick Süskind. This novel not only tells a fascinating crime story but also delves deep into the sense of smell and how it can be related to human nature. The protagonist is a very complex character with a disturbing obsession. It has been widely acclaimed and translated into many languages.