Must-read Crime Thrillers of the 20th Century

In the 19^th century, Oscar Wilde wrote, “The suspense is terrible. I hope it will last.” Don't we wish that even today, while devouring a spine-chilling crime-thriller? Regardless of the generation we belong to or the century we live in, crime-fiction continues to be an extremely popular genre for readers all over the world. 

As we dig into the not-so-long-ago past, we unearth a treasure trove of exciting  and suspenseful page-turners. The 20^th century witnessed a steep growth in the number of books written in the crime-thriller genre.

Here is my pick of 10 timeless crime-thriller books from the early and mid-20^th century that fascinate me even today.  Do read them, if you haven’t.

1. The Hound of the Baskervilles – Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1902)

My most favourite Sherlock Holmes novel, this book is a class apart. The story unfolds with the mysterious death of Charles Baskerville, which Holmes is asked to investigate. The brilliant descriptions of the Baskerville estate and the scary hound weave magic and suspense into this almost spooky thriller. The detective’s scientific investigation makes this book an ageless classic. 



2. The Secret Agent – Joseph Conrad (1907)
Set in London, Conrad’s novel is an intriguing spy-thriller featuring characters that leave an indelible impression in your mind. Adolf Verloc is a secret agent, who exploits his mentally-challenged brother-in-law to execute his political goals. This is a must-read not only for it’s exciting plot and intense storytelling, but also for the chemistry between the characters and how a bombing impacts their lives.

3. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)

Much more than a romantic thriller, The Great Gatsby centres on America in the 1920s. It explores the social history of the era, the life of the rich and their economic prosperity, as well as organized crime. This is also a story of intense romance, passion, betrayal, and revenge. The vivid depiction of the times and the emotions it evokes make this an unforgettable piece of literature.

4. The Murder of Roger Ackroyd – Agatha Christie (1926)

For its fascinating storytelling, meticulous characterisation, incredible climax, and thrilling ending, this book remains an all-time favourite and proves again that no one can unravel a mystery like Christie. The story is about the murder of Roger Ackroyd, a widower who was engaged to Mrs. Ferrars, a wealthy widow. Hercule Poirot’s suave investigation and the narration by Dr. Sheppard, Poirot’s assistant in this case, make this an exceptionally killing thriller. 

5. The Nine Tailors – Dorothy L. Sayers (1934)

A thriller that hooks you from the very first page and doesn’t let you rest till you finish it, this is an enigmatic mystery featuring British detective Lord Peter Wimsey. A disfigured dead-body is found in a churchyard and Wimsey is called upon to investigate the case. This is perhaps the author’s most intriguing novel. Mysterious letters, theft of an emerald necklace 20 years ago, medieval church bells… all add to the thrill of this remarkable page-turner.

6. Rebecca – Daphne Du Maurier (1938)

A classic Gothic novel, Rebecca is a sensational thriller about a girl who marries Maxim, a wealthy widower. Maxim’s stunning first wife Rebecca, whom he loved deeply, had died in a boat accident. Through the course of story, the mystery unfolds and the girl discovers that Rebecca’s death was not merely an accident. A poignant, unforgettable tale of love, deceit, and crime. 

7. The Big Sleep – Raymond Chandler (1939)

This classic Chandler murder-mystery stands out for its complex plot, immaculate investigation, and menacing wisecracks by the cynical detective Philip Marlowe. The story starts with General Sternwood seeking Marlowe’s assistance to investigate the gambling debts of his daughter. As the story unfolds, people are murdered in connection with the case and Marlowe realizes that there is much more than meets the eye. 

8.  Strangers on the Train – Patricia Highsmith (1950)

Highsmith takes you on an emotional roller-coaster with this psychological thriller about two men travelling in a train. This is a taut noir novel about an architect and a psychopath and their sinister plan of murder in exchange for murder.  Full of suspense and intriguing twists, Alfred Hitchcock made a film based on this gripping book in 1952. 

9.  Lamb to the Slaughter – Roald Dahl (1953)

While this is only a short story and not a novel, I couldn’t not mention this one -one of Dahl’s finest stories. This is the tale of the shocking murder of a police officer by his wife. The real suspense begins when Mary Maloney tries to cover up her crime and we see streaks of a cold-blooded, shrewd killer in her. Do not miss this one!  

10. The Mirror Crack'd from Side to Side –Agatha Christie (1962)

This is again an all-time favourite, because no one weaves a mystery like Agatha Christie. As Miss Marple investigates the death of Mrs. Badcock, who died mysteriously while meeting her favourite film actress, a series of events lead her to Badcock’s youth. Connecting the dots backwards, the elderly detective unravels an appalling truth. The intricacy of the plot and the fascinating characterisation make this a classic whodunit.