Best Crime Action & Adventure Books of 2025

Wilson Cook Avatar
Wilson Cook
Last Updated: Apr 24, 2023

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Crime action and adventure books are perfect for readers who love a thrill. These books typically follow a protagonist who is forced to navigate dangerous situations, often involving criminal activity. From high-speed chases to daring heists, these stories are packed with excitement and suspense. Fans of crime action and adventure books enjoy the adrenaline rush that comes with each turn of the page. With a wide range of sub-genres, including mystery, espionage, and thriller, there is something for everyone in this exciting category of literature.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Simply Lies: A Psychological Thriller Cover #TOP 1
Simply Lies: A Psychological Thriller
ftb score rating icon 9.9
I Will Find You Cover #TOP 2
I Will Find You
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Countdown: Amy Cornwall Is Patterson’s Greatest Character Since Lindsay Boxer Cover #TOP 3
Countdown: Amy Cornwall Is Patterson’s Greatest Character Since Lindsay Boxer
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Crime Action & Adventure Books

Simply Lies: A Psychological Thriller

Baldacci, David
Apr 18, 2023
Simply Lies: A Psychological Thriller Cover
Simply Lies: A Psychological Thriller

Simply Lies: A Psychological Thriller by David Baldacci is a gripping novel that follows the story of Mickey Gibson, a former detective turned single mom. When she gets caught up in a murder investigation, she finds herself in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a con artist. As the plot twists and turns, readers are kept on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next. Baldacci's writing is masterful, and the characters are well-developed and believable. Overall, Simply Lies is a thrilling read that mystery and action-adventure book lovers will enjoy.

Coben, Harlan
Mar 14, 2023

I Will Find You by Harlan Coben is a heart-pumping thriller that follows David Burroughs, a man wrongly accused and convicted of murdering his son. Five years into his life sentence, he discovers his son is still alive and plans a daring escape to save him and clear his name. Coben's impeccable storytelling and breakneck pace make this a real winner in the thriller genre. The book's unique premise and twists will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Countdown: Amy Cornwall Is Patterson’s Greatest Character Since Lindsay Boxer

Patterson, James
DuBois, Brendan
Mar 20, 2023
Countdown: Amy Cornwall Is Patterson’s Greatest Character Since Lindsay Boxer Cover
Countdown: Amy Cornwall Is Patterson’s Greatest Character Since Lindsay Boxer

Countdown: Amy Cornwall is James Patterson's latest thriller that follows Agent Amy Cornwall as she races against time to save her family and prevent a terrorist attack that could kill thousands of Americans. With a gripping plot, intense action, and well-developed characters, this book is a must-read for fans of mystery, action, and adventure. Patterson's writing style, combined with Brendan DuBois' expertise, makes for an unforgettable read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Overall, Countdown: Amy Cornwall is a fantastic addition to Patterson's collection and a thrilling adventure that readers won't want to miss.

The Secret: A Jack Reacher Novel

Child, Lee
Child, Andrew
Oct 24, 2023
The Secret: A Jack Reacher Novel Cover
The Secret: A Jack Reacher Novel

The Secret: A Jack Reacher Novel is a thrilling read that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Written by Lee Child and Andrew Child, the book follows Jack Reacher, an exceptional soldier, as he investigates a string of mysterious deaths across the United States. As he races to uncover the truth, Reacher must navigate dangerous territory and confront some of the most dangerous people he has ever encountered. This book is a must-read for fans of thriller and suspense action fiction, and the authors' writing style is engaging and captivating. Overall, The Secret is a page-turner that will leave readers wanting more.

Baldacci, David
Nov 14, 2023
David Baldacci Fall 2023 Cover
David Baldacci Fall 2023

The upcoming release of David Baldacci's Fall 2023 book is highly anticipated by thriller and suspense fiction lovers. The sequel to his previous bestseller, The 6:20 Man, will bring back Travis Devine in another high-powered thriller. Baldacci's impressive experience in this genre shines through as he weaves a complex story filled with corporate conspiracies, corruption, and murder. The book has received praise from critics and readers alike for its intriguing story, plot twists, and riveting twists and turns. With Baldacci's master storytelling skills, readers are sure to be kept on the edge of their seats.

Weeks, Brent
Apr 25, 2023
Night Angel Nemesis Cover
Night Angel Nemesis (The Kylar Chronicles, 1)

Night Angel Nemesis by Brent Weeks is a thrilling dark fantasy book and the first in The Kylar Chronicles series. The story follows Kylar Stern, a master assassin who is called upon by the High King Logan Gyre to save his kingdom and secure a powerful magical artifact. Kylar's determination not to kill again is tested as he navigates dangerous adversaries and ancient magics. Weeks' engaging writing style and breakneck pace keep the story moving forward. Overall, Night Angel Nemesis is a must-read for fans of dark fantasy, and its unique blend of magic and assassins make it stand out from other books in the genre.

Greaney, Mark
Feb 21, 2023

Burner (Gray Man) is a thrilling addition to the #1 New York Times bestselling Gray Man series. The story follows Alex Velesky, who unknowingly taps into a motherlode of corruption and finds himself being hunted by the Russian mafia and the CIA. Court Gentry and Zoya Zakharova are caught in the middle, both wanting Velesky for different reasons. With non-stop action and high-stakes tension, this book is perfect for fans of spy stories and action-packed thrillers. Overall, Burner (Gray Man) is a must-read for those who enjoy fast-paced and tightly written novels filled with drama and excitement.

The Night Agent: A Novel

Quirk, Matthew
May 10, 2022
The Night Agent: A Novel Cover
The Night Agent: A Novel

The Night Agent by Matthew Quirk is a gripping and timely thriller that delves into the world of espionage and conspiracy in the White House. FBI Agent Peter Sutherland is tasked with finding a Russian mole within the highest levels of the US government, leading him down a dangerous path where anyone could be a traitor. With heart-stopping action and incredible twists, this book is a must-read for fans of the genre. Quirk's writing style is reminiscent of David Baldacci and John Grisham, making him a new master of suspense.

Patterson, James
DuBois, Brendan
Jun 28, 2022

The Summer House by James Patterson is a gripping thriller that follows Major Jeremiah Cook and his team as they investigate a mass murder in a small town. Eyewitnesses point to four Army Rangers as the culprits, but as Cook and his team dig deeper, they discover forces working to keep damning secrets hidden. The novel is a page-turner that keeps the reader guessing until the very end. Patterson's skillful writing and DuBois' contribution to the story make The Summer House a must-read for fans of action-packed fiction.

Long Shadows (Memory Man Series)

Baldacci, David
Oct 11, 2022
Long Shadows (Memory Man Series) Cover
Long Shadows (Memory Man Series)

The Long Shadows, a thriller in David Baldacci's Memory Man series, follows the perfect-recall FBI consultant Amos Decker as he investigates a double homicide in South Florida. The case appears easy to solve, but as Decker delves deeper, he uncovers a web of secrets, crimes, and scandals that lead to his deadliest threat yet. Baldacci's three-dimensional characters and clever plot create a fascinating read. Fans of the "memory man" character will be delighted with Long Shadows, and the addition of a new partner, Special Agent Frederica "Freddie" White, adds an exciting dynamic to the series.

Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is an action and adventure book?

Action and Adventure is a genre of fiction that usually involves an adventure, risk taking and often action and physical danger.

2. What is a good action book series?

Take to the high seas. Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. Jules Verne.The Commodore. C.S. Forester.Odessa Sea. Clive Cussler, Dirk Cussler.Kidnapped. Robert Louis Stevenson.Wreckers Must Breathe. Hammond Innes.

Editor's Notes

During our crime action & adventure book research, we found 1,200+ crime action & adventure book products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 374,111 customer reviews through our big data system to write the crime action & adventure books list. We found that most customers choose crime action & adventure books with an average price of $19.02.

Written by
Wilson Cook Avatar

Wilson Cook is a talented writer who has an MFA in creative writing from Williams College and has published more than 50 books acquired by hundreds of thousands of people from various countries by now. He is an inveterate reading lover as he has read a vast amount of books since childhood.