Best Fiction Books List: 75+ Top Bestseller Recommendations

If you’ve ever had writer’s block, you know how challenging it can be, especially if you’re just beginning the writing process. It’s not a good feeling when the story ideas aren’t coming, or you have so many in your head that you don’t know where to begin.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next novel, you’ll find some of the best fiction books ever written below. From steampunk and adventure to cozy mysteries and faith-based romances, there’s never a shortage of ideas with the abundance of books on the market today. 

Of course, you don’t want to steal anyone’s idea. How boring would that be? But you can allow the ideas of others to spark your imagination so you can come up with a unique storyline of your own. 

Let’s take a look at the following:

How do we define the “best fiction books”?

We know that a “best” book can be different for every reader, so to base our list on something concrete, we considered popular best-seller lists like the New York Times, Amazon, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today. 

While best seller lists aren’t always an indication of high quality, they’re a great way to keep your hand on the pulse of readers to see what they find interesting and worth reading. People are reading more than ever, and a nearly countless volume of books gets published every year.

For each category, we’ve selected five books that represent the genre and are bestsellers, plus a complete list of top-rated books to consider adding to your reading list. 

Best cozy mysteries

The cozy mystery sub-genre is exactly as it sounds. It’s a light read that makes you want to snuggle up under a blanket in front of a fireplace with your favorite hot beverage for a relaxing story getaway. 

PBS.org describes cozy mysteries as follows:

“These are lighthearted crime narratives—you won’t be so disturbed that you need to sleep with lights on. A focus on plot and character development ensures a predictable and reassuring experience offering escapism without being too heavy. Importantly, the cozy mystery’s protagonist is an amateur sleuth who uses intellect and life experience to solve a case.” 

Here’s our list of cozy mystery recommendations:

1 – Daughter Of Sherlock Holmes, Leonard Goldberg

The first book of USA Today and internationally bestselling author Leonard Goldberg’s series won the 2017 RT Reviewers’ Choice for Best Historical Mystery. This thrilling tale covers the story of Sherlock Holmes’ daughter. Just as Holmes had Dr. Watson as a friend, she has Dr. Watson, Jr.

2 – Noodle Shop Mysteries by Vivien Chien

Note to reader: Start with Death by Dumpling.

In Vivien Chien’s mystery, the Asian Village Plaza becomes a crime scene to murders, and Lana, the protagonist, decides to take action. Rather than sit idly by, she sticks up for her friends by deciding to catch the murderer. If she can, she can clear her friends’ names and bring peace back to the Plaza.

3 – Wish You Were Here by Rita Mae Brown

The small, cozy town of Crozet, Virginia, resembles a family with secrets more than a healthy, bustling community.

When Crozet citizens begin receiving mystery cards with a tombstone on them, then turn up dead, the tiger cat Mrs. Murphy (the protagonist) and her Welsh Corgi friend, Tucker, band together to save their human friend Mary Minor “Harry” before she receives a postcard leading to the same fate.

4 – Murder In G Major, Alexa Gordon

Stranded, African-American classical musician Gethsemane Brown doesn’t have many choices. She is in the Irish countryside with no money, no luggage, and few options and then ends up teaching at a school, housesitting a cottage on a cliffside.

And while her job requirement is to turn a group of schoolboys into a successful orchestra, the real nightmare is that the cottage is haunted. When Gethsemane decides to investigate to clear the owner’s name, her search puts her in danger.

5 – Elementary, She Read by Vicki Delany

The story is about Gemma Doyle going to Cape Cod to maintain a Sherlock Holmes-themed bookshop, but while there, she engages in a murder case that involves a rare artifact.

Best dieselpunk novels

When it comes to speculative fiction, dieselpunk novels stand out for their distinctive blend of retro-futuristic aesthetics, alternative history and technological innovation. 

Rooted in the interwar period of the 20th century, these novels transport readers to worlds where high-powered machinery, diesel engines, and anachronistic technologies reign supreme. 

1 – The Rocketeer by Dave Stevens

The Rocketeer takes readers on a thrilling dieselpunk adventure set against the backdrop of 1930s Los Angeles. The story centers on Cliff Secord, a daring pilot who discovers a mysterious rocket pack, inadvertently thrusting himself into a world of espionage, gangsters, and high-flying heroics. 

Dave Stevens’ graphic novel wonderfully captures the essence of the dieselpunk genre with its retro-futuristic aesthetic, iconic art, and charismatic characters. 

2 – The Sky is Yours by Chandler Klang Smith

The Sky Is Yours paints a vivid and imaginative dieselpunk world filled with dragons, airships, and an array of eccentric characters. 

Set in a dystopian future city consumed by decadence and decay, the novel tells the tale of societal collapse and reinvention. 

It follows the interconnected lives of its protagonists as they navigate a surreal landscape where luxury and danger coexist. 

Smith’s storytelling is a wonderful blend of dieselpunk aesthetics and light-hearted fantasy, which results in an engrossing story that challenges conventional genre boundaries. 

3 – The Peshawar Lancers by S M Stirling

The Peshawar Lancers immerses readers in an alternate history where a catastrophic meteor strike reshapes the world in the 19th century. The British Empire survives in a dieselpunk-influenced 21st century, with airships, vast engines, and sword-wielding cavalry. 

The novel follows a diverse cast of characters navigating a world that immerses readers all while blending elements of adventure, espionage, and politics. 

Stirling’s extra attention to historical detail and building the world in which his characters inhabit help to bring this dieselpunk vision to life.

4 – Chasing the Dragon by Nicholas Kaufmann

Chasing the Dragon invites its readers to join the story in a noir meets urban fantasy world set in 1940s New York. 

In this dieselpunk narrative, supernatural creatures and magic are real, hidden beneath the surface of everyday life.

The novel focuses on detective Nick “Saint” Safford as he takes a deep dive into a world of dark mysteries, conspiracies, and otherworldly threats. 

Kaufmann skillfully blends gritty detective noir with elements of the mythical, creating a compelling atmosphere and a read that is particularly captivating. 

Chasing the Dragon offers a unique and interesting twist on the dieselpunk genre, combining together elements of the paranormal and the criminal underworld in a vividly imagined historical setting.

5 – The Incorruptibles by John Hornor Jacobs

The Incorruptibles mixes elements of the Western genre with dieselpunk aesthetics in a fascinating hybrid alternate world. 

Set in a gritty frontier society where angels and demons influence daily life, the book follows a band of mercenaries navigating a treacherous landscape. 

Jacobs combines supernatural elements with themes of moral ambiguity, redemption, and the clash of cultures, resulting in a gripping tale of adventure and survival. 

The Incorruptibles is noteworthy for its exciting and brave blend of genres, offering readers a fresh take on dieselpunk. 

Best adventure books

Studying the best adventure books can offer invaluable insights for aspiring authors. 
The five books listed below exemplify diverse styles, themes, and narratives, providing a rich tapestry of storytelling techniques that can inspire new angles for creating compelling adventures.

1 – 1984 by George Orwell 

Set in a dystopian society, the book follows Winston Smith as he rebels against a totalitarian regime. Its adventure lies in the intellectual and moral quests against oppressive forces.

2 –  20,000 Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne 

Captain Nemo takes a crew on a submarine journey across the world’s oceans. It’s pioneering in its exploration of science fiction and oceanic adventures.

 3 – A Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur’s Court by Mark Twain

A man from the 19th century time-travels to Arthurian England and tries to modernize it. This book explores the adventure of cultural and technological clashes.

4 – A Journey to the Center of the Earth by Jules Verne 

A team of explorers descends into a volcano to reach Earth’s core. It’s essential for its early exploration of science fiction and subterranean adventure.

5 – A Princess of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs 

John Carter is mysteriously transported to Mars, where he becomes embroiled in local politics and wars. This is a seminal work in the planetary romance subgenre of adventure fiction.

Best metaphysical books

If you find yourself asking the question “why” a lot or looking for the hidden meaning behind everyday life, then the metaphysical book genre may be exactly what you’re searching for. The word metaphysical implies a transcendence of the physical realms, and etymologically, it means “beyond the physical.” Books in this genre will take you on a deep dive into the meaning of life, love, death, and everything in between.

Metaphysical books can be both fiction and non-fiction. In metaphysical fiction, readers go on adventures that share mystical truths while offering otherworldly possibilities for the mysteries of life.

1 – The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Santiago is an Andalusian shepherd boy who embarks on a worldly expedition and learns about the real treasures of life (including following the signs to one’s dreams). This has been a bestselling book for over 20 years and is well worth the read!

2 – I, Robot by  Isaac Asimov

In I, Robot, Asimov views artificial intelligence through a long lens, chronically it’s early adoption of present day to a future where humans are viewed as unnecessary.

3 – Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

A duel between two young magicians leads to romance, intrigue, danger and adventure in this unexpected tale set on the backdrop of a circus where no one is exempt from the freefall that follows.

4 – 2150 by Thea Alexander

Based on journals from a psychiatrist in the 70s, this novel tells the story of a man, Jon, who astral travels from the 1970s to 2150 each night when he goes to sleep. It features themes of soul mates, twin souls, reincarnation, and karma, along with teachings about an advanced macro society. Currently out of print, tracking down a copy of this novel is its own metaphysical quest!

5 – The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey

Homestead life in Alask was harsh, especially in the 20s. Husband and wife, Jack and Mebel, begin to break under the weight of their dire circumstances. Childless, they build a child out of snow during the season’s first snowfall. The next day, the snow child is gone, but there’s a blond-haird girl running through the woods who take the couple on an unexpected journey.

Best steampunk books

Steampunk literature transports readers to a world where Victorian aesthetics meet futuristic technology, creating a genre that blends history, science fiction, and adventure in the most intriguing ways. 

Below are some of the best works within the genre to help writers know where to look to draw inspiration for their next book. 

1- Perdido Street Station by China Miéville

Perdido Street Station is a seminal steampunk novel set in the gritty city of New Crobuzon.

At the heart of the book is Isaac Dan der Grimnebulin and his allies in a city where science and magic collide. This novel is known for its vivid world-building and intricate narrative, offering a compelling and imaginative read.

2 – The Difference Engine by William Gibson and Bruce Sterling

The Difference Engine is a pioneering work in the steampunk genre. Set in an alternate 19th century, it explores a world where the computer age arrived a century early.

This novel merges historical figures and events with speculative technology, focusing on the impact of the ‘Analytical Engine’ on society. 

3 – The Clockwork Orange by Anthony Burgess

Anthony Burgess’s The Clockwork Orange is a significant work within the realms of dystopian fiction. This novel presents a disturbing vision of a near future society, marked by a disaffected youth culture led by the antihero, Alex.

Burgess employs a distinctive and inventive language known as ‘Nadsat’ to immerse readers in the protagonist’s twisted world. 

4 – The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi

Paolo Bacigalupi’s The Windup Girl offers a gripping glimpse into a biopunk future where biotechnology reigns supreme.

This book is set in a world grappling with environmental collapse and energy crises, where genetically engineered humans and creatures are central to power dynamics.

Bacigalupi writes a complex narrative, exploring the ethical dilemmas arising from unchecked corporate greed and the consequences of playing with the building blocks of life. 

5 – Boneshaker by Cherie Priest

Cherie Priest’s Boneshaker introduces readers to a steampunk-infused alternate history where a devastating calamity has turned Seattle into a walled-off, zombie-infested city known as the Blight.

The story revolves around the determined Briar Wilkes and her son Zeke as they venture into the treacherous Blight in search of answers and redemption.

Priest’s narrative prowess brings this unique and suspenseful tale to life, making it an engaging addition to the steampunk genre.

Best nature fiction books

For those who like reading about nature, few things are as enjoyable as a good book that blends nature and storytelling into a fascinating story.

Here are five nature fiction books that offer compelling stories, beautiful prose, and a deep connection to the natural world. These books explore various aspects of nature and the environment, often with a blend of science, imagination, and storytelling:

1 – The Overstory by Richard Powers

The Overstory is a about nine different people who have experiences with trees, which inspires them to work together and save forests from being torn down.

Richard Powers has written thirteen novels, taught at Stanford University, and won many awards for his literary works.

2 – The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah

The Great Alone is a story of a family looking for a new beginning in an isolated part of Alaska. As time goes on, they learn that the great outdoors is less threatening than human nature.

3 – The Call of the Wild by Jack London

Regarded as a classic and as one of Jack London’s masterpieces, The Call of the Wild is a story about a dog who must fight to survive as a sled dog in Alaska.

4 – Watership Down by Richard Adams

Watership Down is the story of a group of rabbits and their fight against the intrusion of man and the destruction of their home.

5 – Life of Pi by Yann Martel

Life of Pi is the story of a young man who is stranded for 227 days at sea with his Bengal tiger.

Best Christian books for women

Christian fiction for women is a sub-genre of fiction that focuses on Christian themes like redemption, overcoming difficulties such as forgiveness, and other themes that are core to the Christian worldview. 

A key aspect of this sub-genre often involves romantic relationships as a subplot (or main plot in Christian romance sub-genres).

Bestselling Christian fiction author DiAnn Mills states that Christian novels are different in that the “Faith aspect is not an engine additive. It rises from the writer’s deep-rooted convictions.”

1 –  Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Best known for her debut Christian fiction novel, Redeeming Love, Francine Rivers is a prolific writer of Christian fiction for women. Her stories often focus on biblical characters and use romance tropes in a fresh way. 

2 – Call of Duty by DiAnn Mills 

If you’re looking for a pulse-pounding read, DiAnn Mills’ books are filled with suspense and take you on a thrilling adventure. Her series, Call of Duty, won two Christy Awards. In addition, she is a writing coach and writes nonfiction on the writing craft.

3 – If I Run by Terri Blackstock 

Do you want an edge-of-your-seat, Christian fiction for women suspense novel? Terri Blackstock started her career under pseudonyms. Today, she’s known by her legal name and as the author of the thrilling If I Run series.

4 – Her Stoen Past by Lynette Eason

Inspirational romantic suspense keeps Eason writing. Wildly successful, Her Stolen Past was made into a feature film.

5 – Hidden Places by Lynn Austin

Lynn Austin’s novel, Hidden Places, was the launching pad for the Hallmark Channel film. She is known for winning the most Christy Awards, a stunning eight.  

10 Best fiction books of all-time 

We’ve talked about some of the most popular and prolific classic and contemporary authors and books,. Here are ten of the best-selling fiction books of all time according to The Greates Books of All Time website:

1. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

2. Ulysses by James Joyce

3. In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust

4. One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel García Márquez

5. The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger

6. Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

7. Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

8. Moby-Dick by Herman Melville

9. Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

10. Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes

Ready to write your bestseller?

Just when you think it’s all been done before, you run across a best fiction books list like this one and hopefully realize that creativity is neverending. We’ve only touched on a few of the subgenres currently available, and the good news is that new subgenres continue to emerge as authors push the boundaries of storytelling and come up with new ways to keep readers hooked. 

Here are more top sellers to add to your reading list: