The 'John Rain' series by Barry Eisler is also quite popular. The main character, John Rain, is a half - Japanese, half - American hitman. These books are known for their in - depth look at the hitman's psyche and the complex moral dilemmas he faces.
I think 'The Bourne Identity' by Robert Ludlum should also be mentioned. While Jason Bourne is more of a former - assassin - turned - hero, the books are full of the kind of action and intrigue you'd expect from a hitman - themed fiction. The movie adaptations have also made the books very well - known.
Another recent addition to hitman fiction is 'The Silent Assassin'. It tells the story of a highly skilled and elusive hitman. The book stands out for its detailed descriptions of the hitman's techniques and the cat - and - mouse games he plays with his targets and the authorities.
The book 'Chain - Gang All - Stars' has also gained a lot of popularity in 2023. It offers a unique perspective on a dystopian society and the themes it presents are quite relevant to modern - day discussions. It's a book that makes you think about society and justice.
I think 'Where the Crawdads Sing' was also very popular in 2018 fiction. It combines mystery, coming - of - age, and a beautiful love for nature. The story about Kya, a girl growing up alone in the marshes, really captured the hearts of many readers.
Some of the most popular fiction books include 'To Kill a Mockingbird' by Harper Lee. It's a classic that deals with themes of racial injustice in the American South. Another is 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen, which is loved for its complex characters and the story of love and social class. 'The Lord of the Rings' by J.R.R. Tolkien is also extremely popular, with its vast and detailed fantasy world.
One of the popular 2019 fiction books was 'The Testaments' by Margaret Atwood. It was highly anticipated as a sequel to 'The Handmaid's Tale' and explored more of the dystopian world she created.
One of the most popular ones was 'The Vanishing Half' by Brit Bennett. It tells the story of twin sisters who take very different paths in life, one passing as white. It's a powerful exploration of race, identity, and family.
Well, 'The Horse Whisperer' by Nicholas Evans was quite popular. It's about a horse trainer who heals a troubled horse and in the process, helps the people around the horse as well. The relationship between the characters and the horse is really the heart of the story.
I think 'Lessons in Chemistry' is very popular. It has an interesting premise where a female scientist in the 1960s has to navigate a male - dominated field. It also has a touch of humor and a lot of heart.
I think 'The Goldfinch' was quite popular. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2014, which is a good indication of its popularity and critical acclaim.
I'm not entirely sure which was the most popular, but 'Beloved' got a lot of acclaim. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1988. So it was surely very well - regarded.