The Dymocks 2011 Top101 best books ever written list shows crime series is number one

Stieg Larsson’s The Millennium Series has been named number one on the 2011 list of the Top101 best books ever written in retail franchise, Dymocks 2011 national survey.

The results signal an increase in the popularity of thrillers and crime novels, in addition to contemporary fiction and classics with 35,000 Dymocks Booklovers voting independently to create the list.

New popular crime, war titles and science fiction include Larson’s The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo, The Girl Who Played with Fire, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest, as well as The Book Thief, Tomorrow When the War Began and Slaughter House 5.

“This annual Booklovers survey provides great insight into the minds of Australian readers. The current trend we’re seeing from the inaugural survey is a shift from classic novels to crime novels which is evident through the popularity of The Millennium Series,” said Dymocks CEO, Don Grover.

Australian writers placed strongly with Australian author Marcus Zusak’s book, The Book Thief placing third, close behind J.K. Rowling’s Harry Potter series in second.

Eleven Australian writers’ made their debut to the Top101 including Craig Silvey’s Jasper Jones, Murray Bail with his Miles Franklin Award winning novel, Eucalyptus and Anh Do’s The Happiest Refugee.

Zusak is one of 25 Australian writers on the retail franchises' Top101 list and joins veterans Bryce Courtenay and Tim Winton, moving up three places from last year to score the third position.

“I'm absolutely thrilled to be part of the Dymocks Booklover Top 101 again. It's an initiative that always connects readers with books, and the fact that so many Australians vote for their favourite authors reminds us that stories still matter. It's an honour to be up there,” said Zusak.

Book sales’ influence on movies is also apparent with many of the books listed being adapted for the screen.

Dymocks retail franchise will run a Top101 promotion nationwide from 29 March to 30 May 2011with ‘3 books for the price of 2’ (free offer applies to the lowest-priced book, offer valid in one transaction on all books marked '3 for 2').