If you enjoy reading books by Aaron Elkins then you might also like the following authors:
Elizabeth Peters is the pen name of Barbara Mertz, an author known for blending humor with mystery. One of her best-loved books is “Crocodile on the Sandbank,” the first in the Amelia Peabody series.
It introduces a strong-willed Victorian woman who inherits a fortune and travels to Egypt, where she gets caught up in archaeology, adventure, and a mysterious mummy that seems to come to life. The mix of witty dialogue and an atmospheric setting gives the story a unique charm.
Fans of Aaron Elkins might enjoy the historical details and clever twists Peters brings to her mysteries.
Tony Hillerman wrote mysteries set in the American Southwest, often featuring the Navajo culture and traditions. In his book “Skinwalkers,” Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee investigate a series of murders that seem tied to ancient beliefs.
The story explores the idea of skinwalkers—shapeshifting witches in Navajo lore—and how the modern world intersects with these older customs. Hillerman blends suspense with a deep respect for Navajo life, creating a vivid sense of place and culture.
Nevada Barr is an author known for her mystery novels set in national parks, blending crime and nature. If you enjoy the archaeological mysteries of Aaron Elkins, you might like her Anna Pigeon series.
In “Track of the Cat,” Anna, a park ranger, uncovers the body of a fellow ranger in the Texas mountains. At first, the death seems to be caused by a mountain lion, but as Anna investigates, she starts uncovering clues that point toward human involvement.
The vivid landscapes and the sense of isolation create a tense backdrop.
Louise Penny writes mystery stories that often revolve around the charming but complex Chief Inspector Armand Gamache of the Sûreté du Québec.
In “Still Life,” the first book in her series, Gamache investigates the death of Jane Neal, an artist from a small village called Three Pines. Jane’s body is discovered in the woods, and at first glance, it looks like a hunting accident.
But as Gamache digs deeper, he uncovers secrets hidden beneath the quiet surface of the village. The setting is rich with local color, and the characters feel real, each one with quirks and hidden motivations.
Colin Cotterill is an author known for his mystery series with quirky characters and a touch of dark humor. One of his standout books is “The Coroner’s Lunch,” set in 1970s Laos. The story follows Dr. Siri Paiboun, a 72-year-old reluctant state coroner.
He doesn’t have modern tools or much experience, but he’s sharp and persistent. In this book, Dr. Siri investigates a suspicious death connected to powerful political figures.
The mix of mystery and the unique setting gives the story a fresh vibe, and Dr. Siri’s witty personality keeps things entertaining.
Kathy Reichs is an author who blends forensic science with fast-paced mysteries. Her book “Deja Dead” introduces Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist who uncovers clues hidden in human remains. In this story, a dismembered body is found in Montreal.
As Tempe examines the evidence, she realizes the crime is connected to a series of murders. The deeper she digs, the closer she gets to a killer who doesn’t want to be caught.
It has detailed forensics and a strong focus on solving the case, making it a good pick for fans of Aaron Elkins.
Peter Robinson was an author known for his atmospheric mystery novels, often set in the quiet English countryside. His Inspector Alan Banks series is a standout, starting with “Gallows View.”
In this first book, Banks moves to the small village of Eastvale, hoping for a quieter life after years in London. Instead, he gets drawn into a case involving peeping toms, break-ins, and a murder.
The village, which seems peaceful at first glance, holds dark secrets that unravel as the story unfolds. Robinson’s knack for creating vivid characters and tense investigations makes this a memorable start to the series.
Elly Griffiths writes mysteries that mix archaeology, history, and crime in a way that feels natural and engaging.
Her book “The Crossing Places” introduces Ruth Galloway, a forensic archaeologist who is called to help investigate when a child’s bones are found in a remote marshland. Ruth’s expertise draws her into a complex case, pulling her into the path of Detective Harry Nelson.
The story blends Ruth’s academic world with the darker edges of the investigation, creating a layered mystery that keeps you curious about what comes next. It’s a great fit if you enjoy Aaron Elkins’ Gideon Oliver series and its mix of science and sleuthing.
Anne Perry is known for historical murder mysteries set in Victorian England. Her series featuring Inspector Thomas Pitt often explores London’s dark secrets.
In the book “The Cater Street Hangman,” a series of brutal murders disrupts a quiet neighborhood, leading Pitt to investigate the lives of its wealthy residents.
The story doesn’t just focus on the crime but also gives a detailed look at the characters’ lives and the rigid social norms of the time. If you enjoy intricate investigations and strong historical settings, Anne Perry might appeal to you.
Charles Todd is the pen name for a mother-and-son writing duo known for their historical mysteries. One of their best-known books is “A Test of Wills,” which introduces Scotland Yard Inspector Ian Rutledge.
Set after World War I, the story follows Rutledge as he investigates the murder of a wealthy colonel in a small English village.
Haunted by his war experiences and the voice of a soldier he was forced to execute, Rutledge must navigate tense relationships in the community and sift through lies to uncover the truth.
The book combines a strong sense of post-war England with a complex, deeply human detective.
Donna Leon is an author known for her mystery series set in Venice featuring Commissario Guido Brunetti. Her books focus on crime while providing a vivid look at Venetian life.
In “Death at La Fenice,” Brunetti investigates the poisoning of a famous conductor during an opera performance. The story weaves through the city’s cultural scene and reveals secrets hidden beneath its elegant surface.
Fans of Aaron Elkins may enjoy how Leon crafts intelligent mysteries that highlight both human nature and their unique settings.
Ellis Peters was the pen name of Edith Pargeter, an author known for her historical mysteries. One of her most popular books is “A Morbid Taste for Bones,” the first in her Brother Cadfael series.
The story introduces Brother Cadfael, a monk in 12th-century England who has a talent for solving murders. In this book, a Welsh village resists giving up the relics of a saint to Cadfael’s monastery, and tensions escalate when someone is found dead.
The mix of medieval life and a clever investigation makes this an engaging read for fans of historical mysteries.
Ruth Rendell was a master of crime fiction, known for her keen exploration of human nature and the darkness lurking beneath the surface of ordinary lives. Her book, “A Judgement in Stone,” is unforgettable.
It begins with the chilling line, “Eunice Parchman killed the Coverdale family because she could not read or write.” The story unravels how a seemingly small secret leads to a shocking tragedy.
Rendell’s way of building tension and revealing character makes her stories impossible to put down. If you enjoy Aaron Elkins, you might appreciate how Rendell also weaves psychology into her mysteries.
Deborah Crombie is an author known for her engaging British mysteries. One of her books, “A Share in Death,” introduces Scotland Yard detective Duncan Kincaid, who is on vacation at a luxury timeshare in the English countryside.
His trip takes an unexpected turn when a murder shocks the idyllic setting. Kincaid, working with his perceptive partner Gemma James, uncovers secrets hiding behind the polished facade of the resort.
The mix of small-town dynamics and personal struggles makes the story unforgettable. Crombie has a way of making her characters feel real, with complicated lives and emotions that draw you in. If you enjoy Aaron Elkins’ mysteries, you might find her work equally satisfying.
Margaret Maron had a real knack for crafting engaging mysteries with memorable characters. If you like Aaron Elkins, you might enjoy her mysteries too. Her book “The Bootlegger’s Daughter” introduces Deborah Knott, a judge in rural North Carolina.
In this story, Deborah takes on an old murder case while navigating the complexities of her family and their moonshining past. The mix of small-town life and intricate relationships keeps the story interesting.
It’s the kind of book where the setting feels alive and adds a lot to the plot.