If you enjoy reading books by Ace Atkins then you might also like the following authors:
Joe R. Lansdale writes stories packed with action and grit. If you’re into Ace Atkins, you might like his stuff. “The Bottoms” is a mystery set in 1930s Texas, where a young boy uncovers a murder that shakes his small town.
“Savage Season” kicks off the Hap and Leonard series, with the two buddies getting tangled up in a wild search for lost loot. There’s also “Cold in July,” which starts with a home invasion and twists into a dark tale of revenge.
Robert B. Parker was known for his sharp, no-nonsense storytelling. His novel “The Godwulf Manuscript” kicks off the Spenser series, where a tough private investigator takes on a case involving a stolen manuscript.
In “Early Autumn,” Spenser steps in to help a young boy caught between feuding parents, offering life lessons along the way. Parker’s writing often focuses on characters facing moral questions and personal challenges.
Craig Johnson writes stories that pull you into the world of modern-day Wyoming. His Walt Longmire series kicks off with “The Cold Dish,” where Sheriff Longmire deals with an old case of revenge that turns deadly.
In “Death Without Company,” he uncovers secrets tied to a woman’s death in a small-town retirement home. These books have the kind of sharp storytelling and strong sense of place fans of Ace Atkins would appreciate.
C.J. Box writes stories filled with mystery and adventure. His novel “Open Season” introduces Joe Pickett, a game warden in Wyoming, who uncovers secrets while investigating a murder.
In “The Highway,” the focus shifts to a chilling hunt for a long-haul trucker who preys on victims. Both books showcase his talent for creating vivid characters and tense situations.
Michael Connelly writes crime stories that pull you into the lives of his characters. If you like Ace Atkins, you might enjoy “The Black Echo,” where detective Harry Bosch investigates a murder linked to his past in Vietnam. Another great pick is “The Lincoln Lawyer.”
It’s about Mickey Haller, a slick defense attorney who works out of his car and tackles a dangerous case. Connelly’s books focus on gritty crime and complex characters, delivering twists that keep you hooked.
James Lee Burke is known for his vivid storytelling and strong sense of place. In “The Neon Rain,” he introduces Dave Robicheaux, a tough detective confronting crime and corruption in Louisiana.
“The Tin Roof Blowdown” focuses on the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, where Robicheaux faces violence and chaos during the recovery effort.
Another standout, “Rain Gods,” follows a sheriff uncovering a brutal crime in a small Texas town, where the lines between good and evil are blurred. Burke’s novels often capture the struggles of flawed characters in harsh environments.
John Sandford writes crime thrillers with sharp characters and fast-paced plots. If you enjoy Ace Atkins, you might like his “Prey” series, starting with “Rules of Prey,” where a detective tracks a clever and dangerous killer.
“Dark of the Moon,” part of the Virgil Flowers series, focuses on a small-town cop investigating a brutal murder that uncovers deeper secrets. His books mix action with smart storylines, making them an exciting read.
Don Winslow writes crime stories that pull you into gritty worlds. In “The Power of the Dog,” he explores the drug trade and its impact over decades. “The Cartel” continues that story, focusing on the war between cartels and the toll it takes on everyone involved.
These books don’t shy away from tough subjects and feel grounded in reality.
T. Jefferson Parker writes crime and mystery stories with strong characters and a deep sense of place. If you like Ace Atkins, you might enjoy “The Last Good Guy,” where a private investigator takes on a missing person case that pulls him into a world of secrets and danger.
“The Room of White Fire” follows the same PI as he uncovers a web of military corruption while searching for a man who’s disappeared. Parker’s style has a way of drawing you into the tough, gritty world his characters live in.
Tim Dorsey is known for his offbeat crime novels featuring Serge Storms, a quirky and unpredictable character with a passion for justice. In “Florida Roadkill,” Serge goes on a wild road trip through Florida, dealing with criminals in his own strange way.
“Stormy Weather” picks up after a hurricane, following Serge as he navigates a chaotic landscape while dealing with con artists and schemers. These books mix dark humor with unpredictable adventures, always set against the backdrop of Florida’s unique culture.
Randy Wayne White writes action-packed stories full of mystery and danger. His book “Sanibel Flats” kicks off the Doc Ford series, where a marine biologist with a shadowy past ends up solving all kinds of trouble.
In “The Man Who Invented Florida,” Doc gets tangled in murder and old Florida legends. If you’re into Ace Atkins’ style of fast-paced crime with rich settings, you’ll probably enjoy White’s books too.
Dennis Lehane writes stories full of tension and emotion. “Mystic River” follows the lives of three childhood friends after a tragedy connects them years later. “Shutter Island” tells the story of a U.S. Marshal investigating a disappearance at a psychiatric hospital.
Both books draw readers into intense, character-driven narratives.
William Kent Krueger writes stories that mix crime, small-town life, and complex characters. His book “Ordinary Grace” focuses on a boy in the 1960s dealing with loss and unexpected truths in a quiet Minnesota town.
In “Iron Lake,” the start of his Cork O’Connor series, a former sheriff gets pulled into a chilling murder in the Northwoods. If you enjoy Ace Atkins’ storytelling, Krueger’s books might be a great fit.
George Pelecanos writes crime stories with a focus on gritty realism and everyday struggles. In “The Big Blowdown,” he looks at crime and loyalty in 1940s Washington, D.C.
Another one of his books, “Right as Rain,” follows a private investigator trying to uncover the truth behind a police shooting. His novels often highlight the tough choices people face in a flawed world.
Daniel Woodrell writes stories with grit and heart, often set in the hills of the Ozarks. His novel “Winter’s Bone” explores family loyalty and survival through the eyes of a teenage girl trying to save her home.
“The Death of Sweet Mister” is darker, focusing on a lonely boy in a troubled family, caught in a web of bad choices and worse influences. If you enjoy characters living on the edge, his books are worth checking out.