If you enjoy reading books by Adrian McKinty then you might also like the following authors:
Tana French writes crime stories that feel layered and atmospheric. Her book, “In the Woods,” begins with a disturbing discovery—a young girl is found murdered in the same woods where, years earlier, two children disappeared without a trace.
The story follows Detective Rob Ryan, who, as a child, was the only one found from that earlier disappearance. He now investigates the new case while keeping his connection to the past a secret.
The book blends murder investigation with hidden truths from Rob’s past, pulling you into its quiet, uneasy tension.
Stuart Neville is an author known for dark, atmospheric crime fiction set in Northern Ireland. His book “The Ghosts of Belfast” introduces Gerry Fegan, a former IRA hitman haunted by the twelve people he killed during the Troubles.
These ghosts won’t leave him alone until he seeks justice for their deaths. The story is steeped in tension, with Gerry navigating a dangerous world of political corruption and revenge as he tries to find redemption.
It’s raw, emotional, and full of vivid characters that keep you hooked.
Denise Mina writes crime fiction with a sharp edge and a deep interest in human behavior. One of her standout books, “The Long Drop,” is based on a true story from 1950s Glasgow.
It follows William Watt, a man accused of murdering his entire family, as he meets Peter Manuel, a known criminal who claims to have information about the case.
The novel takes readers into the smoky bars and back alleys of the city, weaving in real-life court transcripts and dark humor. It’s a story that explores guilt, lies, and the strange connection between two men caught in a deadly game.
Fans of Adrian McKinty might enjoy the gritty atmosphere and morally complex characters.
Ian Rankin writes crime fiction, and his stories often take place in Scotland. One of his most famous characters is Detective Inspector John Rebus, who appears in many of his books.
In “The Black Book,” Rebus is dealing with a mysterious attack on his colleague, a burned-down hotel, and a secret notebook that seems to connect everything.
The story dives into Edinburgh’s dark corners, with Rebus trying to uncover the truth while facing personal struggles and work pressure. Rankin’s writing captures the atmosphere of the city, creating a vivid backdrop for the investigation.
Ken Bruen is an Irish writer known for his gritty crime stories, often infused with dark humor and sharp dialogue. His novel “The Guards” introduces Jack Taylor, a disillusioned former cop who turns to private investigating after being kicked off the force for drinking.
The story unravels in Galway, where Taylor is hired to look into the apparent suicide of a young girl. As he digs deeper, Taylor encounters secrets and danger that pull him back into a life he thought he had left behind.
The atmosphere is bleak but addictive, with Taylor’s flawed but deeply human character driving the narrative. If you enjoy crime fiction with flawed antiheroes, you should check this out.
Louise Penny writes crime novels with a strong focus on atmosphere and character. Her book “Still Life” introduces readers to the small village of Three Pines in Quebec, along with Chief Inspector Armand Gamache.
When a beloved artist is found dead in the woods, it seems like an accidental hunting mishap. But as Gamache investigates, he uncovers hidden secrets in the quiet community. The book has richly drawn characters and a setting that feels alive, pulling readers into its world.
If you enjoy Adrian McKinty’s storytelling, Penny’s work might be a good fit.
Mick Herron is the author of the “Slough House” series, which mixes dark humor with spy fiction. In the first book, “Slow Horses,” he introduces a group of spies who have been exiled to a department for screw-ups.
These agents, led by the grumpy and disheveled Jackson Lamb, spend their days on tedious tasks, but everything shifts when a young man gets kidnapped, and a video surfaces threatening his execution.
The story unfolds with twists and sharp dialogue, capturing the chaos of these misfit agents trying to prove themselves.
Val McDermid is a well-known author of crime and mystery novels, often filled with sharp twists and strong characters. One of her books, “The Distant Echo,” begins on a snowy night in Scotland when four college friends discover the body of a young woman.
Their lives are turned upside down as suspicion from the unsolved murder shadows them for decades. Years later, when new evidence comes to light, the case catches up with them. The story pulls you into questions about guilt, memory, and how the past refuses to stay buried.
McDermid’s ability to weave a story makes her a great pick for readers who enjoy Adrian McKinty.
Don Winslow writes crime and thriller novels with strong characters and fast-moving plots. One of his standout books is “The Power of the Dog.” It spans decades and follows DEA agent Art Keller as he becomes deeply involved in the war on drugs.
The story weaves complex relationships between cartel leaders, hitmen, and corrupt officials. At its heart is the rivalry between Keller and a powerful drug lord, which grows more personal with every encounter.
The book paints a vivid picture of the violence and betrayal that comes with power and revenge.
Peter May is a Scottish author known for crafting atmospheric crime novels with strong characters and vivid settings. One of his standout books is “The Blackhouse,” the first in his Lewis Trilogy.
It follows Detective Fin Macleod, who is sent from Edinburgh to the Isle of Lewis to investigate a brutal murder that mirrors a crime in the city. As Fin returns to the island where he grew up, he’s forced to confront his own past and the secrets of the tight-knit community.
The remote and windswept landscape of the Hebrides mirrors the tension in the story, creating a gripping, moody backdrop that draws readers in.
Benjamin Black is the pen name of John Banville, who brings a darker tone to his crime novels. In “Christine Falls,” Black introduces readers to pathologist Quirke, a man trying to piece together a mystery after discovering a misfiled death certificate in 1950s Dublin.
The trail leads to a sinister plot involving a powerful Catholic organization and a secret stretching across the Atlantic. The atmosphere feels heavy with secrets, and the story pulls you into a world where corruption hides in plain sight.
Dervla McTiernan is an Irish author known for her atmospheric crime fiction. Her book, “The Ruin,” opens with a haunting case when Detective Cormac Reilly revisits an investigation from twenty years earlier involving a young boy and girl found in a crumbling house.
The story blends present-day mysteries with past tragedies as Reilly uncovers connections that shake his understanding of the people and events surrounding the case. Fans of Adrian McKinty might enjoy McTiernan’s knack for strong characters and layered plots.
Andrea Camilleri is an Italian author best known for his Inspector Montalbano series. His writing blends crime, humor, and sharp observations of Sicilian life. One standout book is “The Shape of Water,” which introduces Inspector Salvo Montalbano.
When an influential businessman is found dead in his car under suspicious circumstances, Montalbano digs through corruption and hidden truths to find out what really happened.
The story weaves through colorful towns, shady political dealings, and unexpected twists, offering a vivid sense of place and a detective who is both clever and deeply human.
John Connolly writes a mix of crime and supernatural fiction that feels dark and atmospheric. One of his books, “The Book of Lost Things,” tells the story of a boy named David, who is dealing with the death of his mother.
He finds solace in books but gets pulled into a twisted fantasy world where his bravery is tested at every turn. This world is full of strange, dangerous creatures and fairy tales that don’t play out the way you’d expect.
Connolly blends the real and the fantastical in a way that keeps the story moving and full of surprises.
Steve Cavanagh writes crime and legal thrillers with sharp twists and smart characters. One of his books, “Thirteen,” stands out with its unique premise. The story follows Eddie Flynn, a con artist turned lawyer, defending a Hollywood star accused of murder. The twist?
The real killer is on the jury. The book pulls you into a courtroom filled with tension and danger, where every move feels like it could tip the scales. Fans of Adrian McKinty’s fast-paced storytelling might enjoy the way Cavanagh builds suspense and keeps things unpredictable.