If you are looking for authors like Agatha Christie, perhaps you have heard of the “Queens of Crime.” The term refers to four influential female authors who shaped the Golden Age of Detective Fiction in the 1920s and 1930s.
These four authors are Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Margery Allingham, and Ngaio Marsh.
If you enjoy reading books by Agatha Christie then you might also like the following authors:
Dorothy L. Sayers is a classic mystery writer who was born in 1893 (just 3 years after Agatha Christie). She is famous for her series about Lord Peter Wimsey, a charming and clever amateur detective.
One of her standout books is “Strong Poison,” where Lord Peter sets out to prove the innocence of Harriet Vane, a writer accused of poisoning her former lover.
From the trial scene to the subtle clues Sayers scatters through the story, it’s a mystery packed with wit and unexpected twists. Lord Peter’s wit and determination add a unique touch, and Harriet Vane’s sharp personality makes her unforgettable.
Fans of Agatha Christie will enjoy the mix of intellect, puzzles, and memorable characters in Sayers’ work.
Ngaio Marsh was a New Zealand author known for her classic detective stories featuring her gentleman detective, Roderick Alleyn. Her writing is often compared to Agatha Christie’s for its clever mysteries and memorable characters.
In “A Man Lay Dead,” Alleyn investigates a murder that takes place during a country house weekend party. A group of guests gathers for a weekend of social games, but a staged “murder game” turns into a real killing.
As secrets come to light, Alleyn pieces together the relationships and motives in the house to uncover the truth. It’s a puzzle full of twists and an intriguing look into human schemes and lies.
Margery Allingham was one of the classic writers of British detective fiction, known for her Albert Campion series. If you’re a fan of Agatha Christie, you might enjoy “The Tiger in the Smoke.” In this book, Campion gets tangled in a mystery set in post-war London.
A war widow is being pursued by a sinister figure, while a cryptic photograph hints at hidden secrets from the past. The story has an atmospheric London setting and involves a dangerous hunt for something far larger than anyone first suspects.
Josephine Tey was a mystery writer whose books often focus on clever plots and fascinating characters. One of her most famous works is “The Daughter of Time.” In this story, Inspector Alan Grant is stuck in a hospital bed and becomes curious about an old portrait of Richard III.
He starts investigating whether Richard was truly the villain who murdered the princes in the Tower or if history got it wrong. It’s a mystery built around history and piecing together clues from the past, which makes it feel fresh and unexpected.
Fans of Agatha Christie might enjoy Tey’s sharp storytelling and unique approach to unraveling puzzles.
Ellis Peters is known for the “Brother Cadfael” series, a collection of historical mysteries set in 12th-century England. If you enjoy intricate puzzles and clever detectives, you might like her book “A Morbid Taste for Bones.”
In this story, Brother Cadfael, a former soldier turned monk, gets involved in a dispute over the relics of a saint. When someone in the village is murdered, Cadfael uses his worldly knowledge and sharp observation to piece together the truth.
The mix of medieval life, the monastery setting, and the intriguing mystery creates an engaging backdrop. Fans of Agatha Christie would likely appreciate Peters’ thoughtful storytelling and the way her characters uncover secrets step by step.
P.D. James is known for her smart and atmospheric mysteries, often focused on detective Adam Dalgliesh.
In her book, “An Unsuitable Job for a Woman,” the story follows Cordelia Gray, a young private investigator who is hired to look into the apparent suicide of a wealthy man’s son. As she digs deeper, secrets begin to surface, and the truth is far darker than it seemed at first.
The book stands out for its sharp characters and rich sense of place. If you enjoy intricate plots and well-written mysteries, this is worth picking up.
Ruth Rendell is a masterful storyteller, known for her psychological mysteries that explore human nature and moral dilemmas. If you enjoy Agatha Christie, you might like her book “A Judgement in Stone.”
The story begins with a shocking murder of an entire family in their quiet home. At the center of it all is Eunice Parchman, a housekeeper whose secret sets everything in motion.
The story creates tension through its focus on the characters, showing how small, personal decisions can spiral into something tragic.
Georges Simenon was a Belgian author best known for his Maigret detective novels. His stories often focus on human behavior and the subtle tensions in everyday life, making them feel grounded yet full of mystery.
One of his books, “The Yellow Dog,” follows Inspector Maigret as he investigates a series of strange events in a small coastal town. A local man is found shot, a dog appears out of nowhere, and the townspeople grow suspicious of each other.
Maigret’s calm and methodical approach to the case creates a story where every detail feels important. Fans of Agatha Christie might enjoy how Simenon builds suspense and atmosphere in his writing.
John Dickson Carr was a master of the classic mystery, known for his clever puzzles and locked-room mysteries. If you enjoy Agatha Christie’s twists, you might like Carr’s “The Hollow Man.” The story centers on Professor Grimaud, who is found dead in his locked office.
Witnesses heard no footsteps, and the only clue is a bizarre message left behind. Detective Gideon Fell, Carr’s eccentric sleuth, takes on the case, uncovering secrets, contradictions, and red herrings at every turn.
The book is full of surprises, with an ending that feels both shocking and satisfying.
Arthur Conan Doyle is best known for creating the legendary detective Sherlock Holmes. His book, “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” is one of the most famous in the series.
It follows Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. Watson as they investigate a mysterious death linked to an old family curse. The story takes place on the dark and foggy moors, where a ghostly hound is said to haunt the Baskerville family.
Strange footprints, unsettling locals, and eerie landscapes add to the suspense as Holmes unravels the truth behind the legend. Fans of Agatha Christie’s clever puzzles might enjoy Doyle’s sharp storytelling and his knack for crafting unforgettable characters.
Colin Dexter is the author behind the Inspector Morse series, a set of crime novels that offer clever mysteries and intricate plots for readers who enjoy piecing together clues. One of his standout books, “The Dead of Jericho,” begins with Morse meeting a woman named Anne Scott.
When she is later found dead, the case spirals into a tangled investigation, filled with secrets and connections. Morse, while brilliant, is imperfect, relying on his mix of intuition and stubborn determination to uncover the truth.
Fans of Agatha Christie might find Morse’s knack for detail and the unexpected twists in Dexter’s stories worth exploring.
Patricia Highsmith is known for her psychological crime fiction that often focuses on morally complex characters. One of her most famous books, “Strangers on a Train,” starts with two strangers meeting on a train.
One of them, Charles Bruno, suggests they swap murders to solve their personal problems without getting caught. The story takes a dark turn when Bruno decides to act on this plan without full agreement.
What follows is a tense and chilling exploration of guilt, manipulation, and moral compromise. If you enjoy Agatha Christie’s sharp plotting and suspenseful twists, you might find Highsmith’s work equally engaging.
M.C. Beaton is known for crafting charming and lighthearted mysteries that often take place in quaint settings. One of her most popular series features Agatha Raisin, a former PR agent who retires to a quiet English village but keeps stumbling across murders to solve.
In “The Quiche of Death,” Agatha tries to impress her neighbors at a village competition by entering a store-bought quiche as her own. Unfortunately, the judge dies after eating it, and suspicion falls on her.
Determined to clear her name, she dives headfirst into solving the mystery. The story has a village full of quirky characters, unexpected twists, and a protagonist who’s far from perfect but impossible not to root for.
Elizabeth Peters is the pen name of Barbara Mertz, an author known for her clever and entertaining mystery novels. One of her best-loved books is “Crocodile on the Sandbank,” the first in the Amelia Peabody series.
The story introduces Amelia, an independent, witty woman in the late 19th century who travels to Egypt after inheriting a fortune.
While exploring ancient ruins, she encounters a handsome archaeologist, a mysterious sickness sweeping the camp, and a creepy “mummy” that seems to be following them.
Packed with humor and twists, it’s perfect for fans of Agatha Christie searching for mysteries with strong characters and a vivid setting.
Anne Perry was a popular author known for her historical mysteries set in Victorian England. One book that stands out is “The Cater Street Hangman,” the first in her Charlotte and Thomas Pitt series.
It begins with a series of brutal murders targeting young women in a quiet London neighborhood. Charlotte Ellison, a strong-willed woman from an upper-class family, crosses paths with Inspector Thomas Pitt, who is investigating the case.
The story balances the suspense of the murder investigation and the challenges of class and gender barriers in Victorian society. Fans of Agatha Christie might enjoy the blend of mystery and character depth here.