If you enjoy reading novels by Andrew Taylor then you might also like the following authors:
C.J. Sansom writes historical mysteries with strong characters and vivid settings. One of his books, “Dissolution,” takes place in Tudor England during the reign of Henry VIII.
The story follows Matthew Shardlake, a hunchbacked lawyer tasked with investigating the murder of a royal commissioner at a monastery.
As Shardlake uncovers corruption and hidden secrets, the tension between the crumbling monasteries and the rise of royal power adds layers to the mystery. The book captures the atmosphere of a nation in turmoil, where faith and politics collide.
Fans of Andrew Taylor’s historical fiction might enjoy the depth of Sansom’s storytelling.
Kate Morton writes historical fiction with layered stories and secrets that span generations. One of her books, “The Forgotten Garden,” begins with a young girl abandoned on a ship bound for Australia in 1913.
She grows up with no memory of her past and only a small book of fairy tales as a clue. Years later, her granddaughter starts searching for answers, uncovering connections to an English manor, an eccentric writer, and family mysteries that have been buried for decades.
Morton’s stories often move between different time periods, weaving together personal histories in a way that’s hard to put down.
Charles Palliser is known for crafting historical mysteries rich with detail and atmosphere. His novel “The Quincunx” takes readers into 19th-century England, following the journey of young John Huffam as he uncovers dark secrets about his family’s past.
The story is filled with twists and betrayals, set against a backdrop of class struggles and hidden identities. The book’s structure itself adds to the mystery, drawing readers deeper into the complex layers of the plot.
If you’re a fan of Andrew Taylor’s immersive historical settings, you might enjoy Palliser’s meticulous storytelling.
Rennie Airth is an author known for atmospheric crime novels set in historical periods. One of his standout books is “The Blood-Dimmed Tide.”
It takes place in post-World War I England and follows former police inspector John Madden, who is drawn out of retirement when a young girl’s body is discovered near his village.
The story explores the impact of the war on the characters and weaves in layers of mystery as Madden pieces together unsettling clues about the killer. The rural setting contrasts with the darkness of the crimes, creating a vivid backdrop.
Fans of Andrew Taylor’s historical mysteries might find this book worth exploring.
Laura Purcell writes historical fiction with a dark, atmospheric edge. Her book “The Silent Companions” is set in a crumbling, lonely English manor during the 1860s. The story follows Elsie, a young widow, who arrives at her late husband’s home to settle his affairs.
Once there, she discovers eerie wooden figures called “companions” that seem ordinary at first. But as strange events begin to unfold, she starts questioning if they might be watching her.
The story blends mystery and gothic elements, creating a world full of secrets and uneasy moments. Fans of Andrew Taylor’s historical settings might enjoy how Purcell builds tension through details and period authenticity.
Imogen Robertson writes historical mysteries that pull you into vividly imagined settings. Her book “Instruments of Darkness” starts with a dramatic discovery—a body is found on a wealthy estate in Sussex in the late 18th century.
Two unlikely allies, a reclusive widow named Harriet Westerman and an anatomist, Gabriel Crowther, join forces to unravel the crime. The story weaves murder, secrets, and unexpected alliances, all set against the backdrop of a society on the brink of change.
Fans of Andrew Taylor’s historical novels will appreciate the atmosphere and attention to detail Robertson brings to her work.
Maurice Druon was a French author known for historical fiction that brings the past to life with vivid characters and political intrigue. His series “The Accursed Kings” focuses on the French monarchy during the 14th century.
In the first book, “The Iron King,” Philip IV struggles to maintain his control over the kingdom, while his enemies close in from all sides. There’s betrayal, secret schemes, and the ominous curse of the Templar Grand Master, which looms over the royal family.
The book captures a world where power is fragile, and every decision has dangerous consequences.
Tana French writes mysteries with rich characters and settings that feel alive. In her book “In the Woods,” a detective named Rob Ryan investigates the murder of a young girl in a small Irish town.
The case becomes unsettling for him because years earlier, two of his childhood friends disappeared in the same woods, and he was found near them with no memory of what happened. The story blends the present case with Rob’s buried past, creating layers of tension and secrets.
Fans of Andrew Taylor might enjoy how French builds her worlds and explores the impact of crime on communities and individuals.
Philip Kerr was a master of historical crime fiction, known for creating deeply atmospheric stories. One of his standout works is “March Violets,” the first book in the Bernie Gunther series.
Set in 1936 Berlin during the Nazi regime, it follows Bernie, a private investigator, as he’s hired to solve a case involving a murder and stolen diamonds.
The shadow of rising political tensions hangs heavily over the city, and Bernie’s sharp wit and moral compass make him a fascinating guide through a dark world. The story weaves together mystery and history, pulling readers into the oppressive atmosphere of pre-war Germany.
Fans of Andrew Taylor’s talent for historical detail might find Kerr’s work equally absorbing.
Josephine Tey was a British author known for her detective novels, often centered on clever characters and unusual mysteries. One of her most interesting books is “The Daughter of Time.”
In it, Inspector Alan Grant is stuck in a hospital bed and begins investigating the historical mystery of King Richard III and the princes in the Tower.
The book has a unique setup because it combines true history with a detective’s eye for evidence, as Grant tries to determine if Richard was truly guilty or unfairly maligned. It’s a fresh take on crime fiction that stands out from other mysteries.
Barbara Vine is the pseudonym of Ruth Rendell, a writer known for psychological crime novels that draw you into dark, secretive lives. In “A Fatal Inversion,” a young couple stumbles upon a shocking discovery buried on an estate inherited by a man named Adam.
The story unravels through Adam’s memories of a summer he spent there ten years earlier, when a group of friends lived on the estate and everything started to go wrong. The tension comes from piecing together what really happened and how it connects to the present.
Vine’s work often explores how choices and lies can haunt people years later.
Ann Cleeves writes crime novels that often feature strong characters and vivid settings. One of her works, “The Crow Trap,” kicks off the Vera Stanhope series. The story focuses on three women conducting an environmental survey in a remote countryside area.
Their work is interrupted by the sudden death of their team leader. Vera, a somewhat disheveled and sharp-witted detective, steps in to untangle secrets and lies hidden among the group. The writing captures the tension of isolation and the layers of mystery in people’s lives.
Fans of Andrew Taylor’s attention to character and atmosphere might enjoy her stories.
Susan Hill writes atmospheric stories with a strong sense of place and mood. One of her most well-known novels, “The Woman in Black,” is a ghost story centered on Arthur Kipps, a young solicitor sent to settle the affairs of a recently deceased woman.
The isolated house where he stays is shrouded in fog and secrets. Strange sounds echo in the night, and a mysterious figure dressed in black begins to appear. The book captures an eerie, unsettling feeling and keeps you guessing about the truth behind the haunting.
David Liss is an author known for crafting historical novels with sharp plots and fascinating settings. His book, “A Conspiracy of Paper,” is set in London during the early 18th century.
It follows Benjamin Weaver, a former boxer turned thief-taker, who gets caught up in a murder investigation tied to the rise of the stock market. The story pulls you into a world of political scheming, financial power, and personal revenge.
Weaver is a character with wit and grit, navigating the dark corners of society while digging into his own past. Readers who enjoy Andrew Taylor’s knack for historical mysteries will likely enjoy the detail and atmosphere David Liss brings to his work.
Wilkie Collins was a Victorian author known for his clever storytelling and memorable characters. One of his most famous books is “The Woman in White.”
The story begins when a young teacher named Walter Hartright meets a mysterious woman dressed in white on a deserted road at night. Walter becomes entangled in a dark plot involving a sinister nobleman, a secret from the past, and an inheritance scheme.
The book is filled with suspense and unexpected turns, and each character brings something unique to the story. It’s a novel that keeps readers curious about what will happen next and why this strange woman holds such importance.