If you enjoy reading books by Anne Hillerman then you might also like the following authors:
Tony Hillerman wrote mystery novels with a strong focus on Navajo culture and the landscapes of the American Southwest. One of his books, “The Blessing Way,” introduces Joe Leaphorn, a Navajo Tribal Police officer.
The story follows Leaphorn as he investigates a mysterious death on Navajo land, uncovering secrets tied to both modern crimes and ancient traditions.
The vivid setting and the cultural depth of the Navajo perspective make his books fascinating for readers interested in stories that blend mystery with rich cultural details.
Margaret Coel is known for her mystery novels set in Wyoming, featuring the strong ties between Arapaho culture and modern life. One of her books, “The Eagle Catcher,” introduces Father John O’Malley, a Jesuit priest, and Vicky Holden, an Arapaho lawyer.
The story begins with the murder of the tribal chairman during a powwow on the Wind River Reservation. As John and Vicky dig into the case, they uncover tribal secrets and face personal struggles.
The book paints a vivid picture of reservation life and the challenges between tradition and the present. Fans of Anne Hillerman will enjoy the focus on Native American heritage integrated with a gripping mystery.
William Kent Krueger writes mysteries set in the heart of nature, often weaving in small-town life and Native American culture. His book “Ordinary Grace” stands out.
It’s about a young boy named Frank Drum, growing up in a Minnesota town during the 1960s, who faces a summer full of death and secrets. Through Frank’s eyes, you see how tragedy changes his family and community.
The writing captures both the beauty of life and the weight of loss, with characters that feel real and full of depth.
Craig Johnson is the author behind the Longmire series, which features Sheriff Walt Longmire, a tough but thoughtful lawman in a small Wyoming town.
In “The Cold Dish,” the first book in the series, Walt investigates the murder of a young man who had been convicted years earlier in the assault of a Cheyenne girl. The case digs up old conflicts within the community and pits Walt against harsh landscapes and difficult choices.
Johnson paints a vivid picture of Western life while exploring relationships, justice, and loyalty. If you enjoy Anne Hillerman’s sense of place and cultural depth, you might find a lot to like in Johnson’s work.
C.J. Box is known for his mystery and crime novels, often set in the rugged landscapes of Wyoming and the American West. One of his books, “Open Season,” introduces Joe Pickett, a game warden who stumbles upon a murder tied to environmental issues and political corruption.
The story brings together a quiet, rural setting and a hero who’s honest and determined to protect his family and the land he loves. Fans of Anne Hillerman’s ability to weave mystery with a strong sense of place might find C.J. Box a great fit.
Michael McGarrity is an author known for his crime novels set in the Southwest. His book “Tularosa” introduces Kevin Kerney, a former cop drawn back into law enforcement when an old friend asks for help finding his missing son.
The search takes him to the White Sands Missile Range, where hidden secrets and dangers emerge. The vivid depiction of New Mexico’s landscape and the mix of mystery and action make it a great pick for fans of Anne Hillerman’s work.
Barbara Kingsolver writes stories often set against vivid natural landscapes, exploring connections between people and the world around them. Her novel “Prodigal Summer” brings together the lives of three characters in a rural Appalachian town.
The story highlights themes of love, survival, and ecology, as we follow a reclusive wildlife biologist tracking coyotes and a farmer grappling with the traditions of his family. The setting feels alive, filled with the rhythms of nature and the tensions of human choices.
Nevada Barr writes mystery novels set in U.S. national parks, blending crime with rich settings. Her book “Track of the Cat” introduces Anna Pigeon, a park ranger who stumbles upon the body of a colleague in the rugged terrain of West Texas.
At first, it looks like a mountain lion attack, but Anna begins to suspect foul play. The story pulls you into the challenges of surviving in the wilderness while uncovering secrets that people would kill to keep.
Barr’s descriptions make you feel the grit of the trail and the tension of investigating danger in remote areas.
J.A. Jance writes mysteries with strong ties to the American Southwest, which fans of Anne Hillerman might find appealing.
One of her popular books, “Desert Heat,” introduces Joanna Brady, a deputy sheriff in Arizona who finds herself navigating personal tragedy while solving crimes.
The story dives into the murder of Joanna’s husband, as she uncovers secrets that reshape everything she thought she knew. Jance’s writing highlights local landscapes and communities, giving readers an authentic sense of place.
James D. Doss is known for his mystery novels set in the American Southwest, blending vivid settings with intriguing cultural touches.
One of his books, “The Night Visitor,” follows Charlie Moon, a Ute tribal investigator, as he looks into a series of odd and unsettling events tied to ancient beliefs and modern conflicts.
The story weaves Native American traditions into the lives of its characters, including Daisy Perika, Charlie’s aunt, who believes in the power of visions.
There’s an eerie atmosphere tied to the mysterious presence of an otherworldly figure that both fascinates and unsettles everyone involved. Fans of Anne Hillerman’s work will likely enjoy Doss’s focus on community, culture, and uniquely Southwestern mysteries.
Peter Bowen wrote mysteries set in the American West, often capturing the culture, lives, and challenges of the region. His series featuring Gabriel Du Pré, a Métis cattle inspector, is a great example.
In “Coyote Wind,” Du Pré investigates a skeleton found on a friend’s ranch, uncovering secrets tied to the local community. The story weaves in Métis traditions and the rugged Montana landscape, giving readers a sense of place and people that feels authentic and vivid.
Dana Stabenow is a mystery author known for her books set in Alaska, which often blend crime with the rugged beauty of the wilderness. Her book “A Cold Day for Murder” introduces Kate Shugak, a former investigator living in a remote part of Alaska.
When a park ranger goes missing, Kate is pulled back into her old world to uncover the truth. The story highlights Alaska’s harsh, isolated environment and the challenges it brings, while also digging into the secrets of a tight-knit community.
Fans of Anne Hillerman’s blend of mystery and cultural depth might find themselves drawn to Kate’s world.
Louise Erdrich writes stories that often explore Native American life, weaving deep connections between family, culture, and history. One of her books, “The Round House,” follows a boy named Joe who seeks justice after his mother suffers a violent attack.
Set on a reservation, the story looks at how Joe’s family and community deal with the crime, while he uncovers secrets that change how he sees the world. Erdrich’s ability to create vivid, memorable characters makes her books hard to put down.
Thomas Perry writes fast-paced stories that often blend elements of mystery and danger. One of his standout novels is “The Old Man.” The story follows Dan Chase, a seemingly ordinary retired man who has been living a quiet life in Vermont.
But his past as a government operative catches up with him when men arrive to kill him, forcing him to go on the run.
What makes it fascinating is how Dan relies on his wits and decades-old skills to outsmart his enemies while uncovering why his old life is threatening his current one. The tension builds with each twist.
Fans of Anne Hillerman might enjoy how Perry crafts characters who feel grounded while navigating high-stakes situations.
Linda Castillo writes crime novels that often explore the Amish community, blending cultural depth with mystery. Her book “Sworn to Silence” introduces Kate Burkholder, a small-town police chief with Amish roots.
The story begins when a serial killer strikes Painters Mill, forcing Kate to confront her past as she tracks the murderer. The mix of Kate’s complex history and the tension of the investigation keeps the story moving at a quick pace.
Fans of Anne Hillerman’s focus on intricate communities might enjoy Castillo’s approach to setting and character.