If you enjoy reading books by Archer Mayor then you might also like the following authors:
Craig Johnson is the author behind the Longmire series, which blends mystery and small-town drama. In “The Cold Dish,” the first book in the series, Sheriff Walt Longmire investigates the murder of a young man in rural Wyoming.
The man had previously been part of a group convicted of assaulting a Cheyenne girl, raising a long list of potential suspects.
With sharp dialogue and a mix of tension and humor, Johnson introduces readers to an unforgettable cast of characters and the stark beauty of the Wyoming landscape. Fans of Archer Mayor’s Joe Gunther series might enjoy the focus on law enforcement in a tightly knit community.
William Kent Krueger is an author known for blending crime fiction with strong senses of place and community. One of his books, “Ordinary Grace,” steps away from his Cork O’Connor mystery series.
It’s set in a small Minnesota town during the 1960s and follows 13-year-old Frank Drum, who is drawn into a series of tragedies that shake his family and town.
Through Frank’s eyes, the story explores loss, faith, and growing up in a world that suddenly feels much darker and more complicated. The writing pulls you right into Frank’s world, where the ordinary becomes anything but.
C.J. Box writes mysteries set in the rugged landscapes of the American West. One of his standout books is “Open Season,” the first in the Joe Pickett series. Joe is a game warden in Wyoming, a job that puts him right in the middle of wilderness and trouble.
In this book, Joe stumbles across the body of a hunting guide. What sets it apart is how the murder seems connected to endangered species and shady business dealings. Joe is a refreshing character—flawed but determined, far from the typical hero.
The story dives into environmental themes and small-town conflicts, and the tension builds as Joe tries to protect his family while uncovering the truth.
Tony Hillerman was known for his mystery novels set in the American Southwest, often weaving Native American culture into the stories. His book “Skinwalkers” introduces Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, two Navajo tribal police officers.
They investigate a series of strange murders that seem connected to Navajo witchcraft. The story takes readers into the desert landscapes and offers a glimpse into Navajo traditions and beliefs.
As the officers piece together the clues, the tension builds around the idea of ancient myths influencing modern crimes. The mix of detective work and cultural depth makes it unforgettable.
Michael Connelly is known for his crime novels that focus on strong characters and tight storytelling. One of his most popular books, “The Lincoln Lawyer,” follows Mickey Haller, a defense attorney who works out of his car.
Mickey takes on what seems like a straightforward case—a wealthy man accused of attacking a woman. As he digs deeper, he realizes the case is more dangerous than it appears, and his life could be at risk. The story mixes courtroom drama with a strong sense of suspense.
Fans of Archer Mayor might enjoy Connelly’s attention to detail and intricate plots.
John Sandford writes fast-paced crime novels with sharp dialogue and engaging characters. One of his popular books, “Rules of Prey,” introduces Lucas Davenport, a smart and relentless investigator.
In this story, he hunts a killer who calls himself the “Mad Dog,” a meticulous predator targeting women. The plot has twists that keep the stakes high as Lucas outwits his prey while balancing his own personal flaws.
Fans of strong detective leads and clever cat-and-mouse chases might find this worth checking out.
Louise Penny is a mystery writer known for creating the Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series. Her story “Still Life” introduces readers to the small, picturesque village of Three Pines, where a beloved local artist is found dead in the woods.
Gamache, a thoughtful and skilled investigator, uncovers secrets about the seemingly peaceful lives of the villagers. The book combines a clever investigation with a rich sense of place, drawing readers into the heart of the town and the lives of its residents.
James Lee Burke is known for his crime novels that dig deep into characters and their surroundings. In his book “The Neon Rain,” we meet Detective Dave Robicheaux, a man haunted by his past and trying to solve a murder in the gritty streets of New Orleans.
The story pulls you into a world of corruption, violence, and complex relationships. Robicheaux faces dangerous criminals and confronts his own demons under the shadowy heat of the Louisiana bayou.
The mix of tension and vivid landscapes creates a memorable read, blending mystery and atmosphere.
Peter Robinson was a British author known for his crime novels featuring Detective Chief Inspector Alan Banks. One of his standout books is “In a Dry Season.”
The story kicks off when a drought uncovers the ruins of a long-submerged village, and a human skeleton is discovered there. Banks is called to investigate, piecing together clues that connect the body to a decades-old mystery.
The book weaves together past and present, showing how long-buried secrets can resurface to challenge the people involved. It’s both a detective case and a journey into the lives of the characters tied to the village.
Donna Leon writes crime fiction set in Venice. Her books revolve around Commissario Guido Brunetti, a sharp and thoughtful detective. In “Death at La Fenice,” Brunetti investigates the poisoning of a famous opera conductor during a performance at Venice’s iconic opera house.
Through Brunetti’s keen observation, the story uncovers the darker side of the glamorous world of opera, with secrets and betrayals coming to light. The book captures Venice’s atmosphere perfectly, blending the city’s charm with the weight of investigating a serious crime.
Tana French writes crime novels that focus on complex characters and layered mysteries. In her book “In the Woods,” a detective named Rob Ryan investigates the murder of a young girl in a small Irish town.
Years earlier, Rob himself was found near the same woods, covered in blood and unable to remember what happened to his friends who vanished that day.
As the current case unfolds, Rob’s own past starts to surface, and the tension between solving the case and keeping his secrets mounts. French weaves together hidden truths, personal struggles, and an unsettling atmosphere that keeps you hooked.
Karin Slaughter is known for writing thrillers that mix strong characters with dark, emotional twists. In her book “Blindsighted,” she introduces Dr. Sara Linton, a pediatrician and part-time coroner in a small Georgia town.
The story begins when a woman’s body is discovered in a diner’s bathroom, and it’s clear the death isn’t random. Sara and her ex-husband, Police Chief Jeffrey Tolliver, must work together to uncover secrets hidden in their community.
Slaughter doesn’t shy away from gritty details or the lengths some people will go to hide the truth. Fans of smart investigations and layered characters will find this book hard to put down.
Ian Rankin is a Scottish author known for his crime novels set in Edinburgh, featuring Detective Inspector John Rebus.
In “Knots and Crosses,” the first book in the Rebus series, a string of young girls turns up murdered in the city, and Rebus finds himself drawn into the case in unexpected ways.
Alongside grappling with personal demons, he begins to receive mysterious letters containing knots and crosses, which seem connected to the crimes. The dark streets of Edinburgh and the layers of Rebus’s character make the story engaging and atmospheric.
Julia Spencer-Fleming writes mysteries with strong characters and a sense of place that draws you in. Her book “In the Bleak Midwinter” introduces Clare Fergusson, an Episcopal priest, and Russ Van Alstyne, a police chief in a quiet upstate New York town.
When a baby is left on the church doorstep, the two work together to figure out who abandoned the child. Their investigation pulls them into a web of small-town secrets and personal conflicts, making for a story that keeps you turning the pages.
It’s the kind of book where the setting and characters feel alive, and the mystery keeps you guessing.
Elizabeth George is a mystery writer known for creating intricate plots and rich character development. One of her standout novels, “A Great Deliverance,” introduces Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley and his partner, Sergeant Barbara Havers.
The story begins with a gruesome murder in a small English village, where a young woman is found next to her father’s decapitated body. She confesses to the crime but refuses to explain why, claiming it was because “he deserved it.”
Lynley, who comes from an aristocratic background, works with Havers, who has a chip on her shoulder about his privileged upbringing. As they dig into the past of the victim’s family, they uncover dark secrets and long-hidden truths.
The partnership between Lynley and Havers is filled with tension, but their dynamic keeps the investigation sharp and human.