Bill Crider was an American author known for his engaging mystery and crime novels. He created the popular Sheriff Dan Rhodes series, including standout titles like Too Late to Die and Shotgun Saturday Night.
If you enjoy reading books by Bill Crider then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoyed Bill Crider's engaging mysteries set in small towns, you'll probably like Craig Johnson. His Sheriff Walt Longmire mysteries capture the unique rhythms and rugged beauty of rural life in Wyoming.
Johnson's straightforward storytelling, colorful characters, and thoughtful plots blend seamlessly. Try his first book, The Cold Dish, where Sheriff Walt Longmire investigates a murder tied to a past crime and discovers just how long grudges in a small community can last.
Fans of Bill Crider who appreciate mysteries in rural settings with vivid scenery and suspenseful, well-paced stories should check out C.J. Box. He writes about Joe Pickett, a dedicated Wyoming game warden who often finds trouble in the remote wilderness.
In Open Season, the first Joe Pickett novel, Box weaves wildlife issues, suspense, and believable characters together effectively.
If you're drawn to Crider's accessible style, local color, and authentic voices, try Ace Atkins. His Quinn Colson series, set in rural Mississippi, mixes Southern atmosphere with realistic storylines about corruption and crime.
Start with The Ranger, where Quinn returns from army service to his hometown and encounters trouble, family drama, and criminal challenges.
Fans of Crider's small-town sheriff characters and easygoing narrative voice might enjoy reading Steven F. Havill. Havill's Posadas County series, set in a fictional region of southern New Mexico, centers around Bill Gastner, a relatable, seasoned lawman.
The first book Heartshot offers fascinating southwestern scenery, authentic police procedure, and genuine characters dealing with tough investigations.
If you liked Crider's subtle humor, clear style, and appealing plots, give Donald E. Westlake a try. Westlake had a knack for smart, funny crime stories featuring quirky characters who get caught up in amusing yet cleverly planned heists.
The Hot Rock, one of his best, introduces Dortmunder, an unlucky and yet likable thief who always finds his plots falling apart, creating plenty of laughs along the way.
Carl Hiaasen writes crime novels set in quirky Florida locales with humor, colorful characters, and satirical commentary. His stories often highlight environmental issues and corruption through entertaining plots.
Readers who enjoyed Bill Crider's clever style and humorous tone might love Hiaasen's novel Skinny Dip, a mix of mystery, satire, and wild Florida adventures.
Elmore Leonard spun engaging crime stories featuring sharp dialogue, unique characters, and tight plotting. His narratives blend gritty realism and understated humor smoothly, making them accessible and entertaining.
If you like the way Bill Crider combined humor and action in his mysteries, try Leonard's Get Shorty, a smart, witty novel exploring crime and Hollywood ambition.
Joe R. Lansdale offers mysteries set in East Texas that mix dark humor, rural settings, and strong narratives. Lansdale excels at capturing local flavor through sharp and vivid storytelling.
Fans of Bill Crider's authentic Texas settings and lively dialogue should read Lansdale's Mucho Mojo, an entertaining mystery filled with memorable characters and strong sense of place.
Kinky Friedman's detective novels offer humor, irreverence, and eccentric characters in quirky Texas mysteries. The former musician turned writer brings a witty and satirical approach to crime fiction, much like Bill Crider's humorous style.
Readers might enjoy Friedman's Armadillos and Old Lace, a colorful tale filled with twisty plots and clever humor.
Sharyn McCrumb writes atmospheric mysteries set in the Appalachian region. Her novels blend folklore, history, and suspense through vivid storytelling and deep character portraits.
Fans of Bill Crider's engaging narratives and authentic regional details might find great enjoyment in McCrumb’s She Walks These Hills, a suspenseful story ties past and present together seamlessly.
Janet Evanovich writes funny and upbeat mysteries with fast plots and quirky characters. Her humor is sharp and often ridiculous, making her mysteries entertaining and easy to read.
Fans of Bill Crider’s lively storytelling will probably enjoy Evanovich’s clever plots and humor, especially in her popular Stephanie Plum series, starting with One for the Money.
Earlene Fowler's cozy mysteries combine warmth, charm, and a strong sense of community in a small-town setting. Her characters are well-developed, and their relationships are a significant part of her plots.
If you liked Bill Crider’s engaging small-town stories, Fowler’s Benni Harper mysteries, such as Fool's Puzzle, could appeal to you.
Charlaine Harris crafts mysteries filled with humor, small-town charm, and satisfying puzzles. She also mixes in supernatural elements without losing the down-to-earth style readers enjoy.
If you're a fan of Bill Crider's warm and clever style, Harris’ cozy Southern Vampire Mysteries (also known as the Sookie Stackhouse series) could be a great choice, starting with Dead Until Dark.
Stuart Woods writes brisk and accessible thrillers that combine mystery, fast pacing, and intriguing characters. Like Bill Crider, Woods offers clever plotting and casual readability.
For readers looking for suspenseful mysteries and enjoyable storytelling, Woods' book New York Dead, the first in the Stone Barrington series, is a good place to start.
Ross Thomas creates sophisticated crime and spy novels known for clever dialogue, sharp observation, and complex plots. His careful crafting of intricate conspiracies and dry wit fits well with Bill Crider fans who appreciate engaging storylines and inviting, cinematic writing.
Consider checking out Thomas' Chinaman's Chance to get a feel for his distinctive style.