Charlaine Harris gave readers Bon Temps, Louisiana, and a world where vampires are real. Her Sookie Stackhouse books have a great mix of mystery, romance, and things that go bump in the night, all with a Southern flavor.
For anyone who enjoys stories with a similar feel, there are plenty of authors to discover.
Readers who enjoy Charlaine Harris’s supernatural mysteries might find a great match in Laurell K. Hamilton’s novels.
Hamilton’s Anita Blake series begins with “Guilty Pleasures,” a paranormal thriller featuring Anita Blake, a tough and resourceful vampire hunter who doesn’t back down from trouble.
The story unfolds in a world where vampires have been legally recognized, and Anita works both as an investigator of supernatural crimes and an expert on vampire behavior for law enforcement.
When innocent lives are threatened by a series of vampire murders, Anita steps into dangerous territory, caught between powerful vampires and dark secrets.
Hamilton crafts a dark, gritty atmosphere and offers mysteries with an edge—perfect for readers craving another series blending suspense, fantasy, and memorable characters.
Kelley Armstrong writes engaging supernatural stories filled with suspense and lively characters. If you enjoy Charlaine Harris, Armstrong’s “Bitten” is a solid book to pick up.
It follows Elena Michaels, the only known female werewolf, who tries to live like an ordinary woman but struggles to escape her past. Pulled back into the dangerous world of her pack, Elena faces tough choices and intense conflicts.
Armstrong carefully builds a believable supernatural community against a modern-day setting, combining drama, romance, and fierce action scenes, similar to Harris’s style.
“Bitten” kicks off Armstrong’s “Women of the Otherworld” series, opening readers up to lots of intriguing characters and complex plots set in the same exciting universe.
Books by Kim Harrison offer readers the blend of mystery, supernatural elements, and engaging characters that Charlaine Harris fans often enjoy.
Harrison’s novel “Dead Witch Walking” introduces readers to Rachel Morgan, a witty and ambitious bounty hunter dealing with vampires, witches, and werewolves in an alternate Cincinnati.
Rachel’s latest move—quitting her agency job to strike out on her own—quickly makes her enemies in dangerous circles.
Now, teaming up with a pixy and a mysterious vampire roommate, Rachel must confront threats both magical and mundane to survive in a world where lines blur between friend and foe.
If you like thrilling urban fantasy with vivid characters, “Dead Witch Walking” may be the book to pick up next.
Books by Patricia Briggs offer an engaging blend of urban fantasy and mystery that readers of Charlaine Harris will appreciate. Briggs creates worlds where supernatural elements merge seamlessly into our reality.
A standout title is “Moon Called,” the first novel in her Mercy Thompson series. The story introduces Mercy Thompson, a mechanic who shifts into a coyote, giving her a unique edge in navigating the supernatural communities around her.
Mercy finds herself caught between werewolves, vampires, and fae when danger knocks on her door. Her sharp tongue, courage, and resourcefulness pull readers through a story filled with suspense, supernatural politics, and just enough humor.
If you’re drawn to Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse series, Mercy Thompson’s adventures are worth checking out.
Ilona Andrews is the pen name for a husband-and-wife duo known for their unique brand of supernatural stories filled with wit and charismatic characters.
If you enjoyed Charlaine Harris’s blend of mystery, humor, and urban fantasy, try “Magic Bites,” the first book in the Kate Daniels series. It introduces Kate, a tough mercenary living in an alternate Atlanta, where unpredictable waves of magic sweep in and collapse technology.
After her guardian’s sudden death, Kate is drawn into an investigation of brutal killings that drag her toward powerful shapeshifters and shadowy forces. Sharp, funny dialogue and vivid supernatural beings make this a series worth diving into.
Jeaniene Frost is an exciting choice if you enjoy Charlaine Harris’s blend of the supernatural with mystery and romance. Her book “Halfway to the Grave” introduces you to Cat Crawford, a young woman born half vampire, who uses her unique powers to hunt vampires at night.
When she meets Bones, an enigmatic vampire bounty hunter, everything she thought she knew about vampires—and herself—is challenged. Their fiery partnership mixes danger, sharp humor, and passion, against vampire politics and dark secrets.
It’s the kind of novel that makes you eager to explore what else Frost has written.
J.R. Ward is an author readers turn to for charismatic characters and stories filled with romance, mystery, and thrilling supernatural adventures. If you enjoy Charlaine Harris, you might find “Dark Lover,” the first in Ward’s “Black Dagger Brotherhood” series, appealing.
In this book, Wrath is the reluctant vampire king who steps out of the shadows after losing someone close to him. He becomes involved with Beth, a journalist caught between two worlds.
Their intense attraction draws her into a secret society of vampires, danger, and dark intrigue. Ward’s approach mixes gritty storylines, dynamic characters, and paranormal romance in ways that keep readers turning pages late into the night.
Nalini Singh writes paranormal romances that blend fantasy elements with suspense and strong character connections.
Her book “Slave to Sensation” introduces readers to a vivid world where Psy, individuals trained to suppress their emotions, coexist uneasily with passionate and instinct-driven changelings.
The story follows Sascha, a Psy woman on the verge of breaking free from her emotionless state, and Lucas, a changeling leader determined to protect his pack. Together, these two confront supernatural dangers, dark mysteries, and unforgettable romance.
Fans of Charlaine Harris’s detailed paranormal worlds, richly drawn characters, and captivating storylines might find Nalini Singh’s novels equally enjoyable and rewarding to dive into.
Readers who enjoy Charlaine Harris’ blend of supernatural suspense and small-town mysteries might find Rachel Caine equally entertaining.
Her series opener, “Glass Houses,” introduces Claire Danvers, a bright young student who moves into Morganville, Texas, a place secretly controlled by vampires. Claire navigates college classes, new friendships, and constant danger from both humans and vampires.
Caine mixes thrilling supernatural elements with relatable characters and tight suspense, creating a story easy to become absorbed in and hard to put down.
Readers who enjoy Charlaine Harris may find Cassandra Clare a great fit. Clare takes readers into captivating urban fantasy worlds filled with shadowy secrets, supernatural creatures, and thrilling adventures.
In “City of Bones,” the first book in her popular series, teenager Clary Fray discovers a hidden supernatural world when she witnesses a mysterious murder at a trendy club. She soon learns about the Shadowhunters, warriors who hunt demons and keep humanity safe.
Pulled into this dangerous realm, Clary must uncover dark family secrets and confront evil forces lurking in the shadows. Full of suspense, romance, and richly developed characters, Cassandra Clare’s storytelling brings fresh excitement to fans of mysteries and the supernatural.
Deborah Harkness is an author who combines supernatural elements, history, and mystery seamlessly in her work. If you love Charlaine Harris, you might also enjoy Harkness’ book “A Discovery of Witches.”
This novel follows scholar Diana Bishop, a reluctant witch who avoids using her powers. Her life takes a turn when she finds an enchanted manuscript in an Oxford library.
Soon after, creatures from the supernatural world become interested in Diana’s discovery, especially Matthew Clairmont—an intelligent vampire who becomes deeply involved in Diana’s story.
The novel blends romance, history, and fantasy into a fascinating read set against rich historical backdrops.
Books by L.J. Smith can draw you into supernatural worlds filled with romance, mystery, and suspense.
Her novel “The Awakening,” the first entry in “The Vampire Diaries,” introduces Elena Gilbert, a popular high school girl whose life changes dramatically after meeting Stefan Salvatore, a secretive new student.
Elena soon discovers Stefan is a centuries-old vampire, sparking an intense relationship that pulls her into shadows, intrigue, and danger.
If you’re a fan of Charlaine Harris’s blend of supernatural drama, mystery, and romance, L.J. Smith’s stories offer similar thrills and strong, memorable characters.
Karen Marie Moning is a bestselling author known for mixing modern fantasy, mystery, and romance into engaging stories. Fans of Charlaine Harris will likely enjoy Moning’s “Darkfever,” the first book in her Fever series.
The story follows MacKayla Lane, a woman whose life takes a sharp turn after her sister’s mysterious death. Mac travels to Ireland to seek answers and becomes involved with dark supernatural forces.
With tensions between humans and dangerous otherworldly creatures rising quickly, Mac finds herself facing secrets, danger, and uneasy alliances. Moning effectively blends suspenseful mystery and intriguing fantasy elements with strong, relatable characters.
Readers who enjoyed Harris’s Sookie Stackhouse series might find Moning’s storytelling and atmosphere similarly addictive and enjoyable.
Readers who enjoy Charlaine Harris’s blend of paranormal mystery and humor will find Molly Harper’s books equally entertaining. Harper combines witty dialogues and charming characters with supernatural plots that keep the storytelling lively and fun.
In “Nice Girls Don’t Have Fangs,” Jane Jameson transitions unexpectedly from librarian to vampire after an unusual accident.
Adjusting to her quirky new undead life is complicated enough, but Jane also finds herself tangled in hilarious family dynamics, romantic misadventures, and attempts at vampire etiquette.
Harper creates a world filled with sharp humor and relatable drama, perfect for readers seeking supernatural stories with a sense of humor and heart.
Books by Seanan McGuire offer imaginative urban fantasy and mystery that fans of Charlaine Harris would appreciate. A great place to start is “Rosemary and Rue,” the first book in the “October Daye” series.
October Daye, or Toby, is a changeling who lives between the mortal and faerie worlds. After spending years trapped as a fish due to a magical curse, Toby attempts to rebuild her life in San Francisco.
But when an old friend’s murder drags her straight back into the intrigue of Faerie politics, she must navigate dangerous alliances and unravel secrets hidden in her city’s shadows.
McGuire’s vivid world combines mystery, supernatural elements, and strong character drama that keeps readers turning pages late into the night.