Charles Todd, a mother-and-son writing team, specializes in historical mystery novels. Their Inspector Ian Rutledge series, including the popular A Test of Wills, creates engaging plots set post-World War I.
If you enjoy reading books by Charles Todd then you might also like the following authors:
Fans of Charles Todd's thoughtful mysteries will appreciate Jacqueline Winspear. She writes historical mysteries set in England after World War I, vividly capturing the mood and challenges of post-war society.
Her protagonist, investigator Maisie Dobbs, is insightful and compassionate. In Maisie Dobbs, Maisie confronts secrets from the past while navigating the uncertainties of her era.
Anne Perry creates atmospheric mysteries set in Victorian-era England. Like Charles Todd, Perry focuses on psychological depth and the moral complexities facing her characters.
Her novel The Cater Street Hangman introduces readers to Inspector Thomas Pitt, who carefully investigates crime while exploring class tensions and social expectations of Victorian London.
Rhys Bowen writes engaging historical mysteries featuring strong, likable heroines. Readers who enjoy the historical authenticity and character-driven storytelling of Charles Todd will find Bowen's work appealing.
In Murphy's Law, Irish immigrant Molly Murphy flees to America, only to become entangled in a murder investigation filled with suspense and humor.
Carola Dunn is ideal for readers who appreciate historical detail along with lighter, entertaining mysteries. Her Daisy Dalrymple series, set in 1920s England, balances mystery with humor and romance.
In Death at Wentwater Court, Daisy accidentally becomes involved in uncovering a mysterious death among high society members, charming readers with both wit and style.
Maureen Jennings writes immersive historical mysteries highlighting meticulous attention to details of place and period, much like Charles Todd.
In her celebrated novel Except the Dying, Jennings introduces Detective William Murdoch, a determined and observant investigator solving crimes in 1890s Toronto. The rich historical context and nuanced characters ensure engaging reading.
If you're a fan of Charles Todd, you'll likely enjoy Rennie Airth. He writes atmospheric detective novels set around the aftermath of World War I. His stories often feature thoughtful heroes who deal with the lingering effects of war and personal grief.
River of Darkness is a great place to start, introducing readers to Inspector John Madden, a detective investigating a gruesome murder in rural England.
Susan Elia MacNeal might appeal to fans of historical mysteries filled with vivid wartime settings and engaging characters.
Her series starring Maggie Hope, an intelligent young spy and codebreaker, blends mystery plots with real historical details, set against the backdrop of World War II.
Check out Mr. Churchill's Secretary, which introduces readers to Maggie and her life working closely with Winston Churchill.
Tasha Alexander offers historical mystery readers elegant stories set in the Victorian era. Her well-researched novels feature a strong, independent heroine named Lady Emily, whose curiosity frequently leads her into solving crimes.
Fans of Charles Todd's careful blend of atmosphere and historical detail might enjoy Alexander’s And Only to Deceive, where Lady Emily investigates the suspicious death of her late husband.
If you enjoy historical settings combined with intriguing mysteries and colorful characters, consider Victoria Thompson's novels.
Her stories take readers back to New York City around the turn of the 20th century, where midwife Sarah Brandt teams up with Detective Frank Malloy to solve crimes.
Begin with Murder on Astor Place, a mystery that explores class tensions, vivid settings, and compelling characters.
Laurie R. King is ideal for readers who appreciate intelligent, character-driven mysteries set in historical periods. She's best known for her cleverly written Mary Russell series, which imagines Sherlock Holmes partnering with an equally clever and determined young woman.
Start with The Beekeeper's Apprentice, where Mary Russell first meets and impresses the famously aloof Sherlock Holmes.
Will Thomas writes atmospheric historical mysteries set in Victorian London. His stories often combine vivid historical details, sharp dialogue, and intricate detective plots.
Fans of Charles Todd's thoughtful approach to history and intriguing characters will appreciate Thomas's detective duo, Cyrus Barker and Thomas Llewelyn, who star in the first novel of the series, Some Danger Involved.
Barbara Cleverly is known for weaving gripping historical mysteries with detailed settings and smart character development. Her novels explore British colonial society and its class tensions, similar to how Charles Todd thoughtfully approaches historical conflicts.
Cleverly's books often feature Inspector Joe Sandilands, a World War I veteran who investigates complex cases in 1920s India. Her novel The Last Kashmiri Rose is an excellent starting point for readers looking to explore her work.
Deanna Raybourn creates engaging historical mysteries with a lively blend of suspense, romance, and humor. Her characters are witty and independent, with narratives focused on uncovering hidden secrets and unraveling intricate plots.
Readers who appreciate Charles Todd's historical depth may find Raybourn’s Lady Julia Grey series appealing, starting with the enjoyable and cleverly-written Silent in the Grave.
Alyssa Maxwell writes historical mysteries with strong female characters, detailed period settings, and intriguing plotlines. Her work often centers around vividly depicted American Gilded Age families.
Like Charles Todd, she adds depth through historical authenticity and carefully crafted characters dealing with changing social roles. Maxwell’s book Murder at the Breakers, the first of the Gilded Newport Mysteries, is a great example of her engaging style.
Jennifer Ashley offers readers captivating historical mysteries with intriguing plots and vivid characterization. Her novels often feature appealing, multi-dimensional protagonists solving crimes against the backdrop of Victorian London.
If you enjoy Charles Todd’s thoughtful plotting and complex characters, try Ashley’s The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie, a fascinating blend of mystery, romance, and historical detail.