If you enjoy reading novels by Chris Brookmyre then you might also like the following authors:
Carl Hiaasen writes stories filled with unexpected twists and sharp humor, often set in Florida. His book, “Bad Monkey,” kicks off when a tourist fishing off the Florida Keys reels in a severed arm.
This bizarre discovery pulls an ex-cop named Andrew Yancy into a chaotic mess involving shady real estate deals, a voodoo priestess, and, of course, a bad-tempered monkey.
The mix of quirky characters and offbeat situations creates a wild ride through swampy landscapes and moral gray zones.
Stuart MacBride writes crime fiction that often combines dark humor with gritty storytelling. His novel “Cold Granite” introduces Detective Sergeant Logan McRae, who works in Aberdeen.
The story kicks off after McRae returns from medical leave and dives into the case of a murdered boy. Things take a darker turn when more children go missing, and the press intensifies the pressure on the police.
The rainy, atmospheric setting and the flawed, determined characters make it an intense read. Fans of Chris Brookmyre’s sharp, darkly funny style will likely enjoy MacBride’s work.
Mark Billingham is a crime writer known for creating dark, twisted mysteries packed with vivid characters. One of his standout books is “Sleepyhead,” which kicks off the Tom Thorne series.
The story follows Detective Inspector Thorne as he investigates a series of women who have fallen into a mysterious coma. One victim is still alive but locked in a trapped, paralyzed state.
Thorne realizes the attacker isn’t trying to kill his victims—he’s trying to leave them in this nightmarish condition. The book dives deep into the mind of both the detective and the perpetrator, offering sharp tension and a clever plot.
If you enjoy thrillers with sharp detectives and dark twists, this is worth picking up.
Christopher Fowler was a talented author known for his quirky and imaginative storytelling. One of his standout works is “Full Dark House,” the first in the Bryant & May series.
In this novel, we follow Arthur Bryant and John May, an odd yet brilliant detective duo, as they investigate a bizarre murder in a London theater during the Blitz. The story blends mystery with humor and a touch of the macabre.
From the strange happenings backstage to the shadowy secrets of the theater, Fowler crafts a world full of twists and surprises. Fans of Chris Brookmyre’s blend of wit and clever plotting might enjoy the unique characters and offbeat charm in Fowler’s writing.
Ian Rankin is a Scottish author best known for his crime novels featuring Detective Inspector John Rebus. If you’re into gritty mysteries with a sharp focus on character and setting, you might enjoy Rankin’s work.
In “Black and Blue,” Rebus hunts a serial killer while dealing with police politics and an old case that still haunts him.
The story mixes a modern murder investigation with a chilling look into the infamous real-life Bible John killings, keeping you hooked as Rebus navigates Edinburgh’s shadowy streets.
Val McDermid is a Scottish author known for gripping crime novels filled with clever twists and sharp writing. One of her standout books is “The Mermaids Singing.”
It’s the first in the Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series and dives into the hunt for a serial killer targeting men in a small English town. Tony Hill, a profiler, is brought in to help solve the case and works alongside determined detective Carol Jordan.
The book keeps you guessing as the two uncover dark, chilling secrets about the murders. Val McDermid’s storytelling has a way of pulling you straight into the minds of her characters, making the suspense even stronger.
Michael Marshall Smith writes stories that mix dark humor and sharp twists with clever, imaginative storytelling. One of his standout books is “Only Forward”. It’s set in a strange and futuristic city made up of zones tailored to people’s personalities and needs.
The story follows Stark, a man hired to find a missing person. What starts as a simple case throws him into surreal and dangerous situations that reveal more about the world—and himself—than he ever expected.
Fans of Chris Brookmyre might enjoy the mix of fast-paced action and unexpected layers in this tale.
Chris Brookmyre, writing as Ambrose Parry with Marisa Haetzman, steps into historical crime fiction with a sharp focus on 19th-century Edinburgh.
One of their standout books, “The Way of All Flesh,” follows Will Raven, an ambitious medical student, and Sarah Fisher, a determined housemaid, as they navigate the underbelly of the city.
The story centers on mysterious deaths of women who appear to be connected to the medical field, unfolding against the gritty backdrop of early medical advancements.
It gives a glimpse into the challenges and dangers of medicine during that era, blending life-and-death stakes with a vivid depiction of historical Edinburgh.
Adrian McKinty is an author with a talent for crafting sharp, fast-paced crime stories. One of his standout books is “The Chain.” The story kicks off when a woman named Rachel gets a phone call telling her that her daughter has been kidnapped.
To get her daughter back, Rachel must pay a ransom and then kidnap another child to continue a sinister chain of crimes. The moral dilemma and the constant danger keep the tension high, as Rachel does everything she can to break free from the chain.
It’s an intense and clever tale perfect for fans of darker, twist-filled thrillers.
John Niven writes wild, darkly funny novels with sharp edges. His book “Kill Your Friends” takes readers into the cutthroat world of the music industry during the 1990s. It follows Steven Stelfox, a talent scout who will stop at nothing to climb higher.
Steven’s obsession with success leads to outrageous decisions and spirals into chaos. There’s a biting humor in how the story unpacks ambition and greed, creating a sharp and unforgettable experience.
If you’re into satirical crime stories with a wicked sense of humor, this might be the perfect read.
Declan Hughes writes sharp, fast-paced crime novels with a dark sense of humor and vivid characters. His book, “The Wrong Kind of Blood,” introduces private investigator Ed Loy, who returns to Dublin after his mother’s death.
He gets pulled into a case involving a missing man, secrets from the past, and the dangerous underbelly of the city. The story is full of twists and has a gritty feel that pulls you into the chaotic world Ed is trying to navigate.
Fans of Chris Brookmyre might enjoy the mix of clever plotting and the biting edge to Hughes’ storytelling.
Ben Aaronovitch writes urban fantasy with a strong thread of crime and mystery, often blending wit and vivid world-building.
One of his books, “Rivers of London,” follows Peter Grant, a rookie cop in London who accidentally discovers the world of magic after a strange encounter during a murder investigation.
Instead of ending up in a boring desk job, Peter becomes an apprentice to a wizard and joins the secret police branch dealing with paranormal crimes.
The story takes readers through a magical version of London, where river gods and other supernatural beings exist alongside humans. It’s a clever mix of crime solving and discovering a hidden magical layer of the city.
Elmore Leonard had a way of writing crime stories that felt sharp and fast, with characters who talk like real people. His novel “Get Shorty” is about Chili Palmer, a Miami loan shark who ends up in Hollywood while chasing down a debt.
Instead of sticking to his usual job, he decides he could make it in the movie business. The story mixes crime with the chaos of Hollywood, where everyone’s hustling for their next big shot.
It’s full of snappy dialogue, unexpected twists, and moments where danger and humor collide. Fans of Chris Brookmyre’s wit and action might find a lot to enjoy in Leonard’s style.
Jo Nesbø is known for his sharp and gritty crime novels, often blending dark humor with intense storytelling. One of his most popular books, “The Snowman,” follows Detective Harry Hole as he investigates a string of murders tied to the appearance of snowmen at the crime scenes.
The story unravels through chilling discoveries and clever twists, keeping readers on edge as Harry races to stop a killer who seems impossible to catch. It’s smart, sinister, and full of unexpected turns that pull you straight into the dark world of the investigation.
Tim Dorsey writes fast-paced and wild crime novels, filled with dark humor and unforgettable characters. His book, “Florida Roadkill,” kicks off the story of Serge A. Storms, a quirky and violent Floridian who has a strange sense of justice.
Serge teams up with his stoner sidekick, Coleman, as they get caught up in a chaotic chase involving stolen drug money, shady tourists, and all kinds of bizarre situations.
The story moves quickly, with strange twists and plenty of moments that leave you wondering what could possibly happen next. If you enjoy offbeat crime stories with sharp wit, this might hit the spot.