If you enjoy reading novels by Craig Johnson then you might also like the following authors:
C.J. Box crafts stories set against the rugged backdrop of the American West, blending suspense and vivid landscapes. In “Open Season,” the first of the Joe Pickett series, a Wyoming game warden uncovers corruption and danger in his small town.
“Blue Heaven” offers a standalone tale where two children become witnesses to a murder, pursued by a group of retired cops.
Readers drawn to Craig Johnson’s Sheriff Walt Longmire series will likely appreciate Box’s focus on law enforcement, moral struggles, and life in the wide open, unforgiving expanses of the West.
Tony Hillerman crafted stories that bring the Southwest to life, blending culture, mystery, and landscape.
In “Skinwalkers” and “A Thief of Time,” he weaves tales of murder and Navajo traditions, with Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee navigating both modern law enforcement and ancient customs. His works explore human nature and the rich heritage of the Navajo people.
William Kent Krueger crafts stories that capture the depth of human experience set against the backdrop of the American Midwest. His novel “Ordinary Grace” blends mystery with heartfelt themes, while “This Tender Land” follows a moving journey through 1930s America.
Fans of his Cork O’Connor series, which begins with “Iron Lake,” will appreciate the mix of suspense and natural beauty.
For readers who enjoy Craig Johnson’s masterful portrayal of strong characters and rich settings, Krueger offers a similarly immersive experience with a touch of soulful introspection.
Margaret Coel crafts narratives that blend mystery and culture, often set against the backdrop of the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming. In “The Eagle Catcher,” she introduces Father John O’Malley and Vicky Holden as they untangle a murder within a tight-knit Arapaho community.
Another work, “The Ghost Walker,” delves further into their partnership as they investigate the discovery of a body in the snow, confronting hidden truths and tensions. Coel’s stories resonate with those who appreciate both rich settings and intriguing plots.
Nevada Barr crafts stories set in the rugged beauty of America’s national parks, blending crime and nature into vivid tales. Her book “Track of the Cat” introduces Anna Pigeon, a resourceful park ranger who tackles mysteries in the wild.
Another strong entry in her series, “Firestorm,” takes place amid a harrowing forest fire. Fans of Craig Johnson’s works will appreciate Barr’s deep connection to the land, her strong sense of place, and characters who confront danger in remote, untamed settings.
James Lee Burke crafts stories that resonate with deep emotion and vivid atmosphere. His novel “The Neon Rain” introduces the unforgettable Dave Robicheaux, a detective navigating the shadows of crime and corruption in Louisiana.
In “Rain Gods,” Burke explores themes of morality and redemption as disparate characters are drawn together in a small Texas town. His works offer a profound sense of place, along with characters whose struggles and triumphs linger in the mind long after the final page.
Victor Gischler has a knack for sharp dialogue and fast-paced narratives. His novel “Gun Monkeys” blends dark humor with crime, while “Go-Go Girls of the Apocalypse” plunges readers into a wild, dystopian adventure filled with grit and chaos.
Fans of Craig Johnson may appreciate Gischler’s ability to create vivid settings and flawed, memorable characters, offering a similar sense of rugged storytelling with a hard-edged twist.
Michael McGarrity crafts vivid tales set in the rugged landscapes of the Southwest. His novel “Tularosa” introduces Kevin Kerney, a resourceful ex-cop navigating danger and personal trials.
In “Mexican Hat,” Kerney is drawn into a tangled web of secrets in a small town, showcasing McGarrity’s skill in building tense, layered plots.
Patrick F. McManus brings humor and wit to outdoor adventures in works like “The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw” and “A Fine and Pleasant Misery.” His stories offer lighthearted tales about hunting, fishing, and the quirks of rural life.
Fans of Craig Johnson might appreciate McManus for the way he balances sharp storytelling with vivid depictions of the natural world and captures the character of small-town life.
Steve Hamilton crafts stories that grip readers from start to finish. In “A Cold Day in Paradise,” he introduces Alex McKnight, a former Detroit cop navigating life in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where danger constantly lurks.
Another standout is “The Lock Artist,” which follows the journey of a young man with a unique gift for safecracking and a haunting past. These works showcase his talent for delivering tension-filled narratives.
Ace Atkins crafts stories rich in atmosphere and character. In “The Ranger,” he introduces Quinn Colson, a tough, principled ex-soldier returning to his small Mississippi hometown, only to uncover corruption and violence.
“The Lost Ones” builds on Colson’s battles, pitting him against crime and moral dilemmas. Fans of Craig Johnson might enjoy Atkins for his layered protagonists, authentic rural settings, and the blend of crime and justice that echoes the spirit of Sheriff Walt Longmire’s world.
Don Winslow crafts stories rooted in crime, conflict, and human struggle. His novel “The Power of the Dog” explores the brutal world of drug cartels and those entangled in it.
In “Savages,” he shifts focus to California’s dark undercurrents, presenting a tale of loyalty and survival. His works resonate with intensity and a deep understanding of his characters’ worlds.
Thomas Perry crafts stories filled with sharp, intelligent plots and characters who navigate high-stakes situations. Works such as “The Butcher’s Boy” and “Vanishing Act” showcase his ability to build tension and deliver unexpected twists.
Fans of Craig Johnson may appreciate Perry’s knack for blending suspense with strong storytelling and protagonists who balance their wits with their grit.
H. Terrell Griffin crafts gripping tales that blend mystery and suspense with the spirit of Florida’s Gulf Coast. In “Murder Key,” the story unfolds with unexpected twists, keeping readers on edge.
Another standout work, “Blood Island,” pulls audiences into a web of danger and secrets, set against a backdrop of sun-soaked beaches and shadowy intrigue. These novels showcase Griffin’s ability to create stories that linger long after the final page.
T. Jefferson Parker crafts stories filled with tension and vivid characters. In “Silent Joe,” he explores themes of loyalty and resilience through the journey of a scarred hero.
“The Blue Hour” dives deep into a harrowing investigation led by two detectives bound by a fragile alliance. Fans of Craig Johnson may appreciate Parker’s ability to blend gripping crime plots with strong, layered protagonists and a deep sense of place.