If you are a fan of Craig Johnson, with his Walt Longmire mysteries set in the vast expanse of Wyoming, you probably enjoy stories that have a strong sense of place, characters who feel real, and mysteries that unfold at a steady pace.
His books often feature a blend of modern-day law enforcement with the spirit of the Old West, creating a unique atmosphere. If this sounds like your kind of read, and you are searching for authors who offer a similar experience, then you have come to the right place.
Books by C.J. Box offer vivid portrayals of modern life in the American West, centered around engaging mysteries and nuanced characters. If you’re a fan of Craig Johnson’s “Longmire” series, you’ll likely enjoy “Open Season,” the first novel in Box’s Joe Pickett series.
Joe Pickett is a dedicated Wyoming game warden who values family, integrity, and duty.
When he stumbles upon the body of a local hunting outfitter in his own backyard, Joe finds himself facing threats from powerful locals and uncovering secrets tied to regional wildlife and politics.
The novel combines action-packed storytelling, clear-eyed views of small-town dynamics, and the rugged Western setting readers love.
Books by Tony Hillerman center around the Navajo Tribal Police, blending crime mysteries with insights into Navajo life and culture. If you appreciate Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire series, you might enjoy Hillerman’s “Dance Hall of the Dead.”
In this book, Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn investigates a teenage boy’s disappearance linked to ceremonial dancing traditions of the Zuni tribe. Hillerman’s thoughtful exploration of Native American customs weaves naturally into a suspenseful narrative.
Like Craig Johnson, Hillerman creates authentic settings and believable characters that make the American Southwest come to life on the page.
Readers who enjoy Craig Johnson’s mystery series featuring Sheriff Walt Longmire will find William Kent Krueger’s novels equally satisfying. Krueger is known for strong writing, memorable characters, and mysteries set firmly in rural American landscapes.
His novel “Iron Lake” introduces Cork O’Connor, a former sheriff living in a Minnesota town near an Ojibwe reservation.
When a local judge is found dead and a young boy disappears at the same time, O’Connor becomes involved in unraveling secrets hidden beneath the town’s quiet surface.
Krueger portrays small-town dynamics, Native American culture, and compelling mysteries with authenticity and depth.
Readers who enjoy Craig Johnson’s stories set in the rugged landscapes of Wyoming may find Margaret Coel’s mysteries equally appealing. Coel sets her books on the Wind River Reservation, combining mystery and Native American culture in a thoughtful way.
In “The Eagle Catcher,” Father John O’Malley and attorney Vicky Holden look into the murder of a tribal chairman. They uncover secrets that ripple through the tight-knit community, revealing tensions that have simmered for years.
With realistic characters and a vivid portrayal of reservation life, “The Eagle Catcher” kicks off a series worth exploring.
Nevada Barr is an author who offers a fresh take on mystery fiction set in the outdoors, ideal for fans of Craig Johnson’s vivid western mysteries.
Barr’s extensive experience as a national park ranger shapes the realism and authenticity found in her popular series starring Anna Pigeon. In “Track of the Cat,” we meet Anna Pigeon, a park ranger in the Guadalupe Mountains of Texas.
When a ranger is found dead from what initially seems like a cougar attack, Anna suspects something else may be at play. Barr mixes suspense, careful detective work, and striking outdoor descriptions to create a mystery that’s both believable and absorbing.
Readers familiar with Johnson’s Sheriff Walt Longmire might appreciate the thoughtful detective methods, detailed settings, and strong protagonist that Barr brings to life.
Books by James Lee Burke offer readers atmospheric mysteries set in vivid landscapes and complex communities. If you enjoy Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire series, you might appreciate Burke’s Dave Robicheaux novels.
A good place to start is “The Neon Rain,” the first book featuring Robicheaux, a troubled detective from New Iberia, Louisiana. In this book, Robicheaux investigates the death of a young woman, uncovering corruption in New Orleans’ underworld.
Burke gives the reader a rich Southern flavor, powerful storytelling, and a protagonist who faces personal struggles while confronting crime.
If you enjoy Craig Johnson’s entertaining blend of crime, humor, and rugged rural charm, Victor Gischler might be a great choice to explore next.
Gischler, known for quirky characters and sharp dialogue, keeps readers hooked with fast-paced narratives and plots full of surprises. His book “Gun Monkeys” follows Charlie Swift, a mob hitman whose life spirals out of control after a routine job goes wrong.
Facing rival gangs and relentless assassins, Charlie navigates a dangerous path filled with unexpected action and witty banter. The story skillfully balances tension, violence, and humor, which makes it a solid pick for readers who appreciate Craig Johnson’s style.
Readers who enjoy Craig Johnson’s Western mysteries may also appreciate Michael McGarrity’s engaging novels set in the American Southwest. McGarrity, a former law enforcement officer himself, brings authenticity to his crime fiction.
In “Tularosa,” readers meet police detective Kevin Kerney, a determined investigator pulled back into service by an old friend whose son has gone missing.
Set against New Mexico’s stunning desert backdrop, the story combines gritty police procedural with vivid descriptions of the stark landscape and complex characters.
Fans of atmospheric tales blending mystery with richly crafted settings might find themselves hooked by McGarrity’s Detective Kerney series.
If you enjoy Craig Johnson’s blend of humor, adventure, and small-town charm, then you might appreciate Patrick F. McManus. McManus is known for his witty, laugh-out-loud stories of outdoor misadventures set in rural America.
In his book “The Night the Bear Ate Goombaw,” McManus weaves together hilarious tales from hunting and fishing trips gone spectacularly wrong.
With vivid details and dry humor, he shares everything from the unexpected perils of camping to memorable antics involving eccentric friends.
It’s the kind of storytelling that effortlessly transports readers to campfires, cabins, and lakesides, filled with characters that feel both fresh and familiar.
Steve Hamilton is an author known for his atmospheric and character-driven mysteries set in rugged northern landscapes. If you like Craig Johnson’s Walt Longmire novels, Hamilton’s Alex McKnight series could be a perfect fit.
In “A Cold Day in Paradise,” Hamilton introduces Alex McKnight, a former Detroit cop haunted by tragedy, now living quietly in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. When a series of murders shatters the peaceful small-town atmosphere, Alex becomes involved in a troubling investigation.
The harsh landscape and vivid characters give the story depth, drawing readers into this tightly woven mystery. Hamilton’s storytelling often balances tension, subtle humor, and richly-detailed settings, a style familiar to fans of Craig Johnson.
Ace Atkins is an author whose novels blend crime storytelling with strong, likable characters and sharp dialogue. In “The Ranger”, Atkins introduces Quinn Colson, an Army Ranger who heads back to his Mississippi hometown after finding out about his uncle’s death.
Once home, Colson confronts corruption, crime, and simmering tension among local residents. Like Craig Johnson’s stories, Atkins builds a community of quirky and memorable characters whose small-town loyalties, secrets, and disputes make for an absorbing read.
Atkins captures the South’s charm, challenges, and contradictions, pulling readers inside a world rich with southern flavor and gritty realism.
If you enjoy Craig Johnson’s vivid stories of law enforcement and morally complex characters set against rugged landscapes, you might appreciate Don Winslow. Winslow writes crime novels filled with realistic characters, gritty drama, and fast-paced storylines.
His novel “The Power of the Dog” follows DEA agent Art Keller in his intense pursuit against brutal Mexican drug cartels. Spanning decades, the book explores betrayal, corruption, and justice, with Keller facing high personal costs in his fight against organized crime.
Winslow’s realistic portrayal of the drug wars and memorable characters could appeal to readers who enjoy Johnson’s layered storytelling and authentic settings.
Thomas Perry is a master storyteller known for intricate plotting and memorable characters. If you’re a Craig Johnson fan, try Perry’s novel “The Old Man.” It’s about Dan Chase, a retired CIA officer who has lived in hiding for decades.
When his past suddenly resurfaces, Chase must rely on forgotten skills to survive relentless pursuit. The novel combines suspenseful action, clever strategy, and deep character insight into an addictive and satisfying story.
Perry’s vivid writing brings Chase’s world into sharp focus, making it easy for readers to get quickly invested in his fate.
H. Terrell Griffin offers readers a great mix of crime and atmosphere, especially for fans of Craig Johnson’s sheriff tales.
Griffin’s novel “Longboat Blues” introduces us to Matt Royal, a laid-back former lawyer, who moves to Longboat Key to relax but soon finds himself drawn into murder mysteries and local secrets.
The Florida Gulf Coast setting vividly comes alive, with salty air, sunny beaches, and colorful locals. When a close friend is accused of murder, Matt feels compelled to unravel the truth.
Griffin keeps readers guessing until the very end and paints sharp and authentic dialogue throughout. His pacing is quick but not rushed, perfect for readers who enjoy Craig Johnson’s combination of character-driven stories and intriguing mysteries.
T. Jefferson Parker writes crime fiction rooted firmly in the American West, with a style and strong sense of place that fans of Craig Johnson might appreciate. In “California Girl,” Parker unfolds a dramatic tale set in 1960s Orange County.
The story revolves around the Becker brothers and their complex bond. Their lives are changed forever by the brutal murder of a girl they all knew.
As the brothers face their past, Parker paints a vivid picture of family secrets and personal tensions set against the backdrop of a turbulent decade.
With depth, mood, and richly drawn characters, “California Girl” explores the consequences of violence and loss and tells a crime story readers won’t soon forget.