Dana Stabenow writes mysteries set in Alaska, and if you enjoy stories with a strong sense of place, complex characters, and plots that keep you guessing, she might be an author for you.
This article is for readers who want to discover authors with a similar feel to Dana Stabenow.
Nevada Barr writes mysteries with a strong sense of place, often set in U.S. national parks. Her books follow Anna Pigeon, a park ranger who uncovers crimes in wild and remote locations.
In “Track of the Cat,” Anna works in the rugged landscape of Guadalupe Mountains National Park, where she stumbles upon the body of a fellow ranger. At first, it looks like a cougar attack, but Anna suspects there’s more to the story.
The book blends wilderness survival with clever detective work, creating a story where the natural world plays a big role in the mystery.
Sue Henry writes mysteries set in the heart of Alaska, bringing the state’s rugged landscape and remote communities to life. Her book “Murder on the Iditarod Trail” follows Jessie Arnold, a dog musher competing in the grueling Iditarod race.
As racers push through brutal cold and treacherous conditions, mysterious deaths begin to occur, turning the race into a deadly game. The story weaves the tension of a mystery with the challenges of surviving the wilderness.
Fans of Dana Stabenow’s Alaskan mysteries might enjoy the rich sense of place and the adventurous tone in Sue Henry’s work.
C.J. Box writes mysteries and thrillers set against the backdrop of the American West, with a strong sense of place and sharp storytelling.
In “Open Season,” the first book in his Joe Pickett series, a rookie game warden in Wyoming faces corruption and danger when he discovers a murdered poacher.
As Joe tries to uncover the truth, he finds himself tangled in a web of secrets tied to both the wilderness and the small-town dynamics. Fans of Dana Stabenow’s Kate Shugak series will likely appreciate Box’s focus on rugged settings and determined characters.
Anne Hillerman continues the work of her father, Tony Hillerman, crafting stories rooted in Navajo culture and the beautiful landscapes of the Southwest.
Her novel “Spider Woman’s Daughter” follows Navajo police officer Bernadette Manuelito as she witnesses a shocking crime that leaves her mentor, Officer Leaphorn, gravely injured.
As Bernie digs into the case, she unravels a mystery that ties together betrayal, danger, and ancient traditions. The mix of modern police work with the rich heritage of Navajo life creates a vivid and engaging world for readers to explore.
Craig Johnson is the author of the Walt Longmire mystery series, which follows a Wyoming sheriff as he solves crimes while dealing with the challenges of life in a small Western town.
In “The Cold Dish,” the first book in the series, Walt faces a murder case with ties to an old sexual assault involving Native American teens. The story blends the stark beauty of Wyoming with complex relationships and a strong lead character.
Fans of Dana Stabenow’s Alaska-based mysteries might enjoy Johnson’s mix of rugged settings and personal stories.
Julia Spencer-Fleming is an author known for blending mystery with elements of small-town life. Her book, “In the Bleak Midwinter,” introduces Clare Fergusson, an Episcopal priest, and Russ Van Alstyne, the local police chief in an upstate New York town.
When a baby is left on the church steps and the mother is later found dead, Clare and Russ work together to uncover the truth. The story explores their growing connection and the challenges they face while navigating a tight-knit community with secrets to hide.
Fans of Dana Stabenow’s Kate Shugak series might enjoy the mix of crime and personal drama here.
William Kent Krueger writes stories that often center on small towns, family connections, and the natural world. His book “Ordinary Grace” is set in 1960s Minnesota.
It follows 13-year-old Frank Drum as his peaceful summer takes a dark turn after a series of tragic events touch his family and community. The story mixes mystery with heartfelt moments, focusing on Frank’s discovery of secrets that change the way he sees those around him.
It’s a book that combines loss, hope, and the bonds of family.
Barbara Nickless writes stories that mix crime, mystery, and strong, unforgettable characters. Her book “Blood on the Tracks” follows Sydney Rose Parnell, a railroad cop and former Marine, and her K9 partner, Clyde.
Sydney is pulled into a case involving the brutal murder of a woman with ties to a mysterious drifter known as the Burned Man. As she tracks him across rail yards and small towns, she uncovers hidden truths from her own past.
The story pairs gritty landscapes with a main character who feels remarkably real.
Margaret Coel writes mysteries set in Wyoming, often featuring Native American culture and history. Her Wind River series introduces Father John O’Malley, a priest, and Vicky Holden, an Arapaho lawyer, who work together to solve crimes.
In “The Eagle Catcher,” a tribal chairman is found dead at a powwow, and Vicky teams up with Father John to uncover the truth. The story blends suspense with a strong sense of place, showing life on the Wind River Reservation.
Coel’s writing might appeal to fans of Dana Stabenow’s Alaska mysteries due to the mix of crime-solving and vivid settings.
Kathy Reichs is known for her crime novels that bring science and mystery together. She writes about Dr. Temperance Brennan, a forensic anthropologist who solves cases using her expertise with bones.
Her book “Déjà Dead” introduces Tempe as she uncovers a gruesome murder in Montreal. The story begins when skeletal remains are found in garbage bags, leading her to piece together clues that point to a serial killer.
The forensic details stand out, and the tension builds as Tempe faces danger while trying to stop the killer. Fans of Dana Stabenow’s smart and determined heroines may really enjoy Kathy Reichs’ series.
Tony Hillerman is known for his mystery novels set in the American Southwest, weaving Navajo culture and traditions into his stories. In “Skinwalkers,” Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee team up to investigate a series of murders tied to Navajo witchcraft.
The book blends police work with Navajo beliefs, showing how the two detectives approach the world from different perspectives. It’s a great mix of mystery and culture, making his books a strong choice for fans of Dana Stabenow.
Linda Castillo is known for blending crime and culture in her mysteries set in the Amish community. One of her books, “Sworn to Silence,” introduces Kate Burkholder, a former Amish woman turned police chief in a small Ohio town.
When a woman’s body is discovered, Kate must face the secrets of her own past while tracking a brutal killer. The story mixes the tension of a murder investigation with Kate’s personal struggles, as her connection to the Amish adds unique layers to the case.
Victoria Houston writes mystery novels set in small-town Wisconsin, combining murder investigations with a love for fishing and the outdoors. Her series features Police Chief Lew Ferris and Doc Osborne, who team up to solve crimes in their quiet, close-knit community.
In “Dead Angler,” the story begins when a retired dentist stumbles upon a woman’s body while fishing. What follows is an investigation that uncovers secrets behind the town’s peaceful surface.
The mix of nature, small-town dynamics, and mystery creates a unique backdrop for suspenseful storytelling.
Jeff Carson is the author of the popular David Wolf series, a set of mystery thrillers set in the rugged landscapes of Colorado.
One book in the series, “Gut Decision,” follows Sheriff David Wolf as he tackles a murder case that looks tied to an outbreak of dangerous illnesses in his small town. The story weaves through unexpected leads, strange clues, and dangers that hit close to home.
Carson’s writing captures the suspense and challenges of life as a small-town sheriff with a personal stake in the chaos unfolding around him. Readers who enjoy sharp, investigative stories might find a lot to enjoy in his work.
J.A. Jance writes mystery novels that often blend suspense with strong characters and vivid settings. If you enjoy Dana Stabenow’s work, you might like Jance’s series featuring Sheriff Joanna Brady.
In “Desert Heat,” the first book of the series, Joanna is pulled into a dangerous investigation when her husband is found dead under suspicious circumstances. As she uncovers pieces of the truth, she’s forced to confront secrets in her own community.
Jance’s stories often explore personal stakes and small-town dynamics, which might appeal to fans of Stabenow’s Alaskan mysteries.