If you enjoy reading novels by Edmund Crispin then you might also like the following authors:
Dorothy L. Sayers created clever and entertaining mysteries with a touch of wit, similar to Edmund Crispin’s style. Her famous sleuth, Lord Peter Wimsey, is charming and sharp. In “Whose Body?” he investigates a body found in an architect’s bathtub under strange circumstances.
“Murder Must Advertise” takes Wimsey into the world of an advertising agency, where he uncovers shady dealings and crime. If you enjoy witty detectives and intricate puzzles, her books are worth exploring.
Agatha Christie has a sharp sense of wit and a knack for puzzles, which makes her books a great pick for someone who enjoys Edmund Crispin. Her stories often feature intricate plots and clever solutions.
If you’re curious, try “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” for its twisty narrative or “The ABC Murders” for a chase against a calculated killer. Another good one is “Murder on the Orient Express,” where everyone seems to have a motive.
Ngaio Marsh wrote clever and entertaining mysteries, often centered around her detective, Roderick Alleyn. Fans of Edmund Crispin’s witty style might enjoy her mix of sharp humor and intricate plots. “A Man Lay Dead” introduces Alleyn through a classic country-house murder.
In “Death in a White Tie,” the story moves to glamorous high-society London, bringing with it secrets and danger. Marsh’s mysteries often blend sophistication with a touch of mischief, which makes them a treat.
If you enjoy Edmund Crispin, you might want to check out Michael Innes. He writes mysteries that are clever and full of wit. One of his best-known books is “Death at the President’s Lodging,” which features an academic setting and a tricky puzzle.
Another is “Hamlet, Revenge!” where a murder takes place during a theatrical performance. His work has a fun, brainy charm that fans of Crispin’s style often appreciate.
Margery Allingham wrote clever and witty mysteries with a touch of charm. If you enjoy Edmund Crispin’s lighthearted yet intricate puzzles, you’d likely appreciate her work. “The Crime at Black Dudley” introduces Albert Campion, her quirky and slightly mysterious detective.
Another great pick is “Sweet Danger,” which combines an engaging plot with memorable characters. Her stories are full of personality and provide plenty to keep you guessing.
If you enjoy Edmund Crispin’s clever puzzles, you might find Anthony Berkeley’s work right up your alley. He wrote “The Poisoned Chocolates Case,” a story with multiple solutions to the same crime, keeping you guessing the whole way.
Another popular one is “The Piccadilly Murder,” which mixes wit with a tricky mystery. Berkeley’s plots often turn expectations on their heads, making his books a treat for fans of thoughtful detective stories.
Ellery Queen is a classic choice if you enjoy the clever and playful mysteries of Edmund Crispin. His stories often mix intricate puzzles with a touch of humor. You might start with “The Greek Coffin Mystery,” a tale full of twists that keeps you guessing.
“The Siamese Twin Mystery” is another standout, set on a mountaintop where danger closes in. For something a little quirky, “The American Gun Mystery” will give you a locked-room puzzle set in a wild shooting competition.
Queen’s knack for sharp plots and intelligent twists might remind you of Crispin at his best.
If you enjoy Edmund Crispin, you might like Josephine Tey’s clever mysteries. “The Daughter of Time” is one of her most famous works, where a bedridden detective investigates the mystery of Richard III.
Another great choice is “Brat Farrar”, a story about an impostor claiming to be the long-lost heir to a family fortune. Tey’s writing has a subtle wit and offers plenty of surprises.
If you enjoy Edmund Crispin, you might want to try Cyril Hare. His novels combine clever plotting with a sharp wit. “Tragedy at Law” is one of his best-known works, set against the backdrop of the legal world.
Another great pick is “An English Murder,” a classic country house mystery with a twist. Hare’s ability to craft puzzles with subtle humor makes his books a real treat.
If you enjoy Edmund Crispin, you might like the wit and cleverness in Georgette Heyer’s work. Her mysteries, such as “The Unfinished Clue” and “Detection Unlimited,” offer sharp humor and a knack for character quirks.
They provide a mix of charming settings and neatly crafted puzzles that keep you guessing without taking themselves too seriously.
Gladys Mitchell wrote quirky mysteries with a unique sense of humor, which might appeal if you enjoy Edmund Crispin. Her detective, Mrs. Bradley, is sharp and unconventional, often solving cases in unexpected ways.
You might like “Speedy Death,” where murder disrupts a country house gathering, or “The Saltmarsh Murders,” a mix of dark humor and small-town secrets. Another fun one is “Death at the Opera,” featuring a murder in a school production.
If you enjoy the clever puzzles in Edmund Crispin’s works, you might like exploring John Dickson Carr. He’s a master of locked-room mysteries and impossible crimes. “The Three Coffins” is often praised for its famous chapter explaining different types of such mysteries.
Another standout is “The Crooked Hinge,” which mixes eerie elements with a twist-filled plot. “He Who Whispers” is also worth a look, blending atmosphere with a sharp, surprising story.
If you enjoy Edmund Crispin, you might want to check out Rex Stout’s witty mysteries. His books feature Nero Wolfe, a brilliant and eccentric detective who rarely leaves his house. Start with “Fer-de-Lance” if you want to see how it all began.
Another great choice is “The League of Frightened Men,” where Wolfe tackles a strange case involving old friends and revenge. Stout’s mix of clever plots and sharp humor makes his stories hard to resist.
E.C. Bentley wrote mysteries with clever plots and a touch of humor that fans of Edmund Crispin might enjoy. His best-known work is “Trent’s Last Case,” where an artist-turned-amateur sleuth investigates a wealthy man’s death.
Another great read is “Trent’s Own Case,” which brings the character back for another intriguing murder investigation. Bentley’s style combines wit and sharp storytelling, making his books delightful for readers who appreciate lighter, intelligent mysteries.
If you enjoy Edmund Crispin, you might find Patricia Wentworth’s mysteries a great fit. Her Miss Silver series is a standout, with the main character being a sharp and observant detective.
Novels like “The Case Is Closed” and “Grey Mask” combine clever plotting with an engaging style. They’re thoughtful and entertaining without being too heavy. Miss Silver, with her knack for solving puzzles, feels like someone you’d want to spend more time with.