If you enjoy reading novels by Eliot Pattison then you might also like the following authors:
Colin Cotterill is an author known for weaving mystery with unique cultural settings. One of his standout books is “The Coroner’s Lunch,” which introduces Dr. Siri Paiboun, an aging coroner in 1970s Laos.
After reluctantly taking the job, he finds himself investigating a suspicious death tied to political intrigue. The story blends wit, ghostly touches, and insights into post-revolution Laos, making it a captivating read for anyone who appreciates richly detailed mysteries.
Dr. Siri’s wry humor and his unorthodox approach to solving puzzles add to the charm.
Qiu Xiaolong writes crime novels that blend mystery with cultural and political details about China. His book, “Death of a Red Heroine,” introduces Inspector Chen, a police detective and poet in 1990s Shanghai.
Chen investigates the murder of a young woman, whose connections to powerful individuals make the case dangerous. The story moves through the streets of Shanghai while showing the tension between tradition and the changing modern world.
Fans of layered mysteries with rich settings might enjoy exploring this book.
James Church is the author of the Inspector O series, which blends crime fiction with a deep sense of place and atmosphere. His first novel, “A Corpse in the Koryo,” introduces Inspector O, a police investigator in North Korea.
The story follows him as he navigates a murder case, bureaucratic challenges, and shadowy government forces. The book paints a vivid picture of life in a closed-off, tightly controlled country, where getting at the truth often means avoiding dangerous attention.
Inspector O’s quiet wit and reflective nature bring humanity to a bleak landscape, making his journey through the case unforgettable.
Tony Hillerman is known for his mystery novels set in the American Southwest, where he weaves Navajo culture into gripping stories.
One of his books, “Skinwalkers,” follows Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee as they investigate a series of mysterious murders tied to Navajo beliefs about witches.
The story takes readers into the desert landscape and explores cultural traditions that shape both the crimes and the lives of the characters. It’s a great mix of mystery and cultural insight, with a vivid setting that feels alive on every page.
Martin Cruz Smith is a master of atmospheric storytelling, crafting rich tales with a focus on complex characters and vivid settings. One of his most notable works is “Gorky Park.”
The story follows Arkady Renko, a Soviet detective, as he investigates a gruesome triple murder in Moscow.
The victims are found buried in the snow with their faces mutilated, and the case leads Arkady into a tangled web of political corruption, forbidden love, and personal danger.
The book offers a fascinating look at life in Cold War-era Russia, blending mystery with a strong sense of place and culture.
Peter May is an author known for atmospheric crime novels that bring unique settings to life. His book, “The Blackhouse,” is the first in the Lewis Trilogy.
It follows Fin Macleod, a detective returning to his childhood home on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland to investigate a murder. The island isn’t just a backdrop—it’s a presence, shaped by harsh weather, rugged landscapes, and old traditions.
As Fin works the case, he’s forced to confront memories from his past, including events that fractured his life long ago. The story weaves together the mystery with deeply personal struggles, making the island’s mysteries and Fin’s life hard to untangle from each other.
Philip Kerr wrote absorbing crime novels that often weave history into the narrative. One of his best-known works, “March Violets,” introduces Bernie Gunther, a private detective in 1930s Berlin.
The story takes you into a Germany on the brink of World War II, where Bernie investigates a high-profile case involving a murder and missing diamonds.
The book captures the tension of the time, showing the rising power of the Nazi regime through Bernie’s eyes as he navigates a corrupt and dangerous world. Fans of historical mysteries will find it hard to put down.
Donna Leon is known for her crime novels set in Venice, featuring the thoughtful and principled Commissario Guido Brunetti. In “Death at La Fenice,” Brunetti investigates the sudden death of a famous conductor during a performance at the historic opera house.
As Brunetti peels back layers of the conductor’s life, he uncovers secrets tied to the victim’s past. The story paints a rich picture of Venetian life, full of atmosphere and a sense of place, all while unraveling a murder that’s far from simple.
Readers who enjoy a mix of strong characters and captivating mysteries might find her books worth exploring.
Adrian McKinty writes crime thrillers that pull you into their world. One of his standout books, “The Chain,” starts with every parent’s worst nightmare. A mother, Rachel, gets a call telling her that her daughter has been kidnapped.
To get her back, she must follow a twisted set of rules: kidnap another child and keep the chain going. The story is packed with tension as Rachel confronts how far she’s willing to go to save her daughter.
McKinty creates characters who feel real, caught in situations that test their limits. Fans of Eliot Pattison may enjoy his gripping plots and morally complex stories.
Henning Mankell was a Swedish author known for his crime novels, especially those featuring detective Kurt Wallander. In “Faceless Killers,” Wallander investigates the brutal murder of an elderly couple on a remote farm.
The crime seems motiveless at first, but it stirs up fear and anger in the community. Wallander is a flawed character, struggling with his personal life and the pressures of his work.
The story explores not only the search for the killers but also deeper themes, like societal tensions and morality. Mankell’s writing captures the darkness of human nature and the complexity of justice.
Michael Dibdin was a crime writer known for his Inspector Zen series, which follows a cynical Italian detective navigating the complexities of both crime and bureaucracy in Italy.
One of his novels, “Ratking,” introduces Aurelio Zen as he’s sent to a provincial city to help solve the kidnapping of a wealthy industrialist.
The local authorities are reluctant to cooperate, the family is twisted by greed, and Zen himself struggles with the tangled loyalties around him. The book immerses you in the dark sides of power and family, with a sharp eye on Italian society.
Readers who enjoy layered mysteries like those by Eliot Pattison may find Dibdin’s work equally captivating.
Andrea Camilleri is an Italian author best known for his Inspector Montalbano series. His books combine crime, culture, and a keen sense of life in Sicily.
One of his well-loved novels, “The Shape of Water,” begins with the mysterious death of a prominent man in a seedy part of town. Inspector Montalbano, a sharp and often sarcastic investigator, refuses to accept the easy answers others propose.
As he looks deeper, he uncovers layers of corruption and deception tied to the town’s powerful figures. The mix of vivid Sicilian landscapes and a detective who values his intuition brings a unique flavor to the mystery.
Camilleri’s style captures the charm of the setting while weaving in suspense.
Barry Eisler writes sharp, fast-paced thrillers featuring morally complex characters and detailed settings. One of his popular works, “Rain Fall,” introduces John Rain, a hitman who specializes in making his assassinations look like natural deaths.
Set in Tokyo, the story follows Rain as he juggles a dangerous new assignment, the involvement of the CIA, and a connection to the victim’s daughter that could compromise everything.
The blend of action and espionage, combined with the vivid backdrop of Tokyo, draws readers into Rain’s shadowy world. Fans of intricate mysteries and flawed heroes often find Eisler’s books hard to put down.
Laurie R. King is a mystery writer who often weaves history and complex characters into her stories. In her book “The Beekeeper’s Apprentice,” she introduces Mary Russell, a young woman who crosses paths with Sherlock Holmes.
The story begins when Mary impresses Holmes with her intellect, and the two form a unique partnership. Together, they face challenges that test their wits, including a dangerous adversary who seems to know Holmes’s weaknesses.
It’s rich with clever puzzles and a strong sense of place, offering a fresh take on the world of Holmes through Mary’s perspective.
C.J. Sansom writes historical mysteries that transport readers to vivid pasts. His book “Dissolution” kicks off a series set during the tumultuous reign of Henry VIII.
The story follows Matthew Shardlake, a hunchbacked lawyer tasked with investigating the brutal murder of a royal commissioner at a monastery.
As Shardlake uncovers secrets within the monastery, he faces danger from unseen enemies and wrestles with his own conflicts about faith and power. The rich details of Tudor England pull you in, and the twists keep you turning the pages.
If you enjoy stories full of historical depth and characters grappling with loyalty and morality, this might be worth checking out.