If you enjoy reading books by Elizabeth Peters then you might also like the following authors:
Readers who enjoy Elizabeth Peters may also find pleasure in Agatha Christie’s sharp, clever mysteries. Christie is known for creating memorable detectives, notably Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple.
One of her best-known books, “Murder on the Orient Express,” features detective Hercule Poirot. Poirot boards a luxurious train heading from Istanbul to Calais. Things quickly take a chilling turn when an abrasive passenger, Samuel Ratchett, is murdered mid-journey.
Poirot finds himself trapped onboard, surrounded by a diverse group of suspects. He must piece together clues and motives, untangling complex relationships and hidden identities.
The elegant setting, fascinating characters, and surprising conclusion make “Murder on the Orient Express” a standout for any mystery fan.
If you enjoy Elizabeth Peters’ mix of historical detail, humor, and clever detective plots, Dorothy L. Sayers might be the author for you. One of her best mysteries is “Gaudy Night,” which combines an intriguing plot with sharp wit and insightful characters.
The story is set at the fictional Oxford women’s college, Shrewsbury, where mystery writer Harriet Vane returns for a reunion, only to find disturbing anonymous notes and acts of vandalism that threaten the college’s tranquility.
Harriet, with help from Lord Peter Wimsey, navigates academic tensions, personal rivalries, and societal expectations.
It’s not just about solving a mystery; the book provides thoughtful commentary on women’s education, independence, and the challenges faced by professional women in 1930s Britain.
Fans of Peters’ strong female protagonists and intelligent dialogue will find Harriet Vane and Lord Peter Wimsey’s partnership particularly appealing.
Ngaio Marsh was a New Zealand author famous for her detective novels featuring Chief Inspector Roderick Alleyn. Her style combines classical detective elements with sharp dialogue and detailed settings.
If you’ve enjoyed Elizabeth Peters’ witty mysteries, Marsh’s intriguing plots and memorable characters may appeal to you as well. A great starting point is “A Man Lay Dead,” Marsh’s first Alleyn mystery.
This story unfolds during a weekend house-party that turns deadly following a playful murder game. Inspector Alleyn arrives to solve a real killing among a group of complex suspects. The interactions, clever twists, and atmospheric tension provide a satisfying read.
Readers who appreciate Elizabeth Peters’ style of clever plots and quirky characters may also enjoy Charlotte MacLeod. MacLeod was a Canadian-American author known for her cozy mystery novels filled with humor, quirky personalities, and eccentric sleuths.
One of her standout books is “Rest You Merry,” the first in the Peter Shandy series. Set in the charming and slightly odd college community of Balaclava Agricultural College, the story introduces Professor Peter Shandy.
Shandy is a practical, down-to-earth academic caught in a puzzling mystery amidst elaborate Christmas decorations, bizarre campus traditions, and suspicious deaths.
MacLeod’s light humor, witty dialogue, and intricate but playful mystery make this novel a delightful read for anyone fond of well-crafted, character-driven detective stories.
Books by Barbara Michaels blend mystery, romance, and elements of supernatural suspense. Michaels is actually another pen name of Barbara Mertz, the author behind Elizabeth Peters, so fans can easily find a similar engaging style and intriguing plots.
A standout novel is “Ammie, Come Home,” where a historic Georgetown house becomes the eerie center of unexplained ghostly events. Ruth Bennett, a practical woman, invites guests to stay with her, but soon finds their lives disrupted by haunting forces from the past.
Michaels smoothly combines believable characters, rich atmosphere, and hints of the supernatural to keep readers hooked from beginning to end.
Books by Margaret Maron blend engaging characters, intriguing mysteries, and vivid Southern settings. Fans of Elizabeth Peters who enjoy strong female leads and absorbing plots could appreciate Maron’s work. One of her best-known novels is “Bootlegger’s Daughter.”
It introduces Deborah Knott, a smart and determined attorney who runs for district judge in her small North Carolina hometown. The mystery revolves around an unsolved murder from years ago that Deborah is drawn into while campaigning for office.
Maron skillfully weaves past secrets, family ties, and southern atmosphere, making this book a rewarding read.
Ellis Peters was the pen name of English author Edith Pargeter, who created historical mysteries woven with clever plots and vivid characters.
In her celebrated series featuring Brother Cadfael, Peters introduces readers to a Benedictine monk whose calm wisdom and herbalist knowledge help him untangle tricky murders.
In “A Morbid Taste for Bones,” the first Cadfael mystery, the monk travels to Wales on the abbey’s request to acquire a saint’s holy relics. When a local man resists and suddenly turns up dead, suspicion runs high. Cadfael must use both reason and compassion to find the truth.
Readers who enjoy the engaging historical adventures and lively characters of Elizabeth Peters may find a similar satisfaction in Ellis Peters’ medieval mysteries.
M.C. Beaton is an author known for cozy mysteries filled with sharp wit and engaging characters. If you loved Elizabeth Peters’ mix of humor and mystery, try Beaton’s “Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death.”
This story introduces readers to Agatha Raisin, a feisty detective who retires to a peaceful English village and quickly realizes village life isn’t what she expected.
After entering a local baking contest with someone else’s quiche, Agatha faces unexpected tragedy that pulls her right into the heart of a village mystery.
Beaton creates entertaining sleuths and clever puzzles, offering readers the kind of cozy crime-solving adventures that fans of Elizabeth Peters will appreciate.
Readers who enjoy Elizabeth Peters’ blend of historical detail, mystery, and playful romance will appreciate Georgette Heyer’s witty storytelling and vivid Regency-era settings.
In her novel “The Grand Sophy,” Heyer introduces Sophy Stanton-Lacy, a spirited and unconventional heroine whose arrival turns her cousins’ households upside down.
With humor, charm, and clever maneuvering, Sophy intervenes in romantic misunderstandings and family dilemmas, orchestrates ingenious plans, and brings life to London’s high society. The pages sparkle with clever dialogue, vibrant characters, and a sharp eye for human nature.
Fans of Amelia Peabody’s boldness and tenacity will find plenty to appreciate in Sophy’s confident and unorthodox adventures.
Mary Stewart was a British author known for blending mystery, romance, and adventure into vividly portrayed settings. Readers who enjoy Elizabeth Peters’ blend of suspense, history, and charismatic protagonists might appreciate Stewart’s classic novel “The Moon-Spinners.”
In this story, Nicola Ferris travels to Crete for a quiet holiday, but quickly encounters hidden dangers, unexplained events, and a mysterious young Englishman with secrets of his own.
Amid the striking beauty of remote Crete villages and rugged landscapes lies a captivating puzzle wrapped in romance and suspense. Stewart’s clear, vivid writing pulls readers deep into the heart of the Mediterranean countryside, where past secrets and present danger collide.
Carole Nelson Douglas is an author known for weaving historical settings, strong female characters, and engaging mysteries into her novels. “Good Night, Mr. Holmes” introduces readers to Irene Adler—an adventurous, witty character who challenges Sherlock Holmes himself.
The story is told through the eyes of Irene’s friend and companion, Penelope Huxleigh, whose practical viewpoint complements Irene’s daring personality perfectly. Together, they navigate late-Victorian London society with charm and cleverness.
Douglas skillfully blends historical detail, mystery, and humor, creating a delightful read that Elizabeth Peters’ fans will immediately appreciate.
Books by Deanna Raybourn offer historical mystery readers witty dialogue, fascinating characters, and vivid historical settings similar to those found in Elizabeth Peters’ novels.
In “A Curious Beginning,” readers meet Veronica Speedwell, a spirited young woman with a passion for butterflies and adventure. After narrowly escaping a kidnapping attempt, Veronica teams up with Stoker, a reclusive natural historian.
Together, they must uncover hidden family secrets and solve a dangerous murder, navigating danger and Victorian society’s strict conventions.
Raybourn skillfully builds suspense, humor, and romance as Veronica and Stoker unravel mysteries in a richly detailed nineteenth-century England.
Readers who enjoy Elizabeth Peters’ historical mysteries will find plenty to appreciate in Tasha Alexander’s work. In “And Only to Deceive,” Alexander introduces Lady Emily Ashton, a strong and intelligent Victorian-era heroine.
After losing her husband early in their marriage, Emily discovers hidden journals and disturbing evidence. Mysteries surround stolen antiquities, deceitful acquaintances, and her husband’s true character.
The plot skillfully weaves suspense with period detail, as Lady Emily navigates the strict social codes of her time and uncovers unsettling truths.
Fans of Amelia Peabody’s wit and independence will likely connect immediately with Lady Emily’s journey through secrets and society intrigue.
Readers who enjoy Elizabeth Peters might find Rhys Bowen equally delightful. Bowen is known for her charming and engaging mystery novels filled with historical detail, humor, and intriguing characters.
One of her popular books, “Her Royal Spyness,” introduces readers to Lady Georgiana Rannoch, thirty-fourth in line to the British throne.
Set in 1930s London, Georgie finds herself broke and living alone when she’s thrust into an unexpected adventure involving espionage, murder, and plenty of amusing situations.
Bowen combines mystery, wit, and historical atmosphere into a cozy and enjoyable read that fans of Peters will likely appreciate.
Victoria Thompson is an author known for crafting historical mysteries set in detailed and vivid settings. Readers who enjoy Elizabeth Peters’ historical mysteries often find Thompson’s novels equally enjoyable.
Her book “Murder on Astor Place” is the first in the Gaslight Mystery series. The story centers around Sarah Brandt, a widowed midwife in turn-of-the-century New York City.
While visiting a boarding house, Sarah discovers a young woman murdered, and the victim is from a wealthy New York family. Sarah teams up reluctantly with Detective Sergeant Frank Malloy to investigate.
The book gives readers an insightful view of society, class differences, and life on the city streets during that fascinating period.
The growing partnership between Sarah and Malloy adds extra depth to the mystery, making it appealing to anyone who appreciates strong characters.