Ellis Peters wrote historical mysteries. Her well-loved Cadfael Chronicles cleverly depict medieval England through intriguing crimes solved by a detective monk.
If you enjoy reading books by Ellis Peters then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoy the historical mysteries of Ellis Peters, you'll likely appreciate Peter Tremayne. He brings early medieval Ireland vividly to life through his engaging Sister Fidelma series.
Sister Fidelma is intelligent, sharp-eyed, and insightful, solving intriguing mysteries while navigating political and religious tensions of the day.
Try starting with Absolution by Murder, the first book in the series, set around a crucial religious council in 7th-century England.
Candace Robb writes historical mysteries set in medieval England, featuring characters who are detailed and believable. Her Owen Archer series offers atmospheric stories with carefully crafted historical backgrounds and meticulous attention to medieval life.
If you enjoy Ellis Peters' settings and engaging themes, start with Robb's The Apothecary Rose, where Archer investigates dark secrets connected to remedies and healing.
Susanna Gregory creates mysteries set within the framework of medieval university life. Her Matthew Bartholomew series, starting with A Plague on Both Your Houses, mixes rich historical research with engaging detective work.
Gregory’s stories balance humor, intrigue, and captivating characters, making her books enjoyable for readers who admire Ellis Peters’ thoughtful, well-constructed mysteries.
Bernard Knight specializes in medieval mysteries with a gritty, authentic style. His series revolves around Sir John de Wolfe, Devon's first appointed coroner, whose challenging investigations unfold against vivid historical backdrops.
A good starting place is The Sanctuary Seeker, which introduces readers to Knight's engaging blend of forensic detail, suspense, and historical realism.
Ariana Franklin's novels feature generous historical detail and memorable characters. Her style is vivid and engaging, her stories full of suspense and drama.
Her protagonist, Adelia Aguilar, is a skilled medieval forensic investigator confronting superstition, murder, and intrigue.
A great place to start is with the first novel in the series, Mistress of the Art of Death, which presents an absorbing picture of 12th-century England combined with a compelling murder mystery.
If you enjoy Ellis Peters' detailed historical settings, you might appreciate C.J. Sansom's engaging historical mysteries set in Tudor England. His Shardlake series brings the 16th century vividly to life, mixing history, intrigue, and thoughtful investigation.
Start with Dissolution, the first novel featuring Matthew Shardlake—a thoughtful lawyer who often finds himself entangled in dangerous and politically sensitive investigations.
S.J. Parris writes historical thrillers set in Elizabethan England, centered on themes of politics, religion, and espionage. Her character, Giordano Bruno, is a philosopher and former monk, working as a spy and investigator.
You'll find suspenseful plotting and well-crafted historical atmosphere in her novels like Heresy, as Bruno navigates treacherous landscapes of religious conflict and intrigue.
Fans of Ellis Peters' blend of history and crime-solving will likely enjoy Lindsey Davis' series set in ancient Rome. Her detective Marcus Didius Falco is witty, clever, and humorous, bringing warmth and charm to the gritty world of Roman mysteries.
Begin with The Silver Pigs, where Falco's sharp observations and unconventional methods make a great start into Davis' Rome.
Steven Saylor's mysteries set in ancient Rome capture the vividness and complexity of historical time periods similarly to Ellis Peters' medieval world. His series featuring Gordianus the Finder combines fascinating historical detail with strong plotting and lively characters.
Roman Blood, the first novel in the series, introduces readers to Gordianus' careful investigations and meticulous handling of moral dilemmas.
Margaret Doody offers something unique: she creates historical mysteries set in ancient Athens that center around Aristotle as a detective.
If you like Peters' careful attention to period detail coupled with an involving mystery, you'll appreciate Doody's careful blend of philosophy, culture, and crime investigation.
Try Aristotle Detective, a satisfying introduction to Aristotle's thoughtful, logical approach to solving mysteries.
Umberto Eco brings together historical detail, mystery, and intellectual depth in his novels. If you appreciate Ellis Peters' medieval settings and thoughtful characters, you may enjoy Eco's The Name of the Rose.
Set in a secluded monastery, the story revolves around Brother William of Baskerville as he investigates a series of mysterious deaths and confronts questions of faith, knowledge, and power.
Fans of Ellis Peters will likely connect with Sharan Newman's thoughtful approach to medieval mysteries. Her Catherine LeVendeur series offers insight into medieval Paris alongside intriguing plots grounded in authentic historical research.
Try Death Comes as Epiphany, where young scholar Catherine LeVendeur's perspective brings warmth and intelligence to solving the mystery.
Paul Doherty is well-loved for historical accuracy, vivid descriptions, and clever mysteries set in various historical periods. Similar to Ellis Peters, he creates believable characters and intriguing puzzles.
His novel, The Nightingale Gallery, introduces Brother Athelstan, a sharp-minded priest who investigates murder in 14th-century London amid compelling historical detail and convincing atmosphere.
If you enjoy Ellis Peters' intricate plots and immersive historical settings, you might appreciate Rory Clements' vivid mysteries set in Elizabethan England. In Martyr, readers follow John Shakespeare, brother of the famous playwright, as he unravels a sinister conspiracy.
Clements draws readers in through vivid storytelling, authentic details, and richly layered characters.
Kate Sedley's Roger the Chapman series blends engaging historical settings with carefully plotted mysteries, comparable to Ellis Peters' Cadfael novels.
Roger is a charming and observant character, traveling medieval England as a peddler and uncovering tangled mysteries along the way. Death and the Chapman introduces readers to Roger, his travels, and his knack for uncovering secrets behind seemingly ordinary events.