If you enjoy reading novels by Francis Iles then you might also like the following authors:
Patricia Highsmith was known for crafting dark, clever stories full of psychological tension. If you enjoy the twisty plotting of Francis Iles, you might like her novel “Strangers on a Train,” where two men meet and plan to exchange murders.
Another standout is “The Talented Mr. Ripley,” which follows the rise of Tom Ripley, a charming con artist who will stop at nothing to gain wealth and status. Highsmith’s books are sharp and unsettling, perfect for anyone who appreciates morally complex characters.
If you enjoy Francis Iles, you might find Ruth Rendell’s work to your liking. Her novel “A Judgement in Stone” explores the psychology behind a shocking crime, while “The Tree of Hands” blends family drama and mystery in unexpected ways.
Rendell focuses on why people act the way they do, creating stories that are dark without feeling overdone.
Julian Symons wrote clever crime novels with a sharp focus on human behavior and motive. If you enjoy Francis Iles, you might like “The Colour of Murder,” which tells the story of a man on trial for a crime he may or may not have committed.
Another one to try is “The Progress of a Crime,” a layered tale of a murder witnessed during a Guy Fawkes celebration. His books highlight moral dilemmas and the gray areas in justice, making them hard to put down.
If you’re into Francis Iles, you might appreciate the dark and unsettling world of Jim Thompson. He’s known for crafting stories that dive into the minds of flawed and dangerous characters.
“The Killer Inside Me” is a chilling look at a small-town deputy with violent tendencies hiding behind a polite facade. Another one to check out is “Pop. 1280,” which follows a corrupt sheriff who masks his cunning nature with an act of simple-minded charm.
Both books are sharp, bleak, and full of surprises.
If you enjoy Francis Iles, you might want to check out the works of Anthony Berkeley. His writing has a clever and sharp edge. “The Poisoned Chocolates Case” is one of his most talked-about books, where a single crime gets several possible solutions, each one unique.
Another standout is “Malice Aforethought,” written under his Iles pen name, which takes you through the mind of a killer in a calm and chilling way. Berkeley’s work gives a fresh look at crime and motive.
Margery Allingham had a knack for creating clever and layered mysteries, with a mix of wit and suspense that feels similar to Francis Iles. Her novel “The Crime at Black Dudley” introduces Albert Campion, a quirky detective who has a talent for unraveling secrets.
Another standout is “Flowers for the Judge,” which explores a troubling death in a publishing firm, filled with twists and surprises. If you enjoy crime stories with sharp plots and smart characters, her work is worth exploring.
If you’re into Francis Iles, you might enjoy Freeman Wills Crofts. His stories lean toward the methodical and careful unraveling of crime. Check out “The Cask,” which is full of twists and meticulous investigation.
Another standout is “Inspector French’s Greatest Case,” where the patient detective work really shines. You might also like “The Hog’s Back Mystery,” a clever puzzle with a satisfying resolution.
Agatha Christie was a master of crafting clever and unpredictable mysteries. Fans of Francis Iles might enjoy her stories for their sharp attention to motive and character psychology.
Her novel “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” is known for its shocking twist, while “Endless Night” explores a darker, more modern style of suspense. “Crooked House” is another standout, focusing on family secrets and unexpected revelations.
Her plots are lean and full of tension, keeping the focus on the human mind and its hidden depths.
If you enjoy the clever plotting and dark humor of Francis Iles, you might like the work of Ellery Queen. His stories often blend sharp puzzles with intricate human motives. Try “The Greek Coffin Mystery,” which revolves around a missing will and a series of unexpected twists.
Another standout is “Calamity Town,” a small-town tale filled with secrets and suspicion. Both books offer a mix of suspense and wit that might appeal to you.
If you enjoy Francis Iles, you might appreciate the twists and dark undertones in Daphne du Maurier’s works. “Rebecca” is probably her most famous, with its tense atmosphere and sense of unease.
“My Cousin Rachel” also plays with questions of trust and deception, keeping you guessing about the intentions of its characters. Her stories often explore psychological depth, making them both engaging and unsettling.
If you’re into twisted psychological stories like those by Francis Iles, you might enjoy Gillian Flynn’s work. Her novel “Gone Girl” is a dark look at marriage and deception, packed with sharp turns and hidden agendas.
“Sharp Objects” is another grim tale, focused on family secrets and the scars left behind—both literal and emotional. Flynn doesn’t hold back, offering stories that keep you second-guessing at every step.
If you enjoy Francis Iles, you might find Minette Walters worth exploring. Her books often focus on the darker sides of human nature and the secrets people hide.
In “The Ice House,” a decaying estate becomes the backdrop for an unsettling mystery, while “The Scold’s Bridle” weaves a tale of suspicion and distrust when a strange death shocks a quiet village. Walters has a knack for twisting narratives where nothing is quite as it seems.
Alfred Hitchcock was known for pulling together stories that keep you on edge. If you enjoy Francis Iles, you might want to check out some of his collections. “Alfred Hitchcock Presents: Stories for Late at Night” is packed with twists and turns that will leave you guessing.
Another gem is “Stories Not for the Nervous,” full of sharp and unsettling tales. Hitchcock had a knack for picking works that play with your expectations and create a sense of unease.
If you enjoy Francis Iles, you might want to check out Edmund Crispin’s work. His books have a sly sense of humor and clever plots, often wrapped around academic or literary settings.
Take “The Moving Toyshop,” where a poet stumbles on a murder and a disappearing toyshop, or “The Case of the Gilded Fly,” which features a tangled mystery in the world of theater. Crispin’s writing keeps things lively, with sharp wit and a knack for surprising twists.
Peter Swanson writes clever, twist-filled stories that often play with morality and deception. If you enjoy the sly and devious style of Francis Iles, you might like “The Kind Worth Killing,” where characters plot against each other in deadly ways.
Another one to check out is “Eight Perfect Murders,” which pays homage to classic crime fiction while unraveling a deadly plot. Both books toy with unexpected schemes and human weakness, making them stand out in modern crime fiction.