If you enjoy reading novels by Fred Vargas then you might also like the following authors:
Andrea Camilleri is an Italian author famous for his Inspector Montalbano series, set in sunny Sicily. Readers who enjoy Fred Vargas might appreciate Camilleri’s quirky characters and intriguing mysteries.
One great example is “The Shape of Water,” where Inspector Montalbano investigates the death of a prominent political figure found in a suspicious situation.
The story involves shadowy figures and plenty of local flavor, offering readers a blend of humor, mystery and unique Sicilian atmosphere.
If you’re a fan of Fred Vargas and you enjoy mysteries with strong characters and clever plot twists, Colin Dexter might be a great choice. Dexter is best known for his Inspector Morse series, which features the thoughtful and sharp-witted detective Morse.
In “Last Bus to Woodstock,” Morse investigates the murder of a young woman found dead outside a pub near Oxford. As Morse looks deeper into the lives of potential suspects, he uncovers unexpected secrets and hidden motives.
Dexter creates puzzles and complicated characters that keep readers guessing until the very end, making his books especially enjoyable for those who love Vargas’s thoughtful mystery style.
Ann Cleeves is a British author known for her crime novels that are atmospheric and character-driven. If you enjoy Fred Vargas’s style, you might find Ann Cleeves interesting.
Her novel “Raven Black” is set in the remote Shetland Isles and begins when a teenage girl is found murdered in the snow. Suspicion immediately falls on the local loner, Magnus Tait, but detective Jimmy Perez isn’t convinced it’s that simple.
As Perez investigates, the island community reveals secrets long hidden, and the tension steadily builds. The setting feels isolated and tense, and Perez is a thoughtful detective who notices details others miss.
This book combines mystery with a strong sense of place and intriguing characters.
Donna Leon is an author who crafts engaging mysteries. One of her books is “Death at La Fenice,” where we meet Commissario Guido Brunetti. He investigates a murder that happens during an opera performance in Venice.
The victim is a famous conductor, found dead under suspicious circumstances. Brunetti’s journey to uncover the truth offers a glimpse into the darker side of Venice, with its secrets and unexpected turns.
Readers who appreciate Fred Vargas might find Leon’s storytelling and intricate plots enjoyable.
Henning Mankell is a Swedish author best known for his crime novels featuring the character Kurt Wallander. If you’re a fan of Fred Vargas, Mankell’s books might be up your alley. One of his standout novels is “Faceless Killers.”
In this story, Inspector Wallander faces a brutal murder case at an isolated farmhouse. The elderly couple, who lived there, are found dead. The only clue at the crime scene is a whispered word from the dying woman: “foreign.”
This sets off a tense investigation, with Wallander navigating public fear and xenophobia. Mankell blends mystery with social commentary, crafting a story that keeps you turning the pages.
Tana French is an author known for her captivating crime fiction. If you’re a fan of Fred Vargas, you might enjoy French’s book “In the Woods.”
The story begins with detective Rob Ryan, who investigates the murder of a young girl found in the same woods where two of his friends vanished when he was a child. Ryan’s past haunts him as he and his partner, Cassie Maddox, work to solve the crime.
The novel combines mystery with deep character exploration, making it an engaging read. French’s ability to create a moody atmosphere draws you in, as you try to uncover the truth alongside the detectives.
Peter May is a Scottish author known for his crime novels. One of his books, “The Blackhouse,” takes place on the Isle of Lewis. The story follows Detective Fin Macleod as he returns to his childhood home to investigate a murder.
As he digs deeper, he uncovers dark secrets from his past and the tight-knit community around him. The book mixes crime investigation with the brooding atmosphere of the Scottish island, creating a story that’s hard to forget.
If you enjoy the atmospheric and character-driven stories of Fred Vargas, May’s work might be right up your alley.
Elizabeth George is a popular author known for her mystery novels featuring the detective Inspector Lynley. If you’re into crime novels with deep character exploration, you might want to try “A Great Deliverance.”
This book kicks off with a grisly murder in a quiet English village. Lynley teams up with the sharp detective sergeant Barbara Havers. Their partnership brings fireworks as they unravel secrets tied to family and history.
The book offers a mix of a good old-fashioned whodunnit with some psychological twists along the way. If Fred Vargas’ stories have caught your attention, Elizabeth George could be a great author to explore next.
Ruth Rendell was a British author known for her captivating mystery novels. Her books often explore the darker sides of human nature, uncovering secrets and lies. If you enjoy Fred Vargas, you might like “A Judgement in Stone.”
This novel tells the story of Eunice Parchman, a housekeeper for the upper-class Coverdale family. Eunice has a secret that she fiercely protects: she cannot read or write.
Her inability to read eventually leads to a series of misunderstandings and tensions that boil over dramatically. It’s a psychological thriller that keeps you hooked on the evolving dynamics and inevitable tragedy.
Reginald Hill was a British crime writer known for his engaging detective stories. One of Hill’s notable books is “Dalziel and Pascoe: A Clubbable Woman.” It kicks off the series featuring Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel and Detective Sergeant Peter Pascoe.
The story begins in a quiet rugby club, where a player’s wife is discovered dead. Dalziel and Pascoe dive into the investigation, uncovering secrets and exploring hidden relationships within the community.
The dynamic between the no-nonsense Dalziel and the thoughtful Pascoe adds layers to the mystery. Hill’s knack for blending character development with an engaging plot makes this book a great pick for fans of Fred Vargas.
Georges Simenon, a prolific writer known for his detective stories, crafts narratives that pull you into the world of French mysteries. If you’re a fan of Fred Vargas, you might enjoy “The Yellow Dog.”
In this book, Inspector Maigret is sent to a small coastal town where a series of strange events unfolds. A local politician is shot, then a waiter narrowly escapes poison, sparking chatter among the villagers.
The atmosphere is tense as Maigret starts connecting the dots, unraveling secrets hidden in plain sight. It’s a story that keeps you guessing, with Maigret’s sharp intuition leading the way.
Simenon’s knack for capturing the mood of a place shines through, making the quaint town feel oddly foreboding.
Arnaldur Indriðason is an Icelandic author known for his gripping crime novels. One of his books, “Jar City,” introduces us to Detective Erlendur, a character who embodies the brooding and determined investigator archetype.
The story kicks off when a man is found murdered in his Reykjavik apartment, a baffling note left beside him. Erlendur takes on the case, diving into secrets buried in Iceland’s past and confronting his personal struggles along the way.
The novel’s unique setting and intriguing plot twists can draw in readers who appreciate the atmospheric mysteries that Fred Vargas is also known for.
Louise Penny is a wonderful author to explore if you enjoy Fred Vargas. Her writing transports you to quaint, mysterious Canadian villages with a touch of intrigue. In “Still Life,” we meet Chief Inspector Armand Gamache.
He’s a thoughtful, methodical detective who unravels the truth behind a murder in the quiet village of Three Pines. A beloved local artist is found dead in the woods, and Gamache suspects it’s no accident.
The book draws you into a world filled with surprising secrets, where every character adds a layer to the puzzle, making it hard to put down.
Sophie Hénaff is a French author known for her witty crime novels. If you enjoy Fred Vargas, you might like Sophie Hénaff’s book “The Awkward Squad.” It’s about Anne Capestan, a police officer who gets sidelined after a misstep.
She’s put in charge of a team of misfit cops who haven’t exactly been winners in their careers. These aren’t your average detectives, but they start working on cold cases with little expectation of success.
As they dig into these forgotten files, they uncover secrets and unsolved mysteries. The book’s charm lies in its quirky characters and their unique approach to solving crimes. It offers a fresh take on the classic detective story with humor and heart.
Margaret Atwood is an author who’s known for her unique take on dystopian themes and societal issues. If you like Fred Vargas, you might enjoy Atwood’s book “The Handmaid’s Tale.”
This story unfolds in a world where a totalitarian regime has taken control, dictating every aspect of life, especially for women. The main character, Offred, navigates this harsh reality as a Handmaid, whose sole purpose is to bear children for the ruling class.
The book offers a look into the effects of oppressive systems, with moments that are both chilling and thought-provoking. It’s the kind of read that sticks with you, long after you turn the last page.