If you enjoy reading novels by Fred Vargas then you might also like the following authors:
If you’re into Fred Vargas, you might find Andrea Camilleri’s novels right up your alley. His stories have an atmospheric feel, full of wit and complex characters.
You could start with “The Shape of Water” or “The Snack Thief,” which both follow Inspector Montalbano as he works through crimes in Sicily. “The Terracotta Dog” is another one worth checking out, blending mystery with a vivid sense of place.
Colin Dexter wrote the famous Inspector Morse series. Two of his popular novels are “The Silent World of Nicholas Quinn” and “The Wench Is Dead.” His stories are full of clever twists and memorable characters. They’re perfect for fans of classic mysteries.
Ann Cleeves is known for her clever, atmospheric mysteries. If you enjoy Fred Vargas, you might like her Vera Stanhope series. Start with “The Crow Trap,” where Vera investigates a murder in a rural community, full of secrets and tense relationships.
Another great option is “Raven Black,” set in the Shetland Islands. It opens with a girl’s body found in the snow, pulling you into a moody and layered story.
Donna Leon is best known for her mystery novels set in Venice. Her books often follow Commissario Guido Brunetti as he investigates crimes and uncovers hidden truths. “Death at La Fenice” was her first Brunetti mystery, introducing readers to the series.
Another standout is “Acqua Alta,” where art and murder collide. “The Girl of His Dreams” adds another layer to the series, focusing on justice and morality.
Henning Mankell tells stories that often feel quiet but carry a lot of weight. Fans of Fred Vargas might enjoy how he brings his characters to life in slow, thoughtful ways.
His most popular works feature Detective Kurt Wallander, who deals with tough cases and his own struggles. Books like “Faceless Killers” and “The White Lioness” blend personal drama with crime, creating a world that feels real and absorbing.
Mankell’s writing has a way of making you pause and think.
Tana French writes stories that pull you in with their depth and atmosphere. Her novel “In the Woods” follows a detective investigating a murder that connects to his own childhood.
“The Likeness” features a detective going undercover by taking on the identity of a murder victim who looks exactly like her. Another standout is “The Trespasser,” which focuses on a case that feels personal and full of pressure for the lead detective.
Peter May tells stories with strong atmospheres and layered mysteries. If you enjoy Fred Vargas, you might like May’s “The Blackhouse,” set in the remote Hebrides, where secrets lurk in a brooding landscape.
Another great read is “The Lewis Man,” which blends murder and memory with a tight, emotional undercurrent. His writing feels grounded and takes you deep into the lives of his characters.
Elizabeth George is known for her engaging mysteries featuring Inspector Lynley. In “A Great Deliverance,” she tells the story of a shocking murder in a small English village.
Another standout is “Well-Schooled in Murder,” where Lynley investigates the death of a boarding school student. Her novels are full of twists and interesting characters.
If you enjoy the layered mysteries of Fred Vargas, you might want to explore Ruth Rendell. Her book “A Judgement in Stone” unpacks the dark secrets behind a brutal crime in a small-town setting.
“The Inspector Wexford Mysteries” series, starting with “From Doon with Death,” introduces a thoughtful detective and weaves sharp observations about human behavior into each case. Rendell’s stories explore characters and motivations with unsettling precision.
Reginald Hill was known for his clever crime stories with engaging characters. His Dalziel and Pascoe series stands out, with books like “Ruling Passion” and “On Beulah Height” earning praise. Another notable novel is “The Stranger House,” a standalone mystery full of twists.
Hill had a knack for keeping readers interested from start to finish.
Georges Simenon wrote stories that draw you into their atmosphere with ease. His “The Yellow Dog” and “The Hanged Man of Saint-Pholien” are great examples. Both have a strong sense of place and characters with layers to uncover.
If you enjoy Fred Vargas, you might appreciate how Simenon paints human behavior and the tension in his stories.
Arnaldur Indriðason writes crime stories set in Iceland. His books often explore human nature and hidden truths. One of his best-known works is “Jar City,” which follows Detective Erlendur as he investigates a strange murder.
Another favorite is “Silence of the Grave,” a story about unearthed bones that reveal secrets from the past. He also wrote “Arctic Chill,” where a young boy’s death leads to questions about race and society.
Louise Penny creates mystery stories with a unique charm. Her Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series offers a mix of deep characters and puzzles. If you enjoy Fred Vargas, you might like “Still Life” or “The Cruelest Month.”
These books bring small villages and their secrets to life, with layered mysteries that unfold in clever ways.
Sophie Hénaff writes with humor and a sharp eye for detail. Her novel “The Awkward Squad” introduces a quirky team of police misfits tasked with solving cold cases. In “Stick Together,” this unusual squad faces even more challenges as they try to prove their worth.
Her stories mix wit with mystery, creating books that are fun and engaging.
Margaret Atwood writes stories that pull you into vivid, complex worlds where the characters linger in your mind. If you like Fred Vargas, you might enjoy the tension and sharp wit in her work.
“The Handmaid’s Tale” explores a chillingly controlled society, while “Alias Grace” unpacks the mystery of a murder and questions the truth behind it. Her books are rich in detail and full of unexpected turns.