If you enjoy reading books by Harry Kemelman then you might also like the following authors:
Aaron Elkins writes mysteries with clever plots and a strong focus on interesting professions. His series featuring Gideon Oliver, a forensic anthropologist, is a great choice for readers who enjoy smart, character-driven mysteries.
In “Fellowship of Fear,” Gideon finds himself caught in intrigue while on a teaching trip in Europe. He must use his specialized knowledge of bones to unravel a case involving dangerous secrets.
The blend of academic insight and suspense gives the story a unique feel that stands out.
Ellery Queen was the pen name of two cousins, Frederic Dannay and Manfred B. Lee, who wrote clever and intricate mystery novels. Their books often feature Ellery Queen, a sharp amateur detective who solves puzzling cases.
One of their most famous works, “The Greek Coffin Mystery,” begins with the death of an art dealer. During the investigation, the man’s will disappears, and a series of baffling events follow.
Ellery pieces together the truth by focusing on the small details everyone else ignores. Fans of methodical detectives and carefully constructed mysteries might enjoy exploring Queen’s stories.
Rex Stout is the creator of the Nero Wolfe mysteries, which follow a brilliant but eccentric detective who refuses to leave his New York brownstone. Wolfe relies on his sharp mind and his assistant, Archie Goodwin, to handle the legwork.
In “Fer-de-Lance,” the series begins with a suspicious death that turns out to involve a bizarre murder weapon. Archie’s wit and Wolfe’s genius make for a fun combination, with smart dialogue and a unique dynamic between the two.
If you enjoy Kemelman’s engaging characters, you might find Wolfe and Archie entertaining as well.
Agatha Christie is known for crafting clever mysteries that keep readers guessing. One of her famous novels is “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.” In this story, a small village is shaken by the death of a wealthy man.
The detective Hercule Poirot, retired but living nearby, is drawn into solving the case. The narrative is full of twists, and the truth is hidden until the very last pages.
Christie’s style focuses on creating puzzles that challenge readers, while the atmosphere of her quaint villages hides secrets at every turn.
Dorothy L. Sayers is known for her classic detective novels featuring Lord Peter Wimsey, a quirky and brilliant amateur sleuth. In her book “The Nine Tailors,” Wimsey finds himself in a small English village after a car accident.
The story begins with bells ringing during a New Year’s Eve service, but things turn dark when a body is discovered in an opened grave. The intricate bell-ringing patterns in the story tie into the mystery, creating a unique backdrop for Wimsey’s investigation.
Fans of Harry Kemelman’s thoughtful, community-based puzzles might enjoy Sayers’ detailed and atmospheric mysteries.
Arthur Upfield was an Australian author best known for his detective novels featuring Napoleon “Bony” Bonaparte, a half-Indigenous police inspector. In “The Sands of Windee,” Bony investigates a seemingly perfect murder in the Australian outback.
The setting plays a big role, with the vast, dusty landscape providing a sense of isolation. Bony’s sharp detective work and ability to understand both Indigenous and European cultures help uncover secrets.
The story combines a mysterious death, unique methods of investigation, and insight into the characters’ hidden motives.
Ngaio Marsh was a New Zealand writer known for her classic detective novels featuring Inspector Roderick Alleyn. Her books are perfect for fans of carefully constructed mysteries with a focus on character and setting.
In “Death in a White Tie,” Alleyn investigates the murder of a friend during London’s social season. The story mixes glitzy parties and darker secrets, offering an intriguing look at interwar society.
Colin Dexter is known for his Inspector Morse series, which offers clever mysteries with well-drawn characters. In “The Silent World of Nicholas Quinn,” Morse investigates the death of a deaf man who worked at an exam syndicate.
The victim’s life, shaped by isolation and miscommunication, provides Morse with plenty of layers to work through. The story weaves questions of identity and betrayal seamlessly into the mystery.
Fans of Harry Kemelman may enjoy the steady pace and the way small details lead to larger revelations.
P.D. James was a British author known for her smart and intricate crime novels. Her book, “An Unsuitable Job for a Woman,” introduces Cordelia Gray, a young private detective hired to investigate the apparent suicide of a college student.
What starts as a routine case uncovers darker secrets about the victim’s life and those around him. James writes with a sharp eye for human behavior, creating mysteries that feel real and layered without being overwhelming.
Fans of Harry Kemelman’s methodical approach to solving cases may enjoy how James lays out her clues and characters.
Sarah Paretsky is the author behind the V.I. Warshawski detective series, which features a strong and witty private investigator in Chicago. In “Indemnity Only,” the first book in the series, V.I. takes on what seems like a routine missing-person case.
Things quickly spiral when she discovers connections to murder and corruption in the business world. She isn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with powerful people, and the story keeps you turning pages to see how she unravels the secrets.
Fans of Harry Kemelman, especially those who enjoy logical problem-solving and sharp characters, will find Paretsky worth exploring.
G.K. Chesterton wrote mysteries that often explore human nature through clever characters and unexpected twists.
One of his best-known works, “The Innocence of Father Brown,” follows a humble priest who solves crimes by understanding people’s motives and flaws rather than relying on physical clues.
In one story, Father Brown surprises everyone by catching a clever thief who leaves no trace, showing how his insight into the human soul beats traditional detective methods.
Fans of Harry Kemelman’s Rabbi Small mysteries might enjoy the quiet but sharp approach Chesterton brings to his stories.
Katherine Hall Page is known for her Faith Fairchild mysteries, which blend intriguing characters with a cozy New England setting.
In “The Body in the Belfry,” Faith Fairchild, a caterer who recently moved from Manhattan to a small Massachusetts town, stumbles upon a murder while adjusting to her new life. The story takes off when she discovers a body in the belfry of the local church.
With her sharp wit and a knack for observing details, Faith balances sleuthing with navigating the quirks of small-town living. Fans of Harry Kemelman might enjoy the mix of mystery and the glimpse into close-knit community life.
Martha Grimes is known for her clever mystery novels, often featuring rich settings and memorable characters.
One of her well-loved books, “The Man with a Load of Mischief,” introduces Richard Jury, a Scotland Yard inspector, as he investigates two murders in a cozy English village.
The story starts when bodies turn up in unexpected places, leading Jury to uncover secrets hidden behind the charm of the locals. Grimes creates an engaging mix of tension and atmosphere, with witty dialogue and sharp observations about village life.
If you enjoy mysteries that combine crime-solving with rich characters, her work may be a great fit.
Joanne Dobson writes mystery novels filled with academic settings and engaging puzzles. Her book, “Quieter Than Sleep,” introduces Karen Pelletier, an English professor at a quiet New England college. Karen’s literary world takes a dark turn when a colleague is found dead.
The story combines campus politics with Karen’s knack for solving mysteries, while offering a lot of intrigue for fans of intellectual whodunits. Readers may appreciate Dobson’s thoughtful approach to crime and the way she weaves the academic life into the plot.
Hillary Waugh was a master of crafting straightforward, realistic mysteries. His book, “Last Seen Wearing,” is a standout in the genre. It follows the disappearance of a college student named Marilyn, as the police piece together clues from her last known whereabouts.
The story focuses on methodical detective work, with an emphasis on small, telling details rather than dramatic twists. Fans of Harry Kemelman’s thoughtful approach to mysteries might find Waugh’s work equally engaging.