If you enjoy reading novels by Ian Rankin then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoy Ian Rankin, you might want to check out Val McDermid. Her stories are sharp and have a dark edge. “The Mermaids Singing” introduces psychological profiler Tony Hill, and it’s a great start to her gripping crime series.
Another standout is “A Place of Execution,” which is about a decades-old mystery in a small English village. Both bring a strong sense of atmosphere and clever twists.
Michael Connelly writes crime stories that really pull you in. If you’re into Ian Rankin, you might enjoy Connelly’s character-driven mysteries. “The Black Echo” introduces Harry Bosch, a detective who tackles dark and gritty cases in Los Angeles.
“The Lincoln Lawyer” focuses on Mickey Haller, a defense attorney who works from the backseat of his car. Both books offer clever twists and smart storytelling, with the same kind of focus on characters that Rankin fans might appreciate.
If you’re into Ian Rankin, you might enjoy Peter James. His Roy Grace series offers a good mix of crime and character depth. Start with “Dead Simple,” which kicks off the series with a dark twist.
Another standout is “Looking Good Dead,” where an ordinary man stumbles into a dangerous situation after finding a mysterious USB stick. You’ll find the same gritty atmosphere and strong storytelling you like in Rankin’s work.
If you’re into Ian Rankin, you might enjoy Denise Mina’s work. She writes crime stories with a sharp eye for character and setting. “Garnethill” is a great starting point, set in Glasgow and packed with twists.
Another one to check out is “The Long Drop,” which dives into a real-life murder case while capturing the gritty atmosphere of 1950s Scotland. Her books share that same dark edge and focus on flawed but fascinating characters.
If you’re into Ian Rankin, you might enjoy Tana French. She has a knack for crime stories with a strong sense of place and complex characters. “In the Woods” blends police work and personal secrets in an atmospheric way.
“The Likeness” takes a bold approach with an undercover case that feels almost personal. French’s style leans into mystery and tension, making her work hard to put down.
Stuart MacBride writes crime fiction that’s dark and full of grit, perfect for fans of Ian Rankin. His Logan McRae series stands out, starting with “Cold Granite,” where a detective faces brutal murders in Aberdeen.
Another standout is “Shatter the Bones,” a tense story involving a kidnapped TV talent-show duo. His books are sharp and pack in plenty of drama with a raw edge.
James Lee Burke creates stories filled with atmosphere and complex characters. Fans of Ian Rankin might enjoy his Dave Robicheaux series, starting with “The Neon Rain”. It’s a mix of crime, moral dilemmas, and vivid settings.
Another standout is “Black Cherry Blues”, where Robicheaux faces threats that feel close and personal. Burke’s writing pulls you into the heart of his characters’ struggles, making his books hard to put down.
Peter Robinson is known for his Inspector Banks series, which often focuses on complex characters and gritty crimes. If you enjoy Ian Rankin, you’ll likely appreciate Robinson’s work.
Start with “Gallows View,” where you’re introduced to Inspector Banks as he tackles small-town secrets. Another great choice is “A Dedicated Man,” which offers a mix of mystery and a look at human motives.
If you’re into Ian Rankin, you might enjoy John Connolly’s work. His “Every Dead Thing” kicks off the Charlie Parker series with a mix of mystery and dark atmosphere. “The Black Angel” is another standout, blending crime and a touch of the eerie.
Connolly’s books focus on gritty storytelling with well-drawn characters and plenty of suspense.
Ruth Rendell writes crime stories with a dark and psychological edge, which might appeal to fans of Ian Rankin. Her book “A Judgement in Stone” is an unsettling tale of a crime rooted in social class and personal secrets.
Another standout is “The Veiled One,” part of her Inspector Wexford series, where she combines clever plotting and sharp insight into human behavior. If you enjoy Rankin’s ability to explore the darker sides of people and society, Rendell’s work could be a good fit too.
Henning Mankell is known for his gripping detective stories featuring Kurt Wallander, a brooding police inspector in Sweden. Fans of Ian Rankin will probably appreciate the moody settings and complex investigations that unfold in Mankell’s books.
Two great places to start are “Faceless Killers,” where Wallander pursues a brutal crime with deep social undertones, and “The Fifth Woman,” which explores a series of mysterious murders. His work captures a dark and thoughtful style of crime fiction.
Donna Leon writes stories that focus on crime and the darker sides of society, which might appeal to fans of Ian Rankin. Her series follows Commissario Guido Brunetti, a detective solving murders in Venice.
“Death at La Fenice” is a strong starting point, offering a murder mystery set in the world of opera, while “Acqua Alta” explores corruption tied to Venice’s art scene. The setting adds depth without overshadowing the characters or the investigation.
Ann Cleeves creates stories with strong characters and atmospheric settings that draw readers in. If you like Ian Rankin, you might enjoy her books too. “Raven Black” kicks off her Shetland series, offering a mix of dark secrets and small-town tension.
“The Crow Trap” introduces her Vera Stanhope series, where an offbeat detective uncovers truths others miss. Both series provide a strong sense of place and layered mysteries.
If you’re into Ian Rankin, you might want to check out Louise Penny. Her books often center on Chief Inspector Armand Gamache. In “Still Life,” she introduces readers to the small town of Three Pines, where quiet streets hide unexpected murders.
“The Cruelest Month” explores a puzzling death that shakes up the town further. Penny’s work has a focus on flawed characters and deep investigations, which might scratch the same itch as Rankin’s stories.
If you like Ian Rankin, you might enjoy the dark and atmospheric crime stories by Arnaldur Indriðason. His book “Jar City” introduces Detective Erlendur, who investigates gritty mysteries in Iceland.
Another standout is “Silence of the Grave,” where buried secrets from decades ago resurface. These stories focus on bleak landscapes, flawed characters, and haunting crimes.