If you enjoy reading books by J.M. Dalgliesh then you might also like the following authors:
Ann Cleeves writes mystery novels with strong settings and memorable detectives. One of her well-known books, “The Crow Trap,” introduces the character Vera Stanhope, a detective who is hard to forget.
The story follows three women brought together by an environmental study in a remote area. Their work is disrupted by a suspicious death, and Vera steps in to uncover the truth. She’s sharp and observant, with a knack for finding secrets people would rather keep hidden.
Fans of J.M. Dalgliesh’s crime fiction might enjoy how Cleeves builds the tension and keeps the reader guessing.
Peter May writes crime and mystery novels with a focus on atmosphere and character depth. His book “The Blackhouse,” set on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, follows Detective Fin Macleod as he investigates a brutal murder connected to his own past.
The story paints a vivid picture of the island’s harsh landscapes and tight-knit community. As Fin uncovers secrets tied to the crime, his personal history intertwines with the case in unexpected ways.
Fans of J.M. Dalgliesh might enjoy the layered storytelling and strong sense of place.
Joy Ellis writes crime fiction loaded with atmosphere and twists. Her series often follows dedicated detectives in rural England, creating a strong sense of place.
In “The Murderer’s Son,” Detective Nikki Galena faces a chilling case when a man confesses to a brutal murder, though there’s no evidence the crime happened. The quiet fenlands hide dark secrets, and the story keeps you turning pages as the truth slowly unravels.
Fans of J.M. Dalgliesh will find her work equally satisfying.
Cara Hunter is known for her tense, character-driven detective novels. In “Close to Home,” the first book in her DI Adam Fawley series, a young girl named Daisy vanishes during a neighborhood barbecue.
The investigation uncovers secrets among friends and neighbors, with every chapter revealing something unexpected. The story is told through multiple perspectives, police interviews, and news reports, giving a sense of immediacy that keeps the reader engaged.
If you’re a fan of J.M. Dalgliesh’s thoughtful mysteries and strong storytelling, Cara Hunter might be a great fit.
M.W. Craven is known for crafting crime novels with strong characters and clever twists. His book, “The Puppet Show,” introduces Washington Poe, a detective pulled back into the force to track down a brutal killer called the Immolation Man.
The story kicks off with ritualistic murders, leaving bodies burned and a name carved into one of them—Poe’s. Partnered with the brilliant but socially awkward Tilly Bradshaw, the pair uncover secrets that take the investigation into dangerous territory.
Fans of J.M. Dalgliesh will likely enjoy the dark mysteries and vivid settings Craven brings to life.
Elly Griffiths is known for her mystery novels that often come with a strong sense of place and intriguing characters. One of her popular books is “The Crossing Places,” which introduces Dr. Ruth Galloway, a forensic archaeologist.
Ruth gets drawn into a police investigation when bones are found near her home on a remote English saltmarsh. The case links to a missing child, keeping you hooked as Ruth uncovers both ancient secrets and modern-day dangers.
It’s a mix of atmospheric settings and clever crime-solving that J. M. Dalgliesh fans might enjoy.
Ragnar Jónasson is an Icelandic author known for gripping crime novels set in the stark landscapes of Iceland. One of his books, “Snowblind,” kicks off the Dark Iceland series.
It follows Ari Thór, a rookie policeman who takes a job in a remote town surrounded by mountains and endless snow. A place where everyone seems to have secrets, a mysterious death shakes the uneasy quiet of the community.
The isolation and the atmosphere of the setting make the story tense and unforgettable.
Ian Rankin is best known for his Inspector Rebus series, which is set in Edinburgh. His books explore crime and the ways it impacts both individuals and the community.
In “Knots and Crosses,” we meet Detective John Rebus, who is haunted by his past and trying to make sense of a city filled with secrets. The story revolves around a mysterious figure targeting young girls and leaving strange clues behind.
As Rebus digs deeper, he’s forced to confront memories he has tried to bury. The mix of gripping tension and flawed, human characters draws readers into both the case and Rebus’s personal journey.
Val McDermid is a Scottish crime writer known for crafting complex mysteries with sharp characters. One of her books, “The Mermaids Singing,” introduces detective Tony Hill as he tries to catch a killer targeting men.
The story dives into the psychology of both the detective and the murderer, offering an intense game of cat and mouse. It’s packed with twists and explores the darker side of human behavior, keeping you hooked until the end.
Fans of J.M. Dalgliesh may find themselves drawn to her knack for creating chilling atmospheres and unpredictable plots.
Angela Marsons writes crime thrillers that keep readers hooked from start to finish. She’s known for her “DI Kim Stone” series, which starts with the book “Silent Scream.” The story begins with the discovery of a body at a school.
What follows is a shocking investigation as Kim uncovers dark secrets connected to the school and its past. The plot pulls you into a world of lies and betrayal, where every new clue leads to an unexpected twist.
Kim is a tough and determined detective, and her character shines through in the way she tackles each case. Fans of J.M. Dalgliesh’s mysteries might enjoy the gripping tension in Marsons’s books.
Mari Hannah writes crime fiction that pulls you in with strong characters and twisting plots. One of her books, “The Silent Room,” follows Detective Matthew Ryan as he tries to clear the name of his mentor, who is accused of a crime he didn’t commit.
The story is full of suspense as Ryan uncovers secrets and faces danger at every turn. If you like stories with clever investigations and smart pacing, her books are worth checking out.
Jane Harper is an author known for writing crime and mystery stories set in Australia. Her book “The Dry” introduces Aaron Falk, a federal agent who returns to his drought-stricken hometown for the funeral of an old friend.
The friend, Luke, is accused of killing his family in a shocking murder-suicide. As Falk reluctantly stays to investigate, secrets from the past start surfacing and revealing connections to another tragic death from years ago.
The small-town setting creates an intense atmosphere, filled with suspicion and buried truths. Harper weaves the present mystery with past events in a way that keeps you turning the pages.
Tana French writes mysteries that focus on characters and atmosphere. Her book “In the Woods” is about a detective named Rob Ryan, who investigates the murder of a young girl in a small Irish town.
As he works the case, he realizes it might connect to a traumatic event from his own childhood. The story blends a police investigation with Rob’s personal struggles, creating layers of tension and secrets.
Fans of J.M. Dalgliesh might enjoy her attention to flawed characters and dark twists.
Louise Penny writes mystery novels that take you deep into the heart of small-town Quebec. Her Chief Inspector Armand Gamache series is a great starting point. In “Still Life,” the quiet village of Three Pines is shaken by the suspicious death of an elderly woman.
Gamache, who is insightful and compassionate, uncovers secrets hidden beneath the town’s peaceful surface. The story blends the charm of a countryside setting with the tension of a murder investigation, as Gamache unravels the truth about the people he encounters.
Deborah Crombie writes British crime novels that often feature complex characters and layered mysteries. Her popular series follows Scotland Yard detectives Duncan Kincaid and Gemma James.
In “A Share in Death,” Kincaid takes a holiday at a country estate but soon finds himself investigating a murder among the guests. The story has a closed-circle mystery vibe, with plenty of suspects and secrets hidden behind polite exteriors.
Crombie’s writing has a strong sense of place, giving readers a clear picture of the setting as the story unfolds. Fans of atmospheric mysteries will enjoy her books.