Light Mode

15 Authors like James Hayman

James Hayman is known for his suspenseful crime novels featuring Portland detectives Mike McCabe and Maggie Savage. Notable works include The Cutting and The Chill of Night, bringing captivating mysteries set in coastal Maine.

If you enjoy reading books by James Hayman then you might also like the following authors:

  1. Michael Connelly

    Michael Connelly creates police procedurals that draw readers into detailed investigations and realistic portrayals of detective life. Like James Hayman, Connelly crafts stories about detectives who wrestle with personal baggage while tackling challenging crimes.

    In The Black Echo, Detective Harry Bosch investigates a crime that forces him to confront his own past as a Vietnam veteran, blending suspense with emotional depth.

  2. John Sandford

    John Sandford is known for stories featuring sharp detectives and intricate crime-solving set in believable, gritty settings. Similar to Hayman's approach, Sandford weaves suspenseful plots without losing sight of character complexity.

    His novel Rules of Prey introduces Lucas Davenport, a determined detective on the trail of a clever serial killer, delivering a tense thriller that's hard to put down.

  3. Paul Doiron

    Paul Doiron writes mysteries centered around vivid characters and landscapes, emphasizing a strong sense of place. Fans of Hayman will enjoy Doiron's talent for evoking Maine's rugged beauty while telling gripping crime stories.

    In The Poacher's Son, game warden Mike Bowditch must confront family conflicts and personal doubts as he investigates a murder where his own father is the prime suspect.

  4. Lisa Gardner

    Lisa Gardner specializes in psychological thrillers featuring troubled characters and dark, intense crimes. Like Hayman, Gardner crafts tightly-paced stories that delve into complex human motives and past traumas.

    The Perfect Husband presents a suspenseful narrative about a woman whose dangerous ex-husband escapes prison seeking revenge, blending gripping psychological tension with compelling character portrayal.

  5. Peter Robinson

    Peter Robinson brings thoughtful storytelling and well-developed characters to traditional police procedurals set in England. Readers who appreciate James Hayman's depth and insight into human nature will find Robinson's mysteries satisfying.

    In his book In a Dry Season, Inspector Alan Banks investigates a decades-old crime that unearths long-hidden secrets, offering both suspenseful storytelling and perceptive character insights.

  6. Ian Rankin

    Ian Rankin delivers atmospheric detective novels that vividly explore Edinburgh’s darker side. His Inspector Rebus series emphasizes gritty realism over black-and-white morality. Rankin's style immerses readers in detailed crime-solving alongside emotionally complex characters.

    If you enjoy Hayman’s intricate mysteries, try Rankin’s acclaimed Knots and Crosses, the first Inspector Rebus novel.

  7. Jo Nesbø

    Jo Nesbø writes intense, suspenseful thrillers featuring Oslo detective Harry Hole, a flawed but determined investigator. Like Hayman, Nesbø builds tension through tightly-orchestrated plots and layered character psychology.

    His novel The Snowman highlights dark, twisty turns and high-stakes intrigue that will appeal to fans of compelling crime fiction.

  8. Tana French

    Tana French stands out for psychological depth and vivid, engaging dialogue. Her acclaimed Dublin Murder Squad novels portray the complex lives and relationships of detectives with nuance and empathy.

    If you enjoyed Hayman's character-driven style, French’s In the Woods offers a satisfying blend of gripping mystery and rich characterization.

  9. Robert Dugoni

    Robert Dugoni creates sharp-paced legal thrillers and crime novels featuring relatable, intriguing protagonists. His stories offer suspenseful twists, skillful pacing, and believable investigative details.

    Dugoni’s novel My Sister’s Grave delivers the kind of satisfying mystery resolution and engaging storytelling that fans of James Hayman will enjoy.

  10. Karin Slaughter

    Karin Slaughter is known for dark, emotionally intense thrillers with realistic depictions of crime investigations. Her characters confront challenging moral questions that resonate deeply with readers.

    If Hayman’s blend of psychological suspense and investigative depth appeals to you, Slaughter’s novel Pretty Girls offers compelling tension that’s hard to put down.

  11. Robert Bryndza

    Robert Bryndza offers readers a strong mix of suspenseful narratives and memorable detectives. Readers who enjoy James Hayman's skill at crafting realistic crime scenarios and relatable investigators will likely appreciate Bryndza's work.

    His novel The Girl in the Ice introduces Detective Erika Foster, whose determined and insightful methods drive the plot forward smoothly and keep you rooting for her.

  12. Angela Marsons

    Angela Marsons crafts tightly plotted crime thrillers that pull readers into the complex world of detective work. Fans of James Hayman's style—strong character development and twists that keep you guessing—will find much to enjoy in Marsons' storytelling.

    Her book Silent Scream introduces Detective Kim Stone, a highly skilled investigator who navigates chilling and difficult cases with courage and humanity.

  13. J.A. Jance

    J.A. Jance writes detective novels that combine compelling investigations with relatable characters and rich settings. Like James Hayman, Jance builds suspense effectively, often exploring how past secrets influence present-day crimes.

    Her novel Desert Heat features Joanna Brady, who takes on complex cases while navigating personal challenges in the vividly portrayed landscapes of Arizona.

  14. Harlan Coben

    Harlan Coben is known for suspenseful novels filled with unexpected twists and gripping family secrets. His storytelling approach of ordinary people caught up in extraordinary situations aligns well with what James Hayman fans might enjoy.

    A good example is his novel Tell No One, which blends mystery and emotional depth for an unforgettable reading experience.

  15. Henning Mankell

    Henning Mankell creates atmospheric crime mysteries that balance suspense, thoughtful storytelling, and well-developed characters. Like Hayman, he highlights the human side of investigative work, showing how crimes affect both victims and officers deeply.

    His book Faceless Killers, the first Kurt Wallander novel, introduces readers to a detective whose tenacity and compassion shine throughout the story.