If you enjoy reading books by J.D. Barker then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoy the dark twists typical in J.D. Barker's novels, Chris Carter might just be your new favorite. Carter's background as a criminal psychologist gives his thrillers razor-sharp authenticity and disturbing realism.
His novel The Crucifix Killer is tense and chilling, intertwining psychological drama with gruesome crime scenes that hold your attention to the last page.
Fans of Barker's suspenseful pacing and dark plots will find plenty to enjoy in M.J. Arlidge's novels. Arlidge crafts disturbing crime scenes and troubled protagonists without pulling any punches, quickly engaging readers from chapter one.
His novel Eeny Meeny introduces Detective Helen Grace, a determined detective facing a ruthless criminal who forces victims into impossible choices.
If you're drawn to Barker's smart twists and complex characters, check out Tim Weaver. Weaver's books feature gripping cases, intricate plots, and a protagonist who's deeply human and believable.
His thriller Chasing the Dead follows David Raker, a missing persons investigator tasked with unraveling mysterious disappearances and unsettling secrets.
If Barker's dark humor and gritty style appeal to you, Stuart MacBride is definitely worth a read. MacBride's writing is sharp and realistic, capturing the harshness and humor amidst grim Scottish crime scenes.
His novel Cold Granite kicks off the Logan McRae series splendidly—darkly funny and relentlessly suspenseful while pulling you into intense, deep storylines.
Peter James offers the smart, tightly-woven plots and steady suspense that Barker's readers appreciate. His detailed character-building and emotional depth pull you into a world that's realistic and absorbing.
James' novel Dead Simple introduces Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, who searches desperately to save a man trapped alive—kicking off a thrilling series that you won't easily forget.
Mark Billingham writes suspenseful and gritty crime fiction that explores dark aspects of human nature. His realistic characters and authentic storytelling immerse readers into gripping and complex mysteries.
Fans who appreciate J.D. Barker's tense narratives and psychological depth might enjoy Billingham's Sleepyhead, which introduces readers to Detective Tom Thorne and his pursuit of a chilling serial attacker.
Tess Gerritsen creates medical thrillers that cleverly combine science, crime, and human drama. If you enjoy Barker's intense and atmospheric style, you might also like Gerritsen's vivid storytelling.
Start with The Surgeon, featuring detective Jane Rizzoli as she tracks a vicious killer, blending forensic detail with sharp psychological insight.
Karin Slaughter stands out for her gritty suspense novels filled with complex, layered characters. Like Barker, Slaughter confronts dark themes head-on and keeps readers fully engaged.
Her novel Pretty Girls expertly blends family drama with disturbing crime, delivering twists and emotional impact that readers won't forget.
Lisa Gardner crafts suspenseful thrillers with intricate plots and vivid psychological profiling. Similar to Barker, Gardner builds tension with multi-layered characters and captivating storytelling.
Check out The Perfect Husband for a compelling story about obsession, pursuit, and danger.
Cody McFadyen writes intense psychological thrillers featuring terrifying antagonists and thought-provoking plots. His work is especially appealing to readers who appreciate Barker's dark, heart-pounding style.
Try McFadyen’s Shadow Man, which introduces FBI agent Smoky Barrett in an unforgettable story filled with suspense, fear, and emotional depth.
If you enjoy J.D. Barker's twisty thrillers, you'll probably like Robert Bryndza. His stories are fast-paced and tense, with characters you'll genuinely connect with. Bryndza often explores dark themes and gritty mysteries that pull readers right in.
Try The Girl in the Ice, the first in his Erika Foster series, a gripping murder investigation that will keep you guessing from start to finish.
Fans of J.D. Barker's dark, character-driven suspense will probably appreciate Angela Marsons. Her novels feature complex detectives and richly plotted, dark mysteries. She creates layered and intriguing storylines that keep readers hooked till the end.
Her book Silent Scream, the first in the Detective Kim Stone series, offers a tense narrative with complex characters and unexpected twists.
Alex North writes psychological thrillers that are eerie and atmospheric, sure to please readers of J.D. Barker. His stories explore dark family secrets, unsettling memories, and haunting past experiences.
If you haven't read him yet, pick up his novel The Whisper Man, a chilling tale about a serial killer and the hidden horrors within families and small communities.
Riley Sager creates mystery and suspense novels filled with psychological tension, much like J.D. Barker does. His style combines suspenseful storytelling with chilling atmospheres and engaging characters.
Try Home Before Dark, a suspenseful story that mixes psychological horror with a creepy haunted-house mystery, guaranteed to keep you up late reading.
If you like the tense and dark style of J.D. Barker, check out C.J. Tudor. Her writing blends suspense, mystery, and unsettling atmospheres. She focuses on small-town secrets and disturbing past events resurfacing.
A great place to start is The Chalk Man, a thriller full of childhood secrets, murder, and chilling discoveries that echo into adult life.