If you enjoy reading books by Joan Hess then you might also like the following authors:
M.C. Beaton is a well-loved author known for her lighthearted mysteries with quirky characters and small-town settings. One of her popular books is “Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death.”
It follows Agatha Raisin, a sharp-tongued, retired PR professional, who moves to a quaint village in the Cotswolds. To fit into the local scene, she enters a quiche-baking contest but ends up accused of murder when her entry turns out to be deadly.
The mix of humor and mystery makes it an easy, fun read for fans of crime stories with a comic twist.
Margaret Maron was an American mystery writer known for her skill at crafting stories that mix crime with a strong sense of place and character. In her book “Bootlegger’s Daughter,” she introduces Deborah Knott, a North Carolina lawyer with a knack for solving puzzles.
The story begins with Deborah deciding to run for a judgeship while also looking into a decades-old murder at the request of the victim’s daughter. The story unfolds in a rural Southern setting, where family histories and local secrets shape the investigation.
Readers who enjoy Joan Hess’s mix of wit and small-town dynamics might find Margaret Maron’s work appealing.
Donna Andrews writes lighthearted mysteries filled with humor and quirky characters. Her “Meg Langslow” series begins with “Murder with Peacocks,” where Meg is juggling the chaos of planning three weddings in her family.
Amid the mayhem, a murder shakes up the small-town atmosphere, and Meg’s practical wit helps her uncover the truth. Andrews’ writing balances humor with sharp observations, and her eccentric characters make the world feel alive.
Elizabeth Peters is the pen name of Barbara Mertz, an author known for her lighthearted mystery novels. One of her most enjoyable books is “Crocodile on the Sandbank,” the first in the Amelia Peabody series.
Set in the late 19th century, the story follows Amelia, a determined and witty Victorian woman with a passion for archaeology. While traveling through Egypt, she uncovers danger, romance, and an ancient mystery linked to a seemingly cursed mummy.
The book offers a mix of humor and adventure, and Amelia’s sharp personality often steals the show.
Nancy Atherton is the author of the charming *Aunt Dimity* series, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a touch of the supernatural. In “Aunt Dimity’s Death,” Lori Shepherd discovers that the Aunt Dimity her mother used to tell her bedtime stories about was a real person.
When Lori is tasked with settling Dimity’s estate, she finds a journal that allows her to communicate with the late Aunt Dimity herself. Together, they unravel an old mystery involving love letters.
The warm characters and the hint of magic make this series feel like a comforting escape.
Rhys Bowen is an author known for creating mysteries with a cozy feel. One of her books, “Her Royal Spyness,” introduces Lady Georgiana Rannoch, a young penniless royal in 1930s England. Georgie is thirty-fourth in line to the throne but struggles to make ends meet.
While trying to avoid a disastrous arranged marriage, she finds herself solving a murder tied to her own family. The book blends humor with sleuthing as Georgie uses wit and determination to unravel the case.
Fans of Joan Hess might enjoy the quirky characters and clever plot twists in Bowen’s work.
Rita Mae Brown is known for blending mystery with light humor, making her books an engaging read. One of her popular works, “Wish You Were Here,” introduces readers to Mary Minor Haristeen, a postmistress in a small town.
The story stands apart because Mary’s pets, a cat and a dog, help unravel the mysteries around her. The book offers quirky characters and a cozy small-town setting, where everyday life often gets interrupted by unexpected crime.
Fans of authors like Joan Hess will likely enjoy Brown’s sharp yet warm storytelling.
Susan Wittig Albert writes cozy mysteries with engaging characters and settings. In her book “Thyme of Death,” she introduces China Bayles, a former lawyer who leaves behind her high-stakes career to run an herb shop in a small Texas town.
When her friend Jo Gilbert dies under suspicious circumstances, China dives into uncovering the truth. The book weaves details about herbs and their uses into the story, which adds a unique flavor to the mystery.
Fans of Joan Hess will enjoy Albert’s mix of humor and clever plotting.
Carolyn Hart is known for her lighthearted mysteries filled with charm and clever twists. Her “Death on Demand” series introduces Annie Darling, the owner of a mystery bookshop on a South Carolina island.
In the first book, “Death on Demand,” Annie finds herself investigating a murder when a guest at an author gathering is killed. The setting, with its cozy island vibe, and the hint of danger make it a fun read for fans of Joan Hess’s humor and small-town mysteries.
Deborah Crombie is known for her smart and well-crafted mysteries, often set in England. One of her books, “A Share in Death,” introduces Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his partner, Gemma James.
The story follows Kincaid as he takes a rare vacation at a timeshare in the Yorkshire countryside. What starts as a quiet break quickly turns into a murder investigation after another guest is found dead.
The book weaves secrets and relationships among the guests, with twists that uncover unexpected truths. Crombie’s attention to character details makes the mystery even better.
Marcia Muller is known for her mystery novels featuring Sharon McCone, a private investigator with sharp instincts and a strong sense of justice. In “Edwin of the Iron Shoes,” Sharon dives into a case involving the murder of an antiques dealer in San Francisco.
The story weaves through the world of valuable collectibles, shady dealings, and hidden motives. Muller’s knack for creating engaging mysteries makes her a great choice for fans of Joan Hess.
Dorothy Cannell writes mysteries with humor and charm. Her book, “The Thin Woman,” introduces Ellie Haskell, an interior decorator with a sharp wit. In this story, Ellie unexpectedly inherits her uncle’s estate but only if she can find her family’s long-lost heirloom.
To meet the terms, she convinces a handsome yet irritating man to pose as her fiancé. What follows is a mix of quirky characters, secrets, and some odd twists at the country house.
If you liked Joan Hess and her knack for blending humor with mystery, Cannell’s style might be worth exploring.
Katherine Hall Page is known for her Faith Fairchild mysteries, a cozy mystery series set in New England. Faith is a caterer turned amateur sleuth, navigating intriguing cases while balancing her family life.
In “The Body in the Belfry,” Faith discovers a body in her church’s belfry and gets drawn into uncovering who among the seemingly peaceful townsfolk could be a killer. The mix of small-town secrets and Faith’s culinary world creates an engaging backdrop for the story.
Fans of Joan Hess might enjoy how real and relatable the characters feel, with a touch of humor woven into the mystery.
Charlotte MacLeod is known for her lighthearted mysteries filled with quirky characters and clever plots. In her book “Rest You Merry,” we meet Professor Peter Shandy, a botanist at a small New England college.
To escape the over-the-top holiday festivities in his town, he decks his home with outrageous decorations and leaves on a trip. When he returns, he finds himself caught up in a murder investigation.
The story is full of wit, eccentric residents, and an engaging small-town setting. Fans of Joan Hess’s humor and unique characters might enjoy exploring MacLeod’s take on cozy mysteries.
Laurie R. King writes mystery stories that often mix strong characters and clever twists. One of her books, “The Beekeeper’s Apprentice,” introduces Mary Russell, a young woman who crosses paths with an aging Sherlock Holmes.
Together, they solve a kidnapping case with sharp intellect and unexpected teamwork. The book blends wit and suspense, offering readers a fresh take on the classic detective. Fans of Joan Hess might enjoy King’s blend of mystery and engaging personalities.