If you enjoy reading novels by John Ball then you might also like the following authors:
Chester Himes was a writer known for gritty crime stories set in Harlem. His novel, “Cotton Comes to Harlem,” is part of a series featuring detectives Coffin Ed Johnson and Grave Digger Jones.
The story kicks off with a scam targeting poor Black residents, promising them a ship to Africa. When a money-filled bale of cotton goes missing, chaos erupts in the streets as hustlers, police, and a preacher scramble to get their hands on it.
Himes doesn’t shy away from humor or sharp social commentary, capturing the raw energy of Harlem with unforgettable characters.
Ed McBain is the pen name of Evan Hunter, who became known for his sharp, fast-paced crime stories. He created the 87th Precinct series, a collection of police procedurals set in a fictional city inspired by New York.
One of his books, “Cop Hater,” kicks off the series with a gritty murder investigation. Two cops are found dead, and their colleagues work against the clock to find the killer. The story focuses on the lives of the detectives and how the deaths shake their department.
McBain’s style gives readers a real sense of the day-to-day work of the police, mixed with the personal struggles they face.
P.D. James is a British author well-known for her crime novels. One of her works, “The Black Tower,” follows Adam Dalgliesh, a detective who visits a coastal nursing home. He plans to rest, but instead, he discovers sinister events surrounding the death of one of the residents.
The story unravels secrets about those connected to the home, layering mystery and tension as Dalgliesh pieces everything together. Fans of intricate investigations and strong, intelligent detectives might enjoy her writing.
Ross Macdonald was a crime writer known for his sharp, character-driven stories. His books often featured private detective Lew Archer, a man who uncovers dark family secrets and the hidden ties that bind people together.
In “The Chill,” Archer investigates the murder of a college professor, only to find a trail of betrayal and past crimes stretching back decades. The layers of mystery peel away, revealing a world filled with strained relationships and buried truths.
Macdonald’s focus on human motives and emotional depth makes his work memorable in the mystery genre.
James Lee Burke is a master of crime fiction with a knack for setting unforgettable scenes and creating complex characters. His book, “The Neon Rain,” introduces Detective Dave Robicheaux, who works in New Orleans.
In this story, Dave discovers a murdered prostitute and quickly stumbles into a dangerous web involving the rich and powerful. The book is filled with tense confrontations, vivid descriptions of Louisiana, and a detective who struggles with his own demons while seeking justice.
Fans of John Ball might enjoy the moral weight and gritty realism in Burke’s work.
Walter Mosley is a bestselling author known for his crime and mystery novels that dive into life in mid-20th century Los Angeles. His book “Devil in a Blue Dress” introduces Easy Rawlins, a Black war veteran trying to make ends meet.
He’s hired to find a missing woman, Daphne Monet, and soon finds himself caught in a dangerous world of corruption and secrets. It’s a story that mixes mystery with a vivid look at life in L.A.’s Black community after World War II.
Mosley’s writing doesn’t glamorize the world Easy lives in, but it makes the characters and their struggles feel real.
Raymond Chandler is known for his sharp, hardboiled detective novels that bring the streets of Los Angeles to life. His book “The Big Sleep” introduces Philip Marlowe, a private eye hired by a wealthy family to deal with a blackmailer.
What starts as a simple case quickly unravels into a mess of murder and corruption. The way Chandler describes the setting makes you feel the grit and tension of the city. Marlowe’s blunt humor and sharp dialogue add even more charm to the twists and turns of the story.
Colin Dexter is best known for his Inspector Morse series, which revolves around the sharp and cultured Detective Chief Inspector Morse and his loyal partner, Sergeant Lewis. If you’re into mysteries with complex characters and twists, you might enjoy “Last Bus to Woodstock.”
The story begins with a young woman murdered after trying to hitch a ride late at night. What starts as a straightforward investigation uncovers secrets and lies among the people connected to her.
Dexter’s writing brings authenticity to the police work, and Morse’s intellect and flaws make him feel real. If you’re into investigative stories that slowly unravel, this could be a great pick.
Robert B. Parker is known for his sharp, no-nonsense storytelling and memorable characters. His novel “Crimson Joy” features Spenser, a witty and tough private investigator. In this story, Spenser is on the trail of a killer targeting women in Boston.
The case gets personal when he realizes the murderer may be someone tied to his close circle. With clever dialogue and a fast-paced plot, the book keeps you hooked as Spenser navigates danger and works to uncover the truth.
Ellery Queen is both the pen name and fictional detective created by cousins Frederic Dannay and Manfred Lee. Their stories mix clever puzzles with strong characters. In the book “The Egyptian Cross Mystery,” Ellery goes to a quiet town where a gruesome murder shocks everyone.
A man is found with his head missing, and his body is crucified like a T. There are strange clues involving ancient Egyptian symbols. Ellery uses reason and logic to untangle the truth behind the oddities, and the solution is as surprising as it is clever.
Fans of mysteries that balance thoughtfulness with suspense may enjoy Queen’s unique approach.
Tony Hillerman wrote mysteries set in the American Southwest, often weaving Navajo culture and traditions into his stories. One of his books, “Skinwalkers,” features Navajo tribal police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee.
The story begins with a series of mysterious murders tied to Navajo spiritual beliefs. As the two officers investigate, they uncover connections to the practice of witchcraft in their community.
The blend of crime-solving and deeply rooted cultural elements makes it a fascinating story for readers who enjoy a mix of mystery and a strong sense of place. Fans of John Ball’s work may appreciate Hillerman’s attention to character and setting.
Sara Paretsky is a celebrated author known for her crime novels featuring private investigator V.I. Warshawski. In “Indemnity Only,” the first book in the series, Warshawski is hired to find a missing woman but quickly finds herself in the middle of a murder case.
The story begins when she meets a man who wants her to locate his son’s girlfriend, yet things take a dark turn when the man is killed. Warshawski’s sharp mind and fearless nature drive the plot as she peels back layers of corruption.
The gritty Chicago setting and the strong, no-nonsense heroine make this a standout read in the detective genre. If you’re drawn to smart, determined investigators who face tough odds, V.I. Warshawski is worth checking out.
Lawrence Block is a crime writer known for creating characters that feel real and stories that keep you hooked. One of his standout books is “Eight Million Ways to Die.” It’s part of his Matthew Scudder series, about an ex-cop turned private investigator working in gritty, 1980s
New York City. In this book, Scudder is asked by a prostitute to help her leave her pimp. Before he can figure out a plan, she’s murdered, and he’s pulled into a dangerous and complex case.
Block’s writing captures the darker sides of the city and the personal struggles of Scudder, who is dealing with his own demons and a battle with alcohol. It’s the kind of story that stays in your mind long after you finish it.
Dashiell Hammett is known for his sharp, no-nonsense style of crime fiction. One of his best works, “The Maltese Falcon,” centers on Sam Spade, a private detective in San Francisco.
The story kicks off when a woman hires Spade to track down her missing sister, but things quickly spiral into a web of deceit, murder, and a hunt for a priceless statue. Spade isn’t your traditional hero—he’s tough, smart, and doesn’t hesitate to bend the rules.
The twists keep you guessing, and the characters are unforgettable, especially the shady ones who will stop at nothing for the statue. If you’re into gritty detective stories, Hammett’s world delivers.
Maj Sjöwall and Per Wahlöö were a Swedish duo who wrote a series of crime novels featuring Detective Martin Beck. Their books mix police work with sharp commentary on society.
In “Roseanna,” the body of a young woman is found in a canal, and the investigation takes Beck across borders, uncovering the victim’s life and the truth about her death.
The story focuses on the methodical process of solving the case, with Beck’s persistence and quiet intelligence driving the narrative. Fans of John Ball might enjoy the careful attention to detail and focus on character that Sjöwall and Wahlöö bring to their stories.