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15 Authors like John Connolly

John Connolly is a popular author recognized for his compelling Charlie Parker novels, especially Every Dead Thing. He skillfully blends thriller and detective genres with a hint of the supernatural.

If you enjoy reading books by John Connolly then you might also like the following authors:

  1. Dennis Lehane

    Dennis Lehane creates intense crime novels with richly developed characters. His stories often have a moody atmosphere and explore deep moral questions.

    If you enjoy John Connolly's dark thrillers, you might appreciate Lehane’s Mystic River, a gripping story about friendship, tragedy, and the lasting impact of violence.

  2. Michael Koryta

    Michael Koryta writes suspenseful mysteries with a blend of crime and the supernatural. His works share a dark, atmospheric tone similar to Connolly’s books. You could try The Cypress House, where suspense builds around eerie supernatural elements and intriguing characters.

  3. Tana French

    Tana French crafts psychological mysteries that dive into human nature and relationships. Her novels set in Ireland feature realistic dialogue, complex characters, and careful attention to atmosphere.

    Check out In the Woods, the first book in her Dublin Murder Squad series, filled with suspense, uncertainty, and subtle hints of darkness.

  4. James Lee Burke

    James Lee Burke combines vivid descriptions with thoughtful storytelling in his mystery novels. His writing often examines morality, justice, and the complexities of human behavior.

    The Neon Rain introduces detective Dave Robicheaux, whose gritty struggles and layered personality remind readers of Connolly’s troubled heroes.

  5. Robert Crais

    Robert Crais offers fast-paced detective novels featuring charismatic protagonists. His stories have action, humor, and emotional depth that resonate similarly to Connolly’s thrillers.

    Start with his novel The Monkey's Raincoat, introducing private investigator Elvis Cole, who solves cases with wit, heart, and personal style.

  6. Harlan Coben

    If you enjoy John Connolly's blend of mystery and suspense, you might like Harlan Coben. His stories are tightly plotted thrillers filled with twists and surprises. He often explores dark secrets hidden beneath everyday appearances.

    One of his best novels is Tell No One, where a man receives mysterious messages suggesting his murdered wife might still be alive.

  7. Lee Child

    Fans of Connolly's sharp storytelling and engaging characters would likely enjoy Lee Child. His popular hero, Jack Reacher, is a tough, resourceful loner who uncovers complex conspiracies and fights injustice. You could try Killing Floor, the first Jack Reacher novel.

    It's fast-paced and action-packed, introducing Reacher as he uncovers corruption in a small town.

  8. Jeffery Deaver

    Jeffery Deaver writes clever crime thrillers that will appeal to Connolly fans who appreciate intricate plotting and psychological insights. His detective Lincoln Rhyme, a forensic expert confined to a wheelchair, solves challenging mysteries with intelligence and determination.

    A perfect starting point is The Bone Collector, where Rhyme races against time to stop a sadistic killer.

  9. Stephen King

    If you're drawn to the supernatural elements and dark atmosphere in John Connolly's novels, Stephen King is an excellent choice. King's books range from horror to suspenseful thrillers, always delivering vivid characters and engrossing stories.

    The Outsider is a good pick: a suspenseful thriller blending classic crime investigation with chilling supernatural elements.

  10. Jonathan Kellerman

    Jonathan Kellerman's psychological mysteries might appeal to Connolly readers who enjoy deep, character-focused narratives. Kellerman's protagonist, psychologist Alex Delaware, works closely with the LAPD to unravel tough and twisty crimes.

    When the Bough Breaks, the first Alex Delaware novel, dives into psychological suspense as Delaware investigates a dark murder linked to troubled childhoods and hidden traumas.

  11. Mo Hayder

    Mo Hayder is an author known for thriller novels with dark, intense plots and complex characters. She creates stories that keep you on edge with their twists and turns.

    Fans of John Connolly might appreciate her novel The Birdman, which introduces detective Jack Caffery as he investigates a disturbing series of murders in London.

  12. Stuart MacBride

    Stuart MacBride writes gritty crime fiction with sharp dialogue and vivid characters. His stories often have a dark sense of humor amid the suspense and tension.

    If you enjoy John Connolly's dark atmosphere and strong characters, you might like MacBride's novel Cold Granite, featuring detective Logan McRae tracking a child killer in Aberdeen.

  13. Val McDermid

    Val McDermid writes gripping crime novels rich in psychological insight and detailed investigations. Her stories feature strong characters and believable, dark situations.

    Readers who enjoy John Connolly's thoughtful approach may like McDermid's novel The Mermaids Singing, the first in the Tony Hill and Carol Jordan series, involving a chilling serial killer case.

  14. Karin Slaughter

    Karin Slaughter specializes in intense thrillers that explore complex relationships and dark, realistic portrayals of crime. Her writing is often gritty and emotionally charged, much like Connolly's work.

    Readers might enjoy her novel Blindsighted, the first in the Grant County series, introducing Dr. Sara Linton and a disturbing murder case in a small Georgia town.

  15. Jo Nesbø

    Jo Nesbø is a Norwegian crime writer whose detective stories are smart and dark, featuring deep psychological complexity and vivid atmospheres. Like Connolly's work, Nesbø's novels often explore flawed heroes dealing with brutal cases.

    His novel The Snowman follows detective Harry Hole as he investigates strange disappearances connected to a sinister serial killer, and would likely appeal to Connolly's fans.