Joseph Hansen created Dave Brandstetter, a memorable character in the world of crime fiction. Brandstetter works as a gay insurance investigator. His cases are not just about solving crimes; they often explore complex human relationships and social issues.
If you appreciate authors who create compelling characters and stories that are both engaging and thought-provoking, you might be looking for writers with a similar approach. Here are some authors you could enjoy if you like Joseph Hansen.
Michael Nava writes thoughtful mysteries featuring legal and social issues, often seen through the perspective of Henry Rios, a gay defense lawyer in California.
In his book “The Little Death,” Rios investigates the death of a wealthy young man while uncovering secrets about the victim’s life.
The story weaves a blend of courtroom drama and personal struggles, giving readers a close look at the challenges Rios faces both professionally and personally.
Fans of Joseph Hansen’s works may appreciate Nava’s focus on character-driven narratives and the exploration of identity within a mystery framework.
Val McDermid is a crime writer known for crafting sharp, intriguing mysteries. One of her standout novels is “The Mermaids Singing,” which introduces psychologist Tony Hill and Detective Carol Jordan. The story follows their hunt for a brutal serial killer targeting men.
As the killer grows more methodical, Tony’s profiling skills are put to the test. The dynamic between Tony and Carol adds depth, while the book’s tension builds steadily as the investigation progresses.
Fans of Joseph Hansen’s work may appreciate McDermid’s focus on character development and the detailed unraveling of motives behind the crimes.
Ross Macdonald is an author known for his sharp, tightly written detective novels featuring Lew Archer, a private investigator who often finds himself unraveling the dark secrets of families.
In “The Chill,” Archer is hired to find a man’s missing wife, but the case quickly becomes entangled in a series of murders, each connected by an eerie thread. Macdonald’s work often explores family betrayals and buried pasts, revealing how old wounds can shape the present.
His stories offer a mix of tension and depth, ideal for fans of layered mysteries like those by Joseph Hansen.
P.D. James wrote crime novels that have a thoughtful and atmospheric approach. If you’re into Joseph Hansen’s style, you might enjoy her too. One of her well-known books is “An Unsuitable Job for a Woman”.
It follows Cordelia Gray, a young private detective, as she investigates the death of a student found hanging in a greenhouse. At first, it looks like suicide, but as Cordelia digs deeper, she uncovers dark secrets about the student’s life and his powerful family.
The story is full of twists, with Cordelia facing dangers as she uncovers the truth. James creates a strong sense of place and crafts intriguing characters who feel layered and real.
Margaret Maron wrote mysteries with strong characters and a sense of place that stands out. Her “Bootlegger’s Daughter” introduces Deborah Knott, a sharp and thoughtful judge in North Carolina.
The story revolves around an old murder tied to long-held secrets in a tight-knit community. Maron’s writing captures the everyday lives of her characters, weaving in the nuances of family, justice, and the South.
Fans of Joseph Hansen might appreciate her attention to real-life details and the depth she gives to her protagonists.
Gillian Roberts is the author of the Amanda Pepper mystery series, which combines clever plots with a good sense of humor.
One of her books, “Caught Dead in Philadelphia,” introduces Amanda, a high school English teacher in Philadelphia who suddenly finds herself wrapped up in a murder case when a friend is found dead in her apartment.
Amanda isn’t a detective, but she’s smart and stubborn enough to start digging for answers. The story takes readers through the city’s streets, revealing both quirky characters and some dangerous ones as Amanda tries to uncover the truth.
If you enjoy mysteries with sharp writing and a likable protagonist, this might grab your attention.
Barbara Neely was known for her skillful blend of crime and social commentary. Her standout series features the smart and observant housekeeper-turned-sleuth, Blanche White.
In “Blanche on the Lam,” Blanche gets caught up in a dangerous mystery when she goes on the run to avoid jail for a minor crime. Taking a job as a maid for a wealthy family, she uncovers secrets that put her in real danger.
Neely’s writing brings out both the tension of the mystery and the sharp realities of race and class, which adds a lot of depth to the story.
Walter Mosley is a writer known for his sharp and vivid crime fiction. His book “Devil in a Blue Dress” introduces Easy Rawlins, a World War II veteran trying to make ends meet in 1940s Los Angeles.
When Easy is hired to find a missing woman, the job pulls him into a web of secrets, danger, and moral dilemmas. The story captures the atmosphere of post-war L.A., blending suspense and richly drawn characters.
Dorothy B. Hughes wrote sharp, atmospheric crime novels that have stood the test of time. One of her standout works, “In a Lonely Place,” follows a war veteran named Dix Steele, who spends his nights prowling the streets of Los Angeles.
The story pulls you into his unsettling mind as he tries to charm women while hiding a dark secret. Hughes captures the tension and shadows of postwar LA in a way that pulls you into the era and its unease.
Fans of Joseph Hansen’s ability to explore flawed characters might find her work equally intriguing.
James Ellroy writes crime stories that dig into the dark corners of human nature. One of his books, “The Black Dahlia,” is inspired by a real-life murder in 1940s Los Angeles.
It follows two cops, Bucky Bleichert and Lee Blanchard, as they investigate the brutal killing of a young woman found mutilated in a vacant lot. The case becomes an obsession, unearthing corruption, betrayal, and secrets that pull their lives apart.
Ellroy’s storytelling gives us a raw and unfiltered look at the shadows behind the glamour of old Hollywood.
Edmund Crispin was an English mystery writer known for his clever and humorous whodunits. His books often featured Gervase Fen, an eccentric Oxford professor with a sharp mind for solving crimes.
In “The Moving Toyshop,” a poet stumbles across a dead body in a toyshop, only for the shop and the body to vanish overnight. Fen takes on the case, piecing together clues in a mix of wit, chaos, and surprises.
Crispin’s stories have a playful charm, with twists that keep readers curious till the end.
Marcia Muller is well-known for her mystery novels that focus on private investigator Sharon McCone. If you enjoyed Joseph Hansen’s Dave Brandstetter series, her work might grab your attention.
In “Edwin of the Iron Shoes,” the story begins with McCone investigating the murder of an antique dealer in San Francisco. The victim’s collection includes mysterious artifacts, and McCone must navigate a tangled web of suspects, deceit, and danger.
Her straightforward and determined nature makes her an engaging character to follow as she pieces everything together. Muller’s style makes you feel right there with Sharon, uncovering secrets step by step.
Nicola Upson writes crime fiction with rich atmosphere and sharp attention to character. Her series features real-life author Josephine Tey as the main detective.
In “An Expert in Murder,” set in 1930s London, Josephine becomes involved in solving a murder connected to one of her plays. The book blends the world of theater with a puzzling crime, pulling readers into a story of secrets and betrayal.
Fans of Joseph Hansen might appreciate Upson’s thoughtful exploration of character relationships and darker human motives.
Elly Griffiths writes crime fiction with rich characters and an engaging sense of place. One of her books, “The Crossing Places,” introduces Dr. Ruth Galloway, an archaeologist who gets pulled into a police investigation when human bones are found on a desolate marsh.
The detective, DCI Harry Nelson, hopes the remains will help solve the case of a missing girl from years earlier. Ruth’s expertise in ancient bones contrasts with the unyielding detective work, creating a compelling partnership as they sort through clues and old secrets.
The atmosphere of the windswept marshes adds to the story’s tension. If you enjoy strong characters and mysteries grounded in reality, her work is worth exploring.
Sarah Waters writes atmospheric stories that often explore hidden lives and relationships. Her book “The Paying Guests” is set in post-World War I London. It follows Frances Wray, a woman stuck in a constrained life with her mother, who takes in lodgers to make ends meet.
The arrival of a young couple, Leonard and Lilian Barber, disrupts the household. Their presence leads to friendship, secrets, and a shocking turn of events that pulls the characters into a dangerous situation.
It’s a story that combines tension and emotion, while bringing the setting to life.