If you enjoy reading books by Joy Ellis then you might also like the following authors:
If you love Joy Ellis's atmospheric thrillers, try Elly Griffiths. Her mysteries focus on realistic characters and textured settings, especially the marshy landscapes of Norfolk.
A great entry point is her novel The Crossing Places, the first in the series featuring Ruth Galloway, a forensic archaeologist who gets drawn into fascinating and eerie cases.
Ann Cleeves writes thoughtful, character-driven mysteries set in vividly described British landscapes like Northumberland and the Shetland Islands. Fans of Joy Ellis’s detailed detective stories will appreciate the steady pacing and careful plotting.
Check out Raven Black, the first in her Shetland series, which perfectly blends intriguing crime with deeply drawn characters.
Peter Robinson is known for classic British procedural mysteries featuring Detective Inspector Alan Banks. Like Joy Ellis, he builds psychological depth into his narratives, mixing straightforward investigation with complex human relationships.
Start with Gallows View, where readers first meet Banks as he investigates crimes in rural Yorkshire.
Val McDermid creates dark, intense thrillers that delve into psychological tensions and complex crimes. Readers who enjoy Joy Ellis’s gripping police mysteries and rich character development might find McDermid's suspenseful storytelling equally engaging.
Try her book The Mermaids Singing, the first novel featuring criminal psychologist Tony Hill, full of chilling twists and compelling investigations.
Angela Marsons crafts gritty, fast-paced mysteries set in the UK's Black Country. Her Kim Stone series centers around strong-willed Detective Inspector Stone, much like Ellis's realistic portrayals of determined detectives.
Silent Scream is an excellent book to start with, offering a complex case, vivid characters, and plenty of suspense.
Abbott creates psychological thrillers filled with suspense and tangled personal relationships. Her characters are convincingly flawed, making the tension feel real and immediate.
If you like Joy Ellis's mix of intrigue and strong detective work, try Abbott's Only the Innocent, a gripping murder case where secrets unravel bit by bit.
Ross is known for atmospheric mysteries set in beautiful yet brooding parts of the UK. Like Ellis, she focuses equally on place and plot.
Her novel Holy Island introduces DCI Ryan in an eerie tale of murder on an isolated island, blending mystery with vivid settings and relatable characters.
Billingham writes gritty, emotionally charged thrillers grounded in police procedure. Much like Ellis, he crafts complex plots and believable investigators.
His book Sleepyhead introduces DI Tom Thorne, whose determined approach to solving crimes draws readers into London's darker side.
Rankin's novels feature rich, detailed portrayals of Edinburgh and a strong, determined detective in Inspector John Rebus. Fans of Ellis's immersive storytelling will appreciate Rankin's similar ability to depict both the city and complex human motives.
Check out Knots and Crosses, the compelling first book in the Rebus series.
James specializes in suspenseful crime fiction featuring realistic and dedicated investigators, similar to Joy Ellis's style. His books explore human nature and dark crimes with skill and intensity.
You might enjoy Dead Simple, which introduces Detective Superintendent Roy Grace in a tense tale about a sinister prank gone wrong.
Clare Mackintosh writes psychological thrillers with intense emotional depth and suspenseful plots. Her storytelling often involves surprising twists that build tension gradually.
In her novel I Let You Go, Mackintosh explores grief, guilt, and redemption, making it a great choice for readers who appreciate character-driven crime fiction similar to Joy Ellis.
Susie Steiner's books blend intricate police procedures with deeply developed characters who feel real and relatable. Her storytelling focuses strongly on the detectives' lives and inner struggles.
In Missing, Presumed, Steiner introduces Detective Manon Bradshaw, vividly showing the complexities of both her personal life and her investigation, appealing to fans of Joy Ellis's depth and humanity.
Kate Atkinson crafts intelligent crime novels filled with complex narratives and sharp wit. She skillfully combines literary quality with suspenseful mysteries and strong character portrayals.
One standout novel, Case Histories, weaves together multiple storylines and personal mysteries, satisfying readers who like Joy Ellis's thoughtful approach to crime fiction.
Denise Mina writes gritty, atmospheric mysteries set in urban Scottish settings, tackling difficult social issues through a realistic lens. Her style is direct and engaging, creating authentic characters whose struggles feel personal.
Garnethill, Mina's memorable debut, introduces readers to the fierce and flawed Maureen O'Donnell, providing the kind of intense emotional resonance Joy Ellis's readers enjoy.
Tana French creates absorbing psychological crime fiction layered with richly detailed descriptions and believable characters. Her novels often explore the emotional connections and tensions among detectives.
A strong example is In the Woods, which follows Detective Rob Ryan into a haunting investigation that echoes the emotional depth and complexity Joy Ellis's readers appreciate.