Julie Smith is an acclaimed author known for engaging mystery novels set in New Orleans. Her celebrated works include New Orleans Mourning and The Axeman's Jazz, highlighting her talent in crafting intriguing suspense stories.
If you enjoy reading books by Julie Smith then you might also like the following authors:
Sue Grafton's mysteries are smart and engaging with a strong female detective at the heart of each story. She's best known for her alphabet series featuring Kinsey Millhone, a determined and independent-minded private investigator.
One notable entry is A is for Alibi, a tightly-plotted crime novel filled with genuinely realistic details and clever clues. Readers who liked Julie Smith's mysteries with memorable settings and strong women will feel at home with Grafton's engaging storytelling style.
Sara Paretsky's gritty, character-driven mysteries feature V.I. Warshawski, a private detective who takes on tough, often dangerous cases and isn't afraid to speak truth to power.
Paretsky's stories tackle relevant social issues alongside gripping crime plots, making them more than simple whodunits. Indemnity Only, Warshawski's first case, is known for its sharp wit, strong sense of Chicago atmosphere, and compelling hero.
Fans who enjoyed Julie Smith's blend of mystery, commentary, and vivid characterization will likely enjoy Paretsky's novels.
Nevada Barr writes action-packed mysteries set in vivid national park locations across America. Her heroine, Anna Pigeon, is a tough and resourceful National Park Ranger who investigates crimes against beautiful natural landscapes.
Track of the Cat, the first Anna Pigeon novel, draws readers into wilderness settings with strong descriptive writing, suspenseful pacing, and thoughtful characterizations.
Those who appreciate Julie Smith's talent for mixing suspense and vivid settings will find Barr's mysteries appealing.
Dana Stabenow crafts smart, atmospheric mysteries set in Alaska featuring the independent and determined investigator, Kate Shugak. Her writing brings Alaska vividly alive, with stunning wilderness details woven seamlessly into her complex plots.
In A Cold Day for Murder, readers first meet Shugak, who investigates a sinister disappearance in a remote area. Fans of Julie Smith who value strong female characters, authentic settings, and intriguing mysteries will connect with Stabenow's detailed storytelling.
James Lee Burke delivers rich storytelling with lyrical writing and evocative Louisiana settings. His mystery novels often explore moral ambiguity, crime, and deep psychological elements through the experiences of his detective protagonist, Dave Robicheaux.
Burke's novel The Neon Rain is a standout, reflecting his vivid descriptions, emotional depth, and insightful portrayal of complex characters.
If you appreciated Julie Smith for her authentic New Orleans settings and thoughtful psychological explorations, Burke's stories might resonate deeply with you.
Linda Barnes creates vivid, engaging mysteries set in urban environments, often featuring tough, resourceful female detectives. Readers who enjoy Julie Smith's relatable characters and intriguing plots will connect with Barnes's Carlotta Carlyle series.
One great entry point is A Trouble of Fools, where private investigator Carlotta Carlyle investigates a missing-person case in gritty, vibrant Boston.
Marcia Muller is known for her strong, independent female protagonist, Sharon McCone. Muller builds suspenseful investigations around rich character development and appealing storytelling, combining realism with gripping mystery puzzles.
Fans of Julie Smith's detailed character portrayals and consistent pacing will appreciate Muller's style. Check out Edwin of the Iron Shoes for a strong introduction to Sharon McCone's adventures set in San Francisco.
If you enjoy Julie Smith's mysteries that integrate regional culture and the complexities of small-town life, Margaret Maron's novels might be a great match. Maron's Judge Deborah Knott series blends intriguing mysteries with Southern charm and realistic family dynamics.
Start with Bootlegger's Daughter, where Judge Knott investigates an intricate murder puzzle filled with family secrets, local history, and authentic North Carolina flavor.
Laura Lippman writes mysteries that delve into people's ordinary lives and uncover what lies beneath the surface. Her stories take place primarily in Baltimore, creating a strong sense of place with each investigation.
Readers who enjoy Julie Smith's character-driven narratives and realistic dialogue will find similar enjoyment in Lippman's Tess Monaghan series.
Try Baltimore Blues, the first in the series featuring journalist-turned-private-investigator Tess Monaghan solving a case where friendship and corruption collide.
Robert Crais's mysteries blend suspense, fast-paced action, and strong character development, driven by a charismatic detective and his distinctive partner. Crais's Elvis Cole series shares the witty dialogue and engaging storylines that fans of Julie Smith enjoy.
His novel The Monkey's Raincoat introduces readers to Elvis Cole, a down-to-earth private investigator in Los Angeles who unravels a case filled with danger, humor, and surprising suspense.
If you enjoy Julie Smith's engaging and vivid mysteries, you might like Michael Connelly. His crime novels frequently feature investigative characters driven by personal integrity and persistence, much like Smith’s best novels.
Connelly creates realistic and detailed police procedurals that keep readers invested emotionally in both the characters and the cases they tackle. A great place to start is The Black Echo, introducing detective Harry Bosch as he investigates a crime tied to his past in Vietnam.
Fans appreciating Smith's skill at layering character depth with suspenseful plots might also enjoy the books of Tami Hoag. Her stories often blend mystery with psychological twists and emotional complexity.
Hoag’s Night Sins is a standout thriller about a community disrupted by the mysterious disappearance of a young boy, showing her talent for gripping suspense and strong, relatable characters.
Readers who like Smith's fast-paced storytelling should check out John Sandford. Known for clever plotting and sharp dialogue, Sandford thrives in creating memorable detectives who are both smart and effortlessly relatable.
His novel Rules of Prey, the first in the Lucas Davenport series, offers a compelling hunt for a cunning serial killer, providing twists and gripping suspense from start to finish.
If Julie Smith's smart, resourceful protagonists appeal to you, Patricia Cornwell's books are worth exploring. Cornwell combines intriguing forensic detail and psychological depth, especially in her Kay Scarpetta series.
Her novel, Postmortem, introduces Scarpetta as an intelligent medical examiner determined to uncover the truth behind a series of disturbing murders.
Readers who appreciate Julie Smith’s flair for crafting intelligent and relatable characters will likely enjoy J.A. Jance. Her books mix engrossing mystery with strong character development, resulting in satisfying detective stories that resonate emotionally.
Consider trying Desert Heat, the first book in her Joanna Brady series, following a sheriff’s widow taking on investigations and navigating challenging new roles with insight, courage, and compassion.