If you enjoy reading novels by Keith McCafferty then you might also like the following authors:
C.J. Box writes mysteries set in the rugged landscapes of Wyoming that often blend outdoor adventure with crime. His book “Open Season” introduces Joe Pickett, a game warden living in a small town. Joe stumbles upon a dead hunting guide near his property.
It’s not long before he’s caught up in uncovering secrets tied to the local community and the wilderness he loves. The story weaves through tense encounters, strange clues, and the dangers of the wild.
Craig Johnson is the author of the popular Walt Longmire series, which follows Sheriff Walt Longmire as he tackles crime and mysteries in the rugged landscapes of Wyoming. In “The Cold Dish,” the first book in the series, Walt investigates the murder of a young man.
The victim had previously been convicted of a brutal assault but served a light sentence. Walt starts to wonder if someone is pursuing revenge. The story is full of sharp dialogue, rich characters, and the beauty of the American West.
It’s a mix of mystery and personal struggles that feels grounded and authentic. Fans of outdoor settings and intricate cases would enjoy Craig Johnson.
William Kent Krueger is an author known for his mystery novels often set in the wilderness of Minnesota, where nature plays a strong role in the stories. One of his standout books is “Ordinary Grace.”
The story takes place in the summer of 1961, in a small town where a tragic death shakes a family and the tight-knit community. Narrated by thirteen-year-old Frank Drum, the tale looks at how the events of that summer unfold.
It explores family dynamics, secrets, and the impact of loss, through the eyes of a boy caught between childhood and adulthood.
Nevada Barr is known for her thrilling mystery novels set in America’s national parks, starring the tough and resourceful park ranger Anna Pigeon. In “Track of the Cat,” Anna investigates a disturbing death in the rugged Texas desert.
A fellow ranger is found dead, and it looks like a mountain lion attack. However, as Anna digs deeper, she uncovers unsettling clues that suggest something far more dangerous might be at play.
The stunning wilderness setting and Anna’s ability to navigate both nature and human deception make this an engaging read for fans of outdoor mysteries like Keith McCafferty’s.
Steve Hamilton is known for his engaging crime novels, particularly the “Alex McKnight” series. In “A Cold Day in Paradise,” Hamilton introduces Alex, a former Detroit cop who now lives in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
The story kicks off when a man is murdered, and evidence points to a killer who was supposedly caught years ago. This pulls Alex into a case that forces him to confront his own past while navigating dark secrets in the small town.
Hamilton’s writing captures the rugged atmosphere of the setting and the tension of a mystery that keeps you guessing.
Paul Doiron writes crime novels set in the wilderness of Maine, drawing on his deep knowledge of the outdoors. His series features Mike Bowditch, a game warden who gets pulled into dangerous investigations.
In “The Poacher’s Son,” Mike tries to clear his estranged father’s name after he’s accused of murder. The story dives into family tension and survival in the remote north woods of Maine, creating a vivid sense of place where danger feels immediate.
Doiron’s love for nature adds a gritty realism to the challenges his characters face.
Tony Hillerman wrote mysteries set in the American Southwest, blending Navajo culture with engaging crime stories. His books often feature Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee, two Navajo tribal police officers.
In “A Thief of Time,” the story revolves around the disappearance of a respected anthropologist and the theft of ancient Anasazi pottery. As Leaphorn and Chee investigate, they uncover connections to greed, betrayal, and danger within the stark desert landscape.
The rich cultural backdrop and the unique perspective of the tribal police make the story both fascinating and memorable.
Margaret Coel writes mysteries set in the West, bringing to life the landscapes and cultures of Wyoming. Her series often revolves around Arapaho attorney Vicky Holden and Father John O’Malley, a Jesuit priest.
In “The Eagle Catcher,” a tribal chairman is found dead at a powwow, and the crime threatens to unravel long-held secrets within the community. Vicky and Father John work together, uncovering both the history of the Arapaho people and the darker elements tied to the murder.
The story paints a vivid picture of reservation life, with a blend of tradition and modern struggles.
James D. Doss was an American author known for his Charlie Moon mystery series. His books blend crime and Native American culture, set against the backdrop of the Colorado mountains.
In “The Shaman Sings,” the story follows Charlie Moon, a rancher and part-time tribal investigator, and his aunt, Daisy Perika, a Ute shaman. When a college student is murdered, Daisy has visions that might hold the key to solving the case.
The mix of traditional beliefs and modern investigations makes the story memorable. Fans of outdoor mysteries may find Doss’s work absorbing, as it often incorporates the natural world and the rich heritage of the Ute tribe.
Peter Heller writes stories that often explore nature, survival, and personal resilience. One of his novels, “The River,” follows two college friends, Wynn and Jack, as they set out on a canoe trip in the Canadian wilderness.
Their peaceful journey turns dangerous when they encounter a wildfire and overhear a heated argument between a man and a woman at a distant campsite. Tension builds as they try to navigate the river while piecing together the mystery surrounding the couple.
If you’re drawn to stories where the outdoors is as much a character as the people in the tale, Heller’s work offers that kind of pull.
Wallace Stegner is an author known for writing about the American West with a storyteller’s heart and a deep connection to the land.
His novel “Angle of Repose” tells the story of a retired historian named Lyman Ward, who researches his grandmother’s life through her old letters.
As he uncovers her struggles and sacrifices as she followed her husband into the frontier, Lyman reflects on his own life and family. The book paints vivid scenes of the harshness of pioneer life and explores the tensions between personal ambition and relationships.
The characters feel real, their choices and failures leaving a lasting impression.
Anne Hillerman continues the mystery series her father, Tony Hillerman, started, bringing the Southwest landscape and Navajo culture to life. In “Spider Woman’s Daughter,” she introduces officer Bernadette Manuelito as the central character.
The story begins with a shocking shooting right outside a diner, pulling Bernie into an investigation filled with danger and secrets. The book explores Navajo traditions while following the chase to uncover the attacker.
Fans of immersive regional mysteries will find the stark desert setting and layered characters intriguing.
Dana Stabenow is an author known for blending mystery with the rugged backdrop of Alaska. Her book “A Cold Day for Murder” introduces Kate Shugak, a former investigator for the Anchorage DA’s Office.
Kate lives in a remote Alaskan village but gets pulled back into detective work when a park ranger vanishes without a trace. The story is set against the harsh and beautiful Alaskan wilderness, with its small communities and isolation adding to the tension.
Kate’s toughness, her fierce bond with her wolf-dog Mutt, and her unique perspective as a native Aleut make her a memorable character. The book offers a strong sense of place and suspense throughout.
Tim Johnston is an author who writes stories packed with emotion and suspense, often set against vivid backdrops. His book “Descent” revolves around a family shattered by the disappearance of their teenage daughter during a vacation in the Rocky Mountains.
The father and son search desperately, while the mother remains haunted by guilt and grief. The novel weaves themes of survival, family bonds, and the brutal beauty of nature.
The story doesn’t rely on twists for shock value—it grips you with its raw exploration of how loss and hope transform people. Fans of Keith McCafferty’s character-driven mysteries set in the wilderness will feel right at home here.
Chris Offutt writes stories set in rugged, rural America, often focusing on deeply human struggles and dark secrets. His book “The Killing Hills” follows Mick Hardin, an Army investigator who returns to his Appalachian hometown after his wife leaves him.
While there, he gets asked to help with a local murder. The story dives into the complexities of small-town life, where family ties are tough but loyalties can turn dangerous.
Fans of Keith McCafferty’s blend of crime and the natural world might enjoy Offutt’s rich sense of place and sharp, layered characters.