If you enjoy reading books by Laura Joh Rowland then you might also like the following authors:
If you like Laura Joh Rowland's historical mysteries set in Japan, you might enjoy I.J. Parker as well. Parker's novels follow Sugawara Akitada, a dedicated government official in 11th-century Japan. The stories are richly detailed with historical settings and complex plots.
A great starting point is The Dragon Scroll, where Akitada investigates a mysterious disappearance and uncovers surprising secrets in ancient Kyoto.
Dale Furutani writes historical mysteries set in 17th-century Japan. His detective, Matsuyama Kaze, is a samurai on a personal quest who often becomes involved in solving crimes he encounters on his journey.
Similar to Rowland, Furutani combines authentic historical details with engaging mysteries centered on honor and duty. One standout title is Death at the Crossroads, a compelling mystery that introduces readers to Kaze and his mission.
For readers who enjoy Rowland's depiction of historical Asian cultures paired with intriguing mysteries, Sujata Massey is a wonderful choice.
Massey's books feature Perveen Mistry, a determined female solicitor navigating early 20th-century Bombay while investigating challenging cases.
Richly layered with historical context and exploring themes of women's rights, one of Massey's notable novels is The Widows of Malabar Hill, where Perveen uncovers hidden family secrets while safeguarding vulnerable clients.
If you appreciate historical mysteries characterized by thoughtful characters and careful attention to period detail, Ellis Peters is an author you should try.
Her famous Brother Cadfael series is set in medieval England and follows a gentle monk who solves crimes with wisdom, compassion, and herbal medicine.
A notable book to check out is A Morbid Taste for Bones, an engaging mystery filled with authentic historical atmosphere and human insight.
Lindsey Davis writes engaging and witty mysteries set in ancient Rome, featuring the charming private investigator Marcus Didius Falco. Like Rowland, Davis expertly combines historical authenticity with suspenseful plots and lively characters.
One enjoyable place to start is The Silver Pigs, Falco's first adventure, which introduces readers to Roman society while unraveling a gripping political conspiracy.
Steven Saylor creates vivid historical mysteries carefully set in ancient Rome. His stories feature authentic historical detail and political intrigue mixed with rich, believable characters.
Readers who enjoy uncovering historical mysteries with Laura Joh Rowland might like his novel Roman Blood, which introduces Gordianus the Finder, a clever detective navigating Rome’s complex political landscape.
C.J. Sansom writes gripping historical mysteries set in Tudor England, filled with lively period detail and sophisticated plots. His stories have a strong atmosphere, rich historical accuracy, and compelling nuanced characters.
If you're a fan of Laura Joh Rowland's detailed historical worlds and suspenseful storytelling, you could enjoy Dissolution, the first book featuring lawyer-turned-investigator Matthew Shardlake during Henry VIII's tumultuous reign.
Sharan Newman skillfully combines medieval history, mystery, and engaging character dynamics. Her novels feature strong female leads and explore themes of religion, society, and community.
If you've enjoyed Laura Joh Rowland’s thoughtful historical mysteries, you might appreciate Newman's exciting and historically rich novel Death Comes as Epiphany, the first in her Catherine LeVendeur series, set in 12th-century France.
Peter Tremayne writes intriguing mysteries set in medieval Ireland. His novels incorporate vividly depicted Celtic culture and thoughtful exploration of religious and political conflicts, with Sister Fidelma, a sharp-minded nun, as his central sleuth.
Fans of Laura Joh Rowland's attention to historical detail and strong characters could appreciate Tremayne's Absolution by Murder, the start of the Sister Fidelma series.
Barbara Hambly crafts engaging mysteries set against atmospheric historical backdrops, featuring characters who are both intelligent and finely drawn. Her stories explore complicated themes such as morality, social injustice, and the complexity of human nature.
Readers who enjoy the combination of intricate plotting and rich historical context seen in Laura Joh Rowland's novels may find Hambly's A Free Man of Color, centered around a physician and musician searching for justice in early 19th-century New Orleans, particularly enjoyable.
Anne Perry writes historical mysteries full of vivid settings and complex characters. Her books often explore both moral questions and intricate social dynamics.
In The Cater Street Hangman, she introduces Charlotte and Thomas Pitt, guiding readers through Victorian London's polite society and its hidden tensions.
If you appreciate Rowland's detailed historical contexts and engaging plots, Anne Perry might be a great author for your next read.
Abir Mukherjee brings to life early 20th-century India, capturing the atmosphere during the end of British colonial rule. His detective, Captain Sam Wyndham, investigates crimes amidst political unrest and cultural conflict.
In A Rising Man, readers follow Wyndham's first case, a murder set against the vivid backdrop of Calcutta. Mukherjee's nuanced portrayals of culture and meticulous research make him a good choice for readers who enjoy Rowland’s historical depth and intrigue.
Stephanie Barron seamlessly blends historical facts with imaginative fiction by transforming Jane Austen into a detective. In Jane and the Unpleasantness at Scargrave Manor, Barron crafts an authentic Regency-era setting and immerses readers into a satisfying mystery.
If you like Rowland's strong integration of historical characters and periods into compelling plots, Stephanie Barron offers a clever and charming reading experience.
Charles Todd, actually a mother-son writing team, gives readers thoughtful mysteries set in Britain after World War I, with well-developed characters still affected by wartime trauma.
In A Test of Wills, Inspector Ian Rutledge investigates a complex murder while struggling with his own wartime ghosts. Todd's careful attention to atmosphere and psychological depth will appeal if you enjoy the thoughtful, character-driven mysteries of Laura Joh Rowland.
Ovidia Yu creates engaging mysteries highlighted by vibrant settings and distinctive characters set in colonial Singapore. With humor and lightness, she uncovers layers of political tension and cultural complexities.
In The Frangipani Tree Mystery, readers meet resourceful amateur detective Su Lin, who navigates both murder investigations and cultural challenges in 1930s Singapore.
Yu's skillful storytelling and rich historical backdrop make her a perfect pick for readers drawn to Rowland's immersive and culturally insightful mysteries.