If you enjoy reading novels by Linda Barnes then you might also like the following authors:
Sue Grafton created the Kinsey Millhone series, a collection of detective novels set in California. Kinsey is a tough, no-nonsense private investigator who gets tangled in personal and professional mysteries.
In “A Is for Alibi,” Kinsey works to clear the name of a woman accused of killing her husband. Along the way, she uncovers secrets about the victim and finds herself in dangerous situations.
Every clue adds layers to the case, and Kinsey’s sharp wit and resourcefulness make her investigations fascinating to follow. If you enjoy mysteries that center on smart, independent female detectives, her work is worth exploring.
Sara Paretsky is the author behind the V.I. Warshawski series, which features a bold, sharp-witted private investigator tackling tough cases in Chicago. In her novel “Indemnity Only,” V.I. takes on what seems like a simple missing-persons case.
But it quickly turns into something much bigger, involving murder, corporate corruption, and danger at every corner. The story pulls you into gritty city streets and high-stakes investigations.
Fans of Linda Barnes will find a similar mix of strong female leads and gripping mysteries in Paretsky’s books.
Janet Evanovich is known for her fun and fast-paced mysteries filled with quirky characters and laugh-out-loud moments. One of her popular books, “One for the Money,” introduces readers to Stephanie Plum, a broke and out-of-work woman who becomes a bounty hunter in New Jersey.
Stephanie isn’t exactly skilled or prepared for this new job, but her determination leads her into wild situations, like tracking down a smooth-talking ex-cop who also happens to be her high school crush.
It’s a mix of humor, danger, and unexpected twists as Stephanie learns the ropes and tries to stay one step ahead. Fans of Linda Barnes’ strong female leads might enjoy the energy and chaos in this story.
Marcia Muller is a mystery writer known for creating the Sharon McCone series, which follows a smart and determined private investigator navigating tough cases. In her book “Edwin of the Iron Shoes,” Sharon is hired to investigate the murder of a San Francisco antiques dealer.
As she looks deeper into the case, she uncovers secrets about the antiques world and the people connected to it. The story combines the charm of a resourceful detective with a mystery that keeps you curious about what lies beneath the surface.
Müller’s style has a similar flair to Linda Barnes, offering fans of sharp and tenacious sleuths a new character to follow.
Lisa Scottoline is a bestselling author known for her legal thrillers that often combine family drama and fast-paced suspense. One of her books, “Every Fifteen Minutes,” follows Dr. Eric Parrish, a psychiatrist whose life starts to unravel when he’s falsely accused of a crime.
As he tries to prove his innocence, he discovers he’s being set up by a master manipulator. The story pulls readers into Eric’s fight for his reputation while uncovering the secrets of those around him, showing how quickly lives can spiral out of control.
Spencer Quinn writes mysteries with a fun twist, often weaving in humor and heart. In “Dog On It,” the story is told from the perspective of Chet, a loyal dog who partners with private investigator Bernie Little.
Together, they take on a missing person case involving a young girl. Chet’s observations, often missing the human nuance of situations, lend a unique charm to the story.
Fans of Linda Barnes, who enjoy a mix of strong leads and clever storytelling, might appreciate the dynamic between this unusual duo.
Laurie R. King is an author known for blending mystery and strong characters. One of her standout books is “The Beekeeper’s Apprentice.” It introduces Mary Russell, a sharp young woman who crosses paths with Sherlock Holmes.
Set in the English countryside, the story follows their unlikely partnership as they tackle a series of clever cases involving kidnappers and intrigue. Their dynamic is full of wit, with Mary matching Holmes’ intellect in unexpected ways.
If you enjoy mysteries that bring smart, fearless protagonists into the mix, this might be worth a look.
Robert B. Parker was an American author known for his detective novels, especially those featuring the private investigator Spenser. In “Early Autumn,” Spenser crosses paths with a teenager named Paul, whose parents are locked in a bitter custody battle.
Taking Paul under his wing, Spenser helps him build confidence and independence while navigating a storm of family drama and danger. The story balances sharp dialogue with a focus on relationships and personal growth.
Fans of Linda Barnes might appreciate Parker’s quick wit and focus on character-driven mysteries.
Nevada Barr is known for her mystery novels set in U.S. National Parks, featuring Anna Pigeon, a park ranger who often finds herself uncovering dark secrets in the wilderness.
In “Track of the Cat,” Anna is stationed at Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Texas, where she discovers a colleague’s body, assumed to have been killed by a mountain lion.
As she investigates further, she begins to suspect that the real threat isn’t the wildlife but something far more dangerous. Barr weaves nature and crime together, creating a story where the rugged landscape plays a key role in the tension.
If you enjoy Linda Barnes’ strong female leads, Barr might be right up your alley.
Stephen White writes psychological thrillers with a strong focus on character development and suspenseful plots. One of his books, “Privileged Information,” introduces Dr. Alan Gregory, a psychologist whose clients’ secrets pull him into a dangerous situation.
When a patient dies unexpectedly, Alan starts uncovering connections between her death and his own life. The story takes surprising turns as Alan faces challenges that test both his ethics and his safety.
Fans of Linda Barnes, who enjoy smart and engaging mysteries, might find White’s work appealing.
Tess Gerritsen is a writer known for blending crime and medical details into her stories. One of her books, “The Surgeon,” introduces a chilling case where a killer targets women in their homes and leaves behind surgical precision in his work.
Detective Jane Rizzoli teams up with Maura Isles, a medical examiner, to uncover a murderer who seems to know his victims far too well. The combination of the investigation and the personal lives of the characters make the story memorable and intense.
Fans of Linda Barnes may enjoy the layered mystery and strong female leads.
Kate Atkinson is an author known for blending emotional depth with clever storytelling. Her book “Case Histories” introduces Jackson Brodie, a private investigator with a complicated past.
The story weaves through three cold cases: a missing child, a murdered daughter, and a crime of passion. As Jackson investigates, secrets begin to surface, and the connections between these cases unfold in unexpected ways.
The mix of mystery and personal drama keeps the pages turning, and Jackson’s character feels layered and relatable, especially as his own life intersects with the cases.
Fans of Linda Barnes might enjoy the way Atkinson builds her characters and keeps the focus on both the mysteries and the people at the heart of them.
Michael Connelly is known for his crime and mystery novels, often centered on sharp investigations and strong characters. In “The Lincoln Lawyer,” Mick Haller is a defense attorney who runs his office out of a Lincoln Town Car.
He takes on a case defending a wealthy client accused of assault, but the deeper Mick goes, the more he realizes the case isn’t what it seems. There’s a sharp tension as Mick uses his wit to outmaneuver both the legal system and the threats hiding in plain sight.
J.A. Jance is an author known for creating engaging crime and mystery stories with strong characters. One of her books, “Desert Heat,” kicks off the Joanna Brady series.
In this story, Joanna’s quiet life in a small Arizona town is shattered when her husband dies under suspicious circumstances. As Joanna starts piecing together the truth, she faces danger, betrayal, and dark secrets about people she thought she could trust.
The blend of personal loss and a gripping investigation makes it a captivating read for fans of intricate mysteries and determined protagonists.
Margaret Maron is known for her mystery novels that have a strong sense of place and nicely developed characters. In her book “The Bootlegger’s Daughter,” she introduces Deborah Knott, a district court judge in North Carolina.
When a young woman asks for help solving her mother’s decades-old murder, Deborah gets pulled into secrets that the small town would rather leave buried. The setting is vivid, and the story layers family histories, hidden truths, and a touch of Southern charm.
Fans of fast-paced mysteries with smart, resourceful protagonists may enjoy this one.