If you enjoy reading books by Ngaio Marsh then you might also like the following authors:
Agatha Christie is a British author famous for her enjoyable detective stories and clever mysteries. Readers who like Ngaio Marsh might appreciate how Christie sets up puzzles and reveals secrets without giving herself away.
In her book “Murder on the Orient Express,” detective Hercule Poirot must solve a murder aboard a luxury train stranded in the snow. Each passenger has secrets and Poirot carefully questions and observes them to uncover the killer.
If you enjoy detective stories and an unexpected ending, Agatha Christie could be a great choice to try next.
Dorothy L. Sayers is famous for writing detective stories that feature the gentleman detective Lord Peter Wimsey. People who enjoy Ngaio Marsh’s detective Roderick Alleyn might also appreciate Lord Peter’s clever style, good humor and attention to social details.
A good introduction to Sayers is her novel “Whose Body?”. The story introduces readers to Wimsey and his trusty valet Bunter. Together they investigate a mysterious case involving an unidentified corpse found in a bathtub and a missing financier.
The plot keeps readers guessing and offers a satisfying puzzle for fans of classic murder mysteries.
Josephine Tey was a Scottish author known for her clever mysteries and well-crafted storytelling. If you enjoy Ngaio Marsh, you might also appreciate Tey’s novel “The Daughter of Time”.
In this unique story, Detective Alan Grant is stuck in the hospital with nothing to occupy his mind. He becomes intrigued by a historical portrait of Richard III, who many believe murdered his nephews to claim the throne of England.
Grant decides to investigate this centuries-old crime from his hospital bed to discover if Richard was truly guilty.
The way Tey mixes historical detail, detective work and sharp dialogue makes “The Daughter of Time” an enjoyable read for mystery lovers looking for something unusual.
If you enjoy Ngaio Marsh’s detective novels, you might enjoy Margery Allingham’s mysteries as well. Allingham created the detective Albert Campion, a smart and charming gentleman detective who solves complicated and unusual cases.
In her book “The Crime at Black Dudley,” a group of friends gather at an isolated country house called Black Dudley for what seems like a normal weekend party. Suddenly, the guests become trapped in a situation they never expected.
When a murder occurs, Albert Campion steps forward to help unravel the mystery before danger escalates further. The mix of suspense, wit, and clever characters makes this an entertaining read for detective fiction fans.
Edmund Crispin is a British mystery author known for his witty and playful detective stories. If you enjoy Ngaio Marsh’s detective fiction, his work may appeal to you as well. One great book of his to start with is “The Moving Toyshop.”
In this story, Crispin introduces his eccentric Oxford professor Gervase Fen, who stumbles upon a strange mystery. After discovering a dead body in a toyshop, Fen returns later with the police, only to find that the shop has vanished completely.
Crispin’s detective stories have clever puzzles, sharp humor and amusing oddball characters that readers of classic mysteries will appreciate.
P.D. James was an English author known for her detective novels featuring Adam Dalgliesh, a detective who is also a sensitive poet. Her style combines thoughtful character development with careful plotting and atmosphere.
Readers who enjoy Ngaio Marsh’s detective Roderick Alleyn will probably enjoy Adam Dalgliesh’s approach to solving mysteries. A good place to start is “Cover Her Face,” the first Adam Dalgliesh mystery.
In this story, Dalgliesh is called to investigate the murder of a young maid, Sally Jupp, during a village celebration. As secrets and tensions within the family household come to the surface, Dalgliesh must carefully uncover people’s hidden motives to solve the mystery.
Ellis Peters is famous for her Brother Cadfael mystery series, set in medieval England. If you’re a Ngaio Marsh fan and you enjoy mysteries that focus on clever investigations and memorable characters, you may find Peters’ books appealing.
One of her most popular novels is “A Morbid Taste for Bones.” It introduces Brother Cadfael, a monk who solves mysteries thanks to his worldly past and sharp mind. The story follows Cadfael as he travels from his monastery in England to a village in Wales.
The monks intend to bring back sacred bones from this village, but soon a suspicious death occurs. Cadfael steps up, observes small details carefully, and uses his insights into human behavior to uncover the truth.
If you like thoughtful detective work and historical settings, Ellis Peters’ books can be a great addition to your reading list.
Ruth Rendell offers a darker perspective on the crime genre with her Inspector Wexford series. Her ability to deeply explore the psychological aspects of crime can attract those who enjoy the depth found in Marsh’s work.
Creator of the beloved Miss Silver, Patricia Wentworth excels in crafting classic detective stories with a cozy feel. Her novels provide a comforting escape, perfect for fans seeking light yet engaging mysteries.
While Georgette Heyer is mostly recognized for her Regency romances, her mystery novels feature clever plots and witty dialogue, similar to Marsh’s engaging mix of characters and intriguing storylines.
The legendary creator of Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s works offer timeless detective tales that continue to captivate readers. His focus on deduction and observation parallels the investigative style cherished by Marsh enthusiasts.
Best known for his hard-boiled detective Philip Marlowe, Raymond Chandler’s work combines sharp dialogue and gritty settings. For those interested in exploring a different flavor of crime fiction while still enjoying sharp wit, Chandler is a must-read.
Of course, delving back into Marsh’s own extensive repertoire can be a great way to ensure every aspect of her genius has been fully appreciated. With numerous novels to her name, her stories remain a treasure trove for mystery enthusiasts.
G.K. Chesterton’s Father Brown series offers thought-provoking mysteries with philosophical undertones. His unique and clever storytelling continues to capture readers seeking engaging and insightful detective tales.
Creator of the iconic Inspector Morse, Colin Dexter crafts complex narratives with compelling characters. His ability to weave together twists and turns makes his work appealing to those who enjoy richly developed mystery stories.