If you enjoy reading books by Peter James then you might also like the following authors:
Ian Rankin writes crime stories with a dark, gritty feel. His “Knots and Crosses” introduces Detective John Rebus, a complex character working to solve a string of brutal murders in Edinburgh.
“The Falls” focuses on a missing-person case that leads to chilling discoveries and a web of deception. If you enjoy Peter James, Rankin’s stories might pull you in with their twists and realistic edge.
Michael Connelly writes stories packed with crime, mystery, and clever twists. “The Lincoln Lawyer” introduces Mickey Haller, a defense attorney who works out of his car. “The Black Echo” is about Harry Bosch, a detective investigating a murder tied to his past in Vietnam.
His books are well-known for their sharp characters and smart plots.
Ann Cleeves writes crime stories with strong characters and an eye for detail. If you enjoy Peter James, you might like her book “Raven Black,” which is set in the Shetland Islands and follows Detective Jimmy Perez as he investigates a murder in a close-knit community.
Another one to check out is “The Long Call,” where Detective Matthew Venn is pulled into a case tied to his own past. These books mix mystery with vivid settings and engaging police work.
Tess Gerritsen writes stories that pull readers into dark and unexpected places. In “The Surgeon,” a killer targets women with chilling precision, while a detective races to stop him.
“The Bone Garden” weaves a tale of murder and secrets connected to events in 19th-century Boston. Another gripping read, “Gravity,” follows a catastrophic crisis aboard a space station, blending science and danger.
These books show her knack for mixing suspense with deep human drama.
Val McDermid writes crime stories packed with twists and strong characters. If you enjoy Peter James, you might like her work. “The Mermaids Singing” introduces a profiler chasing a mysterious killer.
“The Distant Echo” kicks off with a cold case after a woman is found dead near a group of students. For something darker, “Wire in the Blood” follows a psychologist helping track brutal criminals. Her books are clever without being too complicated.
Stuart MacBride is known for his gritty crime novels set in Scotland. One of his popular books, “Cold Granite,” follows Detective Logan McRae as he investigates a series of child murders in Aberdeen.
Another novel, “Broken Skin,” explores dark crimes involving the adult film industry and violent assaults, all while McRae faces challenges in his personal and professional life. These stories are dark, intense, and full of twists.
Harlan Coben writes fast-paced stories with unexpected twists that keep you hooked. If you enjoy Peter James, you might like his mysteries and secrets that unravel layer by layer.
In “The Stranger,” an ordinary man’s life is turned upside down when a stranger reveals a shocking secret about his wife. “The Woods” explores buried family secrets when evidence from a long-ago murder resurfaces. His books pull you into worlds where nobody can be trusted.
James Patterson writes stories that are fast and entertaining. His book “Along Came a Spider” follows detective Alex Cross as he hunts down a kidnapper. Another one, “Zoo,” is about animals around the world turning on humans.
“The President Is Missing,” co-written with Bill Clinton, focuses on a thrilling crisis in the White House.
Robert Galbraith writes crime stories with a strong focus on investigations and personal struggles. His books follow private detective Cormoran Strike, a war veteran turned investigator.
In “The Cuckoo’s Calling,” Strike looks into a model’s mysterious death, uncovering secrets in her glamorous world. “The Silkworm” dives into the murder of a writer, taking readers into the dark side of publishing.
Fans of Peter James might enjoy the mix of complex cases and attention to character development.
Lee Child writes action-packed thrillers featuring Jack Reacher, a former military cop who often finds trouble wherever he goes. In “Killing Floor,” Reacher investigates a murder in a small town and uncovers a dangerous secret.
“The Midnight Line” follows him after he discovers a woman’s West Point class ring in a pawn shop, leading him to track her down and uncover a darker story. These books are filled with suspense and quick twists.
Mark Billingham is known for creating crime stories with plenty of twists. His novel “Sleepyhead” introduces DI Tom Thorne, who investigates a case involving a killer targeting victims by leaving them paralyzed but alive.
Another standout is “Scaredy Cat,” where Thorne faces two killers working together, connected by a chilling method. These books are gripping for anyone who appreciates dark and intricate investigations like those in Peter James’s work.
Ruth Rendell wrote crime fiction that often explored human psychology and secrets. In “A Judgement in Stone,” she tells the story of a housekeeper whose isolation and bitterness lead to a shocking crime.
“The Bridesmaid” follows a young man drawn into danger when he becomes obsessed with a strange and unpredictable woman. Both novels reflect her talent for creating dark, thought-provoking tales.
P.D. James wrote smart and engaging crime novels that fans of Peter James might enjoy. One of her well-known books, “The Children of Men,” isn’t a mystery but a dystopian story about a world where humans can no longer have children.
For a classic detective vibe, “Death Comes to Pemberley” reimagines Jane Austen’s characters in a murder mystery. Another favorite, “The Murder Room,” follows a series of murders connected to a museum. Her stories often mix strong plots with fascinating characters.
Karin Slaughter writes intense and emotional stories. Her novel “Pretty Girls” is about two sisters reconnecting after years of tragedy, uncovering dark secrets along the way.
In “The Good Daughter,” a small-town family is torn apart by violence, with the survivors facing their haunting past. Both books explore family, loss, and the darker side of human nature.
Jo Nesbø writes crime stories that keep you guessing. His novel “The Snowman” follows detective Harry Hole as he tracks a serial killer who leaves snowmen at his crime scenes. In “The Leopard,” Harry investigates a series of brutal murders that point to a mysterious link.
Fans of Peter James might enjoy the mix of strong characters and dark twists in Nesbø's books.