Rachel Hawkins writes books full of suspense and humor. Her stories often have a Southern setting, and they feature heroines who are smart and resilient. For those who enjoy books with a similar tone and style, here are some authors.
Maureen Johnson is an author who creates young adult fiction filled with mystery, humor, and sharp storytelling that fans of Rachel Hawkins often enjoy.
In “Truly Devious,” Johnson introduces readers to Stevie Bell, a bright and observant teenager accepted into the famous Ellingham Academy. This school was the scene of an unsolved murder decades before, and Stevie is determined to solve the case.
As she searches for clues, unexpected events unfold, and the past and present mysteries overlap. The setting is full of atmosphere and secrets that keep you wanting to know more.
Johnson’s smart and lively characters pull you into a story that stays exciting from beginning to end.
Karen M. McManus writes popular young adult thrillers packed with twists, secrets, and high-stakes mystery. If you enjoy Rachel Hawkins, McManus might be a great match. Her book “One of Us Is Lying” follows five students who get detention—but only four leave detention alive.
With death right in their midst, secrets soon bubble to the surface, and trust slowly crumbles. The story shifts between multiple perspectives, gradually unveiling hidden motives and past betrayals.
Each character is compelling in their own way, keeping readers guessing the truth until the last page.
Readers who enjoy Rachel Hawkins’ blend of humor, suspense, and intriguing characters will appreciate Jennifer Lynn Barnes. Her novel “The Inheritance Games” follows Avery Grambs, a teenager who suddenly becomes heir to a stranger’s massive fortune.
The catch is, she must move into his sprawling, secret-filled mansion, full of riddles, hidden passageways, and four suspicious grandsons. Avery has no idea why she was chosen, but she’ll need to navigate this tangled web of family rivalries and puzzles to uncover the truth.
Barnes’ sharp wit and clever plot twists make her storytelling irresistible.
Readers who enjoy Rachel Hawkins’ sharp, witty storytelling might appreciate E. Lockhart’s style in “We Were Liars”. Lockhart is known for creating smart, authentic teenage characters and stories filled with family secrets and unexpected twists.
“We Were Liars” follows Cadence Sinclair, a teen from a wealthy family who spends her summers on a private island with her cousins and their friend Gat.
Cadence has little memory of the summer when something went terribly wrong, and the story slowly reveals buried truths about family privilege, betrayal, and hidden tragedies. Lockhart’s writing has a crispness and honesty that makes Cadence’s voice feel real and heartfelt.
This book pulls you into the lavish yet unsettling world of the Sinclair family, keeping you guessing until the surprising end.
Readers who enjoy Rachel Hawkins might also appreciate Morgan Matson, an author known for heartfelt and engaging contemporary stories.
Matson’s novel “Since You’ve Been Gone” follows Emily, whose carefree best friend Sloane suddenly disappears, leaving behind a to-do list filled with daring challenges Emily would never normally attempt.
Determined to find answers, Emily sets out on an adventure filled with new friendships, surprising discoveries, and personal growth. This book offers a relatable cast of characters and explores friendship, courage, and the excitement of teen summers.
If you enjoy Rachel Hawkins’ blend of suspense, secrets, and dark humor, you might also appreciate Sara Shepard’s novels. Shepard is best known for addictive, drama-filled mysteries with a sharp, suspenseful edge.
In her popular book “Pretty Little Liars,” four former best friends reunite after their friend Alison mysteriously vanishes.
They soon begin receiving anonymous, threatening messages from someone named “A,” who somehow knows every hidden secret they thought was buried with their missing friend. Secrets, twists, and lies pile up quickly in the story, keeping readers glued page after page.
Books by Frances Hardinge offer readers imaginative worlds, clever mysteries, and vivid characters. If you enjoyed Rachel Hawkins’ lively writing style and mysteries layered with fantasy, you might appreciate Hardinge’s novel “The Lie Tree.”
This atmospheric story follows Faith, a curious young girl whose father’s sudden death leaves her suspicious. When she finds a tree fed by lies, Faith realizes this strange plant grows secret truths as fruit.
As hidden family secrets surface, Faith faces dark questions about deceit, trust, and her father’s curious research. Frances Hardinge’s storytelling draws in readers who enjoy Hawkins’ intriguing blend of fantasy, mystery, and strong heroines.
Books by Courtney Summers offer suspense and deep explorations of characters, similar to Rachel Hawkins’ style. In “Sadie,” Summers tells the story of a determined teen named Sadie, who disappears after her sister’s murder.
While she seeks justice on her own, a podcast narrator named West follows her trail, piecing together her story bit by bit. The novel unfolds through alternating viewpoints—Sadie’s own urgent journey and West’s investigative podcast.
Summers skillfully combines mystery with raw emotion, keeping readers deeply engaged until the last page.
Books by Lauren Oliver are a great find for readers who enjoy Rachel Hawkins’ style. Oliver writes engaging young adult fiction with strong characters, suspenseful plots, and a touch of romance.
Her popular book “Before I Fall” tells the story of high school student Samantha Kingston, who seems to have the perfect life until she dies unexpectedly in a car accident. Samantha wakes up the next morning to discover she’s reliving her final day again and again.
With each repeat, she learns new truths about herself and the people around her. Oliver’s storytelling, full of emotional depth and surprises, keeps readers turning pages to uncover how Samantha navigates her unusual second chance.
Books by Stephanie Perkins offer entertaining stories filled with romance, mystery, and suspense. If you enjoyed Rachel Hawkins’ sharp humor and twisty plots, Perkins’ novel “There’s Someone Inside Your House” might grab your attention.
This thriller is set in a small Nebraska town where high school students suddenly become the targets of a masked killer. At the heart of it all is Makani Young, a girl adjusting to her new school and battling secrets from her past.
Perkins builds the suspense steadily, keeping readers guessing about who is behind the murders, while also weaving in relatable teenage friendships and romance. It’s a perfect balance of creepy tension and engaging personal drama.
Cat Winters is an author who brings history, mystery, and eerie atmosphere together in her fiction.
Her book “In the Shadow of Blackbirds” is set in 1918 during the Spanish influenza, amid the chaos of World War I. It follows a young woman named Mary Shelley Black, who copes with loss, explores spiritualism, and tries to unravel the truth behind her friend’s death.
Winters expertly mixes historical detail with supernatural suspense, offering readers a haunting, intriguing mystery.
Fans of Rachel Hawkins who enjoy stories filled with history, ghosts, and suspenseful twists may find themselves deeply immersed in Winters’ vivid portrayal of this unsettling era.
Readers who enjoy Rachel Hawkins’ engaging storytelling and charming romances may find a new favorite in Kasie West. West is known for her sweet and relatable young adult novels featuring lovable characters and authentic teenage experiences.
One great example is “The Fill-In Boyfriend,” which follows high school senior Gia Montgomery, suddenly dumped by her boyfriend right before prom. To avoid embarrassment in front of her friends, Gia convinces a complete stranger to pose as her boyfriend for the night.
But when the fake relationship unexpectedly grows more complicated and feelings start to develop, Gia must confront truths about friendship, honesty, and love.
With witty dialogue and heartfelt moments, Kasie West offers a fun and touching read that fans of Hawkins’ lively teen romances will likely enjoy.
If you enjoy Rachel Hawkins’s blend of humor, romance, and lively characters, Cynthia Hand might be another author to check out. Her novel “My Lady Jane” combines history with humor and magical twists.
Set in Tudor England, the book reimagines Lady Jane Grey’s story with a fresh, entertaining spin. Instead of a tragic fate, Jane’s challenge is quite different: navigating a royal court filled with shapeshifters, intrigue, and romantic adventures.
Hand’s characters are witty and relatable, making historical figures feel like old friends. Fans of Hawkins’s playful storytelling will appreciate how Hand turns history into an engaging and delightful read.
Readers who enjoy Rachel Hawkins’ blend of mystery, supernatural elements, and sharp dialogue will likely appreciate Holly Black. Black has a talent for writing rich worlds filled with fairies, magic, and moral dilemmas.
In her book “The Cruel Prince,” Jude, a mortal girl raised in a treacherous fairy kingdom, must navigate dangerous court politics and shifting alliances. She faces constant challenges from fae who despise mortals, especially the cunning and cruel Prince Cardan.
As Jude tries to secure her place in the fairy court, she uncovers surprising secrets and unexpected betrayals. Holly Black writes characters who are morally complex, unpredictable, and always intriguing.
Ashley Poston is an author known for her witty and charming storytelling in contemporary romance and young adult fiction. Readers who enjoy Rachel Hawkins’ clever dialogue and lively characters will also appreciate Poston’s approachable writing style.
Her novel “Geekerella” is a delightful spin on the classic Cinderella tale, set against the backdrop of fandom conventions and cosplay culture.
Elle Wittimer, a huge fan of the fictional series Starfield, dreams of attending a major cosplay ball and escaping the dull reality of her life.
When she meets Darien Freeman, the actor cast as her favorite character in an upcoming movie reboot, their interactions reveal a sweet and funny story of romance, identity, and fan culture.
The story is authentic and heartwarming, filled with nods to pop culture references readers will recognize.