Randall Garrett was an American science fiction and fantasy author known for blending mystery with alternate history. His popular works include the acclaimed Lord Darcy detective series and the novel Too Many Magicians.
If you enjoy reading books by Randall Garrett then you might also like the following authors:
If you enjoyed Randall Garrett's smart, clever mysteries mixed with alternate history, you'll probably appreciate Michael Kurland. He has a similar style, combining detective themes with historical twists and witty dialogue.
His novel The Infernal Device reimagines Sherlock Holmes' world through the adventures of Holmes' nemesis Professor Moriarty, resulting in a fun and inventive read.
Fans who like Garrett's unique blend of mystery elements with fantasy or speculative worlds could also enjoy Glen Cook. He's created plenty of gritty, imaginative settings and compelling characters.
His novel Sweet Silver Blues, the first entry in the Garrett, P.I. series, follows detective Garrett through the dangerous streets of a hard-boiled yet magical city, combining humor, noir style, and plenty of fantasy elements.
De Camp is great for Garrett readers who enjoy clever storytelling, humor, and alternate takes on historical figures. He often blends fantasy and history in ways that are creative and thought-provoking.
His novel Lest Darkness Fall is a classic example, featuring a modern-day protagonist transported to ancient Rome, who tries to change history through science and technology.
Pratt's books share Randolph Garrett's knack for mixing keen wit, sophisticated storytelling, and alternative historical settings. He frequently collaborated with L. Sprague de Camp. Fans might particularly enjoy The Compleat Enchanter, co-written by Pratt and de Camp.
The novel features inventive magic systems and humorous adventures as its heroes travel through various literary worlds.
If the blend of humor, creativity, and clever alternate histories is what attracts you to Garrett's fiction, you'll likely appreciate Harry Harrison. He writes playful yet thought-provoking stories often based around "what if" scenarios.
His humorous novel The Stainless Steel Rat introduces readers to James Bolivar DiGriz, a master thief and trickster whose adventures combine science fiction, wit, and action-packed storytelling.
Keith Laumer is a great pick if you enjoy Randall Garrett's blend of humor and intriguing plots. Laumer's stories often involve diplomats dealing with sticky interstellar situations, neatly mixing political satire, clever dialogue, and action-packed scenes.
A standout is his novel Retief's War, featuring diplomat Jame Retief, whose wry wit and quick thinking regularly save the day in humorous and entertaining ways.
If you appreciate Randall Garrett's knack for blending magic and detective work, you'll likely enjoy Ben Aaronovitch.
His lively prose and quirky sense of humor shine in Rivers of London, featuring police constable Peter Grant, who discovers magic hidden within modern-day London.
Aaronovitch balances suspenseful mysteries and magical intrigue with wit and a sharp eye for character, making his books a delightful read.
Fans of Garrett's genre-blending stories might also appreciate Jim Butcher, creator of the fun and very readable Dresden Files series. Butcher combines fast-paced mysteries with urban fantasy, delivering memorable characters and snappy dialogue.
Try starting with Storm Front, the first adventure of Harry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard detective, known for his sarcastic humor and reluctant heroism.
Steven Brust is a great author to explore for anyone who likes Garrett's engaging fusion of fantasy, sharp wit, and clever mysteries.
Brust's Vlad Taltos novels, starting with Jhereg, feature a smart-mouthed assassin navigating a fantasy world filled with intrigue, magic, and crime plots. Brust keeps stories fun and mysteries clever, often folding in humor and witty banter that resonate with Garrett's fans.
If Garrett's playful blending of mystery, humor, and fantasy appeals to you, Simon R. Green might be your next favorite. Green’s Nightside series, beginning with Something from the Nightside, takes a noir detective style into a darkly magical version of London.
He mixes intrigue, dark humor, and quirky characters, delivering stories that quickly pull you into the mysteries and magic of his vividly imagined world.
Terry Pratchett mixes fantasy and humor with sharp observations about society, morality, and history. His imaginative stories blend clever satire with relatable characters. One great example is Guards! Guards!, part of his popular Discworld series.
It features humor, excitement, and a thoughtful look at politics and human nature, appealing to readers who enjoy Randall Garrett's witty take on fantasy and mystery.
Jo Walton writes stories that closely examine human nature and social norms, often blurring genres to tell thoughtful and imaginative tales. Her novel Farthing blends mystery and alternate history, showing an England where politics have taken a darker turn.
Readers who like Randall Garrett's clever alternate history mysteries will find Walton's nuanced storytelling engaging and thoughtfully connected to real-world themes.
Daniel O'Malley combines elements of fantasy and espionage with humor and intrigue. He creates imaginative worlds filled with secret organizations and quirky, memorable characters.
His novel The Rook features an intricate plot, supernatural agencies, and witty humor, much like Randall Garrett's approach to combining mystery, fantasy, and humor.
Esther Friesner writes humorous and lively fantasy, with engaging characters and whimsical storytelling. She often turns traditional fantasy elements on their head with clever wit and imaginative premises.
Her novel Majyk by Accident demonstrates her ability to create fun fantasy plots with humor and surprising twists, qualities readers of Randall Garrett will appreciate.
Gordon R. Dickson is well-known for thoughtful, character-driven science fiction and fantasy stories that explore the complex relationship between humans and their worlds.
His novel The Dragon and the George combines fantasy, adventure, and humor, telling a story about a heroic quest from a dragon's perspective.
Fans of Randall Garrett's stories of imaginative fantasy worlds and unique perspectives will readily enjoy Dickson's engaging storytelling.