If you love the thrillers of Simon Kernick, known for their relentless pace, shocking twists, and plots that keep you guessing until the very last page, you might be searching for authors who provide a similar reading rush.
Kernick often sets his stories in the dark underbelly of London, and his characters are frequently caught in dangerous situations. This article will point you to some writers who create that same kind of high-octane suspense.
Readers who enjoy Simon Kernick’s thrillers may appreciate Mark Billingham’s crime novels. Billingham crafts suspenseful plots filled with authentic characters and intense twists.
His book “Sleepyhead” introduces Detective Inspector Tom Thorne, a determined investigator working on a disturbing case. A twisted criminal leaves victims partially alive, trapped in a haunting state called “locked-in syndrome.”
Thorne must untangle chilling clues and tackle dark psychological games before the killer strikes again. This gripping introduction showcases the author’s ability to create fast-paced action alongside insightful character studies.
Chris Carter is an author known for intense crime thrillers that keep suspense high and pages turning fast. Before turning to writing, he worked as a criminal psychologist, and his insight into criminal minds shows in his novels.
His book “The Crucifix Killer” introduces Detective Robert Hunter, a detective assigned to a gruesome murder case. A serial killer, thought caught and executed two years earlier, seems to have returned.
As Hunter tracks the clues left at each scene, he realizes the killings mirror those of the past—but there are shocking differences pointing to something worse.
This dark, fast-paced thriller is an excellent fit for readers who enjoy Simon Kernick’s style of suspense-filled crime fiction.
Peter James is a British author known for his thrilling crime novels that feature gripping mysteries and realistic characters. If you’re a fan of Simon Kernick’s fast-paced storytelling, Peter James’s “Dead Simple” might catch your attention.
This book introduces Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, a detective with a talent for solving complex cases. In “Dead Simple,” a prank during a bachelor party goes terribly wrong, leaving the groom trapped underground and desperate.
As the hours go by and survival chances thin, Grace races against time to unravel this bizarre mystery. The tension builds steadily, keeping you glued to the page as each twist unfolds.
Lee Child is a master of fast-paced thrillers featuring the memorable Jack Reacher, a tough, ex-military drifter who rights wrongs in his own unique way.
If you enjoyed Simon Kernick’s tight plotting and relentless action, then “Killing Floor”, Child’s first Jack Reacher novel, could be a great find. It begins with Reacher arriving by chance in a small Georgia town, only to be wrongly arrested for murder moments later.
As he tries to clear his name, he uncovers a bigger crime and soon confronts dangerous enemies hiding behind the town’s quiet facade. The story moves quickly with sharp dialogue, unexpected twists, and enough suspense to keep the pages turning.
Readers who enjoy Simon Kernick’s fast-paced crime thrillers may also appreciate Harlan Coben’s engaging storytelling and suspenseful plots. Coben is an American author known for crafting suspense novels filled with unexpected plot twists and relatable characters.
One of his notable books, “Tell No One,” follows Dr. David Beck, whose wife Elizabeth was murdered eight years earlier. Suddenly, Beck receives mysterious messages suggesting Elizabeth might still be alive. He becomes involved in a dangerous search for the shocking truth.
The narrative tension and high stakes make this novel a captivating read for anyone who likes mystery and suspense.
Karin Slaughter is a crime writer known for fast-paced thrillers with sharp plots and realistic, psychologically complex characters. Her style often reminds readers of Simon Kernick, as both authors build relentless tension through clever storytelling and surprising twists.
Slaughter’s novel “Pretty Girls” follows the disturbing disappearance of a young woman, which reignites painful memories of another unsolved case decades earlier.
The story revolves around two estranged sisters who reunite to confront dark family secrets and a sinister trail of violence. This gritty, intense read weaves psychological depth with scenes of genuine suspense.
If you’re hooked on Kernick’s thrillers, Karin Slaughter delivers that same raw power and gritty realism that keeps the pages turning long after midnight.
Ian Rankin is a Scottish crime author best known for his Inspector John Rebus series set in Edinburgh. Rankin’s work features gritty realism and fast-moving plots, appealing to readers who enjoy Simon Kernick’s style.
In “Knots and Crosses,” we meet Rebus, a tough detective haunted by personal trauma. Edinburgh is shaken by sinister abductions and murders of young girls, crimes connected through cryptic anonymous letters.
As Rebus gets deeper into the investigation, he realizes the perpetrator may hold clues about his own hidden past. Rankin builds suspense with each page, creating atmospheric tension and hard-edged characters similar to those in Kernick’s thrillers.
If you enjoy Simon Kernick’s fast-paced thrillers and sharp detective stories, Val McDermid is an author worth exploring. McDermid crafts intense crime novels with intriguing mysteries and complex characters.
Her book “The Mermaids Singing” introduces profiler Tony Hill and detective Carol Jordan, a team tasked with solving gruesome murders in northern England.
This novel provides an unsettling glimpse into the mind of a serial killer and shows the tense partnership between Hill and Jordan. With vivid writing and powerful storytelling, McDermid keeps readers turning pages and wanting more.
Books by David Baldacci offer fast-paced thrillers filled with action, suspense, and clever surprises that keep readers guessing until the end. For fans of Simon Kernick’s thrillers, Baldacci’s “The Innocent” is a strong choice.
This novel features Will Robie, an expert government assassin who never questions his assignments until one unusual job leads him into unknown territory.
Robie’s path quickly crosses with a teenage runaway named Julie Getty, whose life is in grave danger, and soon he finds himself protecting rather than eliminating his target.
Their unexpected bond and the relentless pursuit from dangerous enemies create a tense storyline filled with twists and close calls. Baldacci delivers sharp storytelling and a memorable hero with Will Robie, perfect for readers who appreciate Kernick’s thrillers.
If you enjoy Simon Kernick’s fast-paced thrillers filled with suspense and complex plots, you’ll appreciate Michael Connelly. Connelly is known for his tightly woven police procedurals and crime fiction novels set primarily in Los Angeles.
A great book to start with is “The Lincoln Lawyer,” where we meet Mickey Haller—an engaging defense attorney who runs his practice from the backseat of his Lincoln Town Car.
Haller takes on a high-profile assault case involving a wealthy real estate agent accused of attacking a woman.
What starts as a straightforward high-stakes defense quickly twists into something far deeper and more dangerous, as Haller uncovers dark secrets and corruption hiding beneath the surface.
The dialogue is crisp, the characters authentic, and the legal maneuvering intense and sharp, drawing readers into the gritty reality behind glamorous California facades.
Stuart MacBride is a Scottish author known for his dark humor and fast-paced crime thrillers set in gritty urban environments. If you enjoy Simon Kernick’s intense storytelling and sharp dialogue, then MacBride’s gritty, authentic style should appeal to you.
His novel “Cold Granite” introduces Detective Sergeant Logan McRae, who returns to the Aberdeen police force after a traumatic experience.
On his first day back, McRae faces a deeply disturbing case: the discovery of a child’s body sparks fears about a serial killer lurking in the city.
As more bodies surface, the detective navigates pressures from the media, internal politics, and the chilling reality of a murderer on the loose. MacBride crafts a vivid, atmospheric picture of Aberdeen in winter, layering suspense with dark wit and authentic Scottish flavor.
James Patterson is a master of fast-paced storytelling and high-tension scenarios. If you’re a fan of Simon Kernick’s intense thrillers, Patterson’s novel “Along Came a Spider” might grab you immediately.
The story introduces detective Alex Cross, who faces off against Gary Soneji, a dangerous and incredibly cunning criminal. When two prominent children from powerful families get kidnapped, Cross steps in.
What follows is a tense race against time as Cross navigates through twisted motives and unexpected turns to stop a predator before it’s too late. Patterson’s sharp, short chapters push you forward swiftly, making it impossible to put the book down.
Readers who enjoy Simon Kernick’s fast-paced thrillers with tightly woven plots will likely appreciate author Robert Bryndza. His novel “The Girl in the Ice” introduces Detective Erika Foster, a determined investigator drawn into a chilling murder case.
After discovering a young woman’s body beneath a layer of ice, Erika uncovers links to other murders and a cunning killer hidden in plain sight. Erika’s relentless pursuit of justice and the gritty reality of the investigation pull readers into a chilling mystery.
Fans of suspenseful storytelling and strong detective characters will find Robert Bryndza’s approach both intense and satisfying.
Tana French is an Irish author known for crime novels filled with suspense and deep intrigue. If you enjoy Simon Kernick’s intense thrillers, French’s “In the Woods” may appeal to you as well.
The story follows Detective Rob Ryan as he investigates the murder of a young girl near the same woods where, years earlier, two children vanished. Ryan himself was the third child in that group, who reappeared traumatized and with no memory.
This unsettling case forces him to confront his hidden past. French weaves atmospheric tension and character-driven mystery together, guiding readers into dark secrets at every twist.
Readers who enjoy Simon Kernick’s fast-paced thrillers full of surprises should definitely try Linwood Barclay. His book “No Time for Goodbye” begins when fourteen-year-old Cynthia wakes up to find her entire family missing without a trace.
Years later, still haunted by her past, Cynthia decides to search for the truth—only to uncover dangerous secrets and questions she may regret asking. Barclay combines suspense, twists, and compelling characters into a story you can’t put down.