If you enjoy reading novels by Steven F. Havill then you might also like the following authors:
Margaret Coel is an author known for her mystery novels set in the rugged landscapes of Wyoming. Her book, “The Eagle Catcher,” introduces Father John O’Malley and Arapaho attorney Vicky Holden.
The story takes place on the Wind River Reservation, where the tribal chairman is discovered dead during a powwow. Father John becomes involved when a young man is accused of the crime.
Vicky joins the effort to uncover the truth, leading to revelations about hidden motives and buried secrets. The book blends a strong sense of place with a tightly woven mystery.
Craig Johnson is the author of the Longmire series, set in the rugged landscapes of Wyoming. His book “The Cold Dish” introduces Sheriff Walt Longmire, a seasoned lawman handling life in a small town.
The story begins with the murder of a young man who was convicted of assaulting a Cheyenne girl. It’s not a random crime, and Walt suspects someone may be seeking justice outside the law.
The mix of sharp dialogue, vivid descriptions of the plains, and the layered characters makes this a great start to the series.
C.J. Box writes stories that blend crime and the outdoors in unique ways. One book that stands out is “Open Season.” It introduces Joe Pickett, a Wyoming game warden who stumbles onto a dead body outside his home.
As Joe investigates, he uncovers corruption tied to endangered species and a dangerous fight for control over powerful secrets. The story mixes murder and mystery with scenes set against the wild, open landscapes of Wyoming.
If you enjoy Steven F. Havill’s law enforcement characters, Joe Pickett might feel like a natural choice.
William Kent Krueger writes stories that often explore small-town life and complex human relationships. In his book “Ordinary Grace,” he tells the story of a young boy named Frank Drum growing up in 1961 Minnesota.
The summer seems normal until sudden deaths shake his family and community. Through his eyes, you see how his preacher father and vulnerable younger brother grapple with loss and truth. It’s a heartfelt story with a strong focus on family bonds and the mysteries that test them.
Fans of Steven F. Havill’s work might appreciate Krueger’s attention to character and setting.
Tony Hillerman was known for writing mysteries set in the American Southwest, often highlighting Navajo culture and traditions.
One of his novels, “Dance Hall of the Dead,” follows Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee as they investigate the disappearance of a young Zuni boy connected to a sacred ritual.
The story weaves local beliefs and customs into the mystery, offering a unique look at the cultural layers surrounding the crime. If you enjoy mysteries with strong ties to a specific place and culture, Hillerman’s work is worth exploring.
James D. Doss is known for his mystery novels that focus on the Ute culture and the Southwest. One of his books, “The Shaman Sings,” introduces Charlie Moon, a rancher and part-time tribal investigator.
In this story, a beautiful and brilliant young physicist is found murdered near a small town in Colorado. The investigation uncovers strange clues, with hints of otherworldly elements tied to the local folklore.
Charlie’s Aunt Daisy, a shaman with a knack for seeing what others miss, plays a key role. The mix of cultural traditions and sharp investigative work makes it stand out for fans of Steven F. Havill’s grounded storytelling.
J.A. Jance is an author known for crafting engaging mysteries with depth and strong characters.
In “Desert Heat,” the first book in her Joanna Brady series, she introduces us to Joanna, a young woman who finds herself in the middle of a crisis when her husband, a deputy sheriff, is found shot and accused of corruption.
What starts as a personal fight to clear his name grows into a dangerous investigation, pulling Joanna deeper into her small Arizona town’s secrets. Fans of Steven F. Havill, who enjoy stories rooted in law enforcement and small-town dynamics, might find Jance’s style appealing.
Dana Stabenow writes crime novels that often have a strong sense of place and characters that feel grounded in their environment. One of her well-known series features Kate Shugak, a private investigator in Alaska.
In “A Cold Day for Murder,” Kate is asked to find a missing park ranger in a small Alaskan village. As she begins her search, she finds herself uncovering secrets about the tight-knit community and the wilderness surrounding them.
The book combines a vivid Alaskan setting with a mystery that slowly pulls you deeper into Kate’s past and the challenges of living in such a remote area. It’s about survival, trust, and the haunting beauty of the wild.
Sue Grafton is best known for her “Alphabet Series,” featuring private investigator Kinsey Millhone. Set in the fictional California town of Santa Teresa, the books are fast-paced and centered on Kinsey’s sharp wit and knack for solving cases.
In “A is for Alibi,” Kinsey is hired by a woman named Nikki Fife, who has been convicted of killing her husband. Recently released from prison, Nikki swears she’s innocent and wants Kinsey to find the real murderer.
The story unravels through dead ends, secrets, and a trail that points to surprising connections. Grafton’s writing pulls readers into Kinsey’s day-to-day life, from her small apartment to her favorite peanut butter and pickle sandwiches, while keeping the mystery alive.
Bill Crider was a writer known for his mystery novels that mixed small-town charm with sharp storytelling. One of his books, “Blood Marks,” follows Dan Rhodes, a laid-back sheriff in rural Texas, as he investigates a gruesome murder.
A woman is found dead, and the only clue is a phone book with specific names marked. The story pulls you right into the strange secrets of the town, with quirky locals and suspects who keep the sheriff guessing.
Crider’s knack for creating vivid settings and memorable characters shines in this mystery. If you like stories that focus on both crime and the personalities of the people involved, you might enjoy this.
Nevada Barr is known for her mystery novels set in national parks, blending crime with the harsh beauty of nature. One of her books, “Track of the Cat”, introduces readers to Anna Pigeon, a park ranger who stumbles upon the body of a fellow ranger in the West Texas desert.
While others believe it was a mountain lion attack, Anna’s instincts tell her something more sinister happened. The story takes readers deep into the wild terrain, weaving the dangers of both nature and human deceit into the story.
Fans of Steven F. Havill’s work might enjoy Barr’s ability to capture a strong sense of place alongside the unraveling of a murder mystery.
Michael McGarrity writes crime novels with richly drawn settings and grounded characters. His book “Tularosa” introduces Kevin Kerney, a former Santa Fe police chief who’s reluctantly pulled back into investigative work.
The story starts with a missing soldier at White Sands Missile Range, leading Kerney into a web of secrets and danger tied to the New Mexico desert. It combines vivid landscapes with a mystery that unravels piece by piece.
Fans of Steven F. Havill will appreciate the focus on law enforcement and the strong sense of place.
Robert B. Parker is the author of the Spenser series, which follows a sharp and sarcastic private investigator based in Boston. In “Early Autumn,” Spenser meets a young boy named Paul, whose parents are locked in a bitter custody battle, showing little care for their son.
Spenser decides to mentor Paul, teaching him life skills and helping him find confidence in himself. The novel mixes wit, action, and heartfelt moments, making it memorable and engaging.
K.J. Erickson writes crime fiction with a focus on strong characters and detailed investigative work. In “The Last Witness,” Minneapolis homicide detective Mars Bahr takes on the case of a missing boy who vanishes during a riverboat ride.
As the investigation unfolds, it reveals deeper layers of secrets and lies. The story goes beyond the surface of the crime, exploring the lengths people will go to protect themselves or others.
Fans of complex police work and atmospheric settings might appreciate Erickson’s storytelling.
Judith Van Gieson writes mysteries that often capture the rich atmosphere of the Southwest. In “The Stolen Blue,” she introduces Claire Reynier, a rare book expert who gets drawn into an investigation when a friend dies unexpectedly.
The story revolves around a missing collection of valuable books and secrets from the past. Van Gieson weaves in fascinating details about rare books and the unique charm of New Mexico, making the setting come alive.
Fans of Steven F. Havill’s mysteries might enjoy the way she builds her world and brings depth to her characters.