Steven F. Havill is a writer lots of people enjoy for his Western mysteries. His books often feature Sheriff Bill Gastner and always feel rooted in the landscape of rural New Mexico. Readers find in his stories a strong sense of place and characters that feel very real.
If you like books with a similar atmosphere, perhaps character-driven mysteries set in the West, then finding more authors to read is probably something you think about. Here are some writers you might find interesting.
If you enjoy Steven F. Havill’s mysteries set in small towns with strong local characters, you might appreciate Margaret Coel’s novels. Coel’s books revolve around the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, combining skilled storytelling with authentic Arapaho history and culture.
In “The Eagle Catcher,” Father John O’Malley and attorney Vicky Holden investigate the murder of a tribal chairman accused of corruption. The story weaves through reservation politics, historical conflicts, and the rugged western landscape.
With believable characters and solid plotting, Coel delivers a satisfying mystery.
Craig Johnson writes mystery novels set in rural Wyoming. His books star Sheriff Walt Longmire, a likable, no-nonsense lawman whose character-driven stories focus on small-town crime.
In “The Cold Dish,” Walt Longmire investigates the death of a young man previously involved in an assault case. Walt’s inquiry leads him deep into the close-knit community, uncovering buried resentments, secrets, and tensions that surface in unexpected ways.
Readers familiar with Steven F. Havill’s Posadas County stories will find Johnson’s authentic Western settings and sharp storytelling style comfortably appealing.
Readers who enjoy the rural, character-driven mysteries of Steven F. Havill will appreciate CJ Box’s engrossing novels set in the wilds of Wyoming. Box’s strong sense of place and realistic characters shine in “Open Season,” the first book of his Joe Pickett series.
Joe Pickett is a dedicated game warden in Twelve Sleep county—a quiet, seemingly peaceful area shaken by the discovery of a murdered outfitter behind Joe’s own home.
Box expertly weaves suspense with the everyday struggles of small-town life, creating an atmospheric, authentic narrative that draws readers in with every turn of the page.
William Kent Krueger is a talented author known for tightly plotted mysteries set in small-town rural America. His book “Iron Lake” kicks off the Cork O’Connor series featuring a former sheriff in Aurora, Minnesota.
In this first book, Cork investigates the death of a local judge while tensions rise between the townspeople and nearby reservation residents. Readers who enjoy Steven F. Havill’s realistic small-town crime novels and quiet suspense will find familiar ground here.
Krueger creates vivid small-town settings, believable characters, and engaging mysteries that resonate long after the last page.
Tony Hillerman is a great choice for readers who enjoy Steven F. Havill’s blend of mystery and vivid Southwestern settings.
Hillerman’s novel “Dance Hall of the Dead” features Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn, a Navajo police officer who must solve the strange disappearance of two teenage boys amidst ancient Zuni traditions.
The investigation leads him deep into cultural myths, archaeological finds, and tense local relationships. Hillerman weaves together suspense and cultural richness in a story that keeps readers guessing.
If you appreciate mysteries set against the unique backdrop of rural Southwestern America, you’ll enjoy this tale.
Readers who enjoy Steven F. Havill’s mysteries set in small Southwest towns might also appreciate James D. Doss. Doss creates vivid mysteries steeped in Native American folklore and modern tensions.
In “The Shaman Sings,” the first book of his Charlie Moon series, readers meet Ute detective Charlie Moon and his sharp-witted Aunt Daisy Perika.
Aunt Daisy has powerful visions that hint at clues hidden in dreams and spirits, complicating Moon’s logical approach as he investigates mysterious deaths around reservation land.
The narrative skillfully blends humor with suspense, immerses readers in Southern Colorado’s rugged landscape, and offers glimpses into Ute beliefs and culture.
J.A. Jance is an American author known for intriguing mystery novels set in small-town communities across the American Southwest.
Her books have a similar appeal to fans of Steven F. Havill, with strong characters, sharp dialogue, and careful attention to authentic investigative details.
A good entry point into her work is “Desert Heat,” which features Joanna Brady, a young widow determined to find the truth about her husband’s suspicious death in the Arizona desert. Her search uncovers corruption and unseen dangers beneath the peaceful surface of her hometown.
Jance skillfully combines suspense, believable police procedure, and genuine emotional depth that resonates throughout the story.
If you enjoy Steven F. Havill’s small-town mysteries with strong local color, Dana Stabenow’s novels may also appeal to you. Stabenow’s Kate Shugak series immerses readers in the Alaskan wilderness and its tight-knit community.
In “A Cold Day for Murder,” Kate Shugak, a skilled investigator and native Aleut, returns home to a remote Alaskan village after leaving her job in Anchorage. She’s drawn into a search for two missing men, one of them a federal agent who had been sent to find the other.
The locals are suspicious and secretive, and Kate relies on her deep understanding of the rugged terrain and complex community dynamics to uncover what really happened.
Stabenow crafts vivid descriptions of life in Alaska and characters whose depth and conflicts linger long after you’ve put the book down.
Readers who enjoy Steven F. Havill’s crime mysteries set in small-town America often find Sue Grafton’s detective novels appealing.
Grafton’s best-known series features private investigator Kinsey Millhone, a tough, independent character who solves intriguing cases in fictional Santa Teresa, California.
In “A is for Alibi,” Millhone takes on the case of Nikki Fife, recently released from prison after serving time for her husband’s murder. Fife insists she was wrongly convicted and hires Millhone to find the truth.
As Millhone digs deeper into the victim’s past and personal relationships, she uncovers secrets and unexpected twists that keep the reader guessing until the end.
Grafton brings together a realistic detective with a richly drawn small-town setting, which fans of Havill’s “Posadas County” series will likely appreciate.
Readers who enjoy Steven F. Havill’s mix of small-town charm and intriguing mysteries may appreciate author Bill Crider. Crider’s series featuring Sheriff Dan Rhodes begins with “Too Late to Die,” a story set in the rural town of Blacklin County, Texas.
Sheriff Rhodes is practical and quietly observant, and when a local woman is found murdered, he investigates with thoughtful patience and dry humor. The narrative is clear-cut yet vivid with eccentric characters and engaging dialogue.
Fans of down-to-earth mysteries wrapped in gentle humor and community life will find Bill Crider’s storytelling inviting and familiar.
Readers who enjoy Steven F. Havill’s Posadas County mysteries might find Nevada Barr’s books equally appealing. Barr, a former park ranger turned mystery author, combines vivid outdoor settings with suspenseful storytelling.
Her book “Track of the Cat” introduces Anna Pigeon, a resourceful ranger assigned to Guadaloupe Mountains National Park in Texas. After discovering the suspicious death of a colleague, Anna suspects foul play rather than an animal attack.
She begins an isolated investigation through rugged terrain and confronts more dangers than wildlife alone. The mystery unfolds through believable twists, and the wilderness backdrop adds depth to Anna’s determination to uncover the truth.
Michael McGarrity is an author known for engaging crime thrillers set in New Mexico, featuring realistic plots and memorable characters. Readers who enjoy Steven F. Havill’s Southwest detective fiction might appreciate McGarrity’s Kevin Kerney series, such as “Tularosa.”
In this book, retired detective Kevin Kerney is recovering from a serious injury when his former partner asks for help finding his missing son.
Kerney agrees reluctantly and soon finds himself facing a dangerous criminal underworld while uncovering military secrets in the rugged landscape of southern New Mexico.
McGarrity uses authentic descriptions of place, grounded in his background in law enforcement, to create an absorbing mystery that fans of realistic police procedural novels should enjoy.
If you enjoy Steven F. Havill’s clear and direct storytelling, you might appreciate Robert B. Parker’s style and wit. Parker is known for his straightforward writing and sharp dialogue, particularly through his character Spenser, a Boston private detective.
In “Early Autumn,” Spenser is hired to rescue a teenage boy caught in a bitter custody fight. The job becomes more complicated than expected, leading Spenser into the boy’s life as a mentor.
The story isn’t just about solving a case—it explores relationships, responsibility, and what it means to grow up. Readers often enjoy Parker for the warmth and humor he brings to crime fiction, something fans of Havill might connect with easily.
K.J. Erickson crafts engaging mystery novels that blend detailed police work with vivid small-town settings. Readers who enjoy Steven F. Havill’s clear storytelling and realistic characters will find Erickson’s style familiar and satisfying.
In “Third Person Singular,” Erickson introduces detective Marshall Bahr, a seasoned investigator assigned to unravel the puzzling murder of a young woman found dead in a church parking lot.
Throughout the novel, Bahr carefully pieces together evidence and navigates city politics to uncover deeper truths behind the crime. The story is tightly plotted, with realistic detective work that pulls readers into each scene and each conversation.
Erickson builds tension steadily, offering surprising twists that make the outcome far from predictable.
If you enjoy Steven F. Havill’s books that blend small-town mystery with realistic characters and engaging storylines, Judith Van Gieson is an author worth exploring.
Her book “The Lies That Bind” introduces lawyer Neil Hamel, who takes on cases in Albuquerque’s intriguing legal landscape. In this story, Neil investigates the disappearance of a young woman involved with a controversial spiritual group.
Van Gieson skillfully combines suspenseful mystery with thoughtful character development, giving readers an insightful look into the legal system and complex human relationships.
Fans of Havill’s careful plotting and authentic storytelling will appreciate Van Gieson’s clear style and well-crafted mysteries.