If you enjoy reading books by Sue Henry then you might also like the following authors:
Nevada Barr is known for her mysteries set in national parks, featuring Anna Pigeon, a park ranger. In “Track of the Cat,” Anna is stationed in Texas’s Guadalupe Mountains. She discovers a dead colleague and starts investigating what happened.
The official story points to a mountain lion attack, but Anna suspects something more human is at work. The vivid descriptions of the park’s rugged landscape and the tension of being isolated in the wilderness make the story stand out.
It’s perfect for readers who enjoy Sue Henry’s wilderness settings and strong female lead characters.
Dana Stabenow is an author known for her Alaska-based mysteries. One of her standout novels is “A Cold Day for Murder.” It’s the first in her series featuring Kate Shugak, a private investigator who lives in a remote Alaskan park.
The story begins with Kate being asked to search for a missing park ranger, a case that takes her into isolated communities and explores the challenges of life in the Alaskan wilderness.
Kate is tough, intelligent, and deeply tied to her surroundings, making her a character you won’t forget.
Karen Kijewski is known for her crime novels featuring private investigator Kat Colorado. In “Katwalk,” the first book in the series, Kat takes on what seems like a routine missing persons case.
It quickly pulls her into dangerous territory as secrets unravel and unexpected twists surface. Kat’s sharp wit and determination make her an engaging lead for anyone who enjoys mysteries with strong female protagonists.
Margaret Coel writes mysteries that center on Native American culture and history. Her stories are set on the Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, where she weaves community and tradition into her plots.
In “The Eagle Catcher,” the murder of the Arapaho tribal chairman disrupts a powwow, drawing Father John O’Malley and Arapaho attorney Vicky Holden into an investigation.
As they uncover secrets tied to the crime, the strong sense of place and the cultural details invite readers into the reservation’s world. Fans of Sue Henry’s Alaska-based mysteries might enjoy the atmosphere and characters Coel creates.
Ann Cleeves is a mystery writer known for her atmospheric crime novels set in unique locations. One of her books, “Raven Black,” takes place in the Shetland Islands.
It begins with the discovery of a young woman’s body in the snow, leading the quiet community to unravel long-hidden secrets. The story introduces Detective Jimmy Perez, who navigates the tight-knit island life while solving the case.
The remote setting and carefully drawn characters give the story a vivid sense of place.
C.J. Box is an author known for suspenseful and atmospheric mysteries set in the American West. One of his popular books, “Open Season,” introduces Joe Pickett, a game warden in Wyoming who gets pulled into a dangerous investigation after discovering a dead body on his property.
The story weaves through small-town secrets and the wild landscape, where survival often depends on quick decisions. Joe Pickett isn’t a flashy hero; he feels real—someone trying to do the right thing in a world full of unexpected dangers.
If you enjoy stories that highlight nature and have a strong sense of place, this might be a good book to try.
Elizabeth George is known for her intricate crime novels featuring Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley. Her book “A Great Deliverance” kicks off the series with a murder in a small English village.
The story unfolds as Lynley, a polished Scotland Yard detective, teams up with Barbara Havers, his blunt and unrefined partner. Together, they work through the layers of family secrets, unraveling the tragedy surrounding a young woman who confesses to killing her father.
This mix of character dynamics and detailed mystery makes her books hard to put down.
Tony Hillerman is known for writing mysteries set in the Southwest, often bringing Navajo culture to life through the characters and settings. One of his books, “Skinwalkers,” follows Navajo Tribal Police officers Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee.
The story begins when three seemingly unrelated murders take place, and both men find themselves drawn into the case. As they work, they uncover connections to Navajo witchcraft and traditions, which add layers of tension and mystery.
Hillerman weaves the landscape and culture into the story to create an immersive experience.
Victoria Houston writes mysteries that bring small-town life and the outdoors to the front. Her Loon Lake series sets murder mysteries against the backdrop of a Wisconsin fishing community.
In “Dead Angler”, the story begins when retired dentist Paul Osborne finds himself caught up in a murder investigation. Chief of Police Lew Ferris, a no-nonsense and resourceful woman, leads the case.
Fishing plays a big part in the story, not just as a hobby but as a connection between characters and the setting itself. If you enjoy atmospheric mysteries with a sense of place, her books might catch your interest.
William Kent Krueger is an author who writes atmospheric mysteries that often explore life in the Midwest. In his book “Ordinary Grace,” the story is set in a small Minnesota town during the summer of 1961.
The narrator, a young boy named Frank Drum, recounts a series of unexpected tragedies that ripple through his community and family. Through Frank’s eyes, you see the impact of loss, secret struggles, and how people piece their lives back together.
The book focuses on relationships, especially within Frank’s family, and paints vivid scenes of both the sorrow and hope found in their everyday lives.
Craig Johnson writes mystery novels set in small-town Wyoming, focusing on Sheriff Walt Longmire, a straightforward, rugged lawman. In “The Cold Dish,” the first book in the series, Walt investigates the murder of a young man who was previously accused in a violent assault case.
The setting captures the wild beauty of Wyoming, and the story moves through themes of justice and old grudges. Fans of Sue Henry will likely enjoy the strong sense of place and characters shaped by their environment.
J.A. Jance is a popular author known for writing suspenseful mysteries with strong, relatable characters. One of her books, “Dead to Rights,” is part of the J.P. Beaumont series.
It follows homicide detective J.P. Beaumont as he investigates the murder of a successful businessman. The case quickly grows complicated when secrets about the victim’s personal life come to light, pointing to people close to him.
The story pulls you into a web of betrayal and hidden motives, keeping you guessing as J.P. pieces things together. If you enjoy Sue Henry’s mysteries, J.A. Jance might be right up your alley.
Sharon McCrumb creates stories rooted in Appalachian history and culture, blending the present with rich, folkloric elements.
Her book “She Walks These Hills” follows a parole officer chasing an escaped convict while a young woman researches a legendary ghost from the 18th century.
The way McCrumb ties the past and present together gives the story a sense of depth and connection to place that readers of Sue Henry might enjoy.
Ruth Rendell was a British author known for her clever and atmospheric mysteries. One of her books, “A Judgement in Stone,” follows the story of Eunice Parchman, a housekeeper who hides a dark secret.
She works for the upper-class Coverdale family, and her inability to read creates a growing tension that leads to disastrous consequences. Rendell builds the suspense as misunderstandings and hidden motives spiral out of control, drawing you into the lives of her characters.
It’s a story where small details lead to big outcomes, keeping you hooked from start to finish.
Louise Penny writes mystery novels set in the small village of Three Pines, nestled in Quebec. Her books follow Chief Inspector Armand Gamache as he unravels murders while exploring the flaws and secrets of the people he encounters.
In “Still Life,” the first in the series, Gamache investigates the suspicious death of a beloved artist in the village.
As he pieces together clues, he uncovers hidden tensions within the seemingly cozy community, leading to unexpected revelations about the victim and her neighbors.