Have you picked up a Zoë Ferraris novel? Her books really transport you. They are mysteries, yes, but they are also set in Saudi Arabia. This setting makes them really stand out in the crime fiction world.
She creates characters that live within a very specific culture, often women facing unique challenges. For readers who enjoy this kind of book and want to explore authors working in similar thematic territory, this article is for you.
We will introduce you to a few authors you may find interesting.
Yasmina Khadra is the pen name of Mohammed Moulessehoul, an Algerian writer known for stories that reveal the human side of conflict and cultural struggles.
In “The Attack,” he tells the story of Dr. Amin Jaafari, an Arab-Israeli surgeon whose life unravels after a terrorist bombing in Tel Aviv. When the investigation points to someone close to him, Amin’s search for answers takes him into dark and unexpected places.
The book is emotional and thought-provoking, exploring identity and betrayal in a way that stays with you.
Naguib Mahfouz was an Egyptian writer who brought the streets and lives of Cairo to the forefront in his work. One of his books, “Midaq Alley,” centers on a small, tightly-knit neighborhood in Cairo where lives intersect and secrets unravel.
The story dives into the dreams and struggles of its residents, such as Hamida, a young woman longing for a way out of her confined life, and Abbas, a barber whose hopes for love take a harsh turn.
The book paints vivid portraits of ambition, love, and betrayal, all set in an alley bursting with life. Fans of Zoë Ferraris, who enjoy detailed cultural settings, may find Mahfouz’s writing unforgettable.
Alafair Burke writes mysteries that often explore complex relationships and secrets. In her book “The Wife,” the story follows Angela, a woman who has built a quiet life with her husband, Jason, a successful man accused of misconduct by multiple women.
When one of the accusers vanishes, Angela’s own past comes under scrutiny. The layers of her marriage and the choices she’s made unravel in ways that keep you guessing. Burke’s sharp focus on human behavior makes her stories deeply engaging.
Karin Fossum is a Norwegian author known for her psychological crime novels. Her book “The Indian Bride” tells the story of Gunder Jomann, a quiet man living in a small Norwegian village. Hoping to find love, he travels to India and marries a woman named Poona.
When Poona arrives in Norway to join him, tragedy strikes, and she is found dead near the village. Inspector Sejer investigates the case, uncovering secrets in the seemingly peaceful community.
The village’s unease and the layered characters create an atmosphere that pulls you into the story.
Omar Yussef, created by Matt Beynon Rees, is a unique protagonist in a series of mysteries set in Palestine. In “The Collaborator of Bethlehem,” Yussef is a schoolteacher drawn into investigating a murder in a refugee camp.
The story is layered with tensions in the community, the strain of family loyalties, and the challenges of uncovering truth in a dangerous environment. Yussef is not a typical hero—he is older, thoughtful, and guided by his sense of justice.
The book paints a vivid picture of life in Bethlehem, where personal and political conflicts frequently collide.
Leila Aboulela is a talented author whose works often explore themes of culture, faith, and identity. Her novel “The Translator” tells the story of Sammar, a young Sudanese widow working as a translator at a Scottish university.
She finds herself drawn to Rae, a scholar with a deep interest in Islam. The book beautifully portrays Sammar’s struggles with loss and her hesitations as she navigates a connection with someone from a different world.
It reflects on how faith and personal experiences shape relationships in unexpected ways.
Sahar Khalifeh is a Palestinian author known for exploring life under occupation and the emotional struggles of her characters. Her novel, “Wild Thorns”, focuses on two cousins in the West Bank who see resistance in very different ways.
One returns from abroad, determined to fight against Israeli rule, while the other tries to survive by working in Israel. The book paints a vivid picture of daily life, full of tension, choices, and resilience.
Tahmima Anam is a Bangladeshi writer who weaves personal stories with historical backdrops. Her novel “A Golden Age” is set during the Bangladesh War of Independence in the 1970s.
The story follows Rehana Haque, a widow, as she tries to protect her children while they become involved in the fight for their country’s freedom. The book explores love and loyalty during times of conflict, showing a mother’s courage in difficult times.
If you enjoy books that mix human struggles with cultural and historical settings, you might find her work interesting.
Laila Lalami writes about identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience in a way that feels deeply personal. Her book “The Other Americans” begins with the suspicious death of a Moroccan immigrant in a small California town.
Through the perspectives of different characters—family members, friends, and a detective—the story slowly uncovers long-hidden truths.
The narrative dives into themes of family, grief, and the struggles of life as an outsider in America, creating a sense of mystery and human connection.
If you’ve enjoyed Zoë Ferraris’ ability to weave vivid settings into emotional stories, Lalami might be a wonderful author to explore.
Tayeb Salih is a Sudanese author known for powerful storytelling that explores themes of identity and cultural clash. His novel, “Season of Migration to the North,” follows a young man who returns to his Sudanese village after studying in Europe.
While back home, he becomes intrigued by Mustafa Sa’eed, a mysterious and charismatic figure in the village. Through their interactions, the story opens up layers of Mustafa’s life, exposing unsettling past experiences in England.
The book contrasts rural Sudan with the lingering shadows of colonialism, weaving a narrative filled with tension and emotional depth.
Amin Maalouf is a Lebanese-French author known for weaving stories that explore identity, history, and cultural clashes. One of his novels, “The Rock of Tanios,” is set in the 19th century in a village in Mount Lebanon.
It follows Tanios, a young man caught between local conflicts and the power struggles of the time. The story has a rich backdrop of political intrigue and shifting loyalties, with moments that make you think about how people’s choices shape their lives.
Fiona Kidman is a New Zealand author known for exploring deep emotional connections and the complexities of human lives. Her novel “The Infinite Air” tells the story of Jean Batten, a daring and trailblazing aviator from the 1930s whose flights captivated the world.
The book gives a vivid sense of her dangerous journeys and the struggles she faced, both in the air and in her personal life. It offers an intimate look at fame, isolation, and determination, painting the life of a woman who pushed the boundaries of what was possible.
Barbara Nadel is a British author known for her crime novels set in vibrant and atmospheric locations. One of her books, “Belshazzar’s Daughter,” is set in Istanbul and follows Inspector Çetin İkmen as he investigates the murder of an elderly immigrant.
The case takes him into the city’s darker corners, uncovering long-held secrets in a tightly-knit community. The mix of fascinating characters and the richly described setting brings Istanbul to life in a unique way.
Alaa Al Aswany is an Egyptian writer known for bringing contemporary Cairo to life in his novels. His book, “The Yacoubian Building,” is set in a once-opulent apartment building in the heart of the city.
The stories of its residents weave together as they face challenges tied to love, ambition, and the complexities of modern Egyptian society. The building itself feels like a character, representing the fading grandeur of a city grappling with change.
From a corrupt politician to a young man navigating social barriers, each story gives a window into different walks of life. The book paints vivid pictures of the characters’ struggles and connections, offering a close look at human relationships.
Tarquin Hall writes mysteries that offer a mix of wit and culture, often set in vibrant India. His book, “The Case of the Missing Servant,” introduces Vish Puri, a private investigator in Delhi who calls himself a great detective.
In this story, he is hired to prove the innocence of a lawyer accused of murdering a maid. Along the way, you get a glimpse of Puri’s quirky methods, his love for food, and the bustling streets of Delhi. It’s a clever mystery wrapped in a rich setting.