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Original poster

Detective series suggestions please.

78 replies

Rinkymcdinky · 19/11/2023 22:18

I wonder if anyone has any suggestions please.

I read a few detective series, but need a new one to get into for the winter.

I’ve read:

Elly Griffiths’ Ruth Galloway series. (Really liked)
Also her Harbinder Kaur series.
Strike novels. (Loved)
Jackson Brodie. (Loved)
P. D. James’ books.
Most Agatha Christie.
Anthony Hotowitz Hawthorn and Magpie Murders series. (Really liked)
Tried the Simon Serralier, but didn’t love.
Read all the Ann Cleeves series. (Quite liked)
Read a fair few Val McDermid. Too graphic for me really.

I have a Peter May upstairs, but haven’t read it yet.

Any great series I’m missing?

Thanks!

OP posts:
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Levriers · 28/11/2023 05:18

Peter Grainger the Kings Lake series. Set in Norfolk -I fink them really well written

Violinist64 · 28/11/2023 04:50

Kate Ellis's Wesley Peterson books, set in Devon, and Peter Lovesey's Peter Diamond books, set in Bath, are probably my favourite detective series of all.

Roystonv · 28/11/2023 04:46

A bit off type but what about Mary Stewart? especially for poster wanting something for daughter. Not all mystery so check first but a good writer whatever the subject. Usual scenario is young lady usually away from home gets caught up in plot/crime, some danger and wins man at the end. Written and set in 50/60's so similar AC vibe re sex and violence but younger people. Thunder on the Right, Airs above the Ground etc.

WandaWonder · 28/11/2023 03:11

Michael Wood but graphic in parts

FraiseRoyale · 28/11/2023 02:28

Simon Serrailler series by Susan Hill.

CarolinaInTheMorning · 28/11/2023 02:21

The Judge Deborah Knott series by Margaret Maron, set in North Carolina. They should be read in order. The first one is Bootlegger's Daughter.

elkiedee · 28/11/2023 01:54

9 Theodora Braithwaite mysteries box set is currently 99p!

HonoriaLucastaDelagardie · 27/11/2023 15:56

If you can get hold of them, try the Theodora Braithwaite books by DM Greenwood

I think I've seen them advertised as a box set on Kindle - the kind of offer where you get five books or so for £1.99.

beetlebrain · 26/11/2023 18:51

I'm a sucker for mysteries that are upper middle class and horsey- hence adore Brat Farrar. If you can get hold of them, try the Theodora Braithwaite books by DM Greenwood- they epitomise thes3 qualities, but are principally clerical. Theodora is a Deacon in the C of E in the 90s before rhe ordination of women. Beautifully written and pleasingly acide about the senior clergy.

Terpsichore · 26/11/2023 00:34

Andrew Taylor's Lydmouth series is good if you like period settings - it’s based in a small town in the 50s (but written in the 90s/early 2000s). Excellent sense of place and time.

scoobysnaxx · 26/11/2023 00:34

Tess Gerritsen - Rizzolli and Isles series - pathological thrillers about a detective and pathologist - loved them since I was 15, now 32 and read all of them!

MrsW9 · 26/11/2023 00:15

Dorothy L. Sayers. I think she's the best of the classic crime writers, but I also love Agatha Christie and Ngaio Marsh.

MrsDanversGlidesAgain · 22/11/2023 08:54

FiveShelties · 22/11/2023 05:22

I thought I had read lots of detective series until I saw this thread. Many thanks OP, I think that is my reading sorted out for the next 5 years!

Same here, I tend to stick to my favourites but there are some great recommendations here

Nara2k · 22/11/2023 08:50

Caimh McDonnell Bunny McGarry books. I think it's a trilogy that's up to 6 or 7 books by now

Ben Aaronovitch Rivers of London series if you don't mind a bit of magic creeping in

Peter Swanson Rules for Perfect Murders is great. His books are pretty much standalone books, but there's a few.

Christopher Brookmyre Jack Parlabane books

cortex10 · 22/11/2023 05:48

Martin Walker’s books about Bruno Chef de Police, set in the Dordogne

FiveShelties · 22/11/2023 05:22

I thought I had read lots of detective series until I saw this thread. Many thanks OP, I think that is my reading sorted out for the next 5 years!

EwwSprouts · 21/11/2023 21:59

Just remembered reading lots of Ellery Queen from the library as a teenager. Bright yellow covers. No idea if they stand up to reading today but someone else might?

EwwSprouts · 21/11/2023 21:54

Agree Sara Paretsky and Peter Robinson of current authors.
Adding Martin Cruz Smith's Arkady Renko series.

longtompot · 21/11/2023 15:27

I bought my dad the first of this series, three have been written so far, and a fourth is in the works. It wasn't fantastic but I did enjoy it, and have been thinking about getting the next ones. It might have been as it's set in my home city
Mark Dawson

MsNeis · 21/11/2023 10:03

Ooh, love this thread :)
I recommend the Dublin Murder Squad series, by Tana French.

Pippu · 20/11/2023 21:49

Sean Duffy series by Adrian McKintey.
John Harvey
Peter Robinson

If you don't like graphic violence best avoid Stuart McBride (great writing but appallingly graphic) also Mark Billingham.

nettie434 · 20/11/2023 21:31

Happy for her to read adult level books but want to avoid sex and too much violence.

For oldies like me, there was very little young adult fiction when I was young and detective stories were a good transition into adult books. Most of the Golden Age Crime novels would be suitable. Someone suggested Father Brown as well as Agatha Christie or Dorothy Sayers and I would agree.

Josephine Tey (also mentioned on this thread) would be good too. For older teens and adults, I love the Nicola Upson series in which she imagines a life for Josephine Tey.

SparkyBlue · 20/11/2023 20:52

Take a look at the DI Lottie Parker books by Patricia Gibney.

Original poster
Rinkymcdinky · 20/11/2023 20:48

I agree re Holmes. Have read and reread all of those many times.

OP posts:
bluechameleon · 20/11/2023 20:47

I echo the suggestion of MW Craven. Lots of great ideas on this thread, I'm going to make a list