Audible recommendations for non-gruesome detective/mystery book or series

[LemonAndLimeTree]

I am looking for Audible recommendations for a detective/mystery book (or series) which does not have horrible violence in it. For example I enjoyed the first Samsom book but found the second too gruesome. Obviously I’m expecting murders but don’t like anything too graphic or gratuitous. I have enjoyed Sherlock Holmes, Agatha Christie (up to a point) and V I Warshawski. Loved Cadfael. I quite like a book with a fair bit of daily life and character background in it alongside the detective/mystery aspect. Any suggestions?

I liked Black Water Lilies by Michel Bussi. Well read and the mystery kept me guessing

From memory the Falco series by Lindsey Davis isn't too grisly

The way things are read makes or breaks for me, and I wish I wasn’t so picky about voice and intonation. Love audible, and am enjoying the thread. Last night I listened to Bill Bryson Christmas, which is included with membership and very seasonal. Not a crime thriller though! My current audible crush is Eleanor Bron, has a beautiful voice, and has read some really good books that are free with subscription.

I found The Silkworm a bit grizzly the first time I read it. Career of Evil is a bit grim too (but I think it's my favourite anyway), the two after that aren't too bad for goryness (and there is plenty of non-gory bits!)

Another suggestion (although they are kids books really) A Murder most Unladylike (and there are heaps of them to get through)

I'm now inspired to search for those!

I would always recommend for a good narrator and story combined; not too grisly mystery are:-

Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier narrated by Anna Massey

The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters narrated by Juliette Stevenson

Magpie murders
Ruth rendell
ann granger the Mitchell and matkby books
p d james
Laura Wilson
abir mukherjee
patricia high smith

I'd second those

Sue Grafton Alphabet series. The books are great with a lovely sense of place and character. I don’t know what the Audible narration is like though.

The Falco series by Lindsay Davis.

Audible have the Inspector Wexford series in their Unlimited section.

Rally Griffiths - Ruth Galloway series. Great run of 14, nothing too grisly

Simon Serraillier - Susan Hill series,

Both great, read in order to keep up with the lead characters' parallel stories.

Another vote for Louise penny here - such beautifully written books.

and for Ellie griffiths Ruth Galloway books.

i enjoy Susan hill’s Simon serailler books but they can definitely be gruesome/upsetting!

I've always enjoyed the Agatha Raisin mysteries by MC Beaton. More silly and funny murder mysteries. Some murders can be a bit grisly but there's never much detail about the death. Audiobooks are about 5-6 hours.

I love Robert Galbraith but agree they are violent.

Magpie Murders and Moonflower Murders are a good shout.

'A Spoonful of Murder' by JM Hall is extremely gentle.

If you like Brother Cadfael you will probably enjoy Sister Fidelma.

Either way you will love Charles Paris!

Just remembered the Ariana Franklin (a pen name for Diana Norman) books in the Mistress of the Art of Death series - they were brilliant.
1 - Mistress of the Art of Death
2 - The Serpent's Tale
3 - Grave Goods
4 - A Murderous Procession
5 - Death and the Maiden

If you don't mind a bit of supernatural alongside your crime procedural the Rivers of London series is excellent. I didn't think they would be my thing but I really enjoyed all of them and an excellent narrator.

I've really enjoyed the DI Jackman books by Joy Ellis, narrated by Richard Armitage. Also Val McDermaid's Karen Piries series - not too grisly and great characters.

Lots more interesting suggestions - thank you. I completely agree that a good narrator is essential. My favourite narrator is Juliet Stephenson so I’ll definitely put The Paying Guests on my list. Also a fan of Richard Armitage and I have enjoyed the Joy Ellis DI Jackman books I’ve listened to. Falco and Sister Fidelma sound right up my street. So many other great suggestions too.

Charles Paris is dramatised on R4 starring Bill Nighy - find it on BBC sounds - so easy to listen to!!

Ooh, I love Charles Paris too.

What a brilliant share! Thankyou!

@1stWorldProblems completely agree with Charles Paris mystery, Bill plays such a good role as a failing actore and ( want to be) lothario.
I have always liked him right from his navy lark days.

@LemonAndLimeTree , I was going to suggest Dick Francis, ( the x jockey) all of his books are based around horses/ racing or wine but you don't need to know anything about them to enjoy the books. However he does describe somethings you may not like , people's arms getting broke, been shot , tied up but not in a lot of detail so you may be ok.
And there are loads to go at

I really love Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club books, very clever and well-plotted. I also like G.K. Chesterton's Father Brown series (with Mark Williams on the BBC TV series; various versions available on Audible).