Is there anything I can read after The Running Grave, which won't feel like a crushing disappointment?

[TheLongpigs]

I've made the mistake of readingTthe Running Grave too quickly, and am now facing the autumn without an amazing book to snuggle down with each evening.

I am convinced that there is nothing out there that will match JKR's Strike series, but please let me know what might come close? I would love some recommendations.

I've just finished the latest SH 'The Secret Hours' and it was SO. SATISFYING.

Isn't it! I loved how it tied up with the others. I sussed who one of those two people was almost immediately, but I didn't get the other one until The Thing happened. One of his most complete and satisfying plots to date.

^^ This.

I'm reading all the Poirot books to cheer myself up. But mostly I'm just sad.

I agree about the Jackson Brodie books but I've already read them all again this year. I too am considering starting the Strike books from the beginning again.

I cannot believe I've got to wait a couple of years or so for the next one. 3am and just finished! Argh!

I recently discovered a Canadian author who I'm really enjoying, Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache series. Good characters and very well written. There was a series on Netflix- Three Pines, but the books are better!

I feel the same! I steamed through the audiobook in three days!

It's Richard Osman for me. Light, funny and the characters are all so loveable.

Respect! Its taken me two weeks and that feels as though I've been listening in every spare minute.

@bluebeardswife7 yup 😂

I listened it too quickly too and now feel bereft that it's over.

Series which have a similar effect on me are

The Hawthorne books by Anthony Horowitz

The Washington Poe series by MW Craven

The secret hours is described as a stand alone on audible- could I read it if I haven't read all of the Slough House ones?

@thevegetablesoup You could, but it really adds a lot knowing characters from Slough House (it involves back stories) and you miss the "A-HA!" moments. But I support anything that gets you started reading Herron's work. Dolphin Junction is a collection of short stories, if you're just looking to begin his stuff, and a couple tie into that world.

I did read the first one and enjoyed it but then stalled with the second. Maybe I should give it another go

I love Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie books. Can I ask if I need to read Strike from the beginning?

Something that hooked me recently was Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris.

I listened to the new Roy Grace book by Peter James straight after the Running Grave, I used to enjoy them but the narrator and the story couldn't compare! I was disappointed to say the least. JKR has ruined all other books for me 😂

Definitely need to read them from the beginning IMO.

I'm so jealous, you get to enjoy them all for the first time! I'm really close to finishing TRG and I've got that dilemma where I'm desperate to know what happens next but also don't want it to end

I love JD Kirk's DCI Jack Logan series, especially on Audible. Logan reminds me of Strike. The narration gets better and better with each book - they're superb. Also highly recommend Cara Hunter's DI Adam Fawley series and Joy Ellis's series read by Richard Armitage.

If you want a series to get your teeth into then I heartily recommend the Roman Falco series by Lindsey Davies. The second series based around his daughter is, if anything, better.

The first series is based under the rule of Vespasian. The second series is under the rule of Domician.

Excellent stories and lots of domestic detail Roman style.

18 books in the DCI Logan series! I'm going to give them a go to fill the void 😀

Has anyone seen this today? I don't know if I'd go so far as to buy it, but I just couldn't believe it's 10yrs already!

It's the first time I've ever bought extra Audible credits 😄 (twice!) I skipped the first book and started with the second (it was easy to catch up) and am now listening to the off shoot Hoon series. Angus Kerr's narration is brilliant.

@LongFaulks I need to know the book 😂

I just turned back to the start and reread The Running Grave. I wanted to pick up on the detail I'd missed the first time round.

Excellent recommendation @GnomeDePlume I heartily agree!

I read the Cadfael series by Ellis Peters over the summer, slower paced but with the most beautiful writing. I was sad when I finished.
Sayers Peter Wimsey books are a must read and Heyer’s detective novels are light and fun.

Elly Griffiths series about Ruth Galloway would probably help to fill your void.

Also Richard Osman as a pp recommended.

And Dorothy Sayers for more classic detective fiction.

Off to look at all the tips on this thread which I haven't read. Though am consoling myself by listening to the Ink Black Heart again