Kathy Hamilton She’s the best-selling novelist of all time, with books and TV adaptations that will keep fans busy for a long time. But what do you do when you need new authors like Agatha Christie? If you’re craving a crafty whodunnit that will keep you guessing, this selection of 5 authors to read if you love Agatha Christie might just fit the bill.
Love Agatha Christie? You Might Love These Authors Too!
While there’s no one quite like Agatha Christie, this collection of amazing female authors all hail from the era of classic crime. Together, they build a picture of the writing scene that Agatha Christie was part of and show the way the detective and crime novel was being developed in new and meaningful ways. I hope you enjoy this collection of authors to read if you love Agatha Christie!
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Josephine Tey
Writing during the golden age of detective fiction, Josephine Tey is a master of the craft. Despite changing tastes many of her books have stood the test of time. So, if you love Agatha Christie she’s a great alternative. However, whereas one of the comforts of a Christie novel is that her writing follows a ‘pattern’, a story by Josephine Tey isn’t afraid to bend the rules. To delightful effect!
In fact, one of her best books “The Daughter of Time” takes place from a hospital bed and concerns an almost ancient cold case; The Princes in The Tower. Don’t be fooled though, this masterful novel is a gripping read. It was even voted the Greatest Crime Novel of All Time by the Crime Writers Association.
Suggested Books
Inspector Alan Grant investigates the historical mystery of The Princes in The Tower from his hospital bed
A young man impersonates the long-lost heir to an estate, uncovering family secrets and deceit.
Lawyer Robert Blair defends a mother and daughter accused of kidnapping and unravels a complex case of truth and justice.
Mary Stewart
If you want your mystery fiction with a dash of romance then Mary Stewart is for you. Credited with developing the romantic mystery genre, her sweeping, cleverly plotted and fast-paced novels will transport you across Mid-Century Europe. Here lies a world of glittering castles, sparkling seas and callous murderers!
Mary Stewart is a master at setting a scene, her descriptions of Greece, France or even the misty Isle of Skye transport you there. She’s also excellent at, almost imperceptibly, ramping up the tension. If you love a peek behind the glittering façade to the grittier side of humanity then she’s perfect for you.
Suggested Books
A young woman’s new identity begins to unravel when past secrets emerge in this tale of love and betrayal in the English countryside.
An actress gets caught in a mystery on Corfu involving a reclusive actor’s family, leading to a dangerous and gripping adventure.
Murder disrupts a peaceful holiday on the Isle of Skye, as a former actress-turned-detective races to uncover the killer before they strike again.
Margaret Kennedy
I’ve added Margaret Kennedy to this list of 5 authors to read if you love Agatha Christie specifically because of her masterful novel “The Feast”. Here, we are told from the beginning, that a hotel will crumble into the sea, taking with it some of the guests. What follows is an intricate look at the idiosyncrasies of humanity. It’s vanity, betrayals, jealousy, goodness, and hope. Making her a great fit for fans of Agatha Christie who enjoy more character-driven narratives
Beyond “The Feast“, however, Margaret Kennedy is an amazing author with an uncanny ability to capture a time and place. Her writing is marked by wit, intelligence, and a keen sense of irony, exploring complex emotional landscapes. She is perfect for readers seeking stories rich in psychological depth and social nuance.
Suggested Books
Secrets unravel at a hotel by the sea as guests become embroiled in a mystery. Tensions rise at a lavish dinner party – who will survive?
A young man’s rise from humble beginnings to fame and fortune is marked by ambition, love and betrayal.
Two couples’ lives intersect unexpectedly, exploring the complexities of love, marriage and friendship.
Ngaio Marsh
Ngaio Marsh is a must-read for fans of Agatha Christie, renowned for her mastery of the classic crime genre. A New Zealand-born writer, Marsh created the suave and astute Inspector Roderick Alleyn, whose investigations are as much about unravelling human nature as they are about solving murders.
Her novels stand out for their sophisticated plots, rich characterisations, and vivid settings, often drawing on her deep knowledge of the theatre. Like Christie, Marsh skillfully blends suspense with an elegant, old-world charm, making her an essential addition to any mystery lover’s reading list.
Suggested Books
Inspector Alleyn investigates a murder during a weekend house party, uncovering a tangled web of lies and secrets among the guests.
An aristocratic family finds themselves entangled in a murder. Inspector Alleyn must untangle their web of lies to uncover the truth.
Inspector Alleyn delves into the world of High Society to solve the murder of a young debutante, navigating privilege and scandal.
Dorothy L Sayers
Dorothy L. Sayers is a towering figure in classic crime fiction, whose work is a perfect match for Agatha Christie enthusiasts. Best known for her creation of the aristocratic sleuth Lord Peter Wimsey, Sayers’ novels combine intricate plots with literary flair and deep philosophical underpinnings.
More than a mere whodunit, her stories delve into themes of morality, justice, and the human condition. Sayers’ sharp wit, memorable characters, and the richly detailed settings of her mysteries make her a standout in the genre, offering an absorbing reading experience that is sure to keep you wanting more
Suggested Books
Lord Peter Whimsey investigates a mysterious body found in a bathtub, leading to a web of clues and suspects in his debut case.
In a race against time, Lord Peter Whimsey must prove the innocence of a woman accused of poisoning her former lover.
Harriet Vane returns to her alma mater, only to become entangled in a series of mysterious events that only Lord Peter Wimsey can solve.
Are There Any Other Authors to Read if You Love Agatha Christie?
As always when compiling a list like this, it’s impossible to include everyone! The crime and mystery genre is flourishing and full of excellent authors to read if you love Agatha Christie, so it can be tough to narrow it down. Nevertheless, is there anyone you think I should have included? Or are you excited to tackle some new classic doyens of the genre who rank up there with Agatha Christie? I’d love to know!
