Crime, Mystery, Thriller
- Crime novels focus on the planning or commiting of a crime and details of the criminal underworld.
- Mystery novels highlight a detective solving a crime and the clues found along the way.
- Thriller/suspense novels include crimes, detectives, criminals, motives and gradually heighten the suspense and anxiety as the story progresses.
Below is a list of authors and series to get readers started.
For a more individualized recommendation call the Reference Desk at 860-793-1446 x.4 or stop by the Library.
Cozy Mysteries
Do not include gory details, no graphic violence or profanity
The crime solver is usually a woman with no formal training
Fun to read, include food, knitting, animals, hobbies, etc.
- Aunt Dimity series by Nancy Atherton
- Mrs. Jeffries series by Emily Brightwell
- Cat Who... series by Lilian Jackson
- Coffeehouse mysteries by Cleo Coyle
- Hannah Swensen series by Joanne Fluke
- Tea Shop series by Laura Childs
- Hamish Macbeth series by M.C. Beaton
- Goldy Bear series by Diane Mott Davidson
- SHERLOCK HOLMES BOOKSHOP MYSTERY by Vicki Delany
LIGHTHOUSE LIBRARY MYSTERY Series by Eva Gates
Psychological Thrillers
Told through the viewpoint of a psychologically stressed character.
Novels generally include horror and terror elements with more disturbing scenarios.
- Nicci French
- Jonathan Kellerman
- Stephen King
- Ruth Ware (psychological crime thriller)
- B.A. Paris (psychological thriller)
Political Thrillers
A political powerstuggle which may include elements of terrorism, corruption,
organized crime, warfare, violence.
Can be based on true facts or conspiracy theories.
Popular Series:
- Jack Ryan series by Tom Clancy (espionage, military)
- Spenser series by Robert B. Parker (detective mystery)
- Prey series by John Sandford (police procedural)
- You series by Caroline Kepnes (thriller; Netflix series)
- Joe Pickett series by C.J. Box (mysteries set in the Western U.S.)
- Bourne series by Robert Ludlum (political thriller)
- Jack Reacher series by Lee Child (military/political thriller)
- Easy Rawlins series by Walter Mosley (detective mysteries)
- Robert Langdon series by Dan Brown (religious iconology mysteries)
- Cormoran Strike series by Robert Galbraith (detective mysteries)
- Dublin Murder Squad series by Tana French (psychological suspense)
- Alex Cross series by James Patterson (detective mysteries)
- King & Maxwell series by David Baldacci (crime novels/secret service agents)
- Det. Gamache series by Louise Penny (detective mysteries in a small town)
- Longmire series by Craig Johnson (Wyoming sheriff mysteries; Netflix series)
- Cotton Malone series by Steve Berry (spy/political thriller)
- Mitch Rapp series by Vince Flynn (political thriller)
Popular Authors: Search Them
using our catalog.
- Clive Cussler (thrillers with maritime themes)
- Stuart Woods (action mysteries)
- Jeffery Deaver (forensic mysteries)
- Amanda Quick (historical romantic suspense)
- Lisa Gardner (suspense/thrillers)
- Jo Nesbo (crime)
- John Grisham (legal thrillers)
- Randy Wayne White (crime featuring marine biologist)
- Karen Slaughter (crime)
- Chris Bohjalian The Flight Attendant
- Lucy Foley The Hunting Party
- Shari Lapena The Couple Next Door
Not sure where to start? Try these...
- Darkness by Ragnar Jonasson (Scandinavian Crime Fiction/Thriller)
- Two Days Gone by Randall Silvis (Police Procedural/Psychological Mystery)
- Murder at the Mill by M.B. Shaw (Cozy Mystery)
- The Dinner by Herman Koch (Psychological Suspense)
- The Switch by Joseph Finder (Political Thriller)