This morning I received a letter asking me for some advice. The writer wanted to know which authors she could try who fall in the Agatha Christie "category" (my word, not hers.) I thought that I would write a blog addressing this inquiry, since I have been asked this very same question by several people.
I know that this is presumptuous, but I am guessing that most of us got to be hard-core cozy mystery buffs after we read our first Agatha Christie novel. And, most of us have probably made our way through so many of the Christie novels that we can't remember which is which. Once we have had our Christie fill, there are other authors we can turn to (thank goodness!) The following is a list of authors who I would consider trying out if I were just starting on the cozy mystery route. This is not to say that they are Agatha imitators… by any means! They are just the ones who I would recommend if I really had a love of all things Christie…
(I have added a lot of authors to this list because they have been recommended by Cozy Mystery site readers as belonging on this Authors Similar to Agatha Christie list. I have not read several of these recommended authors. At first I didn't know whether to add them to my list or not, since I couldn't vouch for them. Eventually I added the authors, and hope they truly belong on this list!)
Authors similar to Agatha Christie:
Catherine Aird: Inspector Sloan Mystery Series
Margery Allingham: Albert Campion Mystery Series
M. C. Beaton: Hamish Macbeth Mystery Series
Deborah Crombie: Kincaid & James Mystery Series
Carola Dunn: Daisy Dalrymple Mystery Series
Marjorie Eccles: Gil Mayo Mystery Series
Kathy Lynn Emerson: Lady Susanna Appleton Mystery Series
E. X. Ferrars: Andrew Basnett Mystery Series, Toby Dyke Mystery Series, & Freer Mystery Series
Anthea Fraser: David Webb & Ken Jackson Mystery Series
Dorothy Gilman: Mrs. Pollifax Mystery Series
Caroline Graham: Midsomer Murder Mystery Series
Ann Granger: Markby and Mitchell Mystery Series
Martha Grimes: Jury & Plant Mystery Series
Georgette Heyer: Superintendent Hannasyde Mystery Series
Hazel Holt: Mrs. Malory Mystery Series
P. D. James: Inspector Adam Dalgliesh Mystery Series
Ngaio Marsh: Inspector Roderick Alleyn Mystery Series
Jill McGown: Lloyd & Hill Mystery Series
Gladys Mitchell: Mrs. Bradley Mystery Series
Stuart Palmer: Hildegarde Withers Mystery Series
Louise Penny: Three Pines Mystery Series
Ellis Peters: Brother Cadfael Mystery Series
Ruth Rendell: Inspector Wexford Mystery Series
Dorothy L. Sayers: Lord Peter Wimsey Mystery Series
Georges Simenon: Inspector Maigret Mystery Series
Dorothy Simpson: Inspector Luke Thanet Mystery Series
Rex Stout: Nero Wolfe Mystery Series
Josephine Tey: Scotland Yard Inspector Mystery Alan Grant
Patricia Wentworth: Miss Maud Silver Mystery Series
Please post your recommendations of authors who are similar to Agatha Christie, and I will add them to the list.
♦To access more Cozy Mysteries by Theme click on this link.♦
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Yep, yep, yep! I collect Martha Grimes and love Ellis Peters’ Brother Cadfael series. I didn’t know Midsomer Murders was a book series. Thankin’ you! PD James is the queen of English Mystery and I truly adore listening to the Hamish Macbeth stories. Thanks for this! -V-
I believe Patricia Wentworth should be added to the list. She wrote cozy British mysteries during the same era as Christie.
Thanks for the list, there are several authors here I need to sample. I am already on a mission to get the whole Nero Wolfe series; so far, I’ve made it about halfway …
Julie,
Thanks for reminding me about Patricia Wentworth. I am going to go add her right now.
Chris,
I’m so glad that you have found some new authors to sample… and what a great way of putting it.
You’re way ahead of me with the Nero Wolfe books… That’s a lot of reading!
Thank you for this topic. Christie-type mysteries are still my favorites. Do add E.X.Ferrars, Marjorie Eccles, and Deborah Crombie to the list. They will please anyone who loves Christie.
There are others but I’m going to have to think a while.
IMO, Caroline Graham is the best writer of English “village” mysteries since Christie. Stunningly good books! I wish she were more prolific.
Thank you so much Phoebe! When trying to pick and choose authors on the site for different mystery theme categories, I always have a feeling that I am missing one or two, so readers’ suggestions are always welcome!
I said I had more. Not all, as you say, Christie clones, but all absorbing, civilized, literate, well-plotted, philosophically insightful English mysteries.
Simon Brett‘s "Fethering" series, Michael Gilbert (His "Smallbone Deceased" is a classic of classics), Peter Lovesey (Peter Diamond series Great!) Colin Dexter, of course Josephine Tey (Just 7, I think, books. She died too soon.) I have more, I’m sure. Stay tuned.
How could I have forgotten Peter Robinson‘s "Inspector Banks" series?? Not a bad one in the bunch.
I think you should add Georgette Heyer to your list of authors similar to Agatha Christie. Her mysteries are currently out of print, but easy to find on used book sites. Also, Kerry Greenwood‘s Phryne Fisher series is really excellent – she even names a character Mary St. Mead in tribute to Agatha!!
I think Ian McShane’s ‘Lovejoy’ series fits this ‘category’, too — English village life, clever plotting, interesting clues, eccentric characters. And, though they are not precisely mysteries, the ‘No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency’ series, the ‘Sunday Philosophy Club’ series, and the ‘Portuguese Irregular Verbs’ series, all by Alexander McCall Smith, share many characteristics with cozy mysteries and are absolutely delicious reads!
Thank you, Cyndi, for the great suggestions! I love Smith’s novels… especially the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. Have you tried his 44 Scotland Street books? (Actually, the 44 Scotland are right up there with the Mma Ramotswe books… very different but also very enjoyable.)
Ann Purser has written a new Lois Meade mystery due out in Nov., called ‘Warning at One’. Does anyone know what it is about and if there will be more?
Hi Dora,
I went to Ann Purser’s website and read that she is starting a new series: the Lois Meade Mystery Series. Now that all seven of the days of the week are used up in Purser’s Days of the Week Mystery Series, she is starting the new series which will have Lois and her family, as well as some of the villagers from her first series.
How about Josephine Tey?
Thank you, Colette, for recommending Josephine Tey for this theme. I have added her to the list.
I recommend Dorothy Simpson’s Insp. Luke Thanet series to be added to the Agatha Christie type list. This author was a delightful “find” for me at the used book store. I recommend them highly.
Thanks, Stefanie, for reminding me to include Dorothy Simpson.
Definitely try Louise Penny and her Armand Gamache series, set in Quebec. You will love the world you are drawn into while reading her books.
Thanks for the recommendation, Toni!
I think you will want to move to the village of Three Pines outside of Quebec after reading these Gamache novels. Also, don’t forget the great Robert Barnard, especially “The Masters of the House,” a great story.
How about Carolyn Hart? Her Death on Demand series is great and even includes one novel called “The Christie Caper” in honer of the Queen of Crime.
Thank you, Pat…
Danna – I absolutely loved “The Christie Caper!!” I picked it up because of the title and have been hooked on Carolyn Hart ever since.
Has anyone mentioned Margaret Yorke? I just discovered her. She writes village mysteries and reminds me of Ruth Rendell’s social psychological outlook, though not as bizarre.
Thanks, Zoe, for telling us about Margaret Yorke. I have just added her to my list of authors to do.
Thanks, again….
I have been through all of the Janet Evanovich, Cynthia Riggs, Donald Westlake, Anne George, Dorothy Gilman, Carolyn Hart, Rex Stout, Carl Hiaasan, can anyone recommend more comic mysteries? I love them and devour them!
Maura,
I am working on a blog that will have some names for you… I will probably have it done by this Wednesday, the 25th.
Hopefully some site readers will have recommendations, also.
I am of a certain age (I have had this legal assistant job for 33 years last Monday, if that tells you anything)and I love to read. After a day of listening to whining clients and unhappy coworkers it is nice to sit down with a good murder mystery. At least you can shut the book if you are tired of it. Ha ha. Married to my childhood sweetheart, Mother of two sons, one in Nebraska and one in California, Grandmother of 5, greatgrandmother of two, love to quilt, read, garden, play cards with my friends, cook and eat. I thought your cozy mystery information was right up to date and you also put in all of my favorite authors. I will use your guide when I go to the library. I grew up on Nancy Drew, the Dana girls, the Hardy Boys and Agatha Christie. Along with the L. Frank Baum Oz series and the one about Freddy the Pig who talked to the other animals, can’t remember the series now, another senior moment. Thank you again for your wonderful information and I look forward to any updates.
Hi Pam,
Welcome to the site!
Your “senior moment” got me thinking…. Sounds like Bean Farm…where Freddy the Pig (and his friends) resided… by Walter R. Brooks. What a series!
Would I be out-of-line in suggesting Stuart Palmer (unless he is somewhere on your list and I’ve missed him)? I adore Miss Withers, especially as played in the movies by Edna May Oliver.
Hi Bill,
Thanks for telling us about the Miss Withers movies with Edna May Oliver. I am going to be on the lookout for them!
Stuart Palmer is on the site, but I’m glad you missed them so that I don’t miss the movies!
Thanks again!
For a comical author, Dorothy Cannell is a hoot. Set in England and the heroine is Elly Haskell. Also, the author who writes the “Burglar” books – for the moment I cannot remember the name of the author. All titles start “The Burglar who…”
Thanks, Donna. Lawrence Block is the author you are thinking of… the Bernie Rhodenbarr Series…
Hi all,
I just stumbled onto this list and am thrilled. I have been a fan of crime novels for years. Most of the authors mentioned are known to me. May I add:
Elizabeth Corley, Sarah Rayne and Kate Ellis?
Hi Ellen,
Welcome to the site, and I’m glad to add the three mystery book authors you mentioned to my list of authors to do.
I don’t see Charles Todd listed among your Agatha clones. I discovered them this summer and lost myself in the eleven Inspector Ian Rutledge mysteries set just after WW1. Totally gripping. Also the stand-alone mystery, The Murder Stone–quite unique I think.
Thanks, Peg, for adding Charles Todd to our list of “Agatha clones!”
I am so glad I discovered your website, I’ve read all of Agatha Christie’s books and I love listening to them read to me when I get home after a long day at work…I’ve been struggling to find an english village ms. marple type mystery series and with your list I will happily spend my time discovering new authors and characters…I’ve read all of Sherlock Holmes as well. Thank you for this wonderful website!
Welcome to the site, Venise! AND I hope that you are able to find some new Miss Marple substitutes!
Re: comic mysteries may I recommend Myron Bolitar series by Harlan Coben- I am not a sports fan (unless you include the lifting of fork to mouth a sport) but theses are funny- I think you will enjoy the sarcastic humour.
Thanks, Mary!
A good Ms Marple type is Mrs Jeffries. She and her housekeeping staff ‘help’ Inspector Whitherspoon solve crimes in Victorian London.
I’ve just read a very satisfying Christie-esque murder mystery called The Affair of the Bloodstained Egg Cosy by James Anderson. It had all the necessary ingredients and the hidden x-factor so often missing but which Christie always delivered – the quirky policeman, the country house, the dinner party, the huge lot of suspects – just loved it. Have to recommend to all. I am now buying the next 2 in the series tout suite!!
Thank you, Sally, for telling us about James Anderson. Sounds very cozy!
I’m just finding this wonderful website and hope it isn’t too late to add a few more favorites to the list. While they wouldn’t all be called “cozies”, they are definitely the same type of read:
Elizabeth Peters – Amanda Peabody series. These are not cozies but anyone who likes Christie should love these. They are my all time favorites and sometimes laugh-out-loud funny. I also love her Vickie Bliss series.
Edmund Crispin is one of my all time favorites and very funny as well.
V. C. Clinton-Baddeley, sadly I believe his books are out of print now but easily obtainable and well worth it. I think he only wrote 4 or 5 books. These are not funny but they are definitely in the cozy genre.
Michael Bond who wrote the Paddington Bear series also gave us the wonderful Monsieur Pamplemousse series a wonderfully comic mystery series.
Great site! Thank you for this! I recommend Georgette Heyer. She’s also funny, or at least lighthearted.
Thank you, Julie… I’m glad you’re enjoying the site, and also, thanks for reminding us about Georgette Heyer. I will go and add her to the Authors Similar to Agatha Christie list right now!
I like Louise Penny. Her mysteries progress through dialog rather than lengthy narratives…(which is one of the many reasons I love Agatha Christie). The stories take place in a French Canadian village called Three Pines. They are actually contemporary, but as you investigate each murder you must, on occasion, remind yourself that you are in North America and not St Mary Mead.
Thank you, Catherine, for telling us about Louise Penny’s similarities with Agatha Christie.
Shouldn’t Hazel Holt’s name also be on this list?
Thanks.
Thanks, Harold, for telling us about this list’s new addition!
What about Stuart Palmer’s Hildegarde Withers mysteries?
Terrific idea, Tara. Thank you for reminding me about Stuart Palmer. His Hildegarde Withers Mystery Series is actually one that I follow…
Hi, Danna
Thank you for this wonderful site and all the work you’ve put into it! Have you considered H. C. Bailey’s Dr. Reggie Fortune books?
Thank you, Mary, for telling us about H. C. Bailey’s Dr. Reggie Fortune mysteries. (This is the first time I have heard about him.)
I DO TRY OTHER AUTHORS BUT NOT HAD MUCH SUCCESS THANKYOU
Thanks so much for this listing! I listen to audio-stories ALL the time (instead of TV), and prefer ‘cozy’ mysteries, and was running out of authors! If you like mysteries set in older times, I suggest Anne Perry (she has 2 different murder series – the Inspector Pitt one is my favorite); Marion Chesney (the Edwardian Murder Mystery series); also M.C Beaton writes an Agatha Raisin series which is entertaining. I hesitate to suggest some of my other favorites, because I’m not sure that they ‘read’ as well as they ‘listen’ in audio-plays. But for anyone who listens to stories: Elizabeth Peters – Amelia Peabody series (they are read by Barbara Rosenblat – the best in the biz!), her Vickki Bliss series is good too, and BR’s reading of it is hilarious; Alexander McCall Smith – #1 Ladies Detective Agency (slow-paced but entertaining); Lillian Jackson Braun – ‘The Cat Who’ series – all read by George Guidell (the best male reader). I could definitely bring more to mind if anyone was interested.
Thank you, Donna! I love audio books. Please tell us about some of your other favorites. I think there are quite a few of us who enjoy listening to our Cozy Mysteries.
Here are a list of my favorite narrators:
Wonderful Narrators of Books On Tape Pt. 1
Great Narrators of Books On Tape Pt. 2
Terrific Narrators of Books On Tape Pt. 3
Books On Tape
I got a book from Mary Roberts Rinehart mixed with my Agatha Christie collection and it took me a few chapters to realise it was not an agatha christie !
I specially like her Miss pinkerton series. It is set in America but you can’t really tell. It’s in the old days, and people are rich and they have servants and gardeners. To me, it feels like the same ambiance as the agatha christies.
Loved this page, was just what I was looking for…
we have this great Oxfam book store, with loads of old books, and I discovered Erle Stanley Gardner & the great Perry Mason series. Great read!
Thanks, Michelle, I’m glad you enjoyed this Authors Similar to Agatha Christie page.
I just listened to all of the Anna Katharine Green mysteries that Librivox had recorded, and they are awesome. She was a Victorian writer, and the first real American detective novelist, and as such influenced Christie’s works. She has several interesting detectives, such as Inspector Gryce and his protegee Sweetwater, and a nosy spinster name Amelia Butterworth. Very much worth reading or listening to.
Thanks, Marcia, for telling us about Anna Katharine Green. I just went to her Wikipedia page, and cannot believe I had never heard of her. She truly was a leading contributor of what was to become today’s mystery novel.