This subgenre is characterized by an investigator – whether professional or amateur – who is trying to solve a mystery. The key difference between detective fiction and police procedurals is a lack of direct ties to the police. Detective fiction showcases an investigator who runs a detective agency of sorts, and who may work with the police, but not for them.
Hawthorne & Horowitz Series, Book 1
The Word Is Murder
Anthony Horowitz
SHE PLANNED HER OWN FUNERAL. BUT DID SHE ARRANGE HER OWN MURDER? New York Times bestselling author of Magpie Murders and Moriarty, Anthony Horowitz has yet again brilliantly reinvented the classic crime novel, this time writing a fictional version of
Read More View in CatalogLincoln Rhyme Series, Book 1
The Bone Collector
Jeffery Deaver
Lincoln Rhyme was once a brilliant criminologist, a genius in the field of forensics—until an accident left him physically and emotionally shattered. But now a diabolical killer is challenging Rhyme to a terrifying and ingenious duel of wits. With
Read More View in CatalogRobert Langdon Series, Book 1
Angels & Demons
Dan Brown
This is the book that started it all: we meet Robert Langdon for the first time, caught up in a race against time to find an apocalyptic time-bomb, planted by an ancient secret society that has surfaced to carry out its ultimate threat: to destroy th
Read More View in CatalogJack Reacher Series, Book 1
Killing Floor
Lee Child
Ex-military policeman Jack Reacher is a drifter. He’s just passing through Margrave, Georgia, and in less than an hour, he’s arrested for murder. Not much of a welcome. All Reacher knows is that he didn’t kill anybody. At least not here. Not la
Read More View in CatalogAlex Cross Series, Book 1
Along Came a Spider
James Patterson
The legendary thriller that launched the Alex Cross phenomenon Adapted into a major Hollywood movie starring Morgan Freeman _________________________________ Two children have been kidnapped from an elite private school in Washington DC, and Detectiv
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Murder Book
Thomas Perry
When a sudden crime wave hits several small midwestern towns, the U.S. Attorney for the region calls on Harry Duncan to investigate. An ex-cop known for his unorthodox methods, Duncan is reluctant to go up against a widespread criminal organization-b
Read More View in CatalogThe Angel Maker
Alex North
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Whisper Man and The Shadows comes a dark, suspenseful new thriller about the mysteries of fate, the unbreakable bond of siblings, and a notorious serial killer who was said to know the future. Growing
Read More View in CatalogMillennium Series, Book 1
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
Stieg Larsson
Murder mystery, family saga, love story, and financial intrigue combine into one satisfyingly complex and entertainingly atmospheric novel, the first in Stieg Larsson's thrilling Millenium series featuring Lisbeth Salander. Harriet Vanger, a sci
Read More View in CatalogKinsey Millhone Series, Book 1
"A" is for Alibi
Sue Grafton
A IS FOR AVENGER A tough-talking former cop, private investigator Kinsey Millhone has set up a modest detective agency in a quiet corner of Santa Teresa, California. A twice-divorced loner with few personal possessions and fewer personal attachments,
Read More View in CatalogIn Death Series, Book 1
Naked in Death
J. D. Robb
Eve Dallas, a New York police lieutenant, is in over her head when she breaks the rules and falls in love with a suspect in her most recent case.
View in CatalogKay Scarpetta Series, Book 1
Postmortem
Patricia Cornwell
Under cover of night in Richmond, Virginia, a human monster strikes, leaving a gruesome trail of stranglings that has paralyzed the city. Medical examiner Kay Scarpetta suspects the worst: a deliberate campaign by a brilliant serial killer whose sign
Read More View in CatalogMary Russel & Sherlock Holmes Series, Book 1
The Beekeeper's Apprentice
Laurie R. King
A chance meeting with a Sussex beekeeper turns into a pivotal, personal transformation when fifteen-year-old Mary Russell discovers that the beekeeper is the reclusive, retired detective Sherlock Holmes, who soon takes on the role of mentor and teach
Read More View in CatalogSusan Ryeland Series, Book 1
Magpie Murders
Anthony Horowitz
When editor Susan Ryeland is given the manuscript of Alan Conway’s latest novel, she has no reason to think it will be much different from any of his others. Yes, there are dead bodies and a host of intriguing suspects, but the more Susan reads, th
Read More View in CatalogAaron Falk Series, Book 1
The Dry
Jane Harper
After getting a note demanding his presence, Federal Agent Aaron Falk arrives in his hometown for the first time in decades to attend the funeral of his best friend, Luke. Twenty years ago when Falk was accused of murder, Luke was his alibi. Falk and
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