Fans of Sherlock Holmes: 15 Recommendations For Detective Book Lovers

It is obvious that there are many fans of Sherlock Holmes around the world. This fictional character was first introduced by Sir Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle in 1887. Since then many books, movies and TV series has portrayed this character differently. Some of those recreation or adaptation has helped us like this character even more. So for all the fans of Sherlock Holmes out there, we have some awesome recommendation of detective books. These 15 recommendations for detective book lovers is what we think is worth reading.

And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie

This is a classic of murder mystery fiction – it follows ten guests on the island of Devon, each harbouring a secret. As the host goes missing and a nursery rhyme appears on the mansion walls, one by one they are all murdered. This book has neither of Christie’s most famous detectives – but it still hits the mark as always.

The Adventures of Feluda by Satyajit Ray

Veteran Bengali filmmaker Ray is credited with the creation of our very own Indian version of Sherlock Holmes – Feluda. This volume is a collection of several of his short stories featuring the hero, much like Holmes. They are also narrated by the detective’s cousin cum assistant, just like Watson! The plots also involve, murders, crimes and the like, which is perfect for Holmes lovers.

The Cook of Halcyon by Andrea Camilleri

This is an Inspector Montalbano mystery, featuring a dockyard and its owner, Giovanny, a deserted ship, a suicide and a murder. This book will leave you breathless and wanting more, just like Holmes.

The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler

This is one of the most popular books in the Detective Philip Marlowe series, and follows the detective as he is hired by General Sherwood to investigate the murder of his son. But instead of a missing persons case, he ahs on his hand three murders. He is pulled into a world of crime, and the events that follow will blow you your mind.

The Darkest Evening by Ann Cleeves

This is the ninth book in the Vera Stanhope series. It follows the homebound Vera, who takes a wrong turn and finds an abandoned car with a crying infant in its back. Vera takes the baby to her ancestral home, where a party rages on, unaware of a dead woman outside. Vera attempts to link the two and solve the mystery, while uncovering the secrets of her own past.

The Detective by Roderick Thorpe

As the title suggests, this book follows the Detective Joe Leland, whom the widowed McIvor hires to fish out secrets buried in her husband’s past. In the process, he interviews McIvor’s first wife, his mother and more, discovering unknown links and shocking facts.

Strong Poison by Dorothy Sayers

This novel features a mystery novelist turned detective, Harriet Vane, who knows everything about poison. When her fiancé dies exactly like the protagonist of one of her books, she must escape the noose of the murderer, while also trying to find out who did it and why.

Picture Imperfect by Sharadbindu Bandyopadhyay

Bakshi is a legendary Indian-Bengali detective who uses forensic science, acute observation and impeccable logical reasoning to solve his mysteries. Chronicled by friend Ajit, this story attempts to link a murder mystery with a stolen group photograph and a romantic couple.

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

Considered a classic of detective fiction, and also ventures into the psychological horror genre. It follows a man with a split personality disorder and features a gruesome crime.

The Bombay Prince by Sujata Massey

The third book in the Parveen Mistry series is a treat for booklovers. This historical fiction cum mystery series follows the life and adventures of Parveen Mistry in the early 1900s Bombay. This third book in particular, is the story of the murder of a girl student in Bombay. At the same time, riots ravage the city which is rising in protest to the colonial rule as Prince Edward arrives in the city. With a high tension storyline that captures the spirit of  both Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes and Indian culture, this one deserves to be on your shelf.

Brighton Rock by Graham Greene

This is a murder mystery of Charles Hale, a journalist which follows a host of interesting characters such as Rose, a waitress and gangsters.

Malice in Wonderland by HP Malorie

This is a book in the Dulcie O’Neill series where Dulcie has to face the fact that her father is an enemy of the law. The added twist to the tale is that Dulcie is a fairy, which adds a fun element to a serious detective story.

The Murder At The Vicarage

This is a Miss Marple mystery, which follows the murder of Colonel Protheroe, which his clergyman discovers. But soon Miss Marple figures out that everyone in the village has a motive to kill the Colonel, and a thrilling Sherlock-esque mystery ensues.

The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett

This novel is the story of a weird mystery where Miss Wonderley hires Sam Spade to track down her missing sister. However, Wonderley isn’t who she appears to be, and is in fact extremely dangerous. Spade on the other hand, is not entangled personally in this mystery. It will definitely stay at the back of your mind, even when you aren’t reading.

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

This is one of the earliest detective novels ever written, and follows Rachel Verinder who has inherited a beautiful diamond from her uncle. This precious diamond gets stolen during her birthday party and what ensues is a complex plot featuring detectives, mysteries and more. Written in epistolary form, this novel takes place in colonial India, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the story.

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