Any Adam Dagliesh mystery by PD James. But my favorite book of hers is An Unsuitable Job for a Woman featuring Cordelia Grey. Any book by PD James really is quintessential British mystery.
I’ve discovered a series of British police procedurals from the 1970s that are being republished by Farrago Books UK that I just love, written by Colin Watson. Very witty.
Ellis Peters has the scholarly part down, but a more contemplative feel. Georgette Heyer. Why Shoot A Butler is one of my favorites. Yes, she is better known for her Regency romances, but I prefer her mystery novels.
Oh… Oh… I love British Mysteries… I don’t know if I can choose just one. Anything by Agatha Christie… Sherlock Holmes of course…. Inspector Morse books… Oh gosh… there are so many that are so good!!! Inspector Rutledge series is set in England, but not written by a Brit. I suppose if a gun were put to my head and I was forced to choose… I’d choose anything by Agatha Christie.
Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series by Anne Perry. If possible, start with the first one. I haven’t started the Monk series, but will after I finish this one.
I agree Louise Penny is an excellent mystery writer and also one of my favourites. However she is Canadian and her mystery series is set in Quebec. Highly recommended to anyone who hasn’t read her books.
@Sandra is that on my TV with Roku or do I have to order it? Or can it be ordered on my phone? Not sure I’d want to watch it on my phone, I do have a kindle fire I watch Netflix on and all my books from my old Kindle I’ve moved to my ipad, would like to consolidate them on one device but really techno-illiterate, do you have any suggestions?
@Sandra thank you for info, I don’t have a computer or lap top, enjoy Netflix on tv or the Kindle fire, would like my books on the K. Fire, my IPad is getting old but so far no trouble with my books, I use my phone for all other things, can I watch movies on my phone, do you know?
I also loved the Tommy & Tuppence series. The fifth in the series is a little rambly since she had some serious dementia going on at that time. But, the others are great.
John le carre, John le carre and John le carre. Within fiction, other authors often reference him. Several films made. George smiley in cold war, then social justice fiction.
Too many to list. I love Tana French;s Murder Squad Mysteries, all of the Peter May books, Kate Atkinson, Sophie Hannah, Nicci French – so so many British authors, I could pick only one. However, if I had to pick just one I guess it would be Tana French’s In The Woods.
I just finshed MAGPIE MURDERS by Anthony Horowitz and can’t wait to read more by him. Delightful and fun read, plus I didn’t figure it out until the very end. very engaging writer.
So many good prospects in the mysteries of Ruth Rendell, P. D. James, and Dorothy Simpson. However, the detective work of Sgt. Havers and Inspector Lynley, as written by Elizabeth George, wins my vote for favorite in the British mystery genre.
I adore Dorothy Sayers, and while I think everything she wrote is great, I always recommend “Nine Tailors” or “Gaudy Night”. Theye land fairly square in the middle of the series, but thats okay.
I love the Murder on the Mauretania series by Conrad Allen. He is really Keith Miles and also writes as Edward Marston, A.E. Marston, Martin Inigo, David Garland, Christopher T. Mountjoy
So many British mysteries…I can’t pick just one! This is probably my favorite genre! My most recent favorite was The Death of Mrs. Westaway, by Ruth Ware. It was a throwback-type mystery, a cross between Agatha Christie and Rebecca (by Daphne du Maurier…is that considered a mystery? If so, it is one of my favorites)!
Gosh, I can’t even concentrate on ONE author! I love Agatha Christie, Marjorie Allingham, Dorothy L. Sayers. I love the Cadfael mysteries, the Dame Frevisse mysteries, the Joliffe mysteries. And more….
Always loved her since the 80s, a friend turned me on to her and so many great writers…I’ll always be grateful to her, never recommended anything but great reads…any literary question I asked her, she knew
Too many wonderful titles. Discovered Reginald Hill’s ON BEULAH HEIGHT on a short best mystery list along with the John Madden mysteries by Rennie Airth
Oh, how about Susan Hill? She had a great detective series going – detective was Simon Serailler (sp?) Can’t think of the titles just now, but look her up. I love them and hope the series will eventually continue. Also, Peter Robinson. I seek out British mysteries and detective series. Elizabeth Geroge is still one o fthe best – her latest books is excellent.
Cormoran Strike… By Robert Galbraith also known as J.K. Rowlingsand…The Cuckoo’s Calling, Silkworm and Career of Evil. Also books by Elizabeth Geogre…Thomas Lynley series.
@Roberta I think the WWI series needs to be read in order. Her other series, not so much, but there is a lot of back history sometimes . . . and if you’re familiar with that, yes, it might make a difference. She has a stand-alone book called The Sheen on the Silk, which takes place in the 1200s in Constantinople. I didn’t think I’d care for it, but I LOVE IT – it is my favorite book of hers.
The Ellie Haskell series by Dorothy Cannell. I remember reading one in particular, “How to Murder the Man of Your Dreams,” that made me laugh out loud.
I find Agatha Christie hard to read because of the racist comments sprinkled throughout. It was acceptable at the time but many descriptions of characters are appalling.
@Luann Yes, the introduction of new characters every chapter was a little weird but as you say once you got to know everyone it really got going. I liked that she showed the diversity of life in England. The junkie Mom was harrowing and her sketchy boyfriend if I remember correctly?
I like Agatha in small doses, not binge reading the series. Have you seen the tv series that is on Acorn TV? I liked her Scottish Highlands policeman Hamish McBeth much better!
Can’t pick just one – but I love Elly Griffith’s Ruth Galloway series. Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad series. Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series is new but I love what I’ve read so far. And yes, And Then There Were None – I read it years ago, just listened to it today and could NOT remember whodunnit. Brilliant.
My three favorite are Colin Dexter, Reginald Hill, and Elizabeth George. I have to mention a book I loved (the character lived in Scotland but moved to VA). Anyway it’s If I’d Killed Him When I Met Him by S. McCrumb. This is my favorite mystery Title!
Phil Rickman, he is generally classified as horror but the books in his Merrily Watkins series all contain mysteries. He is perfect for lovers of both mystery and horror.
Dorothy L. Sayers and Lord Peter Whimsy in Cloud of Witness. I haven’t read DLS in a long time. He and his faithful servant Bunter May now look ridiculous against today’s social milieu. Bunter was like Norm on This Old House as the one who actually got things done, elegantly.
The Inspector Lynley Mysteries by Elizabeth George. Though she is American, her stories are very British. She is obviously a devoted Anglophile. I love the main female character, quirky Inspector Barbara Havers.
Christopher Fowler’s Bryant and May series.
I like these so much that I read them again and again.
Murder at Honeychurch Hall by Hannah Dennison… the whole series is terrific.
Recently loved Magpie Murders by Anthony Horowitz.
Have heard of this series and will now try one of the books 🙂
I was expecting to like it more than I actually did… Probably because I thought it was going to be as clever as Agatha Christie ?♀️.
Heathery Lynne Yes, it picks up.
The Maisie Dobbs series
Yes!
????????
Midsommer Murders, Miss Marple series and the Faith Martin series.
The Fethering Mystery Series by Simon Brett
I love the Peter Wimsey books by Dorothy Sayers.
Any Sherlock Holmes novel.
Adam Dalgliesh series by PD James
Is Luther considered British? If so that’s mine!
CADFAEL mysteries by ellis peters/edith pargeter
The Castle of Adventure by Enid Blyton.
Ruth Rendell’s THE KILLING DOLL.
Flying Finish by Dick Francis
I love the Mary Russell series by Laurie R King. Also, anything by Charles Todd
Maisie Dobbs series
A Morbid Taste for Bones – and all of Ellis Peters
Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynly series
Loving these!
??????
Dorothy Sayers and her Peter Wimsey.
Agatha Christie Hercules Poirot
Agatha Christy Hercule Peurot
Any Agatha Christie and Dick Francis books.
Felix Francis is also doing a good job.
@Barbara Any relation?
@Donna son
He speaks in the same voice.
Any Adam Dagliesh mystery by PD James. But my favorite book of hers is An Unsuitable Job for a Woman featuring Cordelia Grey. Any book by PD James really is quintessential British mystery.
I’ve discovered a series of British police procedurals from the 1970s that are being republished by Farrago Books UK that I just love, written by Colin Watson. Very witty.
Agatha Christie. Kate Atkinson, Ann Cleeves
Dame Agatha’s books.
Agatha Christie!
The Charles Lenox series and the Flavia de Luce series (also concur with the Poirot and Maisie Dobbs fans)
I agree with all of yours !!!
Any of the Dalziel & Pascoe books by the late Reginald Hill; also newer books by Tana French, set in Ireland.
Just finished my first Tana French novel last night. “in The Woods” – outstanding !
And wanted to add, new books by Peter May. https://www.bookseriesinorder.com/peter-may/
@Mark I’ll check this out. Thanks for sharing the recommendation!!
Too many to count! No one does mysteries like the Brits!
I agree with Andrea
The Cormoran Strike novels. Specifically Career of Evil. Creepy and fast paced.
I have never read Agatha Christie. Where to begin?
Any Hercule Poirot book
The Mystery at Stiles. First Poirot starts there and the last Poirot( about 25+ stories later) ends there.
Yes – start with the first Hercule Poirot book – “The Mysterious Affair at Styles.” Another favorite of mine is “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.”
@Laurie thanks…l couldn’t exactly remember that book title and too lazy to look it up!!!!
@Marcia I have them all lined up on a shelf, so I can’t easily forget 🙂
@Laurie mine are in another room…
@Laurie what about Christie’s stand alones? Which would you recommend.
@Patricia the man in the brown suit OR the crooked house.
@Marcia thank you. I will look for these.
Elly Griffiths’ books.
Agatha christie
Anything by Agatha Christie, P. D. James, or Dick Francis (while he was still alive).
Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lindsey. Even though she is not British. But the scenery is!!!
So many authors….so many books…. love it!
Pride and Prejudice AND Emma. Know you didn’t ask for two. Couldn’t help the lack of following directions.
Small quibble… while those are both great British novels, they are not mystery novels.
My favorite genre!!! Christie is #1!
My favorite genre as well!!
All of Agatha Christie!!
So many……
Sherlock Holmes
Laurie R King’s Mary Russell series, starting with The Beekeeper’s Apprentice.
The Peter Wimsey-Harriet Vane novels of Dorothy L. Sayers
Are there any similar types of writers? I love her Books, but they have been read to shreds.
Ellis Peters has the scholarly part down, but a more contemplative feel. Georgette Heyer. Why Shoot A Butler is one of my favorites. Yes, she is better known for her Regency romances, but I prefer her mystery novels.
So many…
Speaking of Dick Francis, Straight has one of the all-time great openings: “I inherited my brother’s life and it almost killed me.”
I love Dick Francis as well. Have all of his books. “In the Frame” is one of my favorites.
Any book by Anne Perry.
All of the Brother Cadfael books by Ellis Peters.
Sherlock Holmes, of course. He started it .
Doyle continued this fabulous genre. But Wilkie Collins actually started it earlier in the 1800’s.
I also like Georgette Heyer’s mystery novels.
Ian Rankine
Rankin ?
.. just finished a good read .. ‘The Taxidermist’s Daughter’ by Kate Mosse .. set in Sussex, in 1912 .. 🙂
Agatha Christie’s “The Moving Finger.”
Sherlock Holmes, definitely
The Moonstone or The Lady in White by Wilkie Collins
The Woman in White is one of THE BEST!! Also love The Moonstone.
I read the Moonstone and now I will have to track down the Lady in White.
My absolute favorites! You can see how much they paved the way for others!
@Debbie you will love it!
@Debbie Your library should have The Woman in White. And several versions are available on amazon.
Oh… Oh… I love British Mysteries… I don’t know if I can choose just one. Anything by Agatha Christie… Sherlock Holmes of course…. Inspector Morse books… Oh gosh… there are so many that are so good!!! Inspector Rutledge series is set in England, but not written by a Brit. I suppose if a gun were put to my head and I was forced to choose… I’d choose anything by Agatha Christie.
And Then There Were None by. Agatha Christie.
Anything by PD James. Also love Agatha Christie.
Anything by Ruth Rendell
Exciting to see all the Agatha Christie and Dorothy L Sayers fans!! ONE of my favorites is Wilkie Collins’ “The Woman in White” Anyone agree?
The Woman in White was the book that immediately popped into my mind when I read this post. It’s one of the best books I’ve ever read!!
I was considering posting The Moonstone as my favorite. I still can’t believe I haven’t read WIW
@Gretchen You MUST read it!! It’s fabulous!!
Have you read Lady Audley’s Secret by Mary Elizabeth Braddon? That’s probably my favorite 19th century Gothic mystery.
I still need to read The Moonstone and Lady Audley’s Secret!
Villette by Charlotte Bronte has a gothic mystery subplot.
Elizabeth George and her Detective Lynley Series:) SO good!!
I like many books by Elizabeth George, particularly the Inspector Lynley series.
Ditto Dorothy Sayers!
Ian Rankin has a special detective Rebus and the place is Edinburgh which becomes a character especially the pubs.
I really enjoy novels in which the place becomes a character.
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle – The Hounds of Baskerville from 1902
If you like Gothic 19th Century Victorian novels, you must read Lady Audley’s Secret by Mary Elizabeth Braddon!!!
I love MM Kaye’s “Death in…” books
Following
The Vera series by Ann Cleeves.
I’m reading them now. Love Vera
Sleeping Murder – Agatha Christie (I even have a cat named Agatha!)
I have always wanted to get my hands on the Grantchester novels as well <3
I usually really dislike British mysteries but a book called Eeny Meeny really drew me in.
So if you dislike British mysteries, what types of mysteries do you prefer?
I prefer American mysteries.
Hounds of the Baskerville
anything by Josephine Tey
I forgot about Tey! She’s one of the best!! The Daughter of Time, The Franchise Affair, Brat Ferrar – all treasures!!
Thomas and Charlotte Pitt series by Anne Perry. If possible, start with the first one. I haven’t started the Monk series, but will after I finish this one.
It has to be Agath Christie’s “And Then There Were None.”
The Hound of the Baskervilles.
Wilkie Collins
Elizabeth George series With inspector Lynley
Louise Penny books
I agree Louise Penny is an excellent mystery writer and also one of my favourites. However she is Canadian and her mystery series is set in Quebec. Highly recommended to anyone who hasn’t read her books.
PD James is one of my favorite British Mystery Authors. “Cover her face” was one of her best, I think.
I’m in the middle of the Complete Works of Sherlock Holmes and loving it SO much!
Ruth Rendell writes some great mysteries.
I like Deborah Crombie’s bioks
Lady Darby is charming!
Maisie Dobbs
Love the Maisie Dobbs series and the Ruth Galloway series
The moonstone by Wilkie Collins
Shetland
Martha Grimes – Richard Jury novels
Anything by Elizabeth George.
I love Anne Perry’s (Pitts and Monk series) and for lighter MC Beaton’s (Hamish McBeth and Agatha Raisin.)
Love Anne Perry
Anything Poirot.
Anything by Dick Francis
I have really enjoyed Agatha @Christie
Jeffery Archer—Ken Follett
I have gotten hooked on the Inspector Lynley series by Elizabeth George and am on the 5 th out of 19 books right now. Good reading this summer
Love it on tv, so should put it on that really long to read list!
I love these as well, but be warned – each one is longer than the last. Her latest is 704 pages! I had to get it on Kindle.
I’ve noticed the length, @Eileen
Enjoy, wish I had them to read for 1st time again, every one kept me riveted
@Eileen what’s the title of latest one?
@Laurie what channel on TV? Never saw them!
I’ve read every one and I kind of envy you just discovering this treasured series for the first time!
@Shelley, I found them on Britbox…… have it on my computer at http://britbox.com/ Didn’t know you could get it on tv until lately.
@Sandra is that on my TV with Roku or do I have to order it? Or can it be ordered on my phone? Not sure I’d want to watch it on my phone, I do have a kindle fire I watch Netflix on and all my books from my old Kindle I’ve moved to my ipad, would like to consolidate them on one device but really techno-illiterate, do you have any suggestions?
@Sandra thank you for info, I don’t have a computer or lap top, enjoy Netflix on tv or the Kindle fire, would like my books on the K. Fire, my IPad is getting old but so far no trouble with my books, I use my phone for all other things, can I watch movies on my phone, do you know?
Prefer “real” books but e books are
handy at times
@Shelley, if you have a smartphone, you should be able to download http://britbox.com/ on your phone. I can download it on my nook as well.
@Sandra is it expensive?
@Shelley, I just googled it. There is a 7 day free trial right now….. $6.99 a month after that
@Sandra ok thanks so much, appreciate it
@Shelley, hope you enjoy it if you decide to get it.
Steve Burrows, A Pitying of Doves, plus anything by Agatha Christie.
Agatha Chritie and P.D. James are my favorites. Also Dorothy L. Sayers and Jonathan Gash. Hard to pick a favorite book.
Maisie Dobbs, Charles Todd, Laurie King’s Mary Russell series.
Ruth Rendell’s Inspector Wexford series.
Maisie Dobbs
Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayer.
Series by Reginald Hill or P.D. James.
I enjoyed Death Comes to Pemberly by P.D. James!
Death Comes to Pemberly – P. D. James.
I enjoyed Death Comes to Pemberly by P.D. James!
Cormoran Strike series by Robert Galbraith (AKA JK Rowling)
I like the writing of CJ Sansom
Dorothy L. Sayers and P.D. James are all time favorites. Hard to pick just one of their works…
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
CS Harris and the Charles Finch series
https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Tommy-Tuppence-Collection-Adversary-ebook/dp/B00FOPTNEK
I loved the Tommy and Tuppence series! I always wished there were more of them!
I also loved the Tommy & Tuppence series. The fifth in the series is a little rambly since she had some serious dementia going on at that time. But, the others are great.
I love Martha Grimes’ Richard Jury/Melrose Plant series!
I was trying to think of Melrose Plant’s name this morning and couldn’t remember it. Thank you!
Some of my favorites. Start at the beginning so you get to know the characters as the series progresses.
And Then There Were None or The Hound of the Baskervilles
Reading Martha Grimes right now.
Have all her books ♥️
I use the library. Too many books, not enough room in tiny apartment.
Elizabeth George’s Inspector Lynley series for modern day and Wilkie Collins THE LADY IN WHITE for classical era
Also anything by Robert Goddard…great books
Any of Anne Perry’s books. Maisie Dobbs and, of course, Agatha Christie!
Just finished 21 DAYS featuring Daniel Pitt!
Dorothy Sayers’ Lord Peter Wimsey series.
Jacqueline Winspear’s Maisie Dobbs series.
I have only read the first three of hers, but really liked them. I need to go back and start reading them again.
Martha Grimes books are always grea1
I want to read the “Grantchester” series.
Agatha Christie is the Queen.
I love P D James’s Dagliesch series.
John le carre, John le carre and John le carre. Within fiction, other authors often reference him. Several films made. George smiley in cold war, then social justice fiction.
Smiley is one of my top 20 fave characters…love him
He is at the top of my list!
Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot books and Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes.
M C Beaton! Agatha Raisin is hysterical
All of the Agatha Christie novels.
Anything from Ruth Rendell
The scolds bridle
Her books are so wonderfully creepy!
@Martha yes absolutely!
Agatha Christie or P.D James!
The Shetland series from Ann Cleeves.
Yes!!
Glittering Images
Did you read the whole series…6 books I believe, love Susan Howatch
I enjoy the cozy Agatha Raisin mysteries by M.C. Beaton
Never read them but will add to my tbrl now
Brother Cadfael mysteries by Ellis Peters.
Most definitely Agatha Christie.
Dorothy Sayers, Clouds of Witness or Busman’s Honeymoon in the Lord Peter Whimsey series
Like Sayers
Love the Lord Peter series!
Yes – and also love Gaudy Night!!
@Laurie Gaudy Night is wonderful too!
All her books are great, but Gaudy Night is my favorite, closely followed by The Nine Tailors – I never knew church bells were so interesting. ?
Not a British author, but I am fond of Ryhs Bowen’s Spyness novels
Inspector Lyndly mysteries
Mine too!
It’s not a novel. I enjoy the ” Father Brown ” mysteries twist and turns. Dated, but fun. ?
Too many to list. I love Tana French;s Murder Squad Mysteries, all of the Peter May books, Kate Atkinson, Sophie Hannah, Nicci French – so so many British authors, I could pick only one. However, if I had to pick just one I guess it would be Tana French’s In The Woods.
Almost all the Brother Cadfael novels
I like the Robert Galbraith novels.
I love all the authors mentioned but none so much as Jane Austen.
I’m a huge Jane Austen fan as well, though wouldn’t classify her as a mystery writer.
Aah, but the mysteries of love….
Rebecca
All the Bryant and May mysteries by Christopher Fowler
I like many of the ones already mentioned, but also Elly Griffith’s Ruth Galloway series.
So many….Colin Dexter’s Inspector Morse, for one
Totally agree! Have read all of his books and have a difficult time selecting a favorite. Maybe “Last Bus to Woodstock” ??
Margery Allingham writes the Campion series.
Love Peter Robinson novels
Murder on the Orient Express.
I just finshed MAGPIE MURDERS by Anthony Horowitz and can’t wait to read more by him. Delightful and fun read, plus I didn’t figure it out until the very end. very engaging writer.
Yes, and Foyle’s War which I loved!
Horowitz’s new book just came out this month, The Word is Murder.
Enjoyed this….he wrote scripts for Foyle’s War
@Adrien ooh, will check it out!
Also loved Daphne DuMaurier novels!
I’m with you on that! Rebecca has been a favorite of mine for decades.
I’ve loved all her others as well, My Cousin Rachel, the Glassblower, House on the Strand, etc!!!
And Jamaica Inn !
And Frenchman’s Creek!
Whole MAZIE DOBBS series Kind of like potato chips…
Loved Murder As a Fine Art by David Morrell
Dorothy Sayers, Margery Allingham, Ngaio Marsh (from New Zealand actually), Christie — just for starters.
any Ian Rutledge book by Charles Todd.
Anything by Elizabeth George
Love both the Monk and Pitt series by Anne Perry.
Any with Adam Dagliesh by PD James.
Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens.
Rebecca & of course, Sherlock Holmes!
Another Rebecca fan.
Ellas Peters and PD James
sorry typo – Ellis Peters.
Thanks you’re absolutely right!
And Then There Were None
Currently, JK Rowling writing as Robert Galbraith and her/his Strike Cormorant series.
Wow! So many.
Funeral Music: A Novel (The Sarah Selkirk Mysteries) by Morag Joss
Oh this one looks good!
Rebecca and all Agatha Christie
Elizabeth George’s books
The Her Royal Spyness cozy mysteries series by Rhys Bowen are a huge favorite of mine!
The Treatment by Mo Hader
Right now Reginald Hill’s Dalziel & Pascoe series. Binge reading the series this summer.
Sherlock Holmes
Sherlock Holmes
I’ve really been enjoying the series of Erika Foster novels by Robert Bryndza (read all 6 of them)
Anything by Ruth Rendell, who also wrote as Barbara Vine. Love her books!
Anything by Ruth Rendell AKA Barbara Vine – House of Stairs, Gallowglass, , A Dark Adapted Eye.
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie-old but still good.
Following
And Then There Were None. Agatha Christie.
I’ve read some Mo Hayder. I enjoyed her books.
Anything by Agatha Christie.
Also James Runcie….the Grantchester stories.
I just read And then there were None by Agatha Christie. It was extraordinary.
I have really been enjoying the Cherringham – A Cozy Crime Series compilation by Matthew Costello and Neil Richards.
LeCarre’s George Smiley novels, Herron’s Slough House series
Following
The Cuckoo’s Calling
The Silkworm
Career of Evil
Written by Robert Galbraith also known as J. K. Rowling.
In Farleigh Field by Rhys Bowen Or pretty much anything Agatha Christie!!
Beekeepers Apprentice by King gr series!
The Thomas Lynley series by Elizabeth George!! ???
Oh! I love Thomas Lynley..,such a crush on Tommy…lol
P D James, Josephine Trey, Nev Fountain, Dorthea Sayers, etc……
Inspector Lynley series and Ruth Rendell’s mysteries come immediatley to mind. Tony Parsons has recently written some very good ones, too.
Anything by Ruth Rendell !! She was prolific and I hope to own all of her books one day. 🙂
Elly Giffiths or Alan Bradley
Left Early,Took the Dog!
And Then There Were None; Murder on the Orient Express
The Mousetrap and other plays is one of my top 10 favorites from Agatha Christie!
So many good prospects in the mysteries of Ruth Rendell, P. D. James, and Dorothy Simpson. However, the detective work of Sgt. Havers and Inspector Lynley, as written by Elizabeth George, wins my vote for favorite in the British mystery genre.
YES! I forgot about P.D. James. Definitely.
Psh… which child is YOUR favorite ?
The Cuckoo’s Calling
The Silkworm
Career of Evil
Written by Robert Galbraith also known as J. K. Rowling.
Talented Mr. Ripley
Highsmith was American. And the book is set in Italy. But I love Ripley, too.
My cousin introduced me to the Maisie Dobbs Series…excellent.
I am very into those right now, too
I LOVE Maisie. I’m reading A Lesson in Secrets now
A friend also turned me on to Maisie and I have now read all of them including her newest! Love them!
Too many to list – wonderful British authors like Peter May, Ann Cleeves, Elly Griffeths, J.K. Rowling (Robert Galbraith), Dorothy Sayers.
All of the John Le Carre novels
And Then There Were None
Murder on the Orient Express
I adore Dorothy Sayers, and while I think everything she wrote is great, I always recommend “Nine Tailors” or “Gaudy Night”. Theye land fairly square in the middle of the series, but thats okay.
Anything from C K Chesterton, Agatha Christie, or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Ann Cleeves – friend of Louise Penny.
Dorothy Sayers
Elizabeth George. I just finished The Punishment She deserves.
I just read this one, too. It was excellent.
Also just finished. Loved.
All of Dorothy Sayers’ novels, but I guess if I had to pick it would be The Nine Tailors.
I’m watching Dorothy Sayers now…she may be my new favorite
Sherlock Holmes novels!!!
Agatha Christie’s murder mysteries for sure.
P. D. James mysteries
I haven’t seen anyone mention Andy McDermott who is my favorite!!!!
Elizabeth George.
An Unsuitable Job for a Woman by P.D. James
Have enjoyed all of Robert Galbraith’s (J.K. Rollings) novels.
Is Ken Follett British? If so,
The Eye of the Needle. Such an excellent, pure novel!!!
he is
Sophie Hannah’s books.
None.
The Hound of the Baskervilles.
I love the Murder on the Mauretania series by Conrad Allen. He is really Keith Miles and also writes as Edward Marston, A.E. Marston, Martin Inigo, David Garland, Christopher T. Mountjoy
So many British mysteries…I can’t pick just one! This is probably my favorite genre! My most recent favorite was The Death of Mrs. Westaway, by Ruth Ware. It was a throwback-type mystery, a cross between Agatha Christie and Rebecca (by Daphne du Maurier…is that considered a mystery? If so, it is one of my favorites)!
I finished off The Death of Mrs Westaway yesterday. It was very good.
Murder on the Orient Express
My favorite was Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Christie. The ending was such a surprise.
That’s my favorite Agatha Christie book as well. One that I read again every few years.
@Laurie me too!
What I love about reading these posts is the reminders of books I love that I forgot about. For heavens sake! P.D. James!!! <3
Gaudy Night
True classic!
Elizabeth George, one of the best mystery writers and her characters are tops.
Gosh, I can’t even concentrate on ONE author! I love Agatha Christie, Marjorie Allingham, Dorothy L. Sayers. I love the Cadfael mysteries, the Dame Frevisse mysteries, the Joliffe mysteries. And more….
The Charlotte Holmes novels
I enjoyed the Cormoran Strike novels (The Cuckoo’s Calling, The Silkworm, and Career of Evil) by Robert Galbraith (aka J.K. Rowling)
I was not over come by either of her efforts after Harry.
Shroud for a Nightingale-P.D. James.
Liked that one.
Dick Francis – breezy, easy reads all centered around horses and horse racing. Quick little escapes.
https://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/27/books/death-comes-to-pemberley-by-p-d-james-review.html
DEATH COMES TO PEMBERLEY WAS PROBABLY THE WORST BOOK I EVER READ. THE MOVIE WAS HORRIBLE TOO.
It certainly needed a good editor. I think she was in her 90s by then.
Not her best, but she is still in the game!
I thought she passed.
I did like her detective series.
The Inspector Lynley Mysteries by Elizabeth George.
Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!!
Dorothy Sayers The Nine Tailors
Anything by Ruth Rendell, fabulous. Unfortunately, I believe she died about 12 years ago.
correct my post……2 years ago. never could type.
Always loved her since the 80s, a friend turned me on to her and so many great writers…I’ll always be grateful to her, never recommended anything but great reads…any literary question I asked her, she knew
Ruth Rendell. The Bridesmaid. But really everything. and also under the pseudonym, Barbara Vine.
@Nell yep Barbara Vine is great as well
My favorite is obscure….”Sweet Tooth” by Ian McEwan.
Not so obscure! And you could add Atonement. He’s a brilliant story teller.
I liked this book too although critics weren’t too kind. It was fun with a good twist I thought.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie. And Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier.
Hound of the Baskervilles
Every book by P.D. James.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie…..hands down.
P. D James
Just remembered ANOTHER treasure – The Moving Toyshop by Edmund Crispin.
I have that book. Been meaning to read it forever, lol.
Maisie Dobbs and Beekeepers Apprentice
And Then There Were None!
Murder on the Orient Express. Love Agatha Christie. But I’m also fond of M.C. Beaton’s Agatha Raisin series!
Gaudy Night and Busman’s Honeymoon by Dorothy L. Sayers
Any Sherlock Holmes story
I am really enjoying Anne Cleeves’ books… the Vera series and the Shetland series…
I love all of the mentioned authors but this is my favorite British Mystery
The Magpie Murders
I just bought that one!
Love them both. I just read the latest Maisie Dobbs and she’s back in the saddle
Anything by Colin Dexter!!
Peter May’s THE LEWIS TRILOGY
Wally Lamb: I Know This Much is True Edit: Meant to post this on a thread about books with a mental health theme. ?
A Dark Adapted Eye – Ruth Rendell
Too many wonderful titles.
Discovered Reginald Hill’s ON BEULAH HEIGHT on a short best mystery list along with the John Madden mysteries by Rennie Airth
Agree with all
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand
Anything Sherlock Holmes…
Most of Agatha Christie.
“Nemesis” by Agatha Christie
The Clifton Series by Jeffrey Archer
Murder on the Orient Express
That’s all I read so I couldn’t possibly choose one!
PD @James
I love this genre so much I don’t think I could pick one — but many of my favorites are listed 🙂
Oh, how about Susan Hill? She had a great detective series going – detective was Simon Serailler (sp?) Can’t think of the titles just now, but look her up. I love them and hope the series will eventually continue. Also, Peter Robinson. I seek out British mysteries and detective series. Elizabeth Geroge is still one o fthe best – her latest books is excellent.
Cormoran Strike… By Robert Galbraith also known as J.K. Rowlingsand…The Cuckoo’s Calling, Silkworm and Career of Evil.
Also books by Elizabeth Geogre…Thomas Lynley series.
Treat yourself if you haven’t already indulged.
https://g.co/kgs/1AWa7F
I have always felt kind of bad that I don’t love his books as much as many of my friends do. I should give him another try.
@Luann the newest one by his son, Felix, was also quite good. Even Money.
remember thinking the first one I read was too violent, but later on I learned to like them. Enjoy the newer one by his son Felix as well.
Has anyone mentioned Reginald Hill? I’ve enjoyed his Dalziel and Pascoe series very much.
A. Christie’s Periot
Maisie Dobbs and Brother Cadfael series.
Anne Perry’s 5-book WWI series.
Outstanding !
I like all of Anne Perry’s books, but the WWI series is my favorite of her series.
Picked up one of her books in the airport and found it hard to get into. Do you have to read them in order?
@Roberta I think the WWI series needs to be read in order. Her other series, not so much, but there is a lot of back history sometimes . . . and if you’re familiar with that, yes, it might make a difference. She has a stand-alone book called The Sheen on the Silk, which takes place in the 1200s in Constantinople. I didn’t think I’d care for it, but I LOVE IT – it is my favorite book of hers.
Ian Rankin
And we should never forget Agatha Christie!
Gotta be And Then There Was None by Agatha Christie.
Love this series actually written by JK Rowling! The 3rd book is being released soon! Just brilliant!
The Ellie Haskell series by Dorothy Cannell. I remember reading one in particular, “How to Murder the Man of Your Dreams,” that made me laugh out loud.
Tether’s End by Marjorie Allingham.
Truth I never cared for British mystery’s until I joined a book club fell in love with quite a few. Maisie Dobbs, Brother Cadfael. Anne Perry.
Can’t beat Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot….
Agatha Christie
I find Agatha Christie hard to read because of the racist comments sprinkled throughout. It was acceptable at the time but many descriptions of characters are appalling.
PD James. Colin Dexter. MC Beaton. So different. Delicious.
Haven’t seen Colin Dexter mentioned here. What a great author!
I read on the radio for the blind and have read many MC Beaton’s books there. They are shortish and not heavy-plus I love Agatha and Hamish ?
@Nancy Ditto.
The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling.
I liked it a lot, too!
It took me a while to get into Casual Vacancy, but once I got rolling I really liked it.
@Luann Yes, the introduction of new characters every chapter was a little weird but as you say once you got to know everyone it really got going. I liked that she showed the diversity of life in England. The junkie Mom was harrowing and her sketchy boyfriend if I remember correctly?
@Mary, yes, definitely not the usual characters from the parsonage!
Crooked House by Agatha Christie is especially good.
Anything by Elizabeth George
Maybe Careless in Red by Eliz. George, also The Redemption by Val McDermid.
She is a Yank.
@Stephanie yes but her Inspector Lynley series is set in England and great reading!
@Stephanie, she may be a Yank, but she has done so much research to make her novels read as though they had been written by a Brit.
Death in Holy Orders by P. D. James (and all the rest of her books). And The Spy Who Came in From the Cold by John Le Carre.
love P D James
Anything by Dame Agatha Christie. I also like the Vera Stanhope mysteries.
Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, Denise Mina, Kate Atkinson, Tana French, and, of course, P. D. James.
Kate Atkinson is such a pleasure to read.
I like the Flavia de Luce series
I did not like either of Rowlings adult books.
Right? Gave up half way through.
I finished them with difficulty.
I loved them.
Hated both of them!
Although she’s Scottish, one of my very favorites is Tana French.
Actually – she’s Irish / American. I just recently read her first two books and she’s great !!
I love all her books too. If your looking for a good Scottish mystery author try Denise Mina. She has a fabulous trilogy that takes place in Glasgow
@Laurie Mea Culpa ?
The Mrs. Pollifax books.
Busman’s Honeymoon
I recently read “I Found You” and “Then She Was Gone” by Lisa Jewell. I recommend both and I’m keen to read more from her.
Christie’s And Then There Were None
I can’t pick just one!
AGATHA RAISIN AND THE QUICHE OF DEATH , M.C. Beaton
I love that series.
I like Agatha in small doses, not binge reading the series. Have you seen the tv series that is on Acorn TV?
I liked her Scottish Highlands policeman Hamish McBeth much better!
And Then There Were None by. “The Queen of Crime” Agatha Christie.
Dorothy L Sayers isn’t getting the recognition she deserves and warrants. Her Peter Wimsey stories are great.
Totally agree !! Her books and short stories are classics. Gaudy Night is one of the best.
I love her books. Busman’s Holiday is my favorite.
Haven’t seen any mention of Ruth Rendell or Rennie Airth or Reginald Hill—all great.
Ruth Rendell is my favorite, also love Reginald Hill. I don’t know Rennie Airth. I will though!
Really like Ruth Rendell but donxt know Rennie Airth. I think I’ve read a Reginald Hill.
Any thing by Elizabeth George..
Does The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe count?
Love Elizabeth George’s books.
All Dame Agatha
Sarah Caudwell
Jacqueline Winspear, the Maisie Dobbs books
Can’t pick just one – but I love Elly Griffith’s Ruth Galloway series. Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad series. Deanna Raybourn’s Veronica Speedwell series is new but I love what I’ve read so far.
And yes, And Then There Were None – I read it years ago, just listened to it today and could NOT remember whodunnit. Brilliant.
Martha Grimes-pub murders.she’s American
She also has a few non-pub mysteries which are good. Try The End of the Pier.
Richard Jury mysteries? I love those. Very well done. His aristocratic friend, the Lord who isn’t a Lord, is a great character.
I just didn’t like her non-Jury books.
Peter May Enzo series and the Black House series
My three favorite are Colin Dexter, Reginald Hill, and Elizabeth George. I have to mention a book I loved (the character lived in Scotland but moved to VA). Anyway it’s If I’d Killed Him When I Met Him by S. McCrumb. This is my favorite mystery Title!
I love McCrumb.
One of my favorite books and definitely my favorite book title.
The Thirteenth Tale
P. D. James
I love PDJames.
Hard not to be a little in love with DCI Adam Daghleish who writes poetry. Did he drink Scotch?
@Caryl not sure about the Scotch, but I love that he writes poetry, he’s even better than Lynley and I’ve got a huge crush on him
Sad she’s gone, will miss her, read all her books and all of E. George’s except the last 2 of George’s…will get to them soon…might be behind only 1
Phil Rickman, he is generally classified as horror but the books in his Merrily Watkins series all contain mysteries. He is perfect for lovers of both mystery and horror.
Peter Kay
Dorothy L. Sayers and Lord Peter Whimsy in Cloud of Witness. I haven’t read DLS in a long time. He and his faithful servant Bunter May now look ridiculous against today’s social milieu. Bunter was like Norm on This Old House as the one who actually got things done, elegantly.
Agatha Christie!
Oh my, I read those books 40 years ago and did enjoy them at the time.
She was wonderful!
Everything by Peter May
The Inspector Lynley Mysteries by Elizabeth George. Though she is American, her stories are very British. She is obviously a devoted Anglophile. I love the main female character, quirky Inspector Barbara Havers.
One of my absolute fave characters in all literature…shes the best
Her vocabulary is amazing! I am in love with this series.
New find is Angela Marsons for British crime fiction fans.
Don’t know this author, but am adding her to my list. Thanks for sharing!!
The Bryant and May, London detectives, series written by Christopher Fowler
.
I don’t know if you consider Rebecca as a mystery novel, but I just love that book! It enthralls me every time I read it!
Any Agatha @Christie