Are there any good police stories, like mysteries, sort of books.?

Question

I like murder and mystery stories, but I really want to read some "police" sort of books.

Answer 1

OK, well, some good authors I read are - Reginald Hill, Nevada Barr, Donna Leon, Bartholomew Gill, Elizabeth George, Carol Ann Davis.

A guy I work with likes Nancy Taylor Rosenberg's thrillers. My sister reads courtroom-type dramas & true crime books. My uncle is a retired detective and he enjoys books by Ed McBain.

My trouble is that I'm not sure which to recommend to you; which kind are you in the mood for reading, do you think? There are so many different styles. What nationality do you like your police to be? Are you looking for books with insights into specific legal systems, or jurisdictions? Or a Hill Street Blues set of characters? Independent detectives who see the system mostly from the legal, or social, or pathology side?
A gain in friendship, or a loss to society, is I guess what most of them look at.

Susanna Gregory writes medieval murder mysteries and she used to be a police officer prior to studying history. She writes about real places and real history, with the difficulties of reluctant witnesses and corrupt superiors added into the mix, which gives it a genuine flavour of real human nature. Some day I hope to visit the places she writes of.

Peter Tremayne writes the Sister Fidelma series, that's a good read too.

Hope you find some enjoyable recommendations from us all here : )

Answer 2

Take a look at Skinwalkers by Tony Hillerman.

Tony Hillerman is an award-winning contemporary American author of detective (the main character is a police Lt.) novels and non-fiction works. I read some of his books in collage and they are great.

From Wikipedia:

His mystery novels are set in the Four Corners area of New Mexico and Arizona. The protagonists are Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee of the Navajo tribal police. Lt. Leaphorn was introduced in Hillerman's first novel, The Blessing Way (1970). The second book in the series, Dance Hall of the Dead (1973), won a 1974 Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Novel. In 1991, Hillerman received the MWA's Grand Master Award. Hillerman has also received the Navajo Tribe's Special Friends of the Diné Award.

Hillerman is a decorated combat veteran from World War II, serving as a mortarman in the U.S. 104th Infantry Division and earning the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and a Purple Heart. Later, he worked as a journalist from 1948-1962. Then he earned a Masters degree and taught journalism from 1966-1987 at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, where he still resides with his wife. Hillerman, a consistently-bestselling author, was ranked as New Mexico's 25th wealthiest man in 1996.

Hillerman's writing is noted for the details he provides about the culture of the people he writes about: Hopi, European-American, federal agents, and especially Navajo. His works in nonfiction and in fiction reflect his appreciation of the natural wonders of the American Southwest and his appreciation of its people, particularly the Navajo.

Answer 3

Jeffery Deaver's books are mystery thrillers, however, he incorporates a lot of forensics and police work in the story.

Answer 4

George Pelecanos. I just finished 'Hard Revolution,' and it was excellent. I can't wait to read the rest of his books.

He won an emmy recently for writing HBO's The Wire - if you like that show, you'll like his books.

Answer 5

"In Death" series by J.D. Robb! there is no contest, these are the best cop mystery books ever written. try just one and you'll be hooked.

Answer 6

Rebus -Ian Rankin, theres a whole series of them, they set in Edinburgh