If you’re a fan of crime fiction but feel like you’ve exhausted the big names—Agatha Christie, Raymond Chandler, and James Patterson—it’s time to dig deeper. There’s a whole world of crime writers who haven’t yet received the recognition they deserve, but whose works are rich, thrilling, and surprisingly addictive. Here are five underrated crime writers who should be on your radar.
1. Jane Harper
Jane Harper is an Australian author whose atmospheric crime novels bring the harsh landscapes of rural Australia to life. Her debut, The Dry, introduced readers to Aaron Falk, a federal investigator returning to his drought-stricken hometown. Harper’s writing is both suspenseful and emotionally resonant, blending crime and mystery with the struggles of small-town communities. Her ability to evoke the setting as almost a character in itself makes her work stand out in the crime genre.
2. Attica Locke
Attica Locke is a criminally underrated talent in the genre. Her novels, like Bluebird, Bluebird and Heaven, My Home, are more than just crime stories—they also explore social issues and the complexities of race in America. Locke’s strong voice and meticulous plotting bring the landscape of East Texas alive, and her protagonist, Darren Mathews, is as nuanced and layered as any character in crime fiction today.
3. Joseph Knox
Joseph Knox, a British crime novelist, has crafted some of the most absorbing, gritty tales set against the backdrop of Manchester’s underbelly. His debut, Sirens, follows Aiden Waits, a detective with a troubled past, and it’s filled with dark twists, morally gray characters, and a sense of relentless tension. Knox’s work is raw, beautifully written, and gives readers a view of a crime-ridden world with a heart-breaking edge.
4. Karin Fossum
Known as the ‘Norwegian Queen of Crime’, Karin Fossum is often overshadowed by the likes of Jo Nesbø and Stieg Larsson. However, her Inspector Sejer series deserves just as much praise. Fossum’s writing style is introspective, often focusing on the psychological motives behind crime, rather than flashy action scenes. Her portrayal of both criminals and victims offers a humanistic and compassionate angle that is rare in crime fiction, making her novels haunting and unforgettable.
5. Abir Mukherjee
Abir Mukherjee brings a refreshing perspective to the crime genre, setting his stories in 1920s colonial India. His protagonist, Captain Sam Wyndham, is a British officer battling crime in Calcutta, aided by his sharp Indian sergeant, Surrender-not Banerjee. Mukherjee’s A Rising Man and its sequels blend historical intrigue with deft plotting and atmospheric storytelling. If you’re looking for a unique crime setting with richly detailed backdrops and a clever mystery at its heart, Mukherjee is a must-read.