Police procedural novels come from a genre of mystery fiction that focuses on the investigation of a crime by a police detective or a team of detectives. The novels typically follow the detectives as they gather evidence, interview witnesses, and track down the perpetrator. Police procedurals often feature realistic portrayals of police work, and they can be both suspenseful and educational.
Police procedural novels typically feature a cast of well-developed characters, including the detectives, the suspects, and the victims. The novels often explore the inner workings of law enforcement, and they can provide readers with a unique perspective on the criminal justice system. Reading them can be a great way to learn about the world of crime and punishment. They can also be a lot of fun to read, as they often feature fast-paced plots and suspenseful storylines.
Here are twenty examples of the most page-turning police procedural novels:
Maigret and the Bum (1937)
Georges Simenon
This novel features Maigret, a veteran detective in the Paris police force. Maigret is investigating the murder of a homeless man, and he soon finds himself drawn into the world of the Parisian underworld. The novel is a well-crafted mystery that explores the themes of poverty and social exclusion. Simenon does a great job of creating a sense of atmosphere in the novel, and Maigret is a sympathetic and complex character whose humanity is often on display.
Ghosts (1959)
Ed McBain
This novel is the first in the 87th Precinct series, which follows the detectives of the 87th Precinct in New York City as they investigate a variety of crimes. The novel is a well-written and suspenseful mystery that features a complex plot with a satisfying conclusion. McBain does an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere of New York City, with complex and well-developed characters.
Cover Her Face (1962)
P.D. James
In this novel Dalgliesh, a detective inspector in the Metropolitan Police Service is investigating the murder of a young woman, and he soon finds himself caught up in a web of secrets and lies. The novel is a well-written and suspenseful mystery that explores the themes of identity and deception. James does an excellent job of creating a sense of atmosphere, and Dalgliesh is a complex and well-developed character whose own personal life is often mixed in with his professional life.
Half of Paradise (1965)
James Lee Burke
Half of Paradise is set in the Louisiana bayou, which is a unique and atmospheric setting that is not often used in police procedural novels.The novel explores the themes of corruption, racism, and violence in a way that is often absent from other police procedural novels.It features a complex and well-developed protagonist in the form of Detective Dave whi is investigating the murder of a young woman. The novel is a well-written and suspenseful mystery that explores the themes of corruption, racism, and violence Robicheaux is a haunted man who is driven by a sense of justice, and he is not afraid to bend the rules to get the job done.
The Tree of Hands (1984)
Ruth Rendell
This novel follows Detective Inspector Wexford as he investigates the murder of a young woman. The novel is a dark and atmospheric mystery that delves into themes of violence and madness. Rendell creates a sense of unease and suspense in the novel, and Wexford is a complex and well-developed character whose own demons are often on display.
The Black Echo (1990)
Michael Connelly
This novel introduces Harry Bosch, a Los Angeles homicide detective who is investigating the murder of a young woman. The novel is a fast-paced and suspenseful thriller that features a complex investigation and a satisfying conclusion. It is a classic police procedural novel that features a strong protagonist, a realistic setting, and a well-crafted plot. The novel does a great job of capturing the city’s atmosphere. The investigation is complex, with Bosch following leads and interviewing witnesses. The novel is suspenseful, with a few twists and turns along the way.
Cold Granite (1999)
John Connolly
This novel introduces Charlie Parker, a former FBI agent who is now a private investigator in Boston. Parker is hired to investigate the murder of a young woman, and he soon finds himself caught up in a web of violence and corruption. The novel is a well-written and suspenseful thriller that features a complex plot with a satisfying conclusion. Connolly does an excellent job of capturing the gritty atmosphere of Boston, and Parker is a complex and well-developed character whose inner turmoil is explored throughout the novel.
A Maiden’s Grave (1991)
Jeffery Deaver
This novel introduces Lincoln Rhyme, a quadriplegic forensic detective who is called in to investigate the murder of a young woman. Rhyme is partnered with Amelia Sachs, a young police officer who is eager to learn from him. The novel is a well-written and suspenseful thriller that features a complex plot with a satisfying conclusion. Deaver does an excellent job of creating a sense of atmosphere in the novel, and Rhyme and Sachs are complex and well-developed characters whose personal lives are often intertwined with their professional lives.
Morse’s Greatest Mystery and Other Stories (1993)
Colin Dexter
This collection of short stories features Inspector Morse, a detective in the Oxford police force. The stories explore a variety of crimes and mysteries, and they showcase Morse’s intelligence, wit, and eccentricity. Morse is a complex and well-developed character who is both loved and feared by those who know him.
The Last Coyote (1995)
Michael Connelly
This novel follows Harry Bosch, a Los Angeles homicide detective who is investigating the murder of a young woman. The novel is a fast-paced and suspenseful thriller that features a complex investigation. Connelly is able to capture the atmosphere of Los Angeles better than most novelists, and Bosch is a complex and well-developed character who is more than just a detective.
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency (1998)
Alexander McCall Smith
It follows the adventures of Precious Ramotswe, a former secretary who has opened her own detective agency in Botswana. Precious is a kind and compassionate woman who is determined to help her clients, even if it means getting involved in dangerous situations. The novel is a well-written and charming mystery that explores the themes of family, tradition, and the importance of community. The novel is not a traditional police procedural novel in the sense that it does not feature a team of detectives investigating a crime. However, Precious does use her skills as a detective to solve a number of mysteries, and the novel does follow the traditional structure of a mystery novel, with a crime being committed, an investigation being conducted, and a solution being reached. The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is a refreshing and unique take on the police procedural genre.
Unhinged (2019)
Thomas Enger & Jørn Lier Horst
This novel features Inspector William Wisting, a veteran detective in the Norwegian police force. Wisting is investigating the murder of a young woman who was found in a remote cabin. The novel is a fast-paced and suspenseful thriller that features a complex investigation. Unhinged has a complex plot with a satisfying conclusion. It is set in Norway, and Enger and manages to capture the country’s beautiful but unforgiving landscape to perfection. Wisting is a complex and well-developed character, and the novel explores his deepest feelings as he investigates the murder.
The Black Tower (2000)
Ken Bruen
We meet Jack Taylor, a former police detective who is now a private investigator in Galway, Ireland. He is hired to investigate the murder of a young woman, and he soon finds himself caught up in a web of violence and corruption. The novel is a well-written and suspenseful thriller that features a complex plot with a satisfying conclusion. Bruen does an excellent job of capturing the gritty atmosphere of Galway, and Taylor is a complex and well-developed character whose turbulent inner life is explored throughout the novel.
A Song for the Dark Times (2000)
Ian Rankin
This novel features Inspector John Rebus, a veteran detective in the Edinburgh police force. Rebus is investigating the murder of a young woman who was found in a burned-out car. The novel is a dark and atmospheric mystery that explores the themes of guilt, redemption, and revenge. It is a well-written mystery that features a complex plot and a satisfying conclusion. Rankin does a good job of capturing the city’s dark and atmospheric atmosphere. Rebus is a complex and well-developed character, and the novel explores his inner turmoil as he investigates the murder.
Quite Ugly One Morning (2000)
Chris Brookmyre
This novel features Detective Inspector Jack Parlabane, a cynical and jaded police officer in Glasgow. Parlabane is investigating the murder of a young woman, and he soon finds himself caught up in a morass of corruption and violence. The novel is a well-written and suspenseful thriller that explores the themes of police corruption and the darker side of human nature. Brookmyre does a masterful job of creating a sense of tension. Parlabane is a complex and well-developed character whose own demons often threaten him.
Blindsighted (2001)
Karin Slaughter
This novel features Sara Linton, a medical examiner in Atlanta who is investigating the murder of a young woman. The novel is a dark and atmospheric mystery that explores the themes of violence and revenge. Slaughter does a superb job of creating a sense of dread and foreboding in the novel, and Linton is a complex and well-developed character whose own past is slowly revealed as the novel progresses.
Judas Horse (2002)
Lynda La Plante
Detective Inspector Jane Tennison, a veteran detective in the Metropolitan Police Service, is investigating the murder of a young woman who was found in a dumpster. The novel is a dark and atmospheric mystery that explores the themes of corruption and betrayal. The novel is set in London, and La Plante does a great job of capturing the city’s dark and atmospheric atmosphere. Tennison is a complex and well-developed character, and La Plante brings her to life as she investigates the murder.
Snow (2005)
John Banville
This novel follows Quirke, a pathologist in Dublin, as he investigates the death of a young woman who was found frozen to death in a snowdrift. The novel is a dark and atmospheric mystery about guilt, redemption, and the occult. Banville does a masterful job of creating a sense of unease and suspense. Quirke is a complex and well-developed character whose own flaws and weaknesses are often on display.
The Department of Sensitive Crimes (2005)
Alexander McCall Smith
This novel features Precious Ramotswe, a former secretary who has opened her own detective agency in Botswana. Precious is hired to investigate the disappearance of a young woman, and she soon finds herself caught up in a web of secrets and lies. The novel is a charming mystery that explores the themes of family and tradition. McCall Smith does a superb job of creating a sense of place in the novel, and Precious is a sympathetic and complex character whose humanity is often on display.
Enigma of China (2006)
Qiu Xiaolong
This novel introduces Inspector Chen Cao, a detective in the Shanghai police force. Chen is investigating the murder of a young woman, and he soon finds himself caught up in a web of intrigue and danger. The novel is a well-written and suspenseful mystery that explores the themes of culture clash and corruption. Qiu Xiaolong does a masterful job of creating a sense of atmosphere in the novel, and Chen is a complex and well-developed character whose own personal issues come to the fore.
And that’s our list of the 20 best police procedural fiction books. What’s your take on these – any surprises, or any police procedural novels not on this list that you feel should make the top 20?