Books
12 must-read books for Luther fans
Can’t get enough of DCI John Luther? Then why not try one of these dark and compelling reads.
Luther creator Neil Cross has said that the drama is influenced by both Sherlock Holmes and Columbo: the nature of Luther’s intellect and how he applies it to solving crimes is comparable to that of Holmes, whereas the show’s use of the inverted detective format – or the ‘howdunit’ – was inspired by Columbo.
We’ve pulled together eight books perfect for those who appreciate Luther’s finer qualities. These novels are dark and sinister, brimming with intelligent crimes and brilliant detectives and showcase gritty, urban streets.
12 must-read books for Luther fans
The Calling by Neil Cross
The Calling by Neil Cross
Where better to start than with the origins of DCI John Luther in creator Neil Cross’s novel The Calling.
Focusing on the back story, The Calling has everything one would expect from a talented screenwriter: pace, ingenuity, depth and a stellar cast of three-dimensional characters.
Eeny Meeny by M J Arlidge
Eeeny Meeny by M J Arlidge
This is the rocket-paced serial killer thriller debut from M J Arlidge that introduces us to the fearless Detective Inspector Helen Grace.
This book is nerve-shreddingly gritty and unbelievably fast-paced, and the crimes are sinister and complex. You’ll be glued to the edge of your seat.
Now You See Me by Sharon Bolton
Now You See Me by Sharon Bolton
DC Lacey Flint could be Luther in female form.
Her past is most definitely troubled, she’s morally ambiguous but with a strong sense of justice – be that within the law or otherwise – and in this, her first outing and first murder case, she is up against a copycat Jack the Ripper. Violence and chaos ensue. A perfect partner for DCI Luther.
The Thirst by Jo Nesbo
The Thirst by Jo Nesbo
Jo Nesbo’s iconic detective Harry Hole is a flawed, troubled officer who often disobeys orders from his superiors and flouts the rules to get results.
The Thirst sees Harry putting everything on the line to catch a particularly vicious killer. It’s pacy, gritty and compelling – and one you definitely won’t want to miss.
Streets of Darkness by A A Dhand
Streets of Darkness by A A Dhand
Fans of gritty, contemporary British crime drama shouldn’t miss Dhand’s Bradford-set thrillers starring Detective Harry Virdee.
They’re tense and complex, with a modern edge and real heart that set them apart from the rest.
Vanished by Tim Weaver
Vanished by Tim Weaver
Well written, complex and addictive – all words used to describe Weaver’s Vanished.
An hour after leaving home, Sam Wren gets onto a tube train – and never gets off again. No eyewitnesses. No trace of him on security cameras. Six months later, he’s still missing. David Raker must solve this mystery by unearthing secrets that go deeper than anyone imagined.
Birdman by Mo Hayder
Birdman by Mo Hayder
Five young women have been ritualistically murdered and dumped on wasteland in south-east London by a sadistic serial killer in Birdman, Mo Hayder’s terrifying first novel featuring DI Jack Caffery.
It’s a gruesome, creepy, sinister read that’s certainly not for the faint-hearted.
The Cook by Ajay Chowdhury
The Cook by Ajay Chowdhury
Kamil Rahman used to be a detective in Kolkata. Now he’s a cook working on Brick Lane. But trouble still knows where to find him – and if the Met won’t find the murderers, then he will.
Set against the vivid backdrop of London’s East End, Kamil walks the same streets as Luther – imagine what a crime-fighting duo they’d make!
Triple Cross by James Patterson
Triple Cross by James Patterson
Detective Alex Cross is chasing an ingenious murderer after a true-crime author spots patterns everyone else has missed. But are the writer’s theories are fact or fiction?
This chilling, suspenseful thriller is guaranteed to keep you turning the pages long into the night.
The Murder Bag by Tony Parsons
The Murder Bag by Tony Parsons
Detective Max Wolfe has recently arrived in the Homicide division of London’s West End Central, 27 Savile Row, and finds himself on the hunt for a brutal serial killer.
Dark and unsettling, The Murder Bag features a tough, determined detective who has to remain unaffected by such violent scenes for the sake of his investigation and for his daughter.
Unnatural History by Jonathan Kellerman
Unnatural History by Jonathan Kellerman
When a photographer is found inside an LA warehouse slumped in bed, shot to death, it sets in motion a complex and dangerous case for Lieutenant Milo Sturgis and Psychologist Alex Delaware.
Full of intrigue and absorbing from start to finish, Unnatural History will take you on a roller coaster ride.
The Whisper Man by Alex North
The Whisper Man by Alex North
This gripping mix of police procedural and psychological thriller is perfect for fans of Thomas Harris and C J Tudor.
Combining a creeping sense of unease and a tense plot, it’s a small town mystery that will have you hooked from the start. Prepare yourself for a case of the chills!
Have we missed any perfect books for Luther fans? Let us know in the comments below!
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Surprised not to see any Kurt Wallander books here.
We need the next season of Luther!! Also Happy Valley,Broadchurch,Marcella!! Could go on and on!!!
Fully agree with all your choices. Read most of each of the series’s, but hadn’t heard of Oliver Harris, so he went straight onto my wish list. Thank you.
I would suggest you add books by Harry Bingham’s series (UK), AA Dhand (UK), and Stacy Green (USA — the books featuring Cage Foster ie prequel, new series and Crossroads Trilogy). These are all gritty, dark police procedurals.
What about author John Connolly’s Charlie Parker PI series, very similar.
Harry Bingham definitely.
Love that series!