Books Like...
The Witch Hunter by Max Seeck follows Detective Sergeant Jessica Niemi as she investigates a series of murders that seem to be inspired by a famous author's books on witch hunting. The story unfolds with a murder that leads the police to believe it's a ritualistic killing, prompting Jessica to delve into the author's body of work for clues. As more bodies are discovered, the investigative team races against time to stop the killer from enacting scenes from the bestselling trilogy. The book blends elements of police procedural and horror fiction, with a focus on the police investigation of the grisly murders in Helsinki, while attempting to create a terrifying atmosphere that adds a twist to the typical Nordic noir offerings.
If you liked The Witch Hunter, here are the top 52 books to read next:
- #1
Save:Cold Granite by Stuart MacBride is a gripping crime novel set in Aberdeen, Scotland, following Detective Sergeant Logan McRae as he returns to work after a serious injury. The book delves into the investigation of murdered and missing children, featuring a complex plot with red herrings, misdirection, and memorable characters. The writing style is described as gritty, realistic, and atmospheric, capturing the dark and rainy setting of Aberdeen with touches of humor.
It was pissing down outside. The rain battered against the blue plastic SOC tent’s walls and roof, clattering in the confined space, fighting against the constant drone of the portable generators, mak... - #2
Save:'Birthdays for the Dead' by Stuart MacBride is a dark psychological thriller following Detective Constable Ash Henderson as he investigates a serial killer known as 'The Birthday Boy' who targets young girls just before their thirteenth birthday. The narrative is filled with violence, dark themes, and intricate character dynamics. The writing style is described as fast-paced, with elements of humor interspersed throughout the dark and gritty storyline.
She drags a shuddering breath through her nose, wet with snot. The smell of dirt and bitter-onion sweat, dust, and something pissy – like when that mouse got trapped behind the cooker. A little furry ... - #3
Save:'Long Way Home' by Eva Dolan is a police procedural novel that follows DI Zigic and DS Ferreira from the Hate Crimes Unit as they investigate the murder of a migrant worker in Peterborough. The story delves into themes of immigration, racism, human trafficking, and the challenges faced by vulnerable populations. The plot is described as engaging, fast-paced, and filled with tension and atmosphere, keeping readers on the edge of their seats with twists and turns that unfold a compelling mystery.
The writing style of Eva Dolan is praised for its authenticity, sharpness, and compelling storytelling. Readers appreciate the depth of the characters, particularly DI Zigic and DS Ferreira, who are portrayed as dynamic, well-developed leads with contrasting personalities. is commended for challenging prejudices, shedding light on societal issues, and delivering a gripping narrative that keeps readers hooked from start to finish.
- #4
Save:In 'The Man Who Died' by Antti Tuomainen, the protagonist, Jaakko Kaunismaa, discovers that he has been slowly poisoned and has only a short time left to live. Determined to find his killer, Jaakko navigates through personal and professional challenges, including his wife's infidelity and a new competitor in his mushroom business. The book combines elements of dark comedy and mystery as Jaakko sets out to solve his own murder, with a writing style that is engaging, humorous, and immediate, drawing the reader into the protagonist's urgent quest for the truth.
The story unfolds in a small town in Finland, where Jaakko's investigation leads him to confront his impending death with wit and determination. As he delves into the mystery of his poisoning, Jaakko encounters a cast of intriguing characters, including his unfaithful wife, suspicious employees, and a rival mushroom exporter. The plot twists and turns as Jaakko races against time to uncover the truth behind his poisoning and secure the future of his business, resulting in a darkly humorous and entertaining narrative that keeps the reader engaged till the end.
‘This…’ he stumbles. ‘This requires a little background. I’ve contacted my colleagues in Kotka and Helsinki. They said essentially the same as what we’ve been able to deduce here. Even if we’d picked ... - #5
Save:Tim Dorsey's 'Florida Roadkill' is a darkly humorous novel set in Florida, following the unpredictable adventures of Serge Storms, a lovable yet psychopathic serial killer with an extensive knowledge of Florida trivia. The story is filled with eccentric characters, bizarre murders, and a whirlwind of events that take the reader on a wild tour of Florida, blending black humor with unexpected twists and turns.
The writing style of 'Florida Roadkill' is described as fast-paced and filled with dark humor, keeping readers engaged with its convoluted plot and zany characters. The narrative zips around different characters and locations in Florida, offering a unique blend of comedic situations, unexpected humor, and a touch of black comedy that sets it apart from traditional mysteries.
As always, Sharon Rhodes knew every eye was on her as she walked coyly along the edge of the surf, twirling a bit of hair with a finger. A volleyball game stopped. Footballs and Frisbees fell in the w... - #6
Save:'Out Stealing Horses' by Per Petterson is a contemplative novel that delves into the relationship between a father and son, set in Norway during and after WWII. The story follows Trond, a man in his 60s who retreats to a remote cabin to reflect on his past, particularly a transformative summer spent with his father in the backwoods country close to the Swedish border. Through flashbacks, the reader discovers the father's involvement in the resistance movement and the impact it had on their lives. The novel skillfully weaves together themes of boyhood friendship, tragedy, loneliness, and the complexities of familial relationships, all while offering vivid descriptions of the Norwegian landscape.
Early November. It’s nine o’clock. The titmice are banging against the window. Sometimes they fly dizzily off after the impact, other times they fall and lie struggling in the new snow until they can ... - #7
Save:'The Bat' in the Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbø follows the Norwegian detective Harry Hole as he investigates a murder in Sydney, Australia. The plot unfolds slowly, revealing Harry's struggles with alcoholism, his damaged past, and his interactions with the Australian police and local culture. The narrative combines elements of Australian mythology, dark crime thriller, and a touch of eeriness, culminating in a captivating final pursuit that keeps the reader engaged until the end.
“I’m fine,” Harry Hole had lied. It was more than thirty hours since he had taken off from Oslo via London, and after the change of planes in Bahrain he had sat in the same bloody seat by the emergenc... - #8
Save:The Midnight Witness by Sara Blaedel is a crime novel set in Copenhagen, Denmark, following the story of Louise Rick, a detective who deals with personal relationships while solving mysteries. The book intertwines personal storylines of the main characters with the investigation, capturing the mood and atmosphere of Denmark. The plot revolves around a murder mystery that disappoints some readers who expected a more intense police procedural but still delves into the dynamics of relationships, particularly between Louise and her best friend.
The writing style of Sara Blaedel in The Midnight Witness is commended for seamlessly blending the personal lives of the characters with the investigation, creating a dark and twisty narrative that keeps readers engaged. Despite some readers finding the storytelling disjointed at times, the novel is appreciated for its police procedural elements and the portrayal of a newspaper reporter friend who adds a unique dimension to the story.
- #9
Save:'Last Rituals' by Yrsa Sigur ardottir follows Thora Gudmundsdottir, a lawyer and investigator, as she delves into the ritualistic murder of a German student at an Icelandic university. With the help of a German associate, Thora navigates through a complex investigation involving a group of friends obsessed with witchcraft rituals. The plot unfolds with historical references to witch hunts in Iceland and Germany, blending modern murder mystery elements with dark medieval themes. The writing style is described as basic, with some clunky moments possibly due to translation, but the detailed knowledge of Icelandic history adds depth to the contemporary story.
- #10
Save:'My First Murder' by Leena Lehtolainen is a Finnish detective story featuring rookie detective Maria Kallio investigating the murder of a choir singer, Tommi Peltonen, at a seaside Helsinki villa. The book is described as a police procedural with a classic detective story structure, focusing on a small group of suspects and a puzzle to solve. The writing style is praised for its hard-boiled realism and likable protagonist, Maria Kallio, who navigates through a web of bitterness, passion, and jealousy among the choir members to uncover the truth behind the murder.
When the telephone rang, I was in the shower rinsing the salt off my skin. I heard my own voice on the answering machine and then a colleague’s urgent message to call him back. I had been able to enjo...
