3.86
This series features Jane Lawless, a St. Paul, Minnesota, restaurateur who doubles as an astute and engaging amateur sleuth. With wit and intelligence, Jane tackles complex and often personal crimes, drawing readers into the community of characters that Ellen Hart has deftly crafted over the course of more than twenty books.
Alan Bradley
The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie
For readers who appreciate the wit and intelligence of Ellen Hart's writing, Alan Bradley's Flavia de Luce series is a must-read. Set in 1950s England, the series follows the adventures of an 11-year-old chemistry prodigy and aspiring detective. In 'The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie', Flavia sets out to solve the murder of a stranger in her family's garden, using her knowledge of chemistry and her sharp tongue to outwit the adults around her. The series shares Hart's love of clever plotting and memorable characters.
Learn MoreJosephine Tey
The Daughter of Time
If you enjoy Ellen Hart's historical references and attention to detail, you'll love Josephine Tey's classic mystery 'The Daughter of Time'. In this novel, a modern-day detective becomes obsessed with the mystery of Richard III and the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower. As he investigates, he uncovers new evidence and challenges long-held assumptions about the case. The book's exploration of history and truth-telling make it a great choice for fans of Jane Lawless.
Learn MoreNicholas Meyer
The West End Horror
For readers who enjoy Ellen Hart's ability to weave together multiple storylines and create a rich sense of place, Nicholas Meyer's 'The West End Horror' is a great choice. Set in Victorian London, the novel follows the famous detective Sherlock Holmes as he investigates a series of murders connected to a popular stage production. The book's intricate plot and vivid depiction of London's theater scene make it a worthy successor to the Jane Lawless series.
Learn MoreWilkie Collins
The Moonstone
If you enjoy Ellen Hart's exploration of social issues and the complexities of human relationships, you'll love Wilkie Collins' classic mystery 'The Moonstone'. Often considered the first detective novel in English, the book follows the theft of a valuable diamond and the investigation that ensues. Along the way, Collins explores themes of colonialism, addiction, and the role of women in society. The book's intricate plot and rich character development make it a great choice for fans of Jane Lawless.
Learn MoreCaleb Carr
The Alienist
For readers who enjoy Ellen Hart's ability to create suspense and explore dark corners of the human psyche, Caleb Carr's 'The Alienist' is a must-read. Set in 1896 New York City, the novel follows a criminal psychologist as he investigates a series of gruesome murders. The book's vivid depiction of Gilded Age New York and its exploration of the emerging field of forensic psychology make it a great choice for fans of Jane Lawless.
Learn MoreUmberto Eco
The Name of the Rose
If you enjoy Ellen Hart's ability to weave together historical and cultural references with a complex plot, you'll love Umberto Eco's 'The Name of the Rose'. Set in a medieval monastery, the novel follows a Franciscan friar as he investigates a series of murders connected to a rare manuscript. The book's exploration of medieval theology, philosophy, and semiotics make it a rich and rewarding read for fans of Jane Lawless.
Learn More