Whodun-Nott? A celebration of local crime authors

Nottingham has always been a hub for great crime writing and never more so than now, with loyal readers eagerly awaiting their favourite detective’s new edition and those new to crime wanting to get in on the hype. Whether you’re looking for a classic cosy whodunnit or a dark psychological thriller; Nottinghamshire and surrounding areas are brimming with local authors' work to sink your teeth into. 

The authors mentioned below merely scratch the surface of local crime writing talent, there is plenty more to be found. To make it easier to browse,  the recommendations have been split into genres within crime. Happy (and maybe gruesome) reading!

All books can be found on the library catalogue

John Harvey’s Charlie Resnick books

These novels are set in and around Nottingham. Harvey’s jazz loving detective clashes with colleagues as he uses his hunches about people to help him solve crimes. The first book Lonely Heart, was named by The Times as one of the "100 Greatest Crime Novels of the Century".

Cold Case

The Lake District series by Martin Edwards

Historian Daniel Kind teams up with Inspector Hannah Scarlett in Martin Edwards’ chilling series set in the Lake District. Each book is a cold case and Hannah must use Daniel’s skills as a historian and researcher to uncover the dark secrets of rural Cumbria and its communities.

Horsing Around

Glenis Wilson's novels

Glenis Wilson’s horseracing protagonist, Harry Radcliffe, is an unlikely yet skilled detective in this innovative series that blends the world of horseracing with the criminal one. 

TM Logan's tense psychological thrillers in which bad things happen to regular people

Inspired by writers such as Harlan Coben, Michael Connelly and Lee Child. TM Logan’s books explore themes of loyalty and betrayal, love and hate, jealousy, secrets and revenge. These tense thrillers are a perfect read for crime lovers. 

A Touch of Horror

Fran Dorricott's novels

Local author Fran Dorricott (also Francesca May) weaves elements of folklore and horror into her crime books to great effect. Fran’s deliciously dark and unsettling stories explore themes of family, identity and how far you’ll go to protect the ones you love. Her newest crime novel The Lighthouse branches out into gothic territory with a stormy Scottish location interweaved with folklore and myth. 

Murder and... animal rescue?

Kate High's Clarice Beech novels

Murder and animal rescue might seem an unlikely combination, but Kate High’s cosy crime series featuring quirky animal rescue enthusiast-turned sleuth Clarice Beech is a brilliant twist on the amateur sleuth trope. Think Rosemary and Thyme, but with more cats! Set in the picturesque Lincolnshire countryside, Clarice and her estranged detective husband must solve puzzling mysteries and find the murderer before it's too late!