7 Awesome Mystery Book Series with Recurring Characters ...

Jan

There is nothing more relaxing than reading, and I especially enjoy mystery book series with recurring characters. I think you grow to appreciate the characters and their jobs, their personal issues and quirks. Alex Cross has such a love of his family. Lucas Davenport sounds super sexy with his scarred face. And while not necessarily a mystery series, there is intrigue with Louis and Lestat. Take a look at my own personal list of favorite mystery book series (in no particular order) with recurring characters. Share your favorites, too!

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1. Patricia Cornwell and Kay Scarpetta

On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
Who doesn’t like Kay Scarpetta, the medical examiner/lawyer and everything else because she’s so smart? She’s independent, successful, cares deeply for her friends and family, and she can solve a mystery! Here are the Scarpetta novels in order of publication. Enjoy reading this mystery book series!

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Patricia Cornwell is an American author who is best known for her series of crime novels featuring the character of medical examiner Kay Scarpetta. The series is set in the United States and follows the exploits of the titular character as she solves a variety of complex cases. The novels have been praised for their detailed descriptions of forensic science and have been translated into more than 30 languages. The series has sold over 100 million copies worldwide and has been adapted into a television series.

2. James Patterson and Alex Cross

On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
I really appreciate the characters in this series and their history. Of course, several of these books have been made into movies with a couple of different actors playing Alex. I personally never think a movie is as good as the book; and is the main character ever portrayed by someone like you had in your head?

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James Patterson's Alex Cross series is a stellar parade of psychological suspense and complex intrigue. Each novel delves deeper into the psyche of its protagonist, a professional and personal journey that ripples through the narrative. While the movies offer a visual feast, they often strip layers from the characters that only the written word can fully explore. Isn't it true that no matter the talent of the actor, the Cross of our imagination is always more intimate, molded perfectly to match our personal interpretation of Patterson's words? It's the beauty of books; they create a unique connection, an unspoken bond that cinema can sometimes struggle to replicate.

Frequently asked questions

An awesome mystery book series usually features interesting and relatable recurring characters, engaging and suspenseful plots, and a setting that pulls you into the story. The twists and turns, along with the development of the main characters throughout the series, often keep readers coming back for more.

Sure! Many mystery series have strong and captivating female lead characters. They often find themselves solving crimes, facing personal challenges, and evolving throughout the series, creating a dynamic storyline that resonates with readers who enjoy seeing women take charge in solving mysteries.

When reading a mystery book series with recurring characters, you can expect to become familiar with the characters' backstories, personality traits, and how they handle different situations. With each new book, you see the characters grow and face new challenges while the overarching mysteries and story arcs continue to unfold.

To find the correct order to read a mystery book series, you can usually look for a list at the beginning of the books or check the author's or publisher's website. Reading the books in order helps you follow the character development and story progression the way the author intended.

Yes, many mystery book series blend elements from different genres like romance, fantasy, or historical fiction. This mix creates a unique reading experience that can appeal to a wider audience and add depth to the traditional mystery genre.

3. Jonathan Kellerman and Alex Delaware

On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
Alex Delaware is a forensic psychologist with a background as a child psychologist. He partners with Milo Sturgis, a lieutenant with the LAPD, to help Milo with crime solving and criminal profiling. The relationship between these friends is one thing that draws you into these novels. Milo is gay and has dealt with the issues that come along with being gay on the police force. Alex’s relationship with Robin is sweet and sexy. These books are smart and there’s a bit of sarcastic humor between the characters that I like.

4. John Sanford and Lucas Davenport

On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
Lucas Davenport is the tall, dark, and handsome type with a scarred face and commitment issues, but you can’t help but like the guy. The Prey Series, written by John Sanford, were the first series books that I read. I was hooked from the start.

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Davenport, created by John Sandford, isn't your average crime fighter; he's a wealthy game designer turned detective, which gives this series a unique twist. His adventures are a gripping mix of police procedure and intense personal drama, making each book a page-turner. With Sandford's deft writing, you'll find yourself rooting for Davenport amidst murder mysteries and dangerous escapades. The supporting cast is just as compelling, ensuring your investment in the entire world that Sandford has masterfully crafted continues with each new installment.

5. Sue Grafton and Kinsey Millhone

On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
Kinsey is a down-to-earth character and I really like her. While these books are an easy read, they are no less suspenseful. Since her books have all gone alphabetically, starting with "A is for Alibi," I’ll be curious to see what Sue Grafton takes on once she reaches Z.

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6. Anne Rice and the Vampire Series

On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
While these books may not exactly be «mystery» books, they are filled with intrigue, and the anticipation of what will happen next is overwhelming. While I have read the Twilight series, Louis and Lestat will forever be the original vampires to me. Rice then blends them into the next series (#7) in an easy and believable way.

7. Anne Rice and the Mayfair Witches

On iTunes at: itunes.apple.com
I am in love with these books, but most definitely the first in the series, The Witching Hour. The love affair in the book is tumultuous and yet you have to keep reading or you’ll not rest if you don’t. The history of the family draws you in and you have to know everything. You will not want this book to end; but go ahead and finish because the next two are waiting for you!

I hope you will give these books a try and enjoy them as much as I have and do. That is, if you haven’t already! If you’ve read them, let me know what you liked or disliked about the novels. I’ll be anxious to hear your opinions!

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Where Thoughts and Opinions Converge

Rita Mae Brown has an awesome series about a clever and snarky postmistress and her crazy cats and corgi set in rural Virginia, I can't remember what the series is technically called -- I think the Sneaky Pie Brown series? Really funny and cute, especially if you're an animal lover.

I love Anne Rice and The Witching Hour is one of my favorites, it's been a while since I read it but this makes me want to again!

Martha Grimes Inspector Jury series has the most delightful characters I have ever read.

Greg Isles books with main character of Penn Cage were so interesting and enjoyable. I'm not a big reader but I couldn't put these books down.

Good suggestions, but I am always plugging some great series characters that get overlooked - Elizabeth Squires Miss Marple-like Peaches Dann, Jane Rubino's excellent Cat Austen and Victor Cardenas NJ mysteries, K.K. Beck's spirited flapper Iris Cooper, Kate Ross's Pimpernelish Julian Kestrel, Nora Deloach's warm southern Mama and Simone series. Beck and Rubino also wrote two of the best "mystery on a movie set" books.

Thanks for the recs... Just downloaded The Witching Hour and A is for Alibi :)

Lisa Jackson has a few different series all nail biting and page turners, currently reading ready to die

Completely with you on the Anne rice books, twilight has nothing on them and I always get slightly ( probably unreasonably haha) annoyed when people say they're the best vampire books. :) and I also agree with zlati- love agatha Christie

Maybe not such big recurring character theme but Jodi Picoult does a couple of characters that pop up in a book or two of hers, while not strictly mystery (all that's mysterious is what has actually happened) def worth picking up a couple of her books although they follow a pattern they still are brill reads :)

Elizabeth Peter's Amelia Peabody series is the best series i have found with recurring characters, my personal favorite series, with loads of wonderful secondary characters, this series runs from about 1885 to 1922, it is mystery series, set mostly in Egypt, following archeologists of Egyptian ruins, there is romance included and lots of humour.

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