Are you a fan of Mark Edwards’ novels? Then, check out our round-up of the best authors like Mark Edwards!
Mark Edwards has carved out a distinctive niche in psychological suspense with his ability to transform ordinary domestic situations into nightmarish scenarios that keep readers questioning everything they think they know. Through novels like “The Magpies” and “Follow You Home,” Edwards demonstrates his talent for taking relatable characters—young couples, new homeowners, ordinary families—and plunging them into situations where paranoia becomes survival and trust becomes a luxury they can’t afford.
His unique approach combines the intimacy of domestic drama with the relentless tension of psychological horror, creating stories where the real terror comes not from external monsters but from the darkness that can lurk within seemingly normal people and places. Edwards excels at building dread through accumulating small details and seemingly innocent interactions that gradually reveal sinister undercurrents.
If you’re drawn to Edwards’ masterful blend of domestic settings, psychological manipulation, and twists that reframe everything you thought you understood, these authors will deliver the same spine-tingling satisfaction. Each writer shares his gift for making the familiar feel threatening and turning everyday anxieties into full-blown nightmares that feel disturbingly possible.
Table of Contents
Open Table of Contents
Here Are The Best Authors Like Mark Edwards
1. Louise Voss
Louise Voss via Facebook
Louise Voss is the author of Detective Patrick Lennon and Kate Maddox’s series of books. Some of her top-rated books are From the Cradle, the first Detective Lennon thriller, and The Blissfully Dead, the second. She also wrote Killing Cupid, Catch Your Death, The Venus Trap, and His Other Woman.
Louise Voss co-published six novels with Mark Edwards, including the Detective Patrick Lennon books Forward Slash and Killing Cupid. In addition, she writes psychological thrillers, police procedurals, and contemporary novels. In addition to writing, she works as a literary consultant and mentors writers.
Voss’s collaborative work with Edwards makes her an ideal starting point for readers seeking similar thrills. In 2025, her solo work continues to deliver the same psychological depth and procedural authenticity that made their collaborations so compelling. Her experience mentoring writers has enhanced her craft, creating more sophisticated character development and plotting.
“It’s fine, Mervyn,’ said the blond, hearty-looking man next to him, reaching across the table to give Patrick’s and Carmella’s hands a bone-squeezing shake. ‘Let me introduce you to everyone. I’m Tris Kent, managing director of Gideon Records.”
Louise Voss
2. Claire McGowan
Claire McGowan is the author of several thrilling crime novels, including Are You Awake, I Know You, The Push, and What You Did. She is also the author of Paula Maguire’s books, including The Lost, The Dead Ground and The Silent Dead. Goodreads lists her as an author similar to Mark Edwards, Claire McGowan grew up in Ireland and earned a degree from Oxford University. She then moved to London, where she grew her literary career. McGowan publishes crime fiction under this name and contemporary women’s fiction under Eva Woods.
“Silence in the courtroom, silence in the street, the biggest mouth in Ireland is just about to speak …”
Claire McGowan
3. Sarah Pearse
Sarah Pearse is the author of the Elin Warner series. This includes The Sanatorium and The Retreat. These page-turning crime novels follow a young detective as she tries to determine the truth behind suspicious deaths. This is a relatively new author in the novel crime genre. The Sanatorium was her first book, and it was an instant Number One on the New York Times bestseller list. It has been translated into over 30 languages and sold over half a million copies, making it a popular choice for a new author. She published the sequel, The Retreat, in 2022.
“Family is all you have, but it isn’t found only in a blood connection. Family shows itself in the unlikeliest of moments: the split-second glances, a gesture, the hand next to yours when you need it the most.”
Sarah Pearse
4. Judith Flanders
Judith Flanders is the author of the Sam Clair series. The debut book, A Murder of Magpies, is a funny excursion into the world of Sam Clair, her Goth assistant, and her partner Inspector Field. The follow-up books are A Bed of Scorpions, A Cast of Vultures, and A Howl of Wolves. Judith Flanders was born in London and moved to Montreal as a young girl.
In 2001, she wrote her first book, A Circle of Sisters, which outlined the lives of four sisters of the Victorian era. In 2011, she published the Invention of Murder: How the Victorians Revelled in Death and Detection and Created Modern Crime. Her research for this book led her into the novel crime genre. If you’re searching for more crime novels to add to your reading list,
“There are supposed to be endorphins or whatever that make you feel great when you exercise. I don’t think I have any, because I only feel great when I’m lying on the sofa reading a book, possibly while simultaneously eating biscuits.”
Judith Flanders
5. Robert Bryndza
Robert Bryndza via Wikipedia, Public Domain
Robert Bryndza is a prolific author who wrote Detective Erika Foster and Kate Marshel’s detective tales. The Girl in the Ice is book one of the Detective Chief Inspector Erika Foster series, and Nine Elms is the first book of the Kate Marshall series. Both books feature strong female leads who find themselves searching for the killer in a murderous story.
To date, The Girl in the Ice has sold over 1.5 million English copies and has 29 language translations. Robert Bryndza has sold over five million copies of his crime and thriller novels. He was born in England and currently lives in Slovakia. Bryndza started his career as an actor before discovering his love for writing.
“When I am gone, release me; let me go. I have so many things to see and do, You mustn’t tie yourself to me with too many tears, But be thankful we had so many good years. I gave you my love, and you can only guess How much you’ve given me in happiness.”
Robert Bryndza
6. Daniel Hurst
Daniel Hurst is the best-selling author of The Passenger and other psychological thriller books that have topped the Amazon charts. The Passenger tells of a single mom who finds herself amid blackmail. This work was published by Inkubator Books and had many positive book reviews on Goodreads.
Other popular titles from this author include Til Death Do Us Part and We Used to Live Here. Hurst is an English author who has worked as a bartender and in a few other roles before becoming a successful author. He created The 20 Minute Series, a series of short psychological books that can be read in one sitting. Many reviewers call these “soap operas in book form.”
“My mum hates her life, and she’s always in a bad mood. It annoys me that she thinks the right thing for me to do is become just like her.”
Daniel Hurst
7. L. J. Ross
Finally, the last author on this list is L.J. Ross. The author of the DCI Ryan Mysteries and the Alexander Gregory Thrillers. L.J. Ross, has many works under her name. Her first book, Holy Island, became an international bestseller almost instantly, and she continues to top the “Most Read” and “Most Sold” fiction charts worldwide. Ross was born in England and moved to Paris and then later Florence. She worked as a lawyer for several years before retiring from law to writing full-time. She has many charitable works that she uses her income to support.
Ross’s legal background provides the same professional authenticity that enhances Edwards’ psychological insights. Her international living experience adds sophistication to her storytelling, while her philanthropic work demonstrates the kind of social consciousness that appeals to modern readers. In 2025, her continued dominance of bestseller lists proves that well-researched, character-driven crime fiction remains tremendously popular. Her dual series approach offers readers variety while maintaining consistent quality.
“Violent murder tended to kill your appetite for sugar.”
L. J. Ross
For more recommendations, you might also enjoy exploring authors like Harlan Coben, authors like Gillian Flynn, best detective novel series.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between mystery and thriller books?
Mystery books focus on solving a puzzle or crime, often with a detective protagonist, while thriller books emphasize suspense, danger, and action. Mysteries are more cerebral and puzzle-oriented, while thrillers are more emotional and adrenaline-driven.
What makes a great mystery or thriller book?
Great mystery and thriller books feature compelling characters, tight plotting, and skillful pacing that keeps readers engaged. They should offer fair clues for mystery readers while maintaining suspense and delivering satisfying resolutions.
Are mystery and thriller books suitable for all readers?
Mystery and thriller books can be suitable for most adult readers, though some may contain violence, mature themes, or disturbing content. It’s important to check reviews and content warnings if you’re sensitive to certain themes.
Why do people love mystery and thriller books?
People love mystery and thriller books for the intellectual challenge, emotional engagement, and escape they provide. These genres offer both entertainment and the satisfaction of solving puzzles or experiencing high-stakes situations safely.
