12 Authors Like Nelson DeMille: Your Next Crime Thriller Adventure

Check out our top selection of riveting authors like Nelson DeMille and discover your next favorite page-turners filled with action, mystery, and suspense.

Nelson DeMille’s straightforward writing, intricate plots, and captivating characters earned him a spot on the New York Times bestselling author list. Plum Island is among his over 30 works entertaining fans of espionage and crime thrillers. The novel stands out for its iconic character John Corey, a retired homicide detective turned FBI agent who became the heart of a beloved series including The Lion’s Game, Night Fall, and Wild Fire.

DeMille’s mastery lies in blending military precision with civilian cynicism, creating protagonists who navigate both bureaucratic red tape and life-threatening danger with equal skill. In 2025, as global tensions continue escalating and cybersecurity threats dominate headlines, his exploration of terrorism, government conspiracy, and individual heroism feels more relevant than ever.

For more recommendations, you might also enjoy exploring authors like Harlan Coben, authors like Gillian Flynn, best detective novel series.

Here Are The Top Authors Like Nelson DeMille

If you enjoy mystery and suspense, consider exploring best detective novel series, authors like Harlan Coben, authors like Agatha Christie.

1. Steve Martini

Steve Martini practiced law and worked as a legal newspaper reporter for many years before becoming a fiction author, bringing authentic legal expertise to his thrillers. His knowledge and skill shine brightest in Compelling Evidence, published in 1992, which earned New York Times bestseller status and introduced one of his most famous characters, Paul Madriani.

Madriani appeared in 12 of Martini’s 15 books, including The Judge, Undue Influence, and Double Tap. Like DeMille’s John Corey, Madriani combines professional expertise with street smarts, navigating complex cases that often involve corruption at the highest levels.

In 2025, as legal drama series dominate streaming platforms and real-world court cases capture public attention, Martini’s blend of authentic legal procedure with page-turning suspense continues attracting new readers seeking intelligent crime fiction.

“With books as with most things in life, when you’re successful, it’s always good to have a second act.” — Steve Martini, Shadow Of Power

2. John Grisham

One of John Grisham’s remarkable feats includes selling 2.6 million copies of his 1995 book The Client in just 15 weeks. It became a major film and earned the two-time Harper Lee Prize winner even greater recognition. He has 47 suspense and thriller novels concerning matters in the criminal justice system, translated into numerous languages worldwide.

His non-fiction work The Innocent Man explores the 1982 murder case that led to the execution of two innocent men, showcasing his commitment to justice beyond fiction. Like DeMille, Grisham excels at creating ordinary protagonists thrust into extraordinary circumstances involving corruption, conspiracy, and moral complexity.

Grisham’s continued relevance in 2025 stems from his prescient exploration of corporate malfeasance, legal system failures, and individual courage—themes that resonate strongly in our current era of institutional distrust and whistleblower revelations.

“Don’t compromise yourself - you’re all you have.” — John Grisham, The Rainmaker

3. Vince Flynn

Vince Flynn was a self-published New York Times bestselling author who sold 15 million book copies before his death from prostate cancer at age 47. His novel Extreme Measures sold over one million eBook copies, while American Assassin became a major film in 2017.

Flynn’s Term Limits and DeMille’s The Charm School both dive into political corruption and justice, creating thrilling yet poignant tales that examine power’s corrupting influence. Flynn’s protagonist Mitch Rapp became an icon of post-9/11 thriller fiction, embodying America’s complex relationship with necessary violence in uncertain times.

Though Flynn passed away in 2013, his series continues under Kyle Mills’ direction, maintaining the character’s relevance as global terrorism and counterintelligence operations remain front-page news in 2025.

“It was war, and in war the truth was almost always the first casualty.” — Vince Flynn, Executive Power

4. Robert Crais

Robert Crais worked as a contract writer and producer for various television series before pursuing his dream of becoming a novelist. His writing prowess shines through his 23 published books, especially his detective fiction debut The Monkey’s Raincoat, which introduced his Elvis Cole and Joe Pike series.

L.A. Requiem, a Los Angeles and New York Times bestseller, showcases Crais’s talent for multiple storylines, shifting perspectives, and vivid flashbacks. Like DeMille’s work, Crais’s novels blend action with character development, creating protagonists who feel authentic rather than superhuman.

In 2025, as streaming services continue adapting crime procedurals and Los Angeles remains a focal point for entertainment industry intrigue, Crais’s L.A.-based mysteries feel both contemporary and timeless.

“It’s easy to sound good. All you do is leave in the parts where you act tough and forget the parts where you get shoved around.” — Robert Crais, The Monkey’s Raincoat

5. Brian Haig

Brian Haig uses his 22 years of army experience to create authentic military and legal thriller novels. If you enjoyed DeMille’s The General’s Daughter, you’ll appreciate Haig’s debut Secret Sanction, published in 2001, which explores Major Sean Drummond’s suspicions about CIA agents, officials, and presidential involvement in covering up a murder.

This Washington Post bestseller established Haig as a rising force in military thrillers. Sean Drummond, an army-turned-lawyer, became a recurring character whose investigations often expose corruption within military and intelligence hierarchies—themes that mirror DeMille’s exploration of institutional betrayal.

Haig’s military background lends authenticity to his portrayal of command structure, military justice, and the moral compromises demanded by classified operations—issues that remain painfully relevant as veterans’ stories continue emerging in 2025.

“Guilt is a relative term, as are fairness, justice, and punishment.” — Brian Haig, The Night Crew

6. Alex DeMille

Although Alex DeMille intends to follow in his father Nelson DeMille’s footsteps, he’s determined to forge his own path. In 2019, he published The Deserter, co-written with his father, which became a New York Times bestseller. The story follows Scott Brodie’s mission to find Captain Kyle Mercer, who went AWOL, uncovering corruption behind his disappearance.

This father-son collaboration combines Nelson’s decades of experience with Alex’s fresh perspective on contemporary military issues. Their partnership represents a new generation’s take on espionage fiction, incorporating modern technology and current geopolitical tensions.

As military conflicts evolve and new generations of veterans return home, Alex DeMille’s voice adds contemporary relevance to the family legacy while maintaining the tight plotting and authentic detail that made his father famous.

“Whoever fights monsters should see to it that in the process he does not become a monster.” — Alex DeMille, The Deserter

7. David Baldacci

David Baldacci is a lawyer who has been passionate about writing since childhood. His first and bestselling novel Absolute Power revolves around a thief who witnesses the murder of a billionaire’s wife, delving into power’s corruption at the highest levels. Baldacci’s books have been adapted for both big and small screens and translated into multiple languages.

If you enjoyed DeMille’s The Whole Truth, you’ll appreciate Baldacci’s The Cuban Affair, which shares similar themes of conspiracy, international intrigue, and moral complexity. Baldacci’s legal background informs his understanding of how power operates behind closed doors.

In 2025, as wealth inequality and corporate influence in politics dominate public discourse, Baldacci’s exploration of how power corrupts and ordinary citizens fight back continues resonating with readers seeking both entertainment and insight.

“Why can’t people just sit and read books and be nice to each other?” — David Baldacci, The Camel Club

8. Jonathan Kellerman

Jonathan Kellerman won his first fiction writing award at 22. While his initial published works were medical books, they trained him to create excellent psychological crime thrillers, beginning with When the Bough Breaks, which was adapted into an award-winning film in 2016.

The novel launched the Alex Delaware series, featuring a child psychologist consultant to the LAPD. Like DeMille’s characters, Delaware combines professional expertise with personal vulnerability, creating complex protagonists who solve crimes while confronting their own demons.

Kellerman’s psychological insight adds depth to traditional crime fiction, exploring how trauma affects both victims and investigators—themes that feel especially relevant as mental health awareness grows in 2025.

“To trust someone is to take the greatest risk of all.” — Jonathan Kellerman, Blood Test

9. John Sandford

John Roswell Camp, writing as John Sandford, is an influential writer who won the 1986 Pulitzer Prize in journalism. He’s written 54 novels, including the Virgil Flowers series and The Investigator. He’s best known for his Prey series, which follows the adventures of Lucas Davenport.

Sandford’s journalistic background brings authentic detail to his crime fiction, while his understanding of law enforcement procedures creates believable investigations. Like DeMille, he excels at balancing character development with intricate plotting.

His continued productivity and relevance in 2025 demonstrate how classic police procedural elements can evolve to address contemporary crimes while maintaining the fundamental appeal of justice prevailing over corruption.

“When any worthwhile thing is done in the world, it’s usually done by somebody weird.” — John Sandford, Outrage

10. Brad Thor

Brad Thor excels in espionage and legal thrillers with his background in national security and law. He’s most celebrated for his character Scot Harvath, an ex-Navy SEAL turned Secret Service agent whose adventures span 21 books, starting with The Lions Of Lucerne.

Thor combines fiction with real-life international politics and relations, creating scenarios that feel ripped from classified intelligence reports. His exploration of terrorism, cybersecurity, and geopolitical manipulation mirrors DeMille’s approach to contemporary threats.

In 2025, as hybrid warfare and international terrorism continue evolving, Thor’s detailed understanding of security protocols and international relations keeps his work feeling urgently contemporary rather than dated action fiction.

“Power perceived is power achieved.” — Brad Thor, The Athena Project

11. Michael Connelly

Inspired by Raymond Chandler’s works at age 12, Michael Connelly combined creative writing with journalism before becoming a bestselling author with 37 novels and one non-fiction work. His character Harry Bosch has been adapted for Amazon Studios, while The Lincoln Lawyer found success on Netflix.

Connelly’s journalism background brings authenticity to his crime fiction, while his understanding of Los Angeles creates vivid, believable settings. Like DeMille, he creates flawed protagonists who pursue justice despite institutional obstacles and personal demons.

His streaming success in 2025 demonstrates how well-crafted crime fiction translates across media, reaching new audiences while maintaining the character depth and social commentary that made the original novels compelling.

“There is nothing you can do about the past except keep it there.” — Michael Connelly, The Brass Verdict

12. Lee Child

Lee Child became famous for his Jack Reacher novels (Killing Floor, Die Trying, and Tripwire) that sold over 100 million copies worldwide. Despite his success, Child announced his retirement in January 2020, passing the series to his younger brother Andrew Grant to continue the Jack Reacher legacy.

The series’ movie and streaming adaptations remain available on Prime Video and Apple TV, introducing new audiences to Child’s blend of action, mystery, and moral complexity. Reacher’s wandering lifestyle and military background echo themes found in DeMille’s work.

Even in retirement, Child’s influence on the thriller genre continues in 2025, as new adaptations and his brother’s continuation demonstrate how well-developed characters can transcend their original creators while maintaining their essential appeal.

“I don’t want to put the world to rights… I just don’t like people who put the world to wrongs.” — Lee Child, 61 Hours

These authors continue Nelson DeMille’s tradition of combining authentic expertise with compelling storytelling, creating thrillers that both entertain and illuminate contemporary issues. In our complex world of 2025, their exploration of corruption, heroism, and justice offers both escape and insight into the challenges facing modern society.