If you’re searching for fast-paced crime novels, you’ll love these authors like Tess Gerritsen.
Author and retired physician Tess Gerritsen has mastered the art of combining medical expertise with gripping crime narratives. Harvest established her reputation in the literary scene, debuting at number thirteen on the New York Times bestseller list. In 2001, Gerritsen shifted focus with The Surgeon, introducing detective Jane Rizzoli, who became central to thirteen additional books in what would become her signature series.
With over 25 million copies sold worldwide, Gerritsen has proven that medical authenticity paired with compelling crime storytelling creates an irresistible combination. Her unique background as a physician brings credibility to medical procedures and forensic details that other authors simply can’t match.
If you’ve exhausted Gerritsen’s catalog and are searching for your next crime fiction fix, these authors share her talent for fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat writing while bringing their own expertise and perspectives to the genre.
For more recommendations, you might also enjoy exploring authors like Harlan Coben, authors like Gillian Flynn, best detective novel series.
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Must-Read Authors Like Tess Gerritsen
If you enjoy mystery and suspense, consider exploring authors like Agatha Christie.
1. Jonathan Kellerman, 1949 -
Jonathan Kellerman bridges psychology and crime fiction with remarkable expertise, drawing from his background as both a practicing psychologist and bestselling novelist. Early in his career, Kellerman maintained his day job while crafting novels in the evenings—a dedication that paid off spectacularly when When the Bough Breaks launched his career in 1985.
Five years later, he transitioned to full-time writing, creating multiple acclaimed series. The Alex Delaware series features a child psychologist who consults on criminal cases, while his Petra Connor, Jacob Lev, and Clay Edison series explore different aspects of law enforcement and forensic investigation.
Kellerman’s psychological insights add depth to criminal profiling and character development that few authors can match. His ability to explore the mental aspects of both criminals and investigators creates multi-layered narratives that satisfy readers seeking both psychological complexity and fast-paced crime action.
“At first, when a child meets something that scares him, the fear grows, like a wave. But when he goes into the water and swims - gets used to the water - the wave grows small. If we pull the child away when the wave is high, he never sees that, never learns how to swim and remains afraid. If he gets a chance to feel strong, in control, that’s called coping. When he copes, he feels better.”
Jonathan Kellerman, Time Bomb
2. Patricia Cornwell, 1956 -
Patricia Cornwell stands as one of the most successful crime writers globally, with over 100 million copies sold worldwide. Her protagonist Kay Scarpetta, a medical examiner based in Richmond, Virginia, has become one of the most recognizable characters in contemporary crime fiction.
Cornwell’s authenticity stems from real-world experience. In 1985, she began working at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Virginia as both a technical writer and computer analyst—five years before publishing her first Scarpetta novel. This firsthand knowledge of forensic procedures and medical examination processes gives her writing unparalleled credibility.
Postmortem, based on a series of stranglings in Richmond in 1987, earned Cornwell the Edgar, Macavity, John Creasey Memorial, and Anthony awards. The Scarpetta series continues strong after nearly 30 books, consistently delivering forensic accuracy combined with compelling personal drama.
“You artists think you’re the only ones who can relate to these things. Many of us have the same feelings, the same emptiness, the same loneliness. But we don’t have the tools to verbalize them. So we carry on, we struggle. Feelings are feelings. I think people’s feelings are pretty much the same all over the world.”
Patricia Cornwell, Postmortem
3. Chris Carter
Chris Carter brings unique credibility to crime writing through his background as a criminal psychologist. His intimate knowledge of criminal behavior and investigative psychology infuses his novels with authenticity that resonates with readers seeking realistic portrayals of law enforcement work.
Carter’s Robert Hunter series, launched in 2009 with the Sunday Times bestseller The Crucifix Killer, follows a homicide detective navigating Los Angeles’s most challenging cases. The 2019 installment, Hunting Evil, explores the psychological complexity of a serial killer Hunter previously captured being released from prison.
What sets Carter apart is his ability to portray criminal psychology without sensationalizing violence. His professional background allows him to explore the investigative process realistically while maintaining the suspenseful pacing that keeps readers engaged. Fans appreciate his commitment to psychological accuracy in both criminal behavior and detective work.
“The nightmares were so devastating that as a self-defense mechanism his brain did all it could to keep him awake at night. Instead of falling asleep, Hunter read ferociously. Books became his refuge, his castle. A safe place where the ghastly nightmares couldn’t breach the gates.”
Chris Carter, One by One
4. Dennis Lehane, 1965 -
Dennis Lehane has achieved the rare distinction of creating literary crime fiction that translates successfully to film. His novels Mystic River, Shutter Island, and Gone Baby Gone became acclaimed movies, but his literary career began with A Drink Before the War, which won the Shamus Award for Best First P.I. Novel.
Lehane’s approach differs from purely procedural crime fiction by focusing on psychological depth and social context. His characters operate in morally complex situations where right and wrong aren’t always clear-cut. This philosophical approach to crime writing appeals to readers seeking more than simple good-versus-evil narratives.
Interestingly, while Lehane enjoys seeing his novels adapted for screen, he refuses to write screenplays based on his own books, comparing it to “operating on his own child.” This dedication to his original vision ensures his novels remain true to their literary roots.
“The brain controls pain. It controls fear. Sleep. Empathy. Hunger. Everything we associate with the heart or the soul or the nervous system is actually controlled by the brain. Everything. What if you could control it?”
Dennis Lehane, Shutter Island
5. Karl Braungart
Karl Braungart combines military experience with political science education to create authentic international thrillers. His background in Army security during the Cold War provides firsthand knowledge of espionage and international affairs that adds credibility to his fictional narratives.
Following his military service, Braungart earned a degree in political science, further expanding his understanding of global politics and conflict. This combination of practical experience and academic knowledge allows him to create stories with factual details that ring true to readers familiar with military and intelligence operations.
Lost Identity, the first in his series following Army officers Paul Remmich and Eric Miller fighting in the Middle East, showcases Braungart’s talent for combining fast-paced action with realistic military procedures and international intrigue.
“This assignment is my duty to perform for the US Army. My job is outside your command, my friend. You know my security clearance level remains the same. Copying the SCI is a safety measure, in case there is an electrical glitch. So, I believe we’ve talked enough about this subject. Agree?”
Karl Braungart, Lost Identity
6. Lisa Scottoline, 1955 -
Lisa Scottoline brings legal expertise to crime fiction, drawing from her early career as a lawyer before transitioning to full-time writing after becoming a mother. Her Rosato & Associates series follows female partners at a law firm, combining legal drama with crime investigation.
Everywhere That Mary Went launched the series, followed by Final Appeal, which won the Best Paperback Original Mystery Edgar Award in 1994. Scottoline’s legal background ensures accurate portrayal of courtroom procedures and legal strategy, while her storytelling skills maintain suspenseful pacing.
With over 40 novels and 30 million copies sold worldwide, Scottoline has proven that legal thrillers can appeal to broad audiences. Her ability to explain complex legal concepts while maintaining narrative momentum makes her work accessible to readers without legal backgrounds.
“I fool you. I fool everyone.”
Lisa Scottoline, Every Fifteen Minutes
7. Tana French, 1973 -
American-Irish writer Tana French, known as “the First Lady of Irish Crime,” brings literary sophistication to crime fiction. Her debut novel In the Woods, part of the Dublin Murder Squad series, introduced detectives Rob Ryan and Cassie Maddox while exploring themes of friendship, memory, and betrayal.
French’s background as an actor informs her character development and dialogue, creating authentic voices and complex psychological portraits. Her approach to crime fiction emphasizes atmosphere and character development as much as plot resolution, appealing to readers who appreciate literary quality alongside crime elements.
In the Woods earned best debut crime novel awards from the Edgar, Barry, Macavity, and Anthony committees. The Dublin Murder Squad series explores whether dedication to friends could drive someone to murder, examining the dark side of loyalty and trust.
“If you are perfectly happy with what you got, especially if what you got isn’t even all that spectacular then you’re dangerous. You’re breaking all the rules. You’re undermining the sacred economy. You’re challenging every assumption that society is built on.”
Tana French, The Likeness
8. Karin Slaughter, 1971 -
Karin Slaughter has established herself as one of contemporary crime fiction’s most successful authors, with 21 novels selling over 40 million copies worldwide. Her Grant County series followed a pediatrician, coroner, chief of police, and detective solving crimes in fictional Heartsdale, Georgia.
Slaughter’s 2018 novel Pieces of Her hit number two on the New York Times bestseller list and became a Netflix series starring Toni Collette, demonstrating her stories’ visual appeal and broad audience reach. Her recognition as 2019 Georgia Author of the Year and 2020 Ned Kelly Award winner confirms critical acclaim alongside commercial success.
Slaughter’s writing tackles difficult subjects without sensationalizing violence, focusing on psychological realism and social issues. Her ability to balance entertainment with meaningful commentary on contemporary problems appeals to readers seeking substance alongside suspense.
“Your mother and I had always been secretly pleased that you were so headstrong and passionate about your causes. Once you were gone, we understood that these were the qualities that painted young men as smart and ambitious and young women as trouble.”
Karin Slaughter, Pretty Girls
9. Lisa Gardner, 1972 -
Lisa Gardner has achieved number one New York Times bestseller status through her psychological thrillers and suspense novels. Her Detective D.D. Warren series follows a Boston Police Department homicide detective through increasingly complex cases that test both her professional skills and personal resilience.
Warren first appeared in Gardner’s 2004 novel Alone, where she investigated a fellow police officer—establishing the series’ willingness to explore corruption and moral ambiguity within law enforcement. Never Tell recently brought Warren together with Flora Dane, a Boston vigilante, expanding the series’ scope and character dynamics.
Gardner’s strength lies in creating believable female protagonists who face realistic challenges while solving extraordinary crimes. Her exploration of family dynamics, trauma, and recovery adds emotional depth to procedural elements.
“You try as a parent. You love beyond reason. You fight beyond endurance. You hope beyond despair. You never think, until the very last moment, that it still might not be enough.”
Lisa Gardner, Live to Tell
10. Kathy Reichs, 1948 -
Kathy Reichs combines academic expertise as an anthropologist with crime writing, creating the authenticity that inspired the hit TV series Bones. Her 21 novels include 20 featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan, who shares similarities with the television character but operates in her own distinct literary universe.
Reichs’ debut novel, Déjà Dead, earned the Arthur Ellis Award for Best First Novel in 1997, establishing her reputation for combining scientific accuracy with compelling storytelling. Her expertise gained public attention during the 2011 Casey Anthony murder trial, where she served as an expert witness.
The success of both her novels and the Bones television adaptation demonstrates how scientific expertise can enhance crime fiction when combined with strong storytelling skills. Reichs proves that technical accuracy doesn’t have to sacrifice narrative momentum or reader engagement.
“We spoke some, moving our mouths, forming words, saying nothing. Mostly we sat. It wasn’t the comfortable silence of old friends accustomed to each other, but a dialogue of uneasiness.”
Kathy Reichs, Déjà Dead
The Medical-Crime Fiction Connection in 2025
The success of authors like Tess Gerritsen has established medical-crime fiction as a distinct and popular subgenre. In 2025, this category continues evolving as new technologies and medical advances create fresh possibilities for both criminal methods and detection techniques.
Key Elements That Define the Genre:
Professional Authenticity: Authors with medical, legal, psychological, or law enforcement backgrounds bring credibility that enhances reader immersion and trust.
Technical Accuracy: Detailed knowledge of procedures, whether medical examinations, forensic analysis, or investigative techniques, creates realism that sets these authors apart from pure fiction writers.
Complex Characters: Professional protagonists face both external crimes and internal conflicts related to their demanding careers, creating multi-layered character development.
Current Relevance: Modern medical advances, forensic techniques, and psychological understanding continuously provide new material for contemporary crime fiction.
Educational Value: Readers often learn about medical procedures, legal processes, or investigative techniques while being entertained, adding intellectual satisfaction to emotional engagement.
These authors understand that contemporary readers appreciate accuracy alongside entertainment. They’ve proven that expertise enhances rather than hindering storytelling, creating crime fiction that satisfies both emotional and intellectual curiosity.
Whether you’re drawn to forensic anthropology, criminal psychology, legal procedures, or medical examination, these authors deliver the professional authenticity and fast-paced storytelling that made Tess Gerritsen a household name. Each brings unique expertise while maintaining the compelling narrative drive that keeps readers turning pages late into the night.
