Best Crime Detective Series (2026): 5 Picks Compared

A detective series is a long commitment, and the first book decides whether the rest is worth it. The best crime detective series on this list all start at Book 1, except one, so match the entry point to the reader before the tone. We compared five series on fit, contents, value and stated reading level.

ShelfAnswers earns a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Affiliate disclosure.

The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	The Deep End	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	The Quiet Kill	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	Confessions	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	The Wicked Game of a Serial Killer	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Stolen Family	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

The Deep End

Julie Mulhern·9.7/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For cozy mystery fans, Book 1 of 22 in The Country Club Murders, set in 1974.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Book 1 of 22, a clean series start
• 2nd edition, publication date February 17, 2020 stated
• 1974 country-club setting, per the description

Cons

• No page count stated
• No reading age or grade level stated
• Adult themes stated in the description; check before buying for teens

2

The Quiet Kill

Robert Bryndza·9.6/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For British crime readers, Book 1 of 2 introducing Detective Jamie Day in 1987 London.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Book 1 of 2, a series start
• Publication date July 7, 2026, publisher Raven Street
• 1987 London setting, per the description

Cons

• No page count stated
• No reading age or grade level stated
• Serial killer and murder in the premise, per the description

3

Confessions

Ralph Griffith·9.6/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For hardboiled fans, Book 1 of 4 in the Johnny Walker novels, set in Portland.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Book 1 of 4, a series start
• 1st edition, publication date September 4, 2017 stated
• Pacific Northwest setting, per the description

Cons

• No page count stated
• Child serial killer in the premise, per the description
• Addiction themes in the premise, per the description

4

The Wicked Game of a Serial Killer

Stan Hendriks·9.6/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For serial-killer thriller readers, Book 1 of 6 about the hunt for the Imperious Killer.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Book 1 of 6, a series start
• Publication date October 1, 2024 stated
• Profiler-hunter premise, per the description

Cons

• No page count stated
• Serial killer murders women in the premise, per the description
• No edition stated

5

Stolen Family

Lisa Regan·9.5/10 Shelf Score

i

The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

For established fans, Book 24 of 25 in the Detective Josie Quinn series.

Check price on Amazon

Pros

• Book 24 of 25, deep into a long series
• Publication date April 9, 2026, publisher Bookouture
• Small-town festival setting, per the description

Cons

• Book 24 of 25, a poor starting point for new readers
• No page count stated
• Murdered mother and daughter in the premise, per the description

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

More picks to compare

• Her Last Kiss by Lisa ReganBook 25 of 25 in the Detective Josie Quinn series.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 23 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit, contents and edition, value, and stated reading age or level. None of the five state a reading age or grade level, so that score is zero, and books carry no warranty. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best crime detective series

Start with the entry point: four of these are Book 1 of their series. The Lisa Regan pick is Book 24 of 25, which suits established fans. Then match the tone: the Mulhern is a 1974 country-club mystery, the Bryndza a 1987 London procedural, the Griffith a hardboiled Portland noir, and the Hendriks a serial-killer hunt. See every thriller and mystery list for more.

Before you buy

• Buy Book 1 first: the Regan pick is Book 24 of 25, so new readers should start earlier in the series.
• Check the tone: the Griffith and Hendriks descriptions state serial killers and dark themes.
• Check the edition: the Mulhern is a 2nd edition and the Griffith a 1st edition, per the listings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start a detective series with Book 1?

Yes. Four of these five are Book 1 of their series. The Regan pick is Book 24 of 25, so start earlier in that series.

How many books are in each series?

The listings state 22, 2, 4, 6 and 25 books respectively. The Hendriks is Book 1 of 6 and the Bryndza Book 1 of 2.

Are these suitable for teen readers?

The descriptions state murder, serial killers and adult themes. Check the description of each before buying for teens.

Still deciding? Our top pickThe Deep End

Check price on Amazon

Related lists

See every thriller and mystery list and all fiction lists.

More lists: book club books.