Harlan Coben is popular, and for good reason, but there are many other fantastic mystery shows based on books by different authors that deserve attention. While Coben’s books and TV adaptations are everywhere right now – and five more are planned – his dominance in the mystery genre is starting to feel a bit overwhelming. It’s time to recognize some other great mystery shows.
Harlan Coben’s mystery shows have proven popular, showing there’s definitely an audience for this type of content. However, his unique approach to storytelling and the types of characters he creates aren’t for everyone, even among mystery fans. Sometimes, even people who enjoy Harlan Coben’s work want to switch things up and watch something new.
While these ten excellent mystery series are based on books by authors other than Harlan Coben, and have a different feel from his work, they’re equally worthy of praise.
10. The Field of Blood
Denise Mina’s Patty Meehan novels were the basis for the 2011 television show, Field of Blood, which is a truly excellent but often overlooked series. Set in 1980s Glasgow, the show centers on Patty Meehan, a copy editor at the Scottish Daily News. Eager to become a real journalist and revive her struggling newspaper, Patty begins investigating a crime, but soon finds herself in over her head.
This adaptation successfully translated the story to television. Each season focuses on a new murder mystery, and the show features outstanding performances from Jayd Johnson (known for River City), David Morrissey (Sherwood), and Peter Capaldi (Doctor Who). Johnson’s portrayal of Patty Meehan was so impressive, she even received a BAFTA award.
The show is also remarkable for how accurately it portrays the time period. It realistically captures the grim and difficult atmosphere of 1980s Glasgow, and it doesn’t try to romanticize the past.
9. The Sinner
The TV show The Sinner is known for being incredibly suspenseful and focusing on the motivations behind crimes, rather than just solving them. While many viewers don’t realize it, the show originally began as an adaptation of the psychological thriller novel The Sinner by Petra Hammesfahr. Over time, it evolved into an anthology series, with each season presenting a brand new mystery.
The story has evolved beyond its initial concept into something even better. While still exploring the psychology behind crime, the book now features fresh characters and scenarios. Thankfully, Bill Pullman’s compelling portrayal of Detective Harry Ambrose provides a consistent connection throughout.
This thriller-mystery is a fantastic example of well-crafted storytelling. It builds genuine tension and suspense without relying on forced or unbelievable plot twists. The story unfolds logically, and every revelation feels natural and justified.
8. Murdoch Mysteries
Murdoch Mysteries is a charming TV show based on a series of books, and it stands out as a truly original mystery program. The series, set in the 1890s, follows Toronto detective William Murdoch as he investigates murders using cutting-edge forensic science – things like fingerprinting and blood analysis. He’s assisted by morgue doctor Julia Ogden, his supervisor Inspector Brakenreid, and Constable George Crabtree.
What makes Murdoch Mysteries so enjoyable is that it’s set during a fascinating time – the early days of forensic science. The show gives you a look at the detectives and scientists who were developing these new techniques as they investigate intriguing cases.
The show also boasts fantastic acting and a star-studded cast, with almost every Canadian celebrity making a guest appearance over its many seasons. The beautiful Victorian costumes are an added bonus! There’s plenty to watch too, with nineteen seasons and three TV movies available.
7. A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder
Young adult mysteries are often overlooked and undervalued, but many are just as captivating as mysteries written for adults. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, adapted from Holly Jackson’s book series, is a prime example, offering a gripping story with clever twists and a standout performance by Emma Myers.
The first season centers on Pippa Fitz-Amobi (Myers) and her quest to solve a years-old mystery. Though others think the case is closed, Pippa is convinced an innocent person was wrongly accused.
Pippa will return as a detective in the second season, investigating a new case after the events of Good Girl, Bad Blood. Filming is complete, and the season is anticipated to arrive on Netflix in 2026.
6. The Outsider
Based on Stephen King’s novel, the 2020 miniseries The Outsider is a gripping and unsettling blend of mystery and horror. Although it differs from the book in some ways, the series still captures King’s distinctive style and atmosphere.
When a young boy is found murdered, all clues and a witness identify Terry Maitland, a local Little League coach, as the killer. But the case becomes incredibly strange when proof emerges showing Maitland was actually 50 miles away at the time of the crime. The explanation for how he could be in two places simultaneously, as explored in The Outsider, is truly unexpected.
The show is visually captivating and creates a consistently unsettling atmosphere, making it completely addictive. It also boasts a stellar cast – including Cynthia Erivo, Bill Camp, and Jason Mendelson – all of whom deliver outstanding performances.
5. Pretty Little Liars
Out of all the shows mentioned, Pretty Little Liars, based on the novels by Sara Shepard, is probably the most surprising. It’s over-the-top and dramatic, with plot twists that can be completely unbelievable. It’s not consistently a good mystery, as the quality varies – it can be brilliant one moment and a bit silly the next. But that’s also what makes it so good! Once you get hooked, it’s hard to stop watching, no matter how wild things get.
The show’s story is based on the original books. It centers around five teenage friends – Aria, Spencer, Emily, Hanna, and Alison, who call themselves the Liars. Their friendship falls apart when Alison disappears after a sleepover during a storm. A year later, the girls reconnect when they start getting mysterious texts from an anonymous person named ‘A’ who seems to know everything about them.
The central puzzle revolves around figuring out who ‘A’ is, how they discovered the Liars’ hidden truths, and why they’re determined to cause them harm. While staying true to the original story, the adaptation introduces enough new elements to keep both fans of the Pretty Little Liars books and new viewers engaged.
4. Cross
James Patterson is a hugely popular crime and mystery author, and his well-known Alex Cross series was adapted into a TV show on Prime Video in 2024. While the show isn’t a perfect match to the books, it still delivers the same exciting suspense as the original stories.
The series centers around Alex Cross, a Washington, DC detective who specializes in forensic psychology. Alongside his partner, John Sampson, he tackles incredibly challenging and complex cases. The first season features a dangerous serial killer known as The Fanboy, a character originally created for the Cross television show.
Aldis Hodge delivers a truly outstanding performance as Alex Cross, bringing incredible depth to the character in every episode. He skillfully portrays the complexities of a man grappling with personal loss, staying true to the portrayal in the original books. Good news for fans: the show has been renewed for a second season, premiering February 11, 2026, with new episodes released each week.
3. And Then There Were None
Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None is considered her most unsettling and challenging novel, and it’s proven difficult to bring to the screen. Unlike her other mysteries, it’s not a lighthearted or playful whodunnit. Fortunately, Sarah Phelps recognized this when adapting it for television, and her version isn’t a typical, cozy Agatha Christie series.
Ten guests, each haunted by a dark secret, are lured to a remote island by an unknown host. When they begin to reveal their past misdeeds, they start turning up dead. The remaining guests must figure out who among them is a killer, and if anyone will make it off the island alive.
Phelps drew inspiration from Scandinavian crime dramas, which tend to treat murder investigations with a heavier, more serious tone. The adaptation reflects this somber mood, mirroring the book itself. However, Phelps was careful to remain faithful to Christie’s original work, making only minor changes and with the approval of the Agatha Christie estate, as reported by The Guardian.
2. Sherlock
I chose to include only one Sherlock Holmes show or adaptation on this list, simply because there are so many to choose from! Out of all of them, Sherlock stood out as the clear choice.
The series, set in modern-day London at the famous address 221B Baker Street, follows Sherlock Holmes (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Dr. John Watson (Martin Freeman) as they investigate crimes using medical knowledge and logical reasoning.
Although it doesn’t perfectly follow the original Arthur Conan Doyle stories, this version features the most compelling characters, the most engaging mysteries, and excellent direction. Importantly, the characters stay true to their personalities as written in the books.
1. Bosch
Michael Connelly, a popular crime novelist, has seen his work turned into television shows on five different occasions. Three of those shows – Bosch, Bosch: Legacy, and Ballard – are mysteries. Bosch is considered the strongest adaptation. With 25 novels available, the showrunners had plenty of material to draw from.
The show takes a fresh approach by weaving together multiple books by Michael Connelly’s Bosch series instead of focusing on one book per season. The gritty, atmospheric crime drama centers on LAPD detective Harry Bosch as he investigates cases and often reveals larger conspiracies.
The direction and speed of the show are flawless. It creates a realistic and dark atmosphere, showing a side of Los Angeles that’s far from the glamorous image Hollywood usually presents. But the biggest reason Bosch works so well is Titus Welliver’s performance as the lead character. He’s truly outstanding, and it’s frustrating that he never received an Emmy award for it.
Read More
- Hazbin Hotel season 3 release date speculation and latest news
- 10 Chilling British Horror Miniseries on Streaming That Will Keep You Up All Night
- Dolly Parton Addresses Missing Hall of Fame Event Amid Health Concerns
- The Mound: Omen of Cthulhu is a 4-Player Co-Op Survival Horror Game Inspired by Lovecraft’s Works
- The Death of Bunny Munro soundtrack: Every song in Nick Cave drama
- 🤑 Crypto Chaos: UK & US Tango While Memes Mine Gold! 🕺💸
- Where Winds Meet: How To Defeat Shadow Puppeteer (Boss Guide)
- Strictly Come Dancing professional in tears after judges comments
- World of Warcraft leads talk to us: Player Housing, Horde vs. Alliance, future classes and specs, player identity, the elusive ‘Xbox version,’ and more
- 5 Perfect Movie Scenes That You Didn’t Realize Had No Music (& Were Better For It)
2025-11-28 20:23