If you like mysteries featuring African American detectives you might like some of the titles on this list, compiled by Reader Advisor Carol Mathews.
Along Came a Spider by James Patterson.
At 5 a.m. Deputy Chief Alex Cross, detective and psychologist, is investigating a brutal triple murder in southeast Washington. Later that day, Washington Day School teacher Gary Soneji kidnaps two students. Secret Service agent Jezzie Flanagan is called in to work with Cross. They realize the killer of more than 200 people may be a psychopath with a split personality. Alex Cross series, book 1. Strong language, violence, and descriptions of sex. RC 35894.
Blanche Cleans Up by Barbara Neely.
When Blanche White reluctantly agrees to fill in as housekeeper for a vacationing friend, she encounters a family in chaos. Mr. Brindle's campaign for governor is disrupted by a murder and a suicide in his household. Some of his African American supporters are particularly scornful and suspicious of Blanche. Blanche White series, book 3. Strong language, violence, and descriptions of sex. RC 47262, BR 11910.
The Bone Collector by Jeffery Deaver.
Retired forensic scientist and criminologist Lincoln Rhyme is enlisted to track down a serial murderer who is stalking victims in New York City. Injured on the job and now a quadriplegic, Rhyme can move one finger which enables him to use his computer. Assisted by policewoman Amelia Sachs, Rhyme races against time to find the killer. Includes a glossary of forensic terms. Lincoln Rhyme series, book 1. Violence and strong language. RC 47078.
A Darker Shade of Crimson by Pamela Thomas-Graham.
Rosezella Fisher had risen from secretary to dean of students at Harvard Law School before she fell to her death during a campus blackout. Many people resented the ambitious black woman's success, and economics assistant professor Nikki Chase, also black, suspects’ foul play. Some violence and some strong language. RC 49810.
Dead March by Ann McMillan.
Richmond, Virginia; 1861. On the eve of the Civil War young widow Narcissa Powers investigates the mysterious death of her brother, a medical student. With the help of freedwoman and healer Judah Daniel and reporter Brit Wallace, she uncovers a scheme of grave robbing and murder. Civil War Mysteries series, book 1. RC 54485.
Done Wrong by Eleanor Taylor Bland.
It has been three years since Chicago narc Johnny MacAlister's supposed suicide. His widow, Marti, has moved with her two children to quiet Lincoln Prairie, where she works as a cop, and they struggle to get on with their lives. Now another Chicago policeman dies, and his widow suggests a connection to Johnny's death. Marti MacAlister series. Some strong language. RC 43521.
Double Dead by Gary Hardwick.
The mayor of Detroit is murdered, and his mistress, Ramona Blake, is framed. With the help of conservative assistant prosecutor Jesse King, Ramona tries to find the real killers. She and Jesse appeal to their old friends in the 'hood, while evading crooked politicians. Strong language, violence, and descriptions of sex. RC 49494.
The Eyes of Buddha by John Ball.
The celebrated black detective, Virgil Tibbs, takes on two apparently impenetrable mystery cases and finds himself halfway around the world in Katmandu, Nepal where he learns the truth at the famed Monkey Temple. Virgil Tibbs series. Some strong language. RC 10376.
Fear of the Dark by Gar Anthony Haywood.
When Aaron Gunner becomes disillusioned with the private detective business, he turns to construction. But since there are no other black P.I.s around, Gunner's name comes up when a black murder victim's sister wants to find the white man who killed her brother. Reluctant acceptance of the case leads Gunner into a potential race war between white supremacists and black militants. Aaron Gunner series. Violence, strong language, and explicit descriptions of sex. RC 33828.
Fearless Jones by Walter Mosley.
Watts, 1954. African American bookstore owner Paris Minton calls on his friend, Fearless Jones, when he gets entangled in a case of stolen Swiss bonds. The two try to protect an elderly Jewish couple but get in over their heads. Fearless Jones series, book 1. Violence, strong language, and some descriptions of sex. RC 52362.
Gone Fishin by Walter Mosley.
In 1939, Easy Rawlins and Mouse are two young men on a reckless road trip to wring money out of Mouse's loathsome stepfather. Their path to manhood is crossed by violence, lust, and tragedy. Easy Rawlins series, book 6. Strong language, violence, and descriptions of sex. RC 43412.
Paradise Interrupted by Penny Mickelbury.
African American lawyer and security consultant Carole Ann Gibson and her business partner, Jake Graham, of Washington, D.C., are hired to improve the communication systems of a small Caribbean island. Once there, Carole Ann encounters drug dealers, suffers equipment losses, and learns of corruption that includes murder. Some violence and some strong language. RC 53536.
A Rage in Harlem by Chester Himes.
After Jackson is swindled by a con artist promising quick riches, he steals cash from his job, and then gambles it away. Out of options, the hapless Jackson joins forces with police, hoping to recover his money and avenge himself. Johnson & Jones series. Strong language and violence. RC 45215.
Right as Rain by George P. Pelecanos.
African American private detective Derek Strange is hired to clear the name of a black Washington, D.C., policeman who was shot by white cop Terry Quinn. Strange forms an unlikely partnership with the exonerated Quinn to investigate the incident. Strange and Quinn series, book 1. Violence, strong language, and some explicit descriptions of sex. RC 52759.
Shades of Black: Crime and Mystery Stories by African American Authors, edited by Eleanor Taylor Bland.
Twenty-two short mysteries featuring African American characters. In Hugh Holton's "The Werewolf File" Chicago police confront a supernatural killer. Also includes "Bombardier" by Walter Mosley and stories by Gar Anthony Haywood, Penny Mickelbury, Grace F. Edwards, and others. Some explicit descriptions of sex, some violence, and some strong language. RC 58506.
Violent Crimes by Hugh Holton.
The bombing of a Black Muslim mosque is psychopath Steve Zalkin's first strike for imagined past wrongs. Zalkin is working a Chicago hit list that includes cops, a reporter, and a nun. Also targeted is Officer Larry Cole, who races to stop the madman. Strong language, violence, and descriptions of sex. RC 46632.
When Death Comes Stealing by Valerie Wilson Wesley.
Now a private detective, Tamara Hayle quit her job on the police force when her young son, Jamal, was harassed by cops just because he was black. Her ex-husband, DeWayne Curtis, has four other sons all by different women. When two of the sons die, DeWayne begs Tamara to find out if someone killed them. Tamara Hayle series. Strong language, some violence, and some descriptions of sex. BR 10429.