TL;DR - Quick Summary: Best TV Shows To Watch If You Like Crime Mystery Books
If you're obsessed with crime mystery books, these TV series bring the same edge-of-your-seat suspense to your screen. From Netflix detective series based on books to original adaptations, this list covers everything from classic Lincoln Lawyer to modern legal thrillers.
- Book-to-Screen: Many series are adaptations of beloved mystery novels, perfect for bringing favorite characters to life.
- Streaming Online: Netflix, Prime Video, and other platforms offer detective series with the same addictive plotting as best-selling books.
- Variety for Every Reader: Whether you love cozy mysteries, legal thrillers, or gritty procedurals, there's a show for you.
- Binge-Worthy: These shows capture the "just one more chapter" feeling that keeps you hooked until the final reveal.
Table Summary: Best Crime Mystery TV Shows to Watch for Book Lovers
Get your detective hats on and binge-watch shows like Ballard, Miss Scarlet and the Duke, and all these TV series on this list.
| Show | Genre | What Is It? | Best For | Where to Watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch: Legacy (Ballard) | Police Procedural | LA detective Renée Ballard solves complex cold cases while navigating departmental politics and institutional sexism | Fans of gritty police procedurals, strong female leads, and Michael Connelly novels | Amazon Prime Video, Freevee |
| High Potential | Crime Procedural | A cleaning lady with extraordinary intellectual abilities becomes a police consultant solving LAPD cases | Readers who love genius protagonists, unconventional female leads, and cerebral mysteries (Sara Paretsky, Janet Evanovich fans) | Hulu, ABC |
| Tracker | Action Thriller | A lone-wolf survivalist uses his tracking skills to find missing persons across America | Thriller lovers who enjoy action-packed mysteries and race-against-time plots (Jeffery Deaver, Lee Child fans) | Paramount+, CBS |
| The Terminal List: Dark Wolf | Espionage Thriller | Navy SEAL Ben Edwards transitions to CIA operative in this gritty prequel with tactical realism and John Wick-level action | Military thriller and espionage fans (Jack Carr, Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, Mark Greaney readers) | Amazon Prime Video |
| Miss Scarlet and the Duke | Historical Mystery | Victorian London's first female detective solves crimes while challenging gender norms and navigating romance | Historical mystery fans who love period dramas with slow-burn romance (Anne Perry, Tasha Alexander readers) | PBS Masterpiece, PBS Passport |
| Only Murders in the Building | Cozy Mystery Comedy | Three true crime podcast enthusiasts investigate murders in their Upper West Side apartment building | Cozy mystery lovers who appreciate humor with suspense (Louise Penny, Agatha Christie, Richard Osman fans) | Hulu, Disney+ |
| Wednesday | YA Mystery | Wednesday Addams investigates a supernatural mystery at her boarding school with gothic atmosphere and dark humor | YA mystery readers who enjoy gothic vibes and quirky detectives (Karen McManus, Holly Jackson fans) | Netflix |
| The Lincoln Lawyer | Legal Thriller | Defense attorney Mickey Haller runs his practice from his Lincoln Town Car while taking on morally complex cases | Legal thriller enthusiasts who love courtroom drama (Michael Connelly, John Grisham, Scott Turow fans) | Netflix |
| C.B. Strike | Private Detective | War veteran turned private detective Cormoran Strike and his partner Robin solve complex literary mysteries in London | Character-driven mystery lovers who appreciate literary depth (Robert Galbraith/J.K. Rowling, Kate Atkinson fans) | HBO Max, Prime Video |
| Reacher | Action Thriller | Former military police officer Jack Reacher drifts across America, solving crimes and dispensing vigilante justice | Action-thriller readers who love tough, no-nonsense protagonists (Lee Child, Vince Flynn, Brad Thor fans) | Amazon Prime Video |
| Monk | Comedy-Drama Mystery | Brilliant detective Adrian Monk uses his OCD and exceptional observational skills to solve San Francisco's most baffling cases | Fans of quirky detectives and classic whodunits with heart (Agatha Christie, Columbo, Poirot lovers) | Peacock, Amazon Prime Video |
| Murder in a Small Town | Cozy Mystery | Weary detective Karl Alberg relocates to a scenic coastal town in British Columbia, investigating murders while falling for the local librarian | Cozy mystery fans who love atmospheric small-town settings and slow-burn romance (L.R. Wright, Louise Penny, Ann Cleeves fans) | Fox, Hulu |
1. Bosch: Legacy (Ballard)
"Everybody counts or nobody counts."
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Watch if you like:
- Female detective series
- Strong lead (Renée Ballard)
- Complex case investigations - will keep you guessing until the end!
- Gritty realism (institutional sexism and police corruption)
- Great mix and well-developed supporting team
Why I recommend: If you loved Michael Connelly's Ballard books, you'll absolutely devour this series. The show captures that gritty, authentic LA crime vibe that makes Connelly's novels so addictive. Renée Ballard is tough, principled, and completely unwilling to let cases go cold. The way the series weaves together multiple investigations feels just like reading one of Connelly's intricately plotted novels.
Standalone or Series? Part of the Bosch universe, but you can jump in and still follow along.
2. High Potential
"I see things other people don't."
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Watch if you like:
- Lovable lead - a cleaning lady turned police consultant
- Genius protagonist
- Single mother balancing work and family
- Pattern recognition abilities
Why I recommend: It's amazing and fun to see how Morgan's genius mind works! This show is like combining the best parts of procedural mysteries with a character you can't help but root for. The premise: a cleaning lady with extraordinary intellectual abilities solving crimes. It's fresh and compelling. It's got that "amateur detective with special skills" energy that readers love in their mystery novels, and the cases are clever enough to keep you guessing. Perfect for fans of Sara Paretsky or Janet Evanovich who appreciate strong, unconventional female leads.
3. Tracker
"Some people are raised, and some are forged. Forged people are considered more interesting".
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Watch if you like:
- Lone wolf protagonist
- Missing persons cases
- Road trip
- Survival skills and intuition
Why I recommend: I love how this series takes the mystery format on the road. Based on Jeffery Deaver's "The Never Game," Tracker brings that intense, race-against-time feeling from thriller novels to the screen. Each episode is like cracking open a new mystery novel. You get a complete story with high stakes and a satisfying conclusion. The protagonist's tracking skills and problem-solving abilities will appeal to anyone who loves cerebral mysteries where the detective uses observation and deduction.
4. Black Wolf
"Even a pawn can take down a king."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5/5)
Tropes:
- Navy SEAL to CIA operative origin story
- Espionage thriller
- Tactical realism and tier-one action
- Haunted protagonist
- Slow-burning mystery
Why I recommend: Often simply called "Black Wolf", this gritty Prime Video series is absolute fire for readers who love Jack Carr's novels and espionage thrillers. Taylor Kitsch delivers a haunted, nuanced performance as Ben Edwards. The tactical shootouts are cinematic, and the espionage elements remind me of the best spy thriller novels. If you're into authors like Vince Flynn, Brad Thor, or Mark Greaney, this series captures that same dark, realistic tone. It's less survivalist revenge and more cerebral spy craft, which I absolutely loved.
Standalone or Series? Prequel to The Terminal List, but works perfectly as a standalone watch.
5. Miss Scarlet and the Duke
William 'The Duke' Wellington: Being a Detective is a job for a man, Eliza.
Eliza Scarlet: And yet you do it every day, William.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Tropes:
- Victorian-era mystery
- First female detective
- Fierce albeit reckless FMC
- Slow-burn romance
- Period drama
- Will-they-won't-they tension
Why I recommend: This is the perfect series for readers who love historical mysteries like those by Anne Perry or Tasha Alexander. Miss Scarlet is whip-smart, determined, and refuses to let Victorian society's expectations hold her back. The cases are genuinely intriguing, and the chemistry between Scarlet and the Duke adds that delicious tension that makes you keep watching. It's cozy enough for a weekend binge but has enough edge to keep mystery purists satisfied. I love the banter between Duke and Eliza so much!
Standalone or Series? Each episode has a case, but the character relationships develop across seasons.
6. Only Murders in the Building
"Embrace the mess. That’s where the good stuff lives."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Tropes:
- Amateur sleuths
- Cozy mystery meets dark comedy
- True crime podcast format
- Ensemble cast
- New York City setting
Why I recommend: The chemistry among this trio is something I didn't know I needed. If you appreciate clever plotting, meta-humor about the genre, and characters who are as obsessed with solving crimes as you are, this is your show. The way it balances comedy with genuine suspense reminds me of the best cozy mystery novels. Think Louise Penny meets Agatha Christie with a modern twist. Plus, the celebrity guest stars and Easter eggs make every episode a treasure hunt.
Standalone or Series? Each season tackles a new murder, but watch from the beginning for character development.
7. Wednesday
"I don't bury hatchets. I sharpen them."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Tropes:
- Boarding school mystery
- Gothic atmosphere
- Supernatural elements
- Coming-of-age detective story
- Dark humor
Why I recommend: Hear me out. This isn't just a show about the Addams Family's daughter. Wednesday is a genuinely clever mystery series with a protagonist who approaches crime-solving like a young Sherlock Holmes. If you love YA mystery novels, you'll appreciate how the show weaves together supernatural elements with classic whodunit plotting. Wednesday's deadpan observations are adorably funny (for me!), and her methodical investigation style makes her a detective worth following. I also love the friendship between Wednesday and Enid.
Standalone or Series? Season-long mystery arc with setup for future seasons.
8. The Lincoln Lawyer
"Before you can win, you gotta act like you can win, which means you gotta believe you can win."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Tropes:
- Legal thriller
- Morally complex cases
- Defense attorney protagonist
- Los Angeles setting
- Client secrets and lies
Why I recommend: If you devoured the Lincoln Lawyer books, the Netflix adaptation is everything you hoped for and more. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo brings Mickey Haller to life with the perfect mix of charm, street smarts, and moral complexity. The cases are twisty, the legal maneuvering is fascinating, and the show captures that feeling of peeling back layers to find the truth. It's one of the best mystery series on Netflix right now, hands down. Perfect for Michael Connelly fans.
Standalone or Series? Each season adapts a different book with overarching character development.
9. C.B. Strike
"You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you might find you get what you need."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Tropes:
- Private detective
- Complex cases based on novels
- Partnership dynamics
- London setting
- Will-they-won't-they tension
Why I recommend: Based on Robert Galbraith's (J.K. Rowling's) novels, this series is criminally underrated. Strike is the kind of detective readers fall in love with: flawed, persistent, and deeply human. The mysteries are intricate and literary in the best way, with red herrings and psychological depth. Robin and Strike's evolving partnership gives me all the feels, and the cases tackle everything from celebrity murders to cold cases. If you appreciate character-driven mysteries with meticulous plotting, this is essential viewing.
Standalone or Series? Each season/story adapts one novel and can be watched independently.
10. Reacher
"In an investigation, details matter."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Tropes:
- Drifter detective
- Vigilante justice
- Military background
- Small-town corruption
- Physical and mental prowess
Why I recommend: Finally, FINALLY, we got the Jack Reacher we deserved. This adaptation captures everything Lee Child fans love about the novels: the methodical investigation, the sudden explosive action, and Reacher's unique moral code. Alan Ritchson embodies the physicality and presence that the character needs. The show doesn't shy away from the violence or complexity of the books, and each season adapts a novel with incredible faithfulness. It's action-packed but never sacrifices the mystery elements that make the books so addictive.
Standalone or Series? Each season adapts one novel. You can start anywhere, but Season 1 is perfection.
11. Monk
"It's a gift... and a curse."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Tropes:
- Detective with OCD and phobias
- Brilliant but quirky protagonist
- Comedy-drama blend
- Personal quest for justice
Why I recommend: Monk is the show that proved quirky detectives could be both hilarious and heartbreaking. Adrian Monk's obsessive-compulsive disorder and 312 phobias make him seem like an unlikely detective, but his attention to detail is absolutely unmatched. If you love detectives like Hercule Poirot or Columbo, characters whose perceived weaknesses are actually their greatest strengths, you'll adore Monk. The show balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine mystery-solving and emotional depth. Tony Shalhoub's performance is superb, and the cases are classic whodunits that'll have you playing detective right alongside him.
Standalone or Series? Each episode has a complete case, but the overarching mystery of his wife's murder builds throughout all 8 seasons.
12. Murder in a Small Town
"Some guy is my alter ego."
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Tropes:
- Small coastal town with dark secrets
- Opposites attract romance
- Detective and librarian pairing
- Atmospheric Canadian setting
Why I recommend: Based on L.R. Wright's Alberg and Cassandra Mysteries novels, this Canadian crime drama is the ultimate comfort watch for mystery lovers. A scenic town of Gibsons, British Columbia. The romance between Karl and Cassandra (Kristin Kreuk, who is absolutely stunning) adds a sweet layer to the mysteries. It's like curling up with a cozy mystery novel on a rainy afternoon. Perfect for fans who love atmospheric small-town mysteries with heart.
Standalone or Series? Each episode features a standalone mystery with an evolving romance arc throughout the series.
Summary: TV Shows to Watch for Crime Mystery Book Readers
Stayed up way too late trying to solve mysteries alongside your favorite fictional detectives? These TV adaptations capture everything we love about crime mystery books: the clever twists, the brilliant detectives, and that "just one more chapter (or episode)" feeling.
Swap your bookmark for the remote. These mystery series bring the same page-turning intensity you crave from your favorite crime novels.
FAQs: Best TV Shows for Mystery Book Lovers
What are the best Detective TV series based on books?
The best detective series based on books are Bosch (Michael Connelly), Sherlock (Arthur Conan Doyle), and The Lincoln Lawyer (Michael Connelly). For fans of British mysteries, C.B. Strike (J.K. Rowling) and Vera (Ann Cleeves) are top-tier adaptations. If you prefer action-thrillers, Reacher (Lee Child) and The Terminal List (Jack Carr) are widely considered the gold standard for faithfulness to their source material.
What are the top 10 crime shows of all time?
According to critical consensus and cultural impact, these are the 10 essential crime dramas:
- The Wire – A realistic look at the narcotics scene in Baltimore.
- The Sopranos – Redefined the "anti-hero" mob boss genre.
- Breaking Bad – A masterclass in tension and character transformation.
- Sherlock – A modern, high-speed update to the classic stories.
- True Detective (Season 1) – An atmospheric masterpiece of Southern Gothic mystery.
- Columbo – The definitive "howcatchem" police procedural.
- Fargo – Captures the dark humor and violence of the film perfectly.
- Mindhunter – A chilling look at the early days of criminal profiling.
- Better Call Saul – A legal crime drama that rivals Breaking Bad.
- Happy Valley – A gritty, emotionally resonant British police drama.
What are some classic crime series everyone should see?
Everyone should watch Columbo and Poirot. These two define the genre. Columbo teaches you that the "whodunit" matters less than the cat-and-mouse game, while Poirot (starring David Suchet) is the definitive adaptation of the "gentleman detective." Other must-watch classics include Murder, She Wrote for cozy mystery fans and Prime Suspect for gritty realism.
What is a good crime series to read?
For a gripping page-turner, start with the Harry Bosch series by Michael Connelly. It is the quintessential modern police procedural. If you want something more literary, try Tana French’s Dublin Murder Squad. For thriller fans, Lee Child's Jack Reacher is unbeatable, while cozy fans will love Louise Penny’s Chief Inspector Gamache books.
What is the perfect crime series on Netflix?
Currently, The Lincoln Lawyer is considered the "perfect" binge-watch for mass appeal because it balances legal drama, mystery, and charm perfectly. However, critics often cite Mindhunter as the highest quality crime show on the platform, widely regarded as a flawless depiction of criminal psychology.
What is a good detective book series?
The Sherlock Holmes canon by Arthur Conan Doyle is the foundation of all detective fiction. For a modern equivalent that follows a single detective's career over decades, read the Harry Hole series by Jo Nesbø (for dark, Nordic Noir fans) or the Kinsey Millhone "Alphabet" series by Sue Grafton (for classic private investigator fans).
Got recommendations?
Have you watched any of these TV shows or read the books? I need more mystery books and crime shows, so please share yours in the comments!
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