10 Books That Cleverly Blend Detective Fiction and Supernatural Elements

2. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch

In ‘Rivers of London’ (known as “Midnight Riot” in the US), we meet Peter Grant, a young Metropolitan Police officer in London recruited into a special branch dealing with supernatural crimes. His mentor, Detective Chief Inspector Thomas Nightingale, is the last wizard in England. The series blends modern police procedural with a rich tapestry of magical lore and urban fantasy. Aaronovitch’s knowledge of London’s history and geography adds depth and authenticity to the setting, while the supernatural elements provide a fresh twist on the detective genre.

3. The Devourers by Indra Das

Set in Kolkata, India, ‘The Devourers’ is a dark, lyrical novel that weaves together folklore, mythology, and a gripping detective narrative. The story follows a historian who encounters a mysterious stranger claiming to be a half-werewolf. As the historian delves into the stranger’s story, he uncovers a trail of ancient secrets and supernatural occurrences. Das’s prose is hauntingly beautiful, and the book’s exploration of identity, transformation, and the supernatural makes it a standout in the genre.

4. The City & The City by China Miéville

‘The City & The City’ is a masterful blend of hard-boiled detective fiction and speculative fantasy. Inspector Tyador Borlú of the Extreme Crime Squad investigates a murder in the city of Besźel. However, Besźel exists in the same physical space as the city of Ul Qoma, with the two cities’ inhabitants forbidden from acknowledging each other’s presence. Miéville’s creation of these overlapping cities is a brilliant metaphor for cultural and political divides, and the book’s plot is a mind-bending detective story with supernatural undertones.

5. John Dies at the End by David Wong

‘John Dies at the End’ is a bizarre and darkly humorous novel that combines elements of horror, supernatural, and detective fiction. The story follows two slackers, John and Dave, who become accidental detectives of the supernatural after encountering a drug called “soy sauce” that allows them to perceive otherworldly creatures and phenomena. The novel’s irreverent tone and surreal plot twists make it a unique and entertaining read. Wong’s ability to blend absurd comedy with genuinely unsettling horror creates a memorable and engaging narrative.

6. The Last Policeman by Ben H. Winters

Set in a world where an asteroid is on a collision course with Earth, ‘The Last Policeman’ follows Detective Hank Palace as he investigates crimes in a society teetering on the brink of apocalypse. While primarily a detective novel, the book incorporates elements of speculative fiction and explores the psychological and societal impacts of impending doom. Winters’s protagonist is a dogged investigator whose dedication to justice provides a poignant counterpoint to the chaos of his surroundings. The series continues with ‘Countdown City’ and ‘World of Trouble,’ maintaining the tension and depth of the first book.

7. Locke & Key by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodríguez

‘Locke & Key’ is a graphic novel series that follows the Locke siblings as they uncover the dark secrets of their ancestral home, Keyhouse. After the murder of their father, the siblings discover that Keyhouse is filled with magical keys that grant various supernatural abilities. The series combines elements of horror, fantasy, and detective fiction as the Lockes attempt to solve the mysteries of the keys and their father’s death. Hill’s storytelling and Rodríguez’s stunning artwork create a captivating and immersive experience.

8. The Yiddish Policemen’s Union by Michael Chabon

In an alternate history where the state of Israel was never established and a temporary Jewish settlement in Alaska has become a sprawling metropolis, ‘The Yiddish Policemen’s Union’ follows Detective Meyer Landsman as he investigates the murder of a chess prodigy. Chabon’s novel is a brilliant fusion of noir detective fiction and speculative history, with supernatural elements subtly woven into the narrative. The richly detailed world-building and complex characters make this book a compelling read.

9. The Rook by Daniel O’Malley

‘The Rook’ begins with Myfanwy Thomas waking up in a London park surrounded by bodies and no memory of who she is. She soon discovers she is a high-ranking member of a secret organization that battles supernatural threats. The novel blends elements of spy fiction, urban fantasy, and detective work as Myfanwy navigates her dangerous new world while uncovering the mystery of her lost memory. O’Malley’s inventive plot and engaging protagonist make ‘The Rook’ a standout in the genre.

10. The Talisman by Stephen King and Peter Straub

‘The Talisman’ is an epic tale that blends fantasy, horror, and detective fiction. The story follows twelve-year-old Jack Sawyer as he embarks on a quest across America and a parallel world known as “The Territories” to find a mystical talisman that can save his dying mother. Along the way, Jack encounters a series of supernatural challenges and allies. King and Straub’s collaborative novel combines their strengths in creating vivid, immersive worlds and suspenseful, emotionally resonant storytelling.

These 10 books offer a fascinating mix of detective fiction and supernatural elements, providing readers with thrilling, imaginative, and thought-provoking stories. Whether you’re a fan of hard-boiled detectives, urban fantasy, or speculative fiction, there’s something here to captivate and entertain you.