10 Best Mystery TV Shows Based On Books That Are Not From Harlan Coben

Harlan Coben currently dominates the mystery TV scene, but other authors’ adaptations also deserve recognition for their compelling storytelling and suspenseful plots. Here are ten mystery series based on books by different writers that have captivated audiences.

1. Sharp Objects

This psychological thriller adapts Gillian Flynn’s novel about a journalist who returns to her hometown to investigate a series of brutal murders while confronting her own traumatic past.

2. Broadchurch

Based on the creation of Chris Chibnall, this British series centers on detectives unraveling the mystery behind a young boy’s death in a small coastal town, exploring themes of grief and secrets.

3. The Fall

From the novels by journalist Ann Cleeves, this show follows a detective hunting an elusive serial killer in Belfast, delivering a deep psychological portrait of both hunter and hunted.

4. Deadwater Fell

Adapted from a script by Daisy Coulam, the show tells the story of a seemingly perfect family destroyed by a tragic fire, revealing hidden tensions and dark secrets.

5. The Alienist

Based on Caleb Carr’s novel, this historical thriller revolves around early criminal psychology experts in 1890s New York investigating a series of gruesome murders.

6. Marcella

Inspired by the Craig Viveiros stories, it follows a detective who returns to work after a breakdown, struggling with memory blackouts as she investigates serial killings in London.

7. The Missing

Adapted from an original concept by Harry and Jack Williams, this series unpacks the emotional impact and mysterious disappearance of a child, focusing on the enduring search for truth.

8. Top of the Lake

Created by Jane Campion and Gerard Lee, this atmospheric mystery revolves around a detective investigating the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl in New Zealand.

9. Trapped

Originating from the Icelandic author Ragnar Jónasson, the show features a police chief dealing with mysterious tragedies in a remote town isolated by a snowstorm.

10. The Secrets She Keeps

Based on Michael Robotham’s book, it explores the dark secrets and psychological games between two women from very different social backgrounds.

"These adaptations prove that gripping, layered mystery dramas extend far beyond any single author, offering viewers complex characters and unexpected twists."

The list highlights how diverse voices and styles enrich the mystery genre, providing fresh perspectives and complex narratives outside the Harlan Coben spotlight.

Screen Rant on MSN — 2025-11-28