Nevada Barr
The queen of the genre in my opinion. Her first Anna Pigeon mystery was published in 1993, and she has since written 18 additional books in the series. Anna is a National Park Ranger.
Dana Stabenow
An award-winning mystery author from Alaska who writes a series featuring Kate Shugak, an ex-investigator for the Anchorage D.A.
Sue Henry
Another well-known, award-winning Alaskan author whose series features Alaska State Trooper Alex Jensen and dog musher Jessie Arnold.
C.J. Box
Author of the award-winning series starring Wyoming game warden Joe Pickett.
Paul Doiron
His protagonist, Mike Bowditch, is a game warden in Maine.
Joseph Heywood
In his series, Grady Service is a wilderness detective with the Department of Natural Resources in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Craig Johnson
His series character, Walt Longmire is the sheriff of Absaroka County in a remote part of Wyoming.
Keith McCafferty
His two main characters, Sherriff Martha Ettinger and fishing guide and part-time detective Sean Stranahan, have a complex relationship throughout this series located near Montana’s Crazy Mountains.
Jessica Speart
Her series features U.S. Fish and Wildlife special agent Rachel Porter who works to uncover the poaching and smuggling of endangered wildlife species.
Pamela Beason
Her wilderness mystery series features wildlife biologist Sam Westin, whose knowledge of wildlife and wilderness survival aide her in her criminal investigations. Sam lives in Washington State, but her adventures often take her to other points around the globe.
Kimberli A. Bindschatel
Her protagonist is U.S. Fish and Wildlife Agent Poppy McVie.
Robin Barefield
(I have to include myself on this list!) Her main character, Jane Marcus, is smart and resourceful, but unlike most of the other protagonists on this list, Jane is not comfortable in the wilderness. When Jane finds herself in the wilds of Alaska, she must depend on her wits to survive.
Who have I forgotten? Please list your favorite wilderness mystery authors on our Facebook page, and let’s get the discussion started. Also, please let me know if you are interested in choosing one wilderness mystery a month from any author to read and discuss.
