Action & Adventure

Animation

Comedy

Crime

Drama

Family

History

Kids

Mystery

Sci-Fi & Fantasy

Soap

War & Politics

Western

Immerse yourself in the meticulously crafted world of Gerald Seymour's 'Harry’s Game,' a novel that delves deeper into the human psyche and the harrowing realities of conflict than any screen adaptation could convey. This gripping narrative is built on rich character development and a profound understanding of political and emotional nuances, allowing readers to experience the tension and the stakes on a more introspective level.

While the television series captures the surface plot, it inevitably condenses the layered storytelling found in the book. Reading 'Harry’s Game' offers a complex exploration of themes such as loyalty, duty, and morality amid the backdrop of Northern Ireland's turbulent political landscape. Delving into the pages of Seymour's work invites readers to fully appreciate the emotional depths and historical contexts that only a well-crafted novel can provide, making it a must-read for those who crave a deeper engagement with the story.

A British Cabinet Minister is gunned down outside his home in London by a member of the Provisional IRA. Security protocols are activated, but the assassin evades them and successfully escapes to Belfast. In the aftermath of the incident, rash decisions are made by politicians seeking revenge, and the Ministry of Defence responds by sending Captain Harry Brown (Ray Lonnen) - a special forces soldier who has done deep cover work in hostile territory - into the Falls Road area of Belfast, notorious for civil unrest and Republican activity. Harry's mission is to infiltrate the local nationalist population, uncover the identity of the assassin, and kill him in his own neighborhood - proving to the IRA that they are not safe, even in their "own back yard".

Harry's Game

Dive into the riveting world of investigative journalism with Isoko Mochizuki's 'Shinbun Kisha.' Unlike the TV adaptation, the book provides a deep dive into the complexities of uncovering political scandals in Japan. Readers will appreciate the nuanced depiction of the struggles faced by journalists when dealing with entrenched power structures. Mochizuki's detailed prose brings out the tenacity and dedication required to pursue truth against all odds.

In Mochizuki's work, the intricate narrative unfurls with real-world insight that only an experienced journalist could convey. The book not only tells a compelling story but also educates readers on the vital role of journalism in holding power accountable. Each chapter offers a closer look at the real-life challenges and ethical dilemmas faced by reporters trying to make a difference.

For those seeking a more profound understanding of the themes presented in the series, the book offers a comprehensive perspective, with layers of detail left untouched by the screen adaptation. 'Shinbun Kisha' stands as a testament to rigorous journalism and invites readers into an immersive, thought-provoking world that TV alone can't fully capture.

A journalist known as the maverick of news media defiantly chases the truth in this series adaptation of the hit movie of the same name.

Shinbun Kisha

The Journalist

If you enjoy thrilling mysteries with a touch of Italian flair, try reading Michael Dibdin's Aurelio Zen novels, the inspiration for the 2011 TV series. Unlike the television adaptation, which condenses the complex tales into brief episodes, the books allow you to delve deeper into Zen's investigations and the vivid world he inhabits. 

The novels offer rich narratives and intricate plots that elegantly weave between the glamour and grittiness of Italian life. Dibdin's writing captures intricate details and presents a profound exploration of crime and justice, making each page a compelling journey. With nuanced character development and a strong sense of place, reading the entire Zen series ensures a more immersive and rewarding experience than the TV adaptation could provide.

Zen is a British television mini series produced by Left Bank Pictures for the BBC, co-produced with WGBH Boston for its Masterpiece anthology series, Mediaset and ZDF. It stars Rufus Sewell and Caterina Murino and is based on the Aurelio Zen detective novels by Michael Dibdin. The series was filmed on location in Italy, but the dialogue is in English. The series, which comprises three 90-minute films, was broadcast in the United Kingdom on Sunday evenings from 2 January 2011 on BBC One. The three films were based on the books Vendetta, Cabal and Ratking.

Cabal

Vendetta

Ratking

Dive into the richly layered and atmospheric world crafted by Jean-François Parot in 'The Commissaire Nicolas Le Floch Investigations.' These novels transport you directly into the heart of 18th-century France, where every cobblestone and shadowed alleyway brims with authenticity and historical ambiance. By choosing the books over the television series, you immerse yourself in Parot's detailed descriptions and intricate storytelling that reveal the complexities of French society and politics during this tumultuous period. 

With each turn of the page, you'll unlock the shrewd mind of Commissaire Nicolas Le Floch, whose keen insights and astute observations guide you through a labyrinth of whodunits that challenge even the most seasoned reader. Engaging with Parot's work allows you to savor the nuances of character development and the subtleties of language that often evade screen adaptations. Thus, the novels not only provide a deeper understanding of the protagonist's world but also a more personal journey through the human condition as portrayed in 18th-century Paris.

Paris, 1761. Brilliant young Parisian police commissioner Nicolas Le Floch works under Monsieur de Sartine, the Royal Lieutenant General of Police. Louis XV's kingdom is plagued by conspiracies and murders. With the help of his faithful subordinate Bourdeau, Nicolas solves mysterious disappearances and sorts out awkward scandals.

The Commissaire Nicolas Le Floch Investigations

Nicolas Le Floch

Dive into the gripping universe of Ed McBain's 87th Precinct novels, where the pages crackle with the raw tension of urban life. Unlike the relatively tame television adaptations, McBain's books delve deep into the psyche of the detective squad, offering readers an unfiltered view of gritty crime-solving awash in nuanced character exploration. The richness of his storytelling creates a vivid tapestry of a city alive with undercurrents of danger and intrigue.

By choosing the novels over the TV series, you'll experience the stories as they were meant to be told, rich with detail and authenticity. Each book provides an immersive journey through the procedural challenges facing the fictional city’s detectives, capturing the pulse of a metropolis fraught with crime. McBain’s knack for crafting suspense and fully-dimensional characters ensures that his novels remain a timeless testament to the dark allure of crime fiction.

87th Precinct is an American crime drama starring Robert Lansing, Gena Rowlands, and Ron Harper, which aired on NBC on Monday evenings during the 1961–1962 television season.

The Con Man

Lady Killer

Killer's Choice

Killer's Payoff

The Pusher

Killer's Wedge

Cop Hater

The Mugger

87th Precinct

Dive into the electrifying world of Pekka Hiltunen's 'Cold Courage', where the depths of human psyche meet the shadows of political turmoil. Hiltunen's masterful storytelling invites readers on a gripping journey through the streets of London, where danger and deception lie at every corner. Unlike the show, the novel delves deeper into the characters' minds, unraveling their intricate web of motives and vulnerabilities.

The novel offers a rich tapestry of intrigue and tension that is woven with the meticulousness only a truly great psychological thriller can offer. Each page reveals a new insight or twist, keeping readers hooked and their minds racing. While the TV adaptation captures some of this essence, it is through the pages of Hiltunen's work that the true depth and complexity of the story can be fully appreciated.

If you crave an immersive reading experience that challenges your perception and elevates your understanding of the characters' internal struggles, 'Cold Courage' in its original form is an unmissable adventure. Allow Hiltunen's skillful prose to guide you through a narrative that is as thought-provoking as it is thrilling, offering a unique blend of suspense and reflection that will linger long after the final page is turned.

Two young Finnish women in London are drawn inexorably together via the Studio - a clandestine group dedicated to bringing justice to those beyond the law. But, as their battle against exploitation, violence and corporate greed intensifies, will the Studio's ends continue to justify its means?

Cold Courage

Dive into the compelling world crafted by Scott Turow, where the written word unveils subtleties that the screen leaves behind. 'The Burden of Proof' offers an unparalleled exploration into the depths of legal intrigue and personal turmoil. The nuanced storytelling and rich character development in Turow's novel invite readers to experience the hidden layers and insights best captured through the pages of a book.

Scott Turow, a master of the legal thriller genre, intricately weaves his narrative with a sophistication that captures the complexity of human relationships and the moral dilemmas faced by his characters. While the TV adaptation provides a visual interpretation of the story, the novel grants readers access to the internal landscapes and motivations of the characters, enhancing the emotional resonance and philosophical underpinnings of the narrative.

Embarking on the journey through 'The Burden of Proof' by Scott Turow allows readers to savor the depth of character introspection and thematic exploration that a televised version can seldom replicate. The power of literature to evoke vivid imagery and provoke thoughtful reflection is unmatched, making the novel an essential read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the story's intricacies.

The Burden of Proof is a 1992 television miniseries based on the novel of the same name by Scott Turow. The story follows the character Sandy Stern following events in the film and book Presumed Innocent.

The Burden of Proof

Discover the depth and intricacies of Priest's 'Zhen Hun', the original novel that inspired the 'Guardian' TV series. This captivating book offers a richer, more expansive narrative that delves deep into the mysterious and supernatural universe it creates. Unlike the adaptation, the novel provides an intimate glimpse into the thoughts and motivations of each character, offering layers of complexity and emotional depth that the screen can only begin to capture. 

By reading 'Zhen Hun', you'll uncover nuances that bring the story's tapestry to vibrant life, transcending the constraints of episodic storytelling. The novel's masterful blend of fantasy, mystery, and science fiction elements presents a delve into the world full of lore, culture, and undercurrents of relationships, which are not fully explored in the TV adaptation. Embrace the written word and experience the narrative as Priest originally intended, with each page unraveling mysteries that will keep you enthralled long past the final chapter.

A lifetime-transcending friendship between Zhao Yunlan and Shen Wei is formed when they are tasked with upholding peace between deities and mortals in a world beyond scientific understanding,

Zhen Hun

Guardian

If you're captivated by the haunting whodunits of Lakeside Murders, the novels by Harriet Lark provide an unparalleled depth and richness not fully captured on the screen. Dive into 'Murder on the Lake' and 'Shadow over Waters' to experience the psychological intricacies and multi-layered narratives that the show only begins to explore. The books offer an intimate glimpse into the minds of complex characters and allow you to dwell longer in the misty atmosphere Lark so vividly crafts.

Beyond the gripping plots, these novels reveal a profound introspection into the human psyche, weaving themes of trust, betrayal, and redemption that resonate deeply with readers. Authentic emotions and subtle clues scattered through the pages invite you to become a detective alongside the protagonists, making each revelation personal and each twist more satisfying. Choose the page over the screen to unlock the full potential of this masterfully created world.

The series follows Inspector Sakari Koskinen and his team in the Violent Crimes Unit as they try to solve murders in a Finnish lakeside city of Tampere.

Murder on the Lake

Shadow over Waters

Lakeside Murders

Dive into the original novel 'Bad Kid' by Zijin Chen to experience the gripping storyline in its purest form. While the TV series provides a visual representation, the book offers intricate insights into the characters’ inner worlds and motivations that the screen adaptation merely hints at. Each page unravels the suspense with a pace that lets you savor every twist and turn, something the episodic series can’t capture.

Zijin Chen crafts an intricate world filled with moral ambiguities and thought-provoking dilemmas. His attention to detail and character development creates a deeply immersive experience, elevating the narrative beyond typical crime fiction. Reading the book allows you the freedom to imagine and interpret the nuanced scenarios at your own pace, offering a personalized and enriching exploration of the storyline.

Moreover, 'Bad Kid' presents a more expansive view of the societal and psychological themes that underpin the plot. The book paints a fuller picture of the socio-cultural landscape and a more profound glance into the complexities of human nature. Delve into Chen’s masterful prose to appreciate the levels of depth and meaning that only the source material can truly convey.

A story that follows three children from a coastal town who unintentionally film a murder scene. As the kids become involved with the suspect, it opens up a case that is far more complicated than it looks and entraps several families into an unpredictable outcome.

Bad Kid

The Bad Kids

Dive into the captivating world of Mari Jungstedt's novels, where each page is infused with suspense and intrigue. Her Inspector Anders Knutas Series offers readers an immersive experience into the depths of human nature, cleverly unraveling the mysteries set in the serene yet enigmatic Gotland Island. Each character is vividly depicted, and the intricate plots keep you on the edge of your seat, inviting you to piece together the puzzle alongside the astute Inspector Knutas. 

Choosing the novels over the TV adaptation allows you to delve deeply into the psyche of each character and the rich, atmospheric setting that Jungstedt so eloquently paints. You will find the intricate details and the psychological depth of the story far more engaging when you wander through the pages of her work. The novels promise a more personalized and intimate journey into the mysteries of Gotland, challenging you to explore the darker side of paradise in a way that only written words can offer.

Der Kommissar und das Meer is a German television series.

Inspector Anders Knutas Series

Der Kommissar und das Meer

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of P.D. James' 'Death in Holy Orders,' where the intricate tapestry of mystery unfolds with exquisite detail and depth. Unlike the TV series, the novel allows readers to delve into the minds of each character, exploring their motivations and secrets with unparalleled insight. The prose is richly evocative, painting a vivid picture of the secluded theological college on the windswept East Anglian coast, where tension and intrigue simmer beneath the surface.

Reading 'Death in Holy Orders' offers a more profound and rewarding experience, as P.D. James weaves her narrative with a masterful hand, building suspense through gradual revelation and deft characterization. You will find yourself enraptured by the author's ability to craft a mystery that is not only about solving a crime but also about understanding the complex interplay of human ambitions and emotions. The novel is a journey into the darker corners of the human psyche, making it a must-read for any mystery aficionado.

Detective Adam Dalgliesh investigates the death of a young ordinand who died in mysterious circumstances.

Death in Holy Orders

Dive into a captivating world crafted by Francis Durbridge in his gripping novel, 'Melissa.' While the TV series offers a dramatic adaptation, the book provides an unrivaled depth of insight into its characters and their intricate relationships. Durbridge's mastery of suspense and his ability to weave complex, absorbing plots will keep you turning pages in a way that no screen can replicate.

The novel immerses readers in a haunting atmosphere filled with mystery and intrigue. Experiencing the story through Durbridge's narrative allows for a personal exploration of the characters' inner thoughts and hidden motives, something television adaptations merely suggest. The rich detail and atmospheric tension in the book far exceed the visual interpretation, providing a thrilling journey through the mind of a master storyteller.

Extract more from 'Melissa' than what meets the eye on TV. The book invites you to untangle its secrets at your own pace while savoring the elegance and intelligence of Durbridge's writing. For those who cherish psychological thrillers and expertly spun narratives, the original 'Melissa' is an essential read that promises a deeply rewarding escape into its world.

Award-winning war correspondent Guy Foster, distraught after the loss of his first wife, joins a cruise to Cape Town, where he meets beautiful and mysterious Melissa. A sophisticated blonde PR girl, Melissa is travelling with an exuberant group of media friends. Guy falls desperately in love with the exotic Melissa and she suggests they marry. But while they celebrate, dark events begin to take place. An elderly widower is ‘accidentally’ lost overboard. The bodies of a middle-aged couple are discovered in Cape Town. Then one of Melissa’s friends is brutally killed. The finger of suspicion falls on Guy – and when Melissa herself is killed, he is found bending over her bloodied corpse.

Melissa

Dive into the vivid world crafted by Paco Ignacio Taibo II with the original novels of Belascoaran Shayne. Richly detailed and filled with the gritty atmosphere of Mexico City, these books offer an immersive experience that simply transcends what's captured on screen. They are a treasure for anyone who appreciates a blend of sharp wit, cultural depth, and the thrill of an expertly-knit detective story. 

While the TV adaptation gives a visual interpretation of the narratives, only the novels can truly unravel the complex inner workings of Belascoaran’s mind and Taibo II’s social commentary. These stories explore themes far beyond the usual detective fare, drawing readers into a web of mystery with every page turned. Experience the authenticity and cultural richness of Mexico's unique socio-political landscape through words that paint more vivid pictures than TV ever could.

Héctor Belascoarán leaves his corporate job and dull marriage to become an independent detective and tackle shocking criminal cases in 1970s Mexico City.

Days of Combat

Belascoaran, PI

Dive into the thrilling and multifaceted world of 'The Conductor' by Camilla Grebe and Paul Leander-Engström, where the rich tapestry of post-Soviet Moscow unfolds with mesmerizing detail. The novel offers an intricate plot that delves deeper into the enigmatic currents of Russian society and banking than the TV series could capture.

The narrative weaves through the dark alleys of financial crime, political treachery, and personal moral dilemmas, portraying a more intimate and immersive experience. Action is seamlessly intertwined with insightful character development, providing readers with not just adrenaline-pumping sequences, but profound emotional resonance.

'Immerse yourself in the original text to explore the complex motivations and backgrounds of each character, nuances that only the written word can reveal. The authors, with their distinct writing styles and deep knowledge of the setting, invite readers into a world where nothing is as it seems, promising a richer and more fulfilling experience than any screen adaptation could offer.

In turn-of-the-21st-century Moscow, an innocent trade plunges Swedish investment banker, Tom Blixen, into a battle with millionaires, politicians, oligarchs and their private armies.

Categories

TV Series by Year

TV Series