9 Detective Series That Are Better Than the Books They’re Based On

Literature has long been a major source of inspiration for both television and film. The written word has the power to fuel the imagination and has been responsible for many of the biggest and most beloved movies and TV shows, from Game of Thrones to The Godfather. Crime novels, in particular, have helped set standards for television. As a result, we’ve gotten some brilliant detective TV series that are based on novels, including Sherlock, Poirot, and Mindhunter.

There’s been a long-standing debate, though, between those who tend to prefer the written source material and those who favor their TV or movie adaptations. Usually, it’s subjective and often down to personal taste. Here, though, we’re looking at certain detective shows that are almost unanimously considered superior to the books they were based on. These shows have undoubtedly surpassed their source material, reimagining classic crime narratives with their own twists, complex characterizations, and cinematic storytelling that elevate them beyond the original novels.

Here are 9 detective shows that are arguably better than the books they’re based on.

‘Wallander’ (2005 – 2013)

Adapted from Henning Mankell’s novels, Wallander is a critically acclaimed Swedish drama series starring Krister Henriksson as the titular detective. Riddled with self-doubt and struggling with loneliness, Wallander is a deeply flawed, relatable protagonist. The television series perfectly captures the bleak and brooding atmosphere of the novels, masterfully bringing Mankell’s world of gray skies and moral ambiguity to life.

Nordic Noir at its Finest

Each episode is the length of a feature-length movie, allowing for each case to be suitably complex, each character to be well-rounded and fully developed, and each storyline to unfold with depth and nuance. Interestingly, only one episode from each of the three seasons is directly adapted from Mankell’s novels. All the other episodes are original stories inspired by the novels and suggested and co-written by Mankell, giving viewers far more time with the characters than the novels allow—letting them grow alongside Wallander, experience his struggles and triumphs, and truly feel his pain and victories. For those who prefer non-subtitled television, the BBC version is just as gripping as its Swedish counterpart.

‘Bones’ (2005 – 2017)

With a focus on forensics, Bones revolves around an FBI agent and a forensic anthropologist as they work together to solve cases concerning the mystery behind human remains. Despite the inherent morbidity of its subject matter, Bones is known for its dark comedic undertones, which serve to lighten the gravity when things get a little intense.

The TV Show Is Its Own Beast

Only loosely based on the life and novels of forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs, Bones has taken on a life of its own, creating a rich and developed world of heart, humor, mystery, and murder. Its long-running character arcs demonstrate growth in both the personal and professional lives of its protagonists, whose on-screen chemistry is among the most magnetic on television.

‘Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries’ (2012 – 2015)

Set in 1920s Melbourne, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries revolves around the personal and professional life of Phryne Fisher—Australia’s most glamorous detective. Drawing inspiration from Kerry Greenwood’s historical mystery stories, most cases are opened and closed within the space of an episode, but it also includes overarching stories for those fans who prefer to follow the show chronologically.

A Dazzling Trip Back to the Roaring ‘20s

It was a smash hit in its native Australia and was showered with critical praise and accolades, with audiences falling in love with its roaring ‘20s world of jazz clubs and outlandish fashion steeped in intrigue, murder, and corruption—elevating Kerry Greenwood’s novels with its stellar cast. Essie Davis, in particular, received high praise for her spellbinding portrayal of the sharp-tongued and even sharper-dressed Miss Fisher.

‘Hannibal’ (2013 – 2015)

Thanks to movies like Manhunter, The Silence of the Lambs, Red Dragon, and Hannibal, the work of author Thomas Harris has been enjoyed by moviegoers the world over. His series of suspense novels about Hannibal Lecter have been responsible for some of the most terrifying and iconic moments in cinema. It wasn’t until 2013, though, that the cultured cannibal made his small-screen debut.

Hannibal Like You’ve Never Seen Him Before

Based only on the characters from the books as opposed to directly adapting them, Hannibal focuses on the relationship between FBI special investigator Will Graham and Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a forensic psychiatrist destined to become Graham’s most cunning enemy and, at the same time, the only person who can understand him.

With its sleek and stylish visuals and direction, the show manages to be deeply disturbing yet oddly cathartic. It received critical acclaim, with the performances of Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelsen (as Will and Hannibal, respectively) being singled out for praise. By combining elements of extreme horror with the detective genre, it has garnered a strong cult following and is considered by many as one of the greatest horror TV shows of all time.

‘Inspector Alleyn Mysteries’ (1990 – 1994)

Created by one of the original ‘Queens of Crime,’ Ngaio Marsh, back in 1934, Inspector Roderick Alleyn is the archetypal British gentleman. Calm and collected, he has a stiff upper lip, a stylish and sophisticated wardrobe, and a methodical mind, which proves to be a valuable asset when solving the complex crimes he comes across in his role at Scotland Yard.

Bringing Marsh’s Genteel Setting to Life

While Marsh’s Inspector Alleyn mysteries are certainly considered classics, they are of their time. Marsh’s novels are detailed and rich, but the show tightens the plots, cuts unnecessary exposition, and emphasizes suspense, making it feel faster-paced and more engaging. Fortunately, the show loses none of the charm of its source material. Set against a backdrop of British country houses, traditional drawing rooms, and elegant libraries, it carries a quaint and cozy quality, making it fantastic comfort viewing.

‘Bosch’ (2014 – 2021)

Based on Michael Connelly’s bestselling novels, Bosch is a gritty and intelligent detective drama that follows LAPD detective Harry Bosch, a grizzled veteran seeking justice in the streets of Los Angeles. The series begins with Bosch investigating the murder of a 12-year-old boy while also dealing with a lawsuit for a suspect he killed in self-defense. Elsewhere, he is roped into a dangerous game of cat-and-mouse by an unhinged serial killer.

Bosch Is Critically Acclaimed

Following a shaky first season, all six subsequent seasons have scored a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes, far exceeding the acclaim of its source material. Television just feels like the right place to tell these kinds of stories, which pride themselves on their dedication to raw realism. The show’s creators so well recreate the gritty streets of LA and Bosch’s uncompromising personality that they unfold with an authenticity the page alone can’t fully capture. As the show has progressed, the stories have developed far beyond the original novels, focusing on topical issues and making them feel real and relevant.

‘Jack Irish’ (2012 – 2021)

Delivering one of the finest performances of his long and celebrated career, Guy Pearce plays the titular morally ambiguous former criminal lawyer turned investigator and debt collector. Drawing big numbers and high praise in Australia, it’s proven to be one of the country’s most popular detective shows thanks to its hard-edged realism, emotional depth, and gripping blend of crime, character, and atmosphere.

‘Jack Irish’ Develops Existing Characters and Adds Compelling New Ones

Peter Temple’s Jack Irish novels are popular and acclaimed in their own right, winning him three highly prestigious Ned Kelly Awards for Crime Writing. The television show, however, has elevated them to a whole new level—further developing existing characters, adding new ones, creating more compelling cases to solve, and forging new relationships.

‘Grantchester’ (2014 – Present)

Based on The Grantchester Mysteries short stories written by James Runcie, Grantchester is set in rural England during the 1950s and follows Anglican vicar and former Scots Guards officer Sidney Chambers (and subsequently his successor Will Davenport) and the overworked Detective Inspector Geordie as they forge an unlikely partnership in solving crimes.

‘Grantchester’ Is Darker Than Its Source Material

The main difference between the show and its source material is how the series delves deeper into darker and more explicit themes. It dramatizes violence, social issues, and moral dilemmas more explicitly than the book, making it hit harder. Topics like homophobia, racism, and post-war social change are explored with more immediacy, making it more than just a cozy mystery series but an important piece of social commentary.

‘Inspector Morse’ (1987 – 2000)

Based on a series of novels by Colin Dexter, Inspector Morse is a cozy British crime drama that follows Oxford-based Detective Chief Inspector Morse and Detective Sergeant Lewis as they work together to solve local murder cases. Every episode involves an intricate new murder investigation and depicts a singular, rich, and complete story. The show has been praised for its blend of wit, suspense, and emotional depth, as well as the onscreen chemistry between the two detectives.

Britain’s Favorite Detective

It was named the greatest British crime drama of all time by Radio Times readers and, while not as popular internationally, in its home country of the UK, Inspector Morse has become somewhat of an institution, with the titular detective considered by many as a national treasure (albeit a fictional one). The show ran from 1987 to 2000 and has spawned the spin-off Lewis and the prequel Endeavour. Because Inspector Morse ran for so long, with each episode stretching to two hours, its on-screen storytelling and character development have been given the opportunity to far surpass the quality of its original written source material.

Release Date

1987 – 1999

Writers

Colin Dexter

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