Too often when discussing crime books that embrace supernatural elements, we focus only on mysteries with a serious tone; things that will more than likely end up leaving you depressed and loathing the universe. But where are the lists celebrating the fun mashups of crime and the supernatural? Is it possible that they’re simply rarer to find out in the wild, and when one does stumble across such a thing, the chances of it being terrible increase? It’s no secret the horror genre is often disrespected among other writing circles. This is coming from someone who writes almost nothing but horror. Many other genres sneer at us. I suspect those who work in comedy circles experience the same kind of ridicule. Of all literature genres, I’ve seen less discussion on humor. Stand-up comics have their own community, sure, but perhaps no scene yet exists for those writing funny novels. I don’t have the answers here—just speculation. What I can offer, however, is a list of ten crime books that a) feature supernatural elements and b) are a shitload of fun.
Obviously, I did not come close to covering every fun supernatural crime book in existence, but that’s why comment sections were invented. Got a rec for us? Drop a note below and let’s hear it!
Duane Swierczynski, Secret Dead Men (2005)
On top of having a very intimidating surname, Duane Swierczynski has also managed to pen some of the best crime novels of the last decade (I’m looking at you, Revolver). Comic book fans will no doubt recognize his byline among various titles like Birds of Prey, Moon Knight, Cable, and so forth. His debut novel, Secret Dead Men, came out nearly fifteen years ago. As of this writing, it’s no longer in print, and it’s a goddamn shame. This is a story about Del Farmer, a dead man disguised as an FBI agent. He also collects souls and stores them in his Brain Hotel, where there’s plenty of booze and even a bartender. This guy, Del, he can drive a soul just as well as you can drive a Datsun. It’s impressive, the strength of Swierczynski’s writing even back in his first book. There’s a reason he’s considered one of the best in the game today. He can take a premise as silly as Secret Dead Men and make it work. Nothing here reads as farfetched. It all feels genuine—and awesome. If you come across a used copy, scoop it up while you can.
David Wong, John Dies at the End (2007)
It’s hard to be subjective about John Dies at the End. It’s easily my favorite book of all time, the one I’ve reread more than any other published work. Most people wouldn’t consider this a crime novel, but that’s because they’re dumb idiots. JDatE is about two slacker detectives who investigate the supernatural. It easily fits into the detective subgenre of crime fiction. And it’s also hilarious. Nothing in this world has made me laugh harder than the contents found within this book. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rubbed a mustard-drenched bratwurst against my ear and pretended it was a phone because of David Wong. The sequels are worth seeking out, as well.
Joe Hill, Horns (2010)
Countless noir novels exist that begin with some poor fool waking up from a bender with no recollection of the previous night and venturing out to question close friends and enemies about what the hell happened. Only one noir novel, however, begins with the poor fool discovering horns on his head. That novel is Horns. Because of, you know, the horns. Most people don’t credit Joe Hill for his comedy chops, but this book is hilarious.
Elmore Leonard, Riding the Rap (1995)
Okay, so out of everything on this list, this entry will definitely be the most controversial, but please bear with me. When we think of Elmore Leonard, the word “supernatural” usually doesn’t cross our minds. It didn’t for me, at least until author Nick Kolakowski suggested I revisit Riding the Rap. So that’s what I did. I went back and reread Elmore’s Pronto sequel in the span of a couple hours, and you know what? I’m on the fence, but close enough to include it here in this article. To refresh you on the plot, Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens (you might have heard of him) is searching for his girlfriend’s missing ex, a Mr. Harry Arno who’s gotten himself kidnapped by a trio of comical numbskulls. In his investigation, he crosses paths with a local psychic: Reverend Dawn Navarro. Normally, a psychic character alone doesn’t justify (haha) categorizing something as supernatural. However, the way this novel’s written, the legitimacy of Dawn’s abilities is kept intentionally vague. Signs definitely exist in the text implying she knows more than a simple huckster would be able to surmise. To reveal much more would involve spoiling a twenty-five-year-old novel. Just go read it. Even if you disagree, it’s an Elmore Leonard book. You’re going to have a good time, either way.
Nikki Hopeman, Habeas Corpse (2013)
Theo is a twenty-something burnout working for the forensics department. He lives in his parents’ basement and he’s never been in a real relationship. His best friend is his cat. Theo is also a zombie. In Nikki Hopeman’s debut novel, she has constructed a rather unique world where the dead and the living co-exist. Due to an “Event”, sometimes human beings reanimate once they’ve died. But it’s okay, because there’s medicine and treatments available to reduce the human flesh cravings (similar to methadone and rehab). They wake up, shower, and go to work just like the rest of us now. Even in life, Theo never truly lived. It takes a series of grisly murders from a psychopathic serial killer to make him embrace the world at its fullest. He learns he has a talent unlike other zombies. By eating the brains of the recently deceased, he can relive their final moments. With the aid of his mortician friend, he begins to investigate a string of murders no one else seems to believe are connected. If you ever wanted CSI + Zombies, then Habeas Corpse is the perfect book for you.
Jeremy Robert Johnson, Skullcrack City (2015)
Everybody fantasizes about taking on a big corporation and unraveling a dangerous conspiracy. Well, at least I frequently daydream about it, so I’m assuming you do, as well. Enter Jeremy Robert Johnson’s Skullcrack City, a book I would describe as insanity personified. It is absolutely a manic experience that mashes together over a dozen genres, including cyberpunk, cosmic horror, and noir. If you dig books about conspiracy theory nutjobs fueled by drugs and paranoia, this will become your new holy bible.
Edgar Cantero, Meddling Kids (2017)
Meddling Kids has one of the best covers and premises I’ve ever heard. Basically, we have a Scooby Doo’s Mystery Team knockoff who solved dozens of cases as children, then drifted apart as adults and got into various amounts of trouble. Now they’re getting the band back together to reopen an old case, one they might’ve gotten wrong all those years ago. This is Scooby Doo meets H.P. Lovecraft, featuring throwbacks and reshaped scenery guaranteed to tickle your nostalgia bone (if you’re unsure where this bone is located on your body, consult a doctor immediately). Some of the dialogue is very amusing, especially whenever one of the main character’s arguing with the hallucination of his dead friend, which gave me nice An American Werewolf in London vibes.
Nate Southard, Bad Dogs (2018)
I will talk about Nate Southard’s Bad Dogs every single chance I get, and there ain’t nothing any of you can do to stop me. Have you ever wanted to read a book about a hillbilly magician fighting demons? Fuckin’ of course you have. You wouldn’t have clicked on this article if that premise doesn’t sound awesome to you. Imagine what kinda man John Constantine would have been if he’d lived in a small rural town in Indiana. Now imagine him going up against the Dixie Mafia. After you change your pants, go buy this book. Seriously. It’s rad as hell.
Kasey Lansdale & Joe R. Lansdale, Terror is Our Business (2018)
In case it isn’t apparent by now, I am a big fan of detectives investigating the supernatural. Naturally I would love Terror is Our Business: Dana Roberts’ Casebook of Horrors. Joe Lansdale is my all-time favorite writer, and I’m quickly becoming a big fan of his daughter’s work (hell, I even published one of her stories in my horror magazine, Dark Moon Digest, earlier this year). Terror is Our Business is a collection of short fiction featuring Dana Roberts and her sidekick, Jana, as they investigate “angry jinns, malevolent shadows, ancient travelers, and soul-sucking shapeshifters.” The book’s tone starts off pretty serious, but once Jana comes into the picture a little under halfway in, things quickly pick up on the comedic side. Kasey Lansdale’s contributions to this collection are invaluable, as you’ll discover in Terror’s multiple introductions. The book really wouldn’t work without her. I look forward to reading more solo work from Kasey in the future.
Sarah Gailey, Magic for Liars (2019)
Much to the disappointment of every other person with a Twitter account besides myself, I’ve never been a fan of the Harry Potter series. Any story utilizing the “chosen one” trope quickly puts me to sleep. There are better ways to plot a novel than relying on boring ol’ destiny. But, with that said, I’ve always been fascinated with the world-building in those books, and wondered how it would play out in more…realistic settings. Surely a high school for wizards would be occupied by a much larger majority of dickheads. The kinda dipshits who would use graffiti magic to permanently etch phrases like “SAMANTHA IS A SLUT” across lockers. But also: how would this world look under a noir lens? Something that sort of mashes together Harry Potter and Rian Johnson’s Brick? Thankfully, Sarah Gailey was kind enough to answer these questions of mine with their wonderful debut novel, Magic for Liars. Close your eyes and picture Chuck Palahiuk’s Philip Marlowe taking on a murder case inside Hogwarts. If you aren’t already trembling with excitement, you might be a lost cause.
