Top 5 crime novels, selected by Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall

Chris Chibnall is the creator and writer of the ITV crash drama Broadchurch and was the show runner of Doctor who from 2018-22. His debut novel, Death in white hard is a tension -filled detective story that shows that he knows his stuff when it comes to crime fiction. Here are his five most important crime novels.

The murder of Roger Ackroyd to Agatha Christie

One of the novels that got involved in crime fiction. If you have never read Agatha Christie, start here. She is a sensational writer – full of wit, cunning, great characterization and fabulous twists. The end is a corer.

The dry of Jane Harper

Atmospheric and pages in a small community characterized by drought in rural Australia. Evocative, full of great characters, beautifully planned and full of sharp writing, it is a pleasure.

The outsider of Stephen King

Stephen King's Genre-Bending Crime Hybrid shows one of his most memorable creations: Holly Gibney. King is one of the big storytellers in the world, and here he takes her on a trip to the strangest and darkest corners.

Black water lilies by Michel Bussi

Michel Bussi's detective novel in Giverny, where Monet painted his water lilies, has a great feeling for the place, exciting characters and a confusing secret that turns again and again until all parts finally work.

The secret story of Donna Tartt

It can be reductive to list this as a crime novel when it is one of the great novels, Full Stop. But if you haven't read this masterpiece, stop now and take it off. Donna Tartt is a genius.