Maine has inspired countless writers with its rugged coastline, charming towns, and deep history. Whether you’re looking for historical fiction, mystery, food memoirs, or poetry, there’s a Maine author for you. Here are ten great books by local authors to add to your reading list!
Historical & Contemporary Fiction
📖 Finest Kind – Lea Wait
A gripping historical YA novel set in 19th-century Maine, following a young boy navigating the challenges of life in a coastal fishing town.
📖 Windswept – Mary Chase Smith
A beautifully written fiction novel that captures the heart of Maine’s landscapes and the resilience of its people.
Mystery & Thriller
📖 Rizzoli & Isles Series – Tess Gerritsen
If you love crime fiction, this bestselling series—following a detective and a medical examiner—will keep you hooked.
📖 Red at Night – Jerry Farnham
Written by a Boothbay local, this part-mystery, part-romance novel is a love letter to Boothbay Harbor’s working waterfront.
Maine History & Essays
📖 Maine at 200
A fascinating look at Maine’s history, featuring two stories per decade—one from Maine and one from broader history—covering the state’s bicentennial in 2020.
📖 Salt Beef – E.B. White
A collection of essays reflecting on life in Maine, capturing the charm and quirks of coastal living.
Food & Memoir
📖 How to Cook a Moose – Kate Christensen
A food memoir that explores Maine’s rich culinary traditions through the lens of local chefs, farmers, and food lovers.
Poetry & Spiritual Reflection
📖 Pieces of Water – Sarah Rhinelander
For fans of Rumi, this poetic collection is a contemplative journey through nature, love, and the human experience.
Honorable Mentions: Maine’s Iconic Authors
No Maine reading list would be complete without mentioning the master of horror: Stephen King. While his books might be a bit too scary for some of me (hello, nightmares!), you can’t go wrong with the legend himself if you love a good thriller.
And if you’re looking for quick, fun, beach reads, these Maine-based mystery series are perfect for a summer escape:
🔍 The Windjammer Mystery Series – Jennifer LeClair
🔍 The Clambake Mysteries – Barbara Ross (bonus: each book includes a recipe!)
🔍 Needlepoint Mysteries – Lea Wait
Maine authors write in every genre for every age—so no matter what you love to read, you’re bound to find a book that speaks to you!
Looking for more great reads? Stop by a local bookstore during your stay in one of our Maine Vacation Rentals—many have sections dedicated to Maine authors!