TV shows offer viewers more stories than movies do, but in some cases, more content only leads to more demand. A large supply of awesome arcs and subplots results in an increase in appetite. Sometimes the creators make more seasons and spinoff shows to satisfy fans, and in some cases, they approve tie-on novels meant to expand the specific fictional universes.
However, these works never get publicized a lot, so many viewers might be unaware of their existence. Many of these novels stick to the format and themes that the show’s writers used, while others aim to be as unique as possible. Whatever the creative angle used, the books are highly recommendable to those who have already covered every single episode.
1524 (2001 - 2012)
24fans who might be wondering what life in the Counter-Terrorist Unit (CTU) was like before the first season can get answers in the “Declassified” series of novels published by Harper Collins. Each of these books has the same configuration as the show, with the events taking place in a single day. There are 24 chapters, each covering a single hour of the day.
There is also the underrated “24 Deadline,” published by Forge Books. This novel explains what happened to Jack Bauer after the final season. Fans are thus treated to a thriller that plays out like some ofHollywood’s most popular fugitive movies. The book also avoids contradicting the show’s plot, so the events mostly take place before Jack’s London adventures in the revival24: Live Another Day
14Luther (2010 - 2019)
Neil Cross is one of the most respected British authors and as the person responsible for creating the character of Detective Chief Inspector (DCI) John Luther, it was only fair for him to write aLutherprequel book.Luther: The Callingthus expands on the background story of the titular characters and gives further explanations for events such as the fall of his marriage and his entry into the police force.
Still, it’s important for interested readers to note that the tone isn’t the same. The tie-in novel is way darker, and it all makes sense because there were network censorship obstacles for Cross to watch out for while he was writing. The homicides are repulsive while the villains are as psychotic as some of the most infamous serial killers who ever lived.
13Lost (2010 - 2014)
As detailed asLostis, there are apparently a couple of Oceanic Flight 815 survivors that the series neglects, at least according to the semi-canonical tie-in novelsEndangered Species, Secret Identity,andSigns of Life. Though these books feature exclusive main characters, the show’s DNA is maintained while the rest of the TV characters are frequently mentioned.
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The revelation that there were more survivors than those that fans saw in the show makes sense Oceanic Flight 815 was carrying a total of 324 passengers and there was no way to account for all of them. In addition to these books, there is the more creativeBad Twin, which follows a private investigator searching for one of the plane’s passengers.
12Smallville (2001 - 2011)
There is a Season 11Smallvillecomic that follows an adult Clark Kent now working as a Superman, but it could be argued that the Kryptonian’s story before he became the Man of Steel is better. Thankfully, there are several non-comic novels that explore this period in his life.
There’s every reason to read the books because the plots of some, likeSee No EvilandFlight,were originally planned as episodes of Season 1 but couldn’t be filmed due to unavoidable circumstances. A good number of the novels also cover an independent incident, hence fans don’t need to rewatch the entire show in order to understand what is going on.
11The X-Files (1993 - 2018)
From complex villains to clever dialogue,The X-Fileschanged television in many ways, and it’s no surprise that many writers chose to tap into the show’s lore. There are over 40 tie-in novels in total, hence fans that also enjoy reading will have plenty to feed on.
Even though the high number of books might discourage some viewers, there is no reason to fret since many of them are quite short. A good number of the novels are based on specific episodes of the show, so the plots are precise and brief. In addition to these, there are numerous other non-fiction books that explore the behind-the-scenes aspects of the sci-fi hit.
10Sons of Anarchy (2008 - 2014)
Charlie Hunnam has been teasingaSons of Anarchyreturn, but the project remains uncertain. Meanwhile, fans who miss the adventures of Jax Teller can check out Christopher Golden’s novel,Sons of Anarchy: Bratva. The fictional piece was meant to be the first in a literature series based on the show, but no other book has ever been released.
The events take place between the third and fourth episodes of Season 4. Just as the bikers get released from Stockton State Penitentiary, they realize that Jax’s half-sister, Trinity, has been kidnapped by Russian mobsters. Soon, their search-and-rescue mission leads them to Nevada.
9Columbo (1971 - 2003)
There are two different series ofColumbobooks, one published by Forge Books, and the other published by MCA Publishing. Like the show, the novels follow the titular detective as he solves both petty crimes and complex murders that involve several conspirators.
Some knowledge of the show is required because many of the cases in the books are connected to past incidents. Fans will appreciate how the writers avoid making the “attribute” or “continuity error” mistake that most tie-in novels do. There is no new characteristic that wasn’t previously mentioned on TV. From the catchphrase, “one more thing,” to the love for old Peugeot cars, everything about Detective Columbo is maintained.
8Twin Peaks (1990 - 1991)
Twin Peaksis one of the brilliant shows that are too short and even though the revival,Twin Peaks: The Returnoffers the perfect conclusion, there is still some hunger among the fanbase. Since a new season is unlikely to ever be made, the show’s fans can consume the numerous tales in the many tie-in novels that are available.
Among the notable ones isThe Autobiography of F.B.I. Special Agent Dale Cooperby Scott Frost — a fictional account of the protagonist’s entire career as a law enforcement officer. Keen readers might notice some contradictions, but some are allegedly intentional. After all, this is a universe that has always bent the minds of viewers in multiple ways.
7The Vampire Diaries (2009 - 2017)
The Vampire Diariesuniverse is complemented by six prequel novels titledStephan’s Diaries. The plot revolves around the lives of the Salvatore Brothers before the beginning of the show. Because vampires live for hundreds of years, the events stretch as far back as the American Civil War.
Since the books were published while the show was still running, there are a number of contradictions. However, these are easily eclipsed by flowery descriptions and detailed arcs that mostly center on the vampires’ love triangles. Additionally, the dialogue is much more mature on the pages than it is on-screen.
6Dynasty (1981 - 1989)
TheDynastyreboot was quite underwhelming, resulting in a cancelation after Season 5 but the legacy of the original ‘80s show will always live on. Apart from the nine seasons that the soap opera has to offer, there are three tie-in novels —Dynasty, Alexis Returns,andDynasty: The Authorized Biography of the Carringtons.
DynastyandAlexis Returnsare based on unfilmed scripts, but it’sThe Authorized Biography of the Carringtonsthat fans will find more absorbing. The book offers detailed descriptions of the locations and characters. As such, little details, such as the exact drawer where patriarch Blake Carrington keeps his checkbook are disclosed
