Top 10 Lesser-Known Crime Series on Amazon Prime

1. Bosch (2014-2021)

Despite having the same name as your kitchen appliances, Bosch is not about a crime-solving dishwasher. Based on Michael Connelly's novels, it follows detective Hieronymus Harry Bosch as he delves into the grimy underside of LA. Harry is as hard-boiled as they come, with a moral code sturdier than a Nokia 3310. While the budget isn't Hollywood level, the series boasts robust character development and a gritty, unflinching view of crime.

2. Patriot (2015-2018)

Now, Patriot is a bit of a wild card here. It's a show that marries crime, espionage, and comedy in an unholy matrimony that oddly works. Our hero, John Tavner, is an intelligence officer who assumes a non-official cover as a mid-level employee at a Midwestern industrial piping firm. Yes, you read that right. Tavner's mundane cover job creates a humorous contrast to his high-stakes espionage activities. Watch it if you like your crime with a side of deadpan humor and folk music. Yes, folk music.

3. Sneaky Pete (2015-2019)

Sneaky Pete, not to be confused with Creepy Carl or Devious Dave, is a con-man story with a twist. Giovanni Ribisi plays Marius, a con artist who assumes the identity of his cellmate, Pete, to avoid a vicious gangster. This isn't just a crime show – it's a high-stakes game of hide-and-seek, only instead of being 'it,' you're trying not to get whacked by a ruthless crime boss. The tension is palpable, the characters layered, and the plot twists more surprising than a jack-in-the-box on a roller coaster.

4. Tin Star (2017-2020)

If you thought moving to a small town in the Rocky Mountains would be a quiet life, Tin Star is here to say, Hold my beer. Tim Roth stars as a former London detective turned small-town police chief, Jim Worth. But tranquility is as hard to find as a good wi-fi signal in the mountains. After a member of his family is brutally attacked, Worth's alter-ego, Jack Devlin, surfaces. Tin Star is a cocktail of crime, mystery, and psychological drama – it's like if Twin Peaks had a vengeful British cousin.

5. Ripper Street (2012-2016)

Have you ever wondered what happened after Jack the Ripper? Well, Ripper Street dives into the aftermath. The series is set in the Whitechapel district of London's East End, infamous for being Jack the Ripper's stomping ground. However, don't expect to see old Jackie boy – the series starts six months after his reign of terror ended. It's a grim, sometimes gruesome exploration of Victorian-era crime, where the characters' mutton chops are as impressive as their investigative skills.

6. Goliath (2016-2021)

When Billy Bob Thornton isn't busy being a very nasty Santa, he stars in Goliath as Billy McBride, a disgraced lawyer turned ambulance chaser. With a name like Billy McBride, you expect him to be wrestling alligators or wrangling bulls, but fighting courtroom battles is close enough. In the tradition of underdog stories, Billy faces off against his former law firm, essentially a corporate Goliath. Cue dramatic music. While not strictly a crime show, Goliath marries crime, corporate malfeasance, and courtroom drama into a satisfying watch.

7. The Night Manager (2016)

If James Bond decided to quit being a spy and manage a hotel, you'd get The Night Manager. Based on John le Carré's novel, the series stars Tom Hiddleston as a former soldier turned hotel night manager who gets recruited by British Intelligence. His mission? Infiltrate the inner circle of a charismatic arms dealer, played by Hugh Laurie. It's a thrilling cat-and-mouse game that's packed with suspense, espionage, and incredibly lavish hotels.

8. The Widow (2019)

The Widow follows Georgia Wells, a woman whose husband supposedly died in a plane crash in the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, when she sees a man resembling her dead husband on a news story, she travels to the DRC to find out the truth.

It's a bit like a much darker version of Cast Away, only instead of a volleyball, there's a potential conspiracy. Kate Beckinsale gives a powerful performance, and the series does a commendable job of depicting the DRC's turbulent atmosphere. It's a gripping tale of love, loss, and the lengths one will go to uncover the truth.

9. The Last Tycoon (2016-2017)

Ever wondered what crime looked like in 1930s Hollywood? The Last Tycoon will give you a glimpse. Based on F. Scott Fitzgerald's unfinished novel, the series follows Monroe Stahr, a movie executive facing off against his boss and navigating the treacherous waters of Hollywood and the Nazi government. It's not your typical crime show; it's a noir tale dripping with 1930s glamour and intrigue. And if you've ever wanted to see Kelsey Grammer play a power-hungry studio mogul, here's your chance.

10. The Killing (2011-2014)

Last but certainly not least, we have The Killing. Based on the Danish series Forbrydelsen, the show is set in Seattle and follows detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder as they investigate the murder of a local teenager. It's dark, moody, and the constant rain in the series might make you feel chilly even in the middle of summer. The mystery unfolds slowly, and the series excels in character development, creating a compelling blend of crime and drama.