Author Topic: Novel suggestions (Read 3768 times)

Thomas S. England · « **on:** May 02, 2009, 05:51:25 PM »

There's not much mention of reading on this list, but some of you must share that pleasure with me. So I'm hoping you can point me in the direction of books for me to read.

Other than espionage thrillers, I like to read detective novels, especially when there's a series of books.

For example, I love Stuart Kaminsky's Toby Peters series, when all of his clients are movie stars of the 1940's.

And I've also devoured all of Donna Leon novels, set in Venice with her compassionate Commissario Brunetti.

Then, of course, there's Kinky Friedman's work and Robert Parker.

I prefer there to be some humor, interesting settings and characters that will hold my interest for multiple books.

So, anybody got any favorites among the genre I should consider?

kimmer · « **Reply #1 on:** May 02, 2009, 11:35:44 PM »

I love to read, Thomas.

Espionage thrillers: I like Vince Flynn, Brad Thor.

Chris Grabenstein's Ceepak series has humor, mystery and good protagonists.
http://www.chrisgrabenstein.com/

For slightly bizarre, off the wall humor try the Spellmens series by Lisa Lutz.

The only other detective series that I read that are humorous are light-hearted cozies. Likely not your cup of tea, but if you want recommendations I'll post them.

Here's some other authors I like, in no particular order:

J.D. Robb's Eve Dallas series: A touch of futuristic cop stuff, can be a bit steamy at times. The protagonist is Lt. Eve Dallas, and her husband is always in the middle of everything. (Robb is the pseudonym for Nora Roberts who writes romance novels.)

I've just started reading the stand alone books from Harlan Coben, and I enjoyed 2 out of the 3. Folks I trust tell me that his detective series books are terrific -- but I can't say there's any humor in them. Coben is credited with starting "the family thriller".

James Rollins has several stand alone books, as well as a Sigma Force series. I like his books and his writing style. Had a chance to meet him and he's a nice guy as well. Really personable.
http://jamesrollins.com/

Andrew Gross has 3 books out. I've read 2 and enjoyed them.

David Baldacci is a good writer. My favorite of his is "Absolute Power", which was made into movie with Clint Eastwood. The movie and book are totally different.

James Grippando's Swyteck series is good.
http://www.jamesgrippando.com/

J.A. Jance has a couple of series. I prefer the JP Beaumont series.

Robert Crais is a good writer. He started by writing scripts for television shows such as Hill Street Blues, Cagney & Lacey, Quincy, Miami Vice and L.A. Law.

kimmer · « **Reply #2 on:** May 03, 2009, 03:07:28 AM »

I just stumbled across this list of "humorous mystery authors" that I pulled from the DorothyL list. I've only read a couple of them, so I can't say if they are good, bad, fluffy or anything else.

Andrews, Donna
Apodaca, Jennifer
Avocato, Lori
Berenson, Laurien
Byerrum, Ellen
Chittenden, Meg
Churchill, Jill
Cohen, Nancy J.
Colley, Barbara
Daheim, Mary
Davidson, Diane Mott
Dietz, Denise
Durham, Laura
Farmer, Jerrilyn
Fitzwater, Judy
Fluke, Joanne
Francis, Dorothy
Grilley, Kate
Harris, Charlaine
Holliday, Alesia
Hunter, Maddy
Hyzy, Julie
Isenberg ,Jane
Kelner, Toni
Kozak, Harley Jane
Marshall, Evan
Martin, Nancy
McBride, Susan
McCoy, Judi
Meier, Leslie
Sholes, Joe Moore/Lynn
Myers, Tamar
Myers, Tim
Pollero, Rhonda
Pence, Joanne
Rosett, Sara
Scott, Michele
Sharp, Deborah
Short, Sharon
Star, April
Strohmeyer, Sarah
Swanson, Denise
Viets, Elaine

gunug · « **Reply #3 on:** May 03, 2009, 06:32:58 AM »

My wife is currently reading "Mallets Aforethought" by Sarah Graves; I've not read this one but have read other's in the "Home Repair is Homicide" series. They are funny in a small way and entertaining enough but I would term them somewhat minor murder mysteries. She's not looking for anything terribly broad in humor or terribly violent so this book is probably what she is looking for.

I can recommend books by Dave Barry:

Big Trouble

Tricky Business

Science Fair: A Story of Mystery, Danger, International Suspense, and a Very Nervous Frog < kind of a kids thing but I enjoyed it!

Naked Came the Manatee < Chapters written by a number of writers!

I also enjoyed "Where is Joe Merchant" by Jimmy Buffett and while it's not "exactly" a mystery it is pretty funny.

I've also enjoyed Tom Dorsey's Serge A. Storms and Coleman series but you have to get by the fact that the major character is a serial killer to get to the funny! Kind of dark!

Thomas S. England · « **Reply #4 on:** May 05, 2009, 06:47:18 AM »

Thanks for all the suggestions, this should keep me busy at the library.

I forgot to add another important criteria: I really don't care for "heroes" who have to constantly fight or shoot their way out of trouble.

jcarter · « **Reply #5 on:** May 05, 2009, 07:27:47 AM »

We like the Wilbur Smith books too, though they can be a bit long and far fetched. They are a fun read.
My brother just gave us a huge box full of Vince Flynn nd Brad Thor books, though we havent started them yet, will do soon.
I do love Dave Barry too.
Here is a nice book the whole family loved,
The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I also enjoy all books that Alexander McCall Smith has written. Love the ones about Botswana.

There are so many wonderful books out there to read, just need more time,,,,,,
Jane

Paddy · « **Reply #6 on:** May 05, 2009, 10:17:35 PM »

Funny and detective don't go together all that often, methinks.

Detective/mystery/thriller authors I've enjoyed in recent years:

Elizabeth George - all of hers. She has some great recurring characters, so start at the beginning, with "A Great Deliverance"

http://www.elizabethgeorgeonline.com/books.htm (BTW - if you look at Amazon, you'll no doubt come across the other Elizabeth George, who writes religious books! Just be sure which one you've got!)

PD James - again, recurring characters, though I jumped around a lot reading her books, so don't worry about that too much.

Patricia Cornwell - though avoid the 3 books or so preceding the most recent (Scarpetta) which saw her back in good form after a rather bad patch. The early ones, with Kay Scarpetta are very good.

Tami Hoag (the mysteries, NOT the romances!)

I've really enjoyed Jillianne Hoffman's "Retribution" and "Last Witness" and am looking forward to reading the just-released Plea of Insanity.

I like Harlan Coben too - have read some of his, though have a bunch more from garage sales/used book stores on the shelf that I haven't gotten to yet.

As Jane says - too many books, not enough time!

kimmer · « **Reply #7 on:** May 05, 2009, 10:57:58 PM »

A pal just recommended these authors that might fit your criteria, Thomas:

Donald Westlake (especially his Trust Me On This).
David A. Crossman (especially his Murder in a Minor Key).

Oh, and have you ever read any of Ken Follett's earlier works?

jcarter · « **Reply #8 on:** May 06, 2009, 06:43:49 AM »

Yes, got a bunch of Follett's older ones upstairs, the downstairs bookcases are full to the gills.

Another one the whole family enjoyed was "Modoc",
http://www.amazon.com/Modoc-Story-Greatest...0078&sr=1-1
Its not a mystery, and does get a bit far fetched, but its a nice read.
Jane

Frances144 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 06, 2009, 08:22:54 AM »

The Falco novels by Lindsey Davis. Set in Roman times and very very good. I am a keen fan. A very nice person too, the author is. You can pick them up cheaply on Ebay and there have been 3 radio adaptations which were brilliiant. Kept me going through the wee small hours in hospital!

Lindsey Davis website with book list

Xairbusdriver · « **Reply #10 on:** May 06, 2009, 09:27:30 AM »

Well, if you really like "mysteries," I just bought a couple yesterday with a Christmas gift that was laying around begging to visit the store...
Head First PHP & MySQL, actually quite humorously presented, supposed to make things easier to learn, engage all the brain and such.

iPhone SDK Application Development

Both are from <O'Reilly>. Of course, the plots are fairly obvious, but there are fewer characters to keep track of...

sandyman · « **Reply #11 on:** May 07, 2009, 02:46:34 PM »

Well you could try the Inspector Rebus books by Ian Rankin. They are mainly set in Edinburgh which may make it a bit difficult for you to visualize things. A very good writer, and Rebus is definitely NOT a "hero".

Sandy

Xairbusdriver · « **Reply #12 on:** May 07, 2009, 05:18:27 PM »

QUOTE

which may make it a bit difficult for you to visualize things

Ah! But isn't that the great advantage of a book (and even radio or spoken word, IMHO)? You are not told what something/someplace/somebody has too look like. One actually gets to use the brain to imagine things!

jcarter · « **Reply #13 on:** May 07, 2009, 06:47:14 PM »

Thats one of the wonderful things about books, is your imagination! And thats why I dont like the movies, after Ive read a wonderful book.
Never see a movie before a book, well yes sometimes,,,,,, but its far better to read the book first.
Jane

Thomas S. England · « **Reply #14 on:** May 07, 2009, 08:00:40 PM »

QUOTE(sandyman @ May 7 2009, 03:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

They are mainly set in Edinburgh which may make it a bit difficult for you to visualize things. A very good writer, and Rebus is definitely NOT a "hero".

Sandy

Ah, but I have been to Edinburgh, although spent more of my time in Glascow during that trip.

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Author Topic: Novel suggestions (Read 3768 times)