Now that I’ve read all of Louise Penny’s brilliant Gamache series, I’m at a bit of a loss for what to read between long/dense Pulitzer books. Something in the broad realm of mysteries and thrillers really appeals to me. And I’m certainly not alone, given that this category always heavily populates the bestseller lists.
Jeremy, have you ever read the Prestige by Christopher Priest? Most people know it from the movie, which is excellent, but the book is VERY different and excellent too. The last thirty pages of the book is probably the most thrilling pages I’ve ever read!
Absolute No. 1 is Michael Connelly. Tied for 2 are John Sandford and John Lescroart. I am just trying a new series by LJ Ross. She is a UK author who apparently is hugely popular. She has just come to my attention. I am 90 pages into the first in one of her series about DCI Ryan and so far, so good.
Jo Nesbo's Harry Hole series has a similar feel to me as Stieg Larsson's Millennium Series. Gritty and dark, but fast-paced and usually well-constructed.
For solid mysteries with great characters and very vivid UK settings: any/all of the crime novels by Dick Francis. But my favorites are the ones starring Sid Halley: Odds Against, Whip Hand, Come to Grief, Under Orders. I also love The Edge for its fun plot: a murder mystery game set aboard a train crossing the Canadian Rockies.
For fantastic espionage plots and excellent character development over the course of the series: the Gabriel Allon series by Daniel Silva. Read 'em in order for the best experience.
For (dark, dark) British crime novels you can really sink your teeth into with a cast of characters that feel very real: the Inspector Lynley novels by Elizabeth George. The first one is good, and you should start there, but they really pick up around 3-4.
I can't recall if you've read Long Bright River by Liz Moore. It's very, very good – and her new one The God in the Woods is also excellent. Rich character development, fleet-footed writing, immersive mysteries.
The Will Trent series by Karin Slaughter is a top, plus anything Raymond Chandler, Gillian Flynn, or Tana French. Also Big Little Lies was one of the most addicting stories I've ever read, if somehow you have escaped the show I recommend it to everyone!
The Maisy Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear. The series begins in London right after WWI and follow a young woman who was a nurse in the war and has wounds of her own. She comes from a poor background but because she has mentors who have realized her intellectual and perceptive gifts, she is drawn to investigative work and sets up her own firm. This spring, Jacqueline Winspear published the last book of the series, number 18, because she meant for it to run through the end of WWII. The writing is every bit as good if not better than the Gamache series.
I'm not a huge mystery/thriller reader, but on your recommendation just enjoyed and finished Penny's "Still Life". My favorite series is Rowling's Detective Strike books. Can't wait for #8!
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is one that I keep thinking about. And when I was young and graduated from the downstairs children’s level to the upstairs grown up library I found the bookcase of Agatha Christie and to this day anything by Dame Agatha is a comfort read for me.
Kate Atkinson’s Jackson Brodie books, Susan Hill’s Simon Serrailler series and Robert Galbraith’s Strike are all favourites together with Ann Cleeves’ Vera, Shetland and Matthew Venn novels.
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier of course. and The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell.
Rebecca is so great.
I just recently discovered she wrote The Birds, which I'd also love to read.
ahhh I’ll put that in my radar
Yes! Rebecca!
The late, great, Caleb Carr’s The Alienist and The Angel of Darkness! Great reads!
I've only read The Alienist, which was indeed fantastic.
Jeremy, have you ever read the Prestige by Christopher Priest? Most people know it from the movie, which is excellent, but the book is VERY different and excellent too. The last thirty pages of the book is probably the most thrilling pages I’ve ever read!
I was thinking the same thing about The Alienist.
Absolute No. 1 is Michael Connelly. Tied for 2 are John Sandford and John Lescroart. I am just trying a new series by LJ Ross. She is a UK author who apparently is hugely popular. She has just come to my attention. I am 90 pages into the first in one of her series about DCI Ryan and so far, so good.
Hands down, The Alphabet Series by Sue Grafton featuring the private eye, Kinsey Milhone.
Jo Nesbo's Harry Hole series has a similar feel to me as Stieg Larsson's Millennium Series. Gritty and dark, but fast-paced and usually well-constructed.
Love that comparison, I'll have to check it out.
For solid mysteries with great characters and very vivid UK settings: any/all of the crime novels by Dick Francis. But my favorites are the ones starring Sid Halley: Odds Against, Whip Hand, Come to Grief, Under Orders. I also love The Edge for its fun plot: a murder mystery game set aboard a train crossing the Canadian Rockies.
For fantastic espionage plots and excellent character development over the course of the series: the Gabriel Allon series by Daniel Silva. Read 'em in order for the best experience.
For (dark, dark) British crime novels you can really sink your teeth into with a cast of characters that feel very real: the Inspector Lynley novels by Elizabeth George. The first one is good, and you should start there, but they really pick up around 3-4.
I can't recall if you've read Long Bright River by Liz Moore. It's very, very good – and her new one The God in the Woods is also excellent. Rich character development, fleet-footed writing, immersive mysteries.
I have Long Bright River on my kindle, but haven't read it yet. I'll move it up my list. Thanks for the other recs too — all sound great!
For mystery/humor - the Fletch books, for mystery/southwest - the Tony Hillerman books, mystery/Royal Navy - Patrick O’Brian series.
I have the first three books in O'Brian's series. I didn't realize there was a mystery component?!
Not in the “murder mystery” sense. More espionage. Captain Aubrey’s Watson”, Stephen Maturin is a spy as well as doctor.
Joe Nesbo’s Harry Hole series.
Lots of love for that one — I'll have to check it out.
The Will Trent series by Karin Slaughter is a top, plus anything Raymond Chandler, Gillian Flynn, or Tana French. Also Big Little Lies was one of the most addicting stories I've ever read, if somehow you have escaped the show I recommend it to everyone!
The Maisy Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear. The series begins in London right after WWI and follow a young woman who was a nurse in the war and has wounds of her own. She comes from a poor background but because she has mentors who have realized her intellectual and perceptive gifts, she is drawn to investigative work and sets up her own firm. This spring, Jacqueline Winspear published the last book of the series, number 18, because she meant for it to run through the end of WWII. The writing is every bit as good if not better than the Gamache series.
I always see here on featured shelves at the library, but I haven't ever tried one. Thanks for the tip!
The first two Justin and Cuddy books by Michael Malone (Uncivil Seasons and Times Witness). I also love the Thursday Murder Club books.
I'm not a huge mystery/thriller reader, but on your recommendation just enjoyed and finished Penny's "Still Life". My favorite series is Rowling's Detective Strike books. Can't wait for #8!
Oh wonderful! I'm glad you enjoyed Penny. :)
I've read the first one or two in Rowling's series. I should pick it back up.
Anthony Horowitz Magpie Murders series; Dorothy Sayers books; Flavia DeLuce series by Alan Bradley
I've heard great things about Horowitz, but haven't tried them. Thanks for the recs!
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is one that I keep thinking about. And when I was young and graduated from the downstairs children’s level to the upstairs grown up library I found the bookcase of Agatha Christie and to this day anything by Dame Agatha is a comfort read for me.
Kate Atkinson’s Jackson Brodie books, Susan Hill’s Simon Serrailler series and Robert Galbraith’s Strike are all favourites together with Ann Cleeves’ Vera, Shetland and Matthew Venn novels.
Val McDermid's Dr. Tony Hill series, which was also turned into a great TV series.