Modern Day Crime Writers

[Royal Rother]

So who are the best?

My personal favourite is Michael Connelly, whose novels featuring Harry Bosch and Terry McCaleb, although exciting stories in themselves, also focus more strongly than many authors on the actual art of police work. The collecting of evidence, the examination of crime scenes, the piecing together of the clues are right up my street.

There is usually a good twist at the end, with generally two endings, in that the crime is solved with possibly 40 pages to go, and then a further issue is closed perhaps relating to the private lives of the detectives, or internal workings of the LAPD etc.

The twists though never feel contrived....

....unlike James Patterson. That might be a bit unfair as I've only read one of his novels, "1st To Die", but whilst the story rattled along very well (3 page chapters do get on my nerves a bit after a while though) the twist at the end was so huge that it made me feel somewhat cheated. I almost felt like reading it again to prove to myself that Patterson had not just hidden "the truth" but had deliberately misled the reader. But I resisted the temptation!

The feeling I had was that he writes as if it's a screenplay - which might actually be quite close to the truth I suppose.

I have also recently read a novel by Karin Slaughter "A Cold Dark Fear" that I enjoyed a lot. I shall definitely read some more of hers. Similar depth of detail in the police work that I like about Connelly.

A writer whose books I have never seen in a bookshop in UK is Ridley Pearson. Once again it is the detail that appeals to me. "Pied Piper" and "Hard Fall" were both excellent.

Not quite crime, more court room / political dramas I suppose but I have generally found Richard North Patterson an excellent read. It's a while since I've read one of his though am looking forward to getting into a recent purchase "Balance of Power".

Not an exhaustive list, but something to go on and I'd be delighted to receive recommendations from other subscribers that might appeal to my tastes.

James Patterson seems to sell in huge numbers - am I wrong in my judgement after just one novel?

[Barbara]

So who are the best?

My personal favourite is Michael Connelly, whose novels featuring Harry Bosch and Terry McCaleb, although exciting stories in themselves, also focus more strongly than many authors on the actual art of police work. The collecting of evidence, the examination of crime scenes, the piecing together of the clues are right up my street.

There is usually a good twist at the end, with generally two endings, in that the crime is solved with possibly 40 pages to go, and then a further issue is closed perhaps relating to the private lives of the detectives, or internal workings of the LAPD etc.

The twists though never feel contrived....

....unlike James Patterson. That might be a bit unfair as I've only read one of his novels, "1st To Die", but whilst the story rattled along very well (3 page chapters do get on my nerves a bit after a while though) the twist at the end was so huge that it made me feel somewhat cheated. I almost felt like reading it again to prove to myself that Patterson had not just hidden "the truth" but had deliberately misled the reader. But I resisted the temptation!

The feeling I had was that he writes as if it's a screenplay - which might actually be quite close to the truth I suppose.

I have also recently read a novel by Karin Slaughter "A Cold Dark Fear" that I enjoyed a lot. I shall definitely read some more of hers. Similar depth of detail in the police work that I like about Connelly.

A writer whose books I have never seen in a bookshop in UK is Ridley Pearson. Once again it is the detail that appeals to me. "Pied Piper" and "Hard Fall" were both excellent.

Not quite crime, more court room / political dramas I suppose but I have generally found Richard North Patterson an excellent read. It's a while since I've read one of his though am looking forward to getting into a recent purchase "Balance of Power".

Not an exhaustive list, but something to go on and I'd be delighted to receive recommendations from other subscribers that might appeal to my tastes.

James Patterson seems to sell in huge numbers - am I wrong in my judgement after just one novel?

No I never really bonded with James Patterson either. Thanks for the list, I shall try your choices out. I like Kathy Reichs, although her last one "blow fly" or something like had a ridiculous ending. I like P D James - she's of the old school like Agatha Christie. Someone introduced me to Deaver and he is gripping but I found the Bone Collector had a far fetched ending, his Maidens Grave was good though.

[purplebongowoman]

Having been a PD James/Ruth Rendell fan for a number of years, but always having to wait so long for the next publication, I went browsing in the library and stumbled across Elizabeth George. Good holiday reading, best consumed in one go. The sleuths are always the same five characters, who have their own stories intertwined with the crime solving theme. I haven't read them in order, but that does not seem to matter.

[Darkstar]

I don't read a lot in this genre, but Ian Rankin is certainly pretty near the top for me, as is Sara Paretsky.

[My Friend Jack]

RR - have you read any of Robert Goddard's books? Must admit, I've only tried one, and I felt that it was written with TV adaptation in mind, but it was quite a good story - certainly the twist at the end was a complete surprise, causing me to re-read a few chunks. No idea what the title was, and it must have been 4 or 5 years ago... actually, I seem to recall it was around the time of P Diana's death, which makes it - er - about 7 1/2 years ago. Anyway, I assume that Goddard is British, as the book was based mainly in London and Gloucestershire.

[Royal Rother]

Never heard of him to be honest. Thanks, I'll look out for him.

[My Friend Jack]

Also, Jeffrey Deaver (see separate thread in the Best Sellers section).

[stevieb]

Big fan of Ian Rankin - John Rebus is a wonderful creation and the way Edinburgh is a major character looming ominously above the all the misery is quite brilliant - pity the TV series was so poor - John Hannah is a fine actor but too young for the character - the use of musical refs throughout is very good and if nothing else got me into Mogwai......

[Royal Rother]

I like Rebus too.

I find Michael Connolly's Harry Bosch a very similar character and the stories slightly more intricate and slightly more satisfying. LA is probably not so strong as Edinburgh is in Rankin's novels but you still get a pretty good feeling for the plce. (Or not!)

[BrumB]

Has anyone read any Walter Mosley books? He writes about Easy Rawlins, a black ex soldier, in postwar Los Angeles, forced by circumstances into becoming a kind of private eye. He takes on Mouse as his deadly but aimiable sidekick. The series gets progressively more sophisticated and noir as it progresses but you have to start with Devil in a Blue Dress to get the feel of the characters and setting. Very thought provoking and evocative.

[stevieb]

and a cracking movie with Denzil as Easy and a wonderfully deranged Don Cheadle as Mouse....

[nancydotslash]

[QUOTE=Royal Rother]So who are the best?

My personal favourite is Michael Connelly,

I like all the authors you've mentioned. Have you tried Barry Eisler? I guess he would fit in this catagory, his three novels that I'm acquainted with are about an asassin...pretty good. Have just begun "Rain Storm".

[Royal Rother]

Nancy, when you say "all the authors you've mentioned", did you mean me, or the whole thread? You must read a lot!! ;)

I've not heard of Eisler, I wonder whether he, like Ridley Pierson, is not published in UK - I'll go looking shortly - (note to self - must remember to follow the Amazon link from here!)

[Starry]

I like Kathy Reichs, although her last one "blow fly" or something like had a ridiculous ending.

Blowfly was Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs' latest book is called Monday Mourning and as usual it is excellent.

I read about twenty pages of Kisscut by Karin Slaughter, but I obviously wasn't in the mood for a mystery because it just bored me :)

I like James Patterson - well, his earlier novels anyway - Along came a Spider and Kiss the Girls especially. They've been adapted for film, but they aren't a patch on the novels.

I also like Jonathan Kellerman's novels starring child psychologist Alex Delaware. A similar writer called Stephen White has been recommended to me though I haven't yet read any of his books.

I have to agree about PD James, she always writes excellent mysteries. I prefer the novels Ruth Rendell writes as Barbara Vine, they seem to have a bit more of an edge to them than her Ruth Rendell ones.

I've read most of Robert Goddard's novels and would definitely recommend him. Hand in Glove is my favourite of his.

My favourite crime fiction novelist is Sue Grafton. She writes the alphabet mysteries - A is for Alibi etc. I always eagerly await every book she releases.

This is my first post and I hope you don't mind me jumping in with opinions without an introduction :) Thanks for the recomendations already posted - I have increased my wish-list accordingly!

[Bill]

Starry, you are very welcome and so are your opinions!

[Starry]

Starry, you are very welcome and so are your opinions!


Thanks Bill!

PS Never Mind the Buzzcocks... wow! :D

[Rhiannon]

Hi - this looks like a good group to be on. I like a lot of the big names - Michael Connolly, P D James etc, but I like to come to places like this to check out the writers that aren't so well known. I've found some of my best reads that way. I love Danuta Reah - try Bleak Water. That book is so, so scary. Real page turner, for me. I like Andrew Taylor as well. The American Boy was a good read - a bit slow, but worth it.

Am I the only person in the world who didn't rate The Da Vinci Code?

Sara Paretsky rocks. Blacklist has to be her best yet.

Rhi

[My Friend Jack]

Rhiannon, take a look at the thread on the Da Vinci Code under the UK best selling paperbacks, and you will see you are among friends! Must admit that I haven't read it - can't say I'm all that encouraged to, either!

[Rhiannon]

Right. I wasn't expecting high art, I was expecting a good read, and I was stuck on a plane with it which is the only reason I didn't chuck it out of the wondow as it got more and more unlikely. I know crime fiction is often very unlikely, but a good writer can make me believe it, and make me care. With Da Vinci, I didn't believe it and I didn't care either. Still my best friend thought it was okay.
Rhi

[megustaleer]

At one time I read nothing but 'whodunnits', as I had trouble finding anything else I enjoyed, Since then there seems to have been a great burgeoning of writing talent, and being a member of 3 bookgroups I rarely get to choose my own reading. When I do, I usually pick a detective (private, as opposed to police) story.
I think I have all of Agatha Christie's books, but don't read them any more, apart from checking the plot of TV adaptations. Loved Ruth Rendell's books and her Barbara Vine novels. Most other authors I have read just odd ones and twos of, as I pick them up in second-hand or charity shops .
Have read one Walter Mosely, some years ago. White Butterfly? I remember that I enjoyed it, but my taste is towards stories set in the UK...Although I am enjoying the No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.
There is a Sue Grafton waiting to be read, but I think i ought to start a bit nearer the beginning of her alphabet!
How modern is modern day?. I have mentioned Aggie, but she is hardly modern, although she is more up to date than Conan Doyle. is there a cut off date I have missed?

[Granny weatherwax]

I like Jeffery Deaver, he puts lots of twists and turns in his books. Just when you think you've sussed it something else you don't excpect happens. :D

I also like PD James, Ruth Rendell and Colin Dexter's Morse books :)

[Bibilicious]

Hello there :)

I am an new member and love reading crime, thriller and action novels. I am a fan of Michael Crichton, Lee Childs and Matthew Reilly and have read most of Elizabeth George's novels. I recently read Kathy Reichs' Bare Bones and found it rather slow going - are her other books worth trying?

The book I am currently reading and can't put down is 'Storm' by Boris Starling. It starts off with the heroine on a ferry in the North Sea which sinks in the middle of the night and the way the drama is written is very compelling and realistic. The horror of the sinking is very well described and I found it challenged my perception as the reader of what is acceptable behaviour in those circumstances.

It turns out the heroine is a DCI and when she gets back to dry land she becomes embroiled in a rather nasty murder investigation but is also haunted by her experiences on the ferry and the subsequent investigation of the disaster.

I had not read anything by Boris Starling before but his earlier book Messiah was made into a drama on the BBC starring Ken Stott as Red Metcalfe.

Is anyone else reading a thriller/crime novel that they can't put down?

[Adrian]

I always struggled with Rebus. Too much personal stuff, not enough plot. The last one I read was just about him and Edinburgh, as if the plot didn't matter. Fraid I'll pass on any future ones.

Reichs and Cornwell I'd have to lump together. Both of them professionally "female" in a man's pathology world. Especially Cornwell. What's with all the niece business? Sorry, have to pass on both of them too. They're the book embodiment of that Irish pathologist on telly.

Crime? First the three R's:

Julian Rathbone, especially Sandblind
Derek Raymond, especially The Crust on its Uppers and A State of Denmark
Anything by Mike Ripley

For English crime writers I love Ken Bruen, MC Beaton, Christopher Brookmyre, Stella Duffy. Also the early Sarah Dunant.

My taste, though, is American crime writers. George Pelecanos is the king. Also Rita Mae Brown and Lillian Jackson Braun. Bunker, Hammett, Chandler, Douglas E. Winter, many, many more.

[Grammath]

Been giving this topic some thought for a while.

Like Chris, my preference is for US rather than UK writing, and I've said why on the US v UK thread. I'm generally more of a hardboiled, noir reader than one of cosy country house mysteries.

I'd say my favourite is James Ellroy, although if you're new to the genre I wouldn't start with him, he is the hardest boiled writer ever to put pen to paper.

I also rate highly the brilliantly funny Carl Hiaasen and Janet Evanovich, both of whose books I can whizz through without stopping for breath. Elmore Leonard is still turning out splendid books in his 80s.

Michael Crichton has written some great thrillers but his upcoming book apparently denies global warming, for which this greenie hopes he gets substantially more than a slapped wrist.

Some of these names I've only read one or two out of a vast output. I've enjoyed what I read but couldn't comment on their whole canon - James Lee Burke, Michael Connolly, Walter Mosley, Sara Paretsky, Kinky Friedman.

Going back in time a bit, there's the holy trinity of Hammett, Chandler and Jim Thompson. I've also got some James M. Cain and Cornell Woolrich on my To Be Read pile who sounded good for me to shell out for at the NFT 2nd hand bookstalls.

From this side of the pond, my vote would go to Ian Rankin, Lindsey Davis, Mark Timlin, Chris Brookmyre, Philip Kerr. I also rate the novels of Simenon and Henning Mankell.

Conan Doyle is the daddy of them all to whom respect must be paid.

Also on my To Be Read pile is David Peace, who again sounds brilliant, but would welcome anyone telling me I'm wasting my time.

[Starry]

I also rate highly the brilliantly funny Carl Hiaasen and Janet Evanovich, both of whose books I can whizz through without stopping for breath.

I love Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series. I've just finished reading Ten Big Ones and I laughed so much that my lazy cats got off their behinds to come and see if I was dying :) I haven't read any Carl Hiaasen yet, but a bookcrosser friend is sending me one soon, now I'm looking forward to it even more.

And next up on audio will be Dorothy L Sayers - Whose Body? I've listened to an extract already and it is hysterical so I'm really looking forward to it, in fact I might abandon my current listen (The Lovely Bones) to start it. Although I guess she could hardly be called a modern crime writer, unless you compare her to Wilkie Collins ;)

[Adrian]

Great post Grammath.

I'll start. By saying something. Can't stand Ellroy's style. Choppy sentences. Too choppy.

But Carl Hiassen is always on top form, though he can get a little samey. In the same Florida jokey-crime mode is ???? (nope, can picture him and like CH he's a Florida columnist too, but I can't think of his name and his book's in storage) Janet Evanovich I like but I tend to look out for her at the library rather than spend my hard-earned. And yes, Elmore Leonard is one of the greatest. One of his latest I read is Tishimingo Blues, and it is superb. Almost Pete Dexter quality.

I think Michael Crichton has been overtaken by technology, but his early works are great. Way ahead of their time.

Never did like Walter Mosley (he's the only writer published by the best crime publisher - Mask Noir - that I bought and couldn't finish). I didn't even know he was black. Sara Peretsky was OK and the film with Kathleen Turner a faithful adaptation, and the Kinkster is still the best NY writer. Though he's getting a little samey too.

Hammett? I've had The Dain Curse on my TBR pile for so long it's been put into a box! Chandler is great, I read the whole lot when I lived in SF, and must get them out again.

From the UK: loving another Timlin fan. What a crock those TV adapdations were with Clive Owen. The books are still great, truly marvellous London pulp crime. Just how we like it. I'm afraid I'd have to give Brookmyre another "samey" medal too. His first few were the best in comic-crime but now (read his latest a month back and can't even remember the title) he seemed out of date, like his favourite political targets had left him and he was shooting into the wind.

Be interested to hear about David Peace. If he's the one with date titles (1973, etc.) then I've picked up some of his in the bookshop and started reading but they've never grabbed me enough.

The one author missing from this thread is George Pelecanos. He's the current master, and though he's designated as a "crime" writer that doesn't do him justice.

[Grammath]

Thanks for the praise, Chris.

I'm afraid we'll have to disagree on the relative merits of Messrs. Ellroy and Pelecanos. I tried "King Suckerman" and, er, felt like a sucker, man, that I'd fallen for the hype. After 100 pages, I was still waiting for it to start. Its one of the very few crime books I've abandoned through lack of interest.

[Pandora]

I like Sayers and Christie and Hallingam, although not so modern. Closer to us I like Mc Bain and Ranking and Cornwell and PD James. I like to get involved with the characters and start to think about Rebus or Carella as real people. For example I like Inspector Alan Banks but do not remember who is the author!
I can recommend an italian called Camilleri, who writes about Inspector Montalbano, a sicilian policeman. I do not know how they translated the sicilian dialect but the ambiance is very much on the spot. In fact sicilians do not like it at all and think it is too patronising!! (see thread about the N.1 Ladies Detective Agency)

[Starry]

For example I like Inspector Alan Banks but do not remember who is the author!

I'm sure I've mentioned this elsewhere on the site, but I'm going to mention it again because I want to :)

Stop You're Killing Me is a fabulous website for this sort of imformation. It lists hundreds if not thousands of mystery/thriller books by Author or principal character with book release dates

Here's the link for Inspector Alan Banks:
Stop You're Killing Me (http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/Peter-Robinson.html)

I use the website mostly for checking series information, but it is also great for quizzes! :D

[Harriet]

The only crime book that I've really read was 'All That Remains' by Patricia Cornwell - it was a Christmas present and I really enjoyed, I'll be buying a few more of her books.

[Fat Buddha]

King Suckerman is fairy atypical of Pelecanos, which is a pity because I loved it; I love everything else by him too though. You should persevere, Grammath, there is a hell a lot of good reading ahead of you, if you give him a chance.

I have just discovered David Housewright and I can tell you, this man can write, I would recommend him to anyone.

[mysteryfanatic]

Hi! Im new to this and reading through all of your posts I have figured out I have never heard of any of these authors. My favorite mystery authors are Sharon Sala and Tess Gerriten have any of you heard of them? They have great books. Sharon Sala is mostly romantic suspense and Tess Gerristen is a medical suspense writer I totally recomend these two authors.

[Royal Rother]

I don't think they're available in UK. I'm in US next week, will print this thread and see what takes my fancy in Waterstones!

[Bill]

Terri Gerritsen is currently No 17 in the (soon to be updated) paperback fiction charts.

http://www.bookgrouponline.com/forum/showthread.html?p=3561#post3561

[tricia]

hi all, this is my first post:)

i go on vast binges of this genre, i loved the first series of cornwell, but feel she lost the plot a bit more recently. i also enjoy kathy reichs, tess gerritsen, (her new books, the sinner and body double are out here now, anyone read them?), james patterson, (this was also after a slow start, think i picked the wrong book first!), jeffery deaver and val mcDermid.

however, my favourite by far, is harlan coben. has anyone else read him?

[Silvergirl]

Tricia - I agree that the earlier 'Scarpetta' stories were better than the current crop. Do you think it's a case of overcooking a good idea? It will be interesting to see if the same happens with Kathy Reichs and Tempe Brennan!

I particularly enjoy Deaver and Patterson as well. Haven't read any Harlan Coben, what is his style? I might try one of his novels, what would be a good one to start with?

[dpleith]

I agree - Harlen Coben is very good. Many of his novels have a sporting theme as one of his main characters is a sporting agent. Nothing overly complicated but good stories.

[tricia]

coben has written a series with the character myron bolitor, as dpleith mentioned, he isthe sports agent, that series starts with "deal breaker".

he has also written some stand alone books which i found meatier and darker. in my opinion, gone for good, is the best of these so far.

[Erimar]

I like Coben as well but I stumbled across John Connolly who wrote 'Dark Hollow', 'The White Road' etc and I can't get enough of him. I would highly recommend him :cool: He is an Irish writer but his books are primarily based in Orleans.

[k8e]

Hi
I like all of the above but also Mo Hayder (a little macabre but good) and Peter Robinson (possibly because I used to live in Yorkshire and it reminds me of there, the later ones are better) and also Ian Rankin.
kate

[Adrian]

k8e, I read a Peter robinson purely because it was set in Yorkshire close to where I used to live. It was the one with the son in the Navy, and it was pretty good. I borrowed it from the library and have to say I haven't read any more of his: Good enough to borrow, not good enough to buy was my feeling.

Given up on Rankin I'm afraid. Never really liked him, and the more I read the more formulaic I found him (him being both the author and the character).

Have tried Coben but not his sports agent character. Worth another look I think.

Most important news: there's a new George Pelecanos out!

[bill1088]

I've read nearly all Michael Connelly, even heard him speak, in a signing here in New York. If you like Micahel Connelly you may like Linda Fairstein who was chief sex crimes prosecutor in Manhattan for 20+ years and is a good friend of Patricia Cornwell. She is reitred and writing full time. Someone uneven,
but the top hardboiled crime writer is George P. Pelecanos. If you like Ian Rankin, a fellow Scott is Denise Mina who in my opinion will really go places.

[Royal Rother]

Thanks for the Fairstein recommendation Bill1088.

As for Pelecanos, after all the rave reviews on BGO I bought "Hard Revolution" recently, will finish it tonight. It's a prequel to other novels about Derek Strange a DC based black cop. It charts him from 12 years old to 20+ in the days of deeply unpleasant racial tensions. Some very unpleasant characters of white and black skin. He certainly brings that very much alive.

So of Pelecanos' stuff I've read it first, but it probably would be of more interest to those who already know of the character. A bit too much detail about the location, the streets, the music of the time. I love music but the references to obscure (to me) soul musicians of the time litter almost every page (I jest not) and that is a bit wearing.

Still, I'm enjoying a different style and will certainly read more of his, I just suspect I haven't started on the best one.

[Adrian]

Still, I'm enjoying a different style and will certainly read more of his, I just suspect I haven't started on the best one.

I like the Nick Stefanos Trilogy. I think it starts with Down By the River Where the Dead Men Go. There's also Nick's Trip and A Firing Offense.

His standalone novel ShoeDog is pretty good too.

[Lizzy Siddal]

Just thought I'd pitch in here and mention my current favourite - Henning Mankell. I've read two "Sidetracked" and "Firewall" and am about to embark on a marathon read of his back catalogue.

Also, can I recommend Arnaldur Indridason from Iceland. "Jar City" is a terrific read - completely different from anything else I've read. The twist being on the first page ..... The second novel to be translated comes out in May and I've preordered it on Amazon.

What about Michael Dibdin? I love the unlovable Italian, Zen. "Blood Rain", the 7th in the series was truly staggering. I feel the series has gone downhill since then. It won't stop me reading the next one, though.

And while we're in Italy, how about some Donna Leon? I read each as it is published, though I must admit I haven't enjoyed any as much as the first in the series "Death at the Fenice".

[Royal Rother]

Haven't heard of any of those Lizzy. As with most of the names on most of the threads I read. I just wish I was a faster reader... ;)

[lucyb]

Have just started reading 'Aberystwyth, Mon Amour' by Malcolm Pryce and have managed to leave it at work. Was really enjoying it up to that point though. Depressing and yet amusing at the same time.

[Kats]

Have just started reading 'Aberystwyth, Mon Amour' by Malcolm Pryce and have managed to leave it at work. Was really enjoying it up to that point though. Depressing and yet amusing at the same time.

I've just finished this. Loved it. Absolutely loved it.

Another vote for Carl Hiaasen and Janet Evanovich here too.

And PJ Tracy - utterly gripping.

[k8e]

Am halfway through the second PJ Tracy book Live Bait and it is great. I found it hard to get into because there seems to be a lot of different characters in the beginning but now I've got into it I can't put it down.

[Darkstar]

Have just started reading 'Aberystwyth, Mon Amour' by Malcolm Pryce and have managed to leave it at work. Was really enjoying it up to that point though.

I started reading this earlier in the year. I thought it looked great when I bought it, and when I started to read it, it looked really promising. But I simply didn't connect with it. The idea was excellent, and it should have been really funny. But it wasn't. And I didn't like the characters. I didn't even finish it in the end, which is unlike me.

[k8e]

Just started 'Lifeless' by Mark Billingham. It is really good. It is the fifth one so far. The others are 'Scaredy cat', 'Sleepyhead', 'Lazybones' and 'The Burning Girl'. I only found him recently but I think he is an excellent writer and British as well. Not that I have anything against American writers, see my previous posts but I sometimes find they use language I have never heard of etc. I would definitely recommend him though.

[lucyb]

I started reading this earlier in the year. I thought it looked great when I bought it, and when I started to read it, it looked really promising. But I simply didn't connect with it. The idea was excellent, and it should have been really funny. But it wasn't. And I didn't like the characters. I didn't even finish it in the end, which is unlike me.

Having gone back to it, I have to agree. It was a bit far fetched at the start which I liked as it seemed quirky. Then, as I said, I left it at work and ended up reading it in half hour spurts. It got very silly in the middle and I was tempted to give up but it was still the only thing in my drawer I had left to read. It did get better towards the end but was still a disappointment.

[Kats]

Am halfway through the second PJ Tracy book Live Bait and it is great. I found it hard to get into because there seems to be a lot of different characters in the beginning but now I've got into it I can't put it down.

I started with this one, and read the first one afterwards and, to be honest, I wish I'd done it the right way round. That said, I completely loved both of them. New one out soon, I believe.

[k8e]

Yes, Dead Run has just come out and I managed to get a copy from the library. It is as just as good as the others and I found it a bit easier to get into.

[Adrian]

I read PJ Tracey's first one Live Bait, and was quite disappointed with it. I can't remember much about it, except the plot seemed so formulaic as to seem "old-fashioned" compared to other modern crime novels.

[chivester]

I would give another vote for Christopher Brookmyre. I reckon he's probably the best crime writer in the UK at the moment and easily comparable with the greats. He the man. :)

[Flingo]

Re: Aberystwyth Mon Amour

I started reading this earlier in the year. I thought it looked great when I bought it, and when I started to read it, it looked really promising. But I simply didn't connect with it. The idea was excellent, and it should have been really funny. But it wasn't. And I didn't like the characters. I didn't even finish it in the end, which is unlike me.


I read this a couple of months ago. I expected it be really good (Amazon recommended it to me because of my love of Jasper Fforde) and all the reviews compared them too. I was so disappointed - felt like I had completely wasted my time with it. As you say the idea was excellent, and the setting could have been so atmopheric (as anyone who knows aber at all) but both completely lost the plot somewhere between the idea and the writing!

I pity Jasper for the comparisons.

[lucyb]

erm..Have to admit I'd never heard of Jasper Fford. Which book should I start with?

[Flingo]

Jasper Fforde is not strictly crime - more crime/fantasy/comedy/literary humour. His first series features heroine Thursday Next, a literary detective from Swindon. The first title is "The Eyre Affair", where Thursday has to get into Jane Eyre to save the book. His new series features the "Nursery Crimes Division" of the police in Reading. The first (and so far only) novel in this series is called "The Big Over Easy". The main charater is DS Jack Spratt and is supported by his sidekick Mary Mary. They go off to solve the death of Humpty Dumpty - did he fall or was he pushed?

"The Eyre Affair" was Fforde's first published novel and you can see his style develop and change through the 4 Thursday Next novels. In "The Big Over Easy" his style is much more confident. One of these would be a good place to start - you don't need to read the series in order, but I think it helps.

Hope you enjoy if you decide to try.

[lucyb]

Thanks for the info - I'll give them a go.

[Flingo]

I have now finished the four Tess Gerritsen books featuring Jane Rizzoli and Maura Isles. Where should I go now?

I read "One for the Money" by Janet Evanovich, but don't feel hugely inspired to read more of that (I think she gets relegated to my list of "thats ok, it'll kill a couple of hours when there is nothing else on my TBR pile" alongside Rankin, and Pratchett).

Plenty of people have said in passing about other medical crime authors, but I can't remember their names.

Any suggestions welcome.....!

[Grammath]

Are you familiar with the works of Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs?

[Silvergirl]

Henry Denker writes medical crime/thriller novels. Have only read one or two (ages ago) so cannot really offer any specific titles as recommendation.

My current favourites in crime/thriller category are Jeffery Deaver and James Patterson, together with Patricia Cornwell and Kathy Reichs already mentioned by Grammath.

[Colinj]

I just love Colin Dexter's Morse books. Also PD James & Ruth Rendell.

[Fat Buddha]

Steve Hamilton writes superb thrillers, set in the icy wastes of the pacific north west. Great characters, superb sense of place, pacy stories.

[Flingo]

Rescued Replies

Brian17 17th September 2006, 09:03 AM
These are probably my top picks in the crime genre.

James Lee Burke (Simply the finest writer the genre's EVER seen)
George Pelecanos (A little too hip, but an incredible writer)
James Ellroy (Nobody has ever done 50's LA like him and never will)
James Crumley
Ian Rankin (Scotland's answer to sin)
Joseph Wambuagh (Early)
Ross Thomas (first few books)
Lawrence Block (on a couple Scudder novels, but that's all)
Kent Anderson (only written one cop novel, but it's a classic)
Robert Crais (Occasionally)
Michael Connelley (Getting there, but not quite yet. He's getting better)

Grammath 18th September 2006, 12:47 PM
Welcome to BGO, Brian17, nice to have another crime aficionado onboard. I can't confess to have read everybody on your list, but I'd certainly second your votes for the three Jameses, Lee Burke, Ellroy and Crumley, and Rankin too.

Crumley's Milo Milogradovitch is one of those investigators whom I'm astonished ever manages to solve anything given his astonishing capacity for alcohol, even by PI standards.

pollyblue 19th September 2006, 11:22 PM
James Ellroy
Has anyone read any of his?

The Black Dahlia is a cracker and has recently been made into a film which im frightened to go and see in case its not as good as the book.

Also just finished reading Killer on the Road which is told from the point of view of a serial killer which is different.

I also quite like Michael Connolly and Karin Slaughter, have all her books. However I think that Kathy Reichs goes into too much technical detail and it spoils the stories she writes.

Hazel 20th September 2006, 10:19 AM
Originally Posted by pollyblue
Has anyone read any of his?

The Black Dahlia is a cracker and has recently been made into a film which im frightened to go and see in case its not as good as the book.

I have read most of James Ellroy's books. My favourite is My Dark Places which is actually a non-fiction book which recounts his time investigating his mother's murder. He thought previously that she may have have a victim of the same man that killed Elizabeth Short, but he and a PI discover that that wasn't the case. It's a brilliant book.

Other good Ellroy books are L.A Confidential, which was made into an excellent film, and The Big Nowhere.

You shouldn't be too scared of the Black Dahlia film - I have heard it sticks quite close to the book though isn't as dark or good as L.A Confidential.

Royal Rother 20th September 2006, 12:16 PM
I know I've said elsewhere that having tried Ellroy I found him to be one of the few authors I just couldn't get on with. He seems to provoke those reactions from what I can gather, i.e. love or loathe.

Adrian 20th September 2006, 12:35 PM
I had my say about Ellroy in post #8 in book to film thread. I've not tried anything else by him since.

Even so, Brian17's list is really quite good. Some I don't like (Ellroy and Lawrence Block) some are on my all time favourites list, and some I'd just quibble about the ranking (there's no way James Lee Burke is better than Pelecanos).

Hazel 20th September 2006, 01:02 PM
Originally Posted by Adrian
I had my say about Ellroy in post #8 in book to film thread. I've not tried anything else by him since.
You really should try My Dark Places - it isn't written in the same style as his novels at all and is immensely readable. It's a fascinating story and the background to his life is a great read. It's a truly brilliant piece of writing. That said, I am biased as I love Ellroy.

Grammath 20th September 2006, 01:05 PM
Originally Posted by pollyblue
Has anyone read any of his?

The Black Dahlia is a cracker and has recently been made into a film which im frightened to go and see in case its not as good as the book.

Also just finished reading Killer on the Road which is told from the point of view of a serial killer which is different.
Welcome to BGO, pollyblue. I'm very much in the pro-Ellroy camp. I admire him for taking the genre to more or less its logical extreme. I do feel slightly grubby after entering his relentlessly dark world, though, but then, from a literary standpoint, I like that sort of thing.

I have "Destination: Morgue!" out of the library at the moment, a recent collection of his pieces for American GQ and some short stories. Seems to be a bit of a holding operation while his publishers wait for him to deliver "Police Gazette", the final instalment of the trilogy that began with "American Tabloid", which supposedly is his take on Watergate. Now that is one book I am really looking forward to.

I haven't seen "The Black Dahlia" movie yet, but it will almost certainly be the next thing I go to see at the flicks.

Brian17 23rd September 2006, 08:35 PM
Originally Posted by Adrian
I had my say about Ellroy in post #8 in book to film thread. I've not tried anything else by him since.

Even so, Brian17's list is really quite good. Some I don't like (Ellroy and Lawrence Block) some are on my all time favourites list, and some I'd just quibble about the ranking (there's no way James Lee Burke is better than Pelecanos).
Although we won't agree on the Burke/Pelecanos issue, it took me awhile to adapt to Ellroys' prose. I read his first three books and absolutely hated them. A friend suggested him and pressed me to read more. Once I ''got'' his style I found him brilliant.
Thanks everyone for your replies and opinions. I've been busy lately and just got back here. I look forward to interacting with all of you. It's pretty cool to get opinions from another country/culture and I certainly look forward to that among other things.

Flingo 24th September 2006, 11:32 AM
Originally Posted by pollyblue
However I think that Kathy Reichs goes into too much technical detail and it spoils the stories she writes.
I've just read the first book about Temperance Brennan by Kathy Reichs, and I think it will be the last I read. I generally quite like the technical detail, and I liked the plot - but I found that Deja Dead could have done with some serious editing. I got to page 350 and felt the plot had only really done enough to warrant 200 pages of reading.

tagesmann 29th September 2006, 08:35 AM
My favourite is Michael Dibden who writes about an Italian policeman called Aurelio Zen. The style is a little different to the classic detective novel, brilliantly written with a real anti-hero.

pollyblue 4th October 2006, 11:29 PM
I do feel slightly grubby after entering his relentlessly dark world, though, but then, from a literary standpoint, I like that sort of thing.

I love dark and gritty fiction. Has anyone here read any JT Leroy? Regardless of the fact that the author is actually a 40 something woman that lives in New York, the books do have a definite authenticity about them. I love dark books and hate lazy writing.

Apologies if I reply to the wrong thread.... Im new to all this and normally have my head in a book....

chuntzy 8th January 2007, 07:31 PM
Originally Posted by Lizzy Siddal
Just thought I'd pitch in here and mention my current favourite - Henning Mankell. I've read two "Sidetracked" and "Firewall" and am about to embark on a marathon read of his back catalogue.

Also, can I recommend Arnaldur Indridason from Iceland. "Jar City" is a terrific read - completely different from anything else I've read. The twist being on the first page ..... The second novel to be translated comes out in May and I've preordered it on Amazon.

What about Michael Dibdin? I love the unlovable Italian, Zen. "Blood Rain", the 7th in the series was truly staggering. I feel the series has gone downhill since then. It won't stop me reading the next one, though.

And while we're in Italy, how about some Donna Leon? I read each as it is published, though I must admit I haven't enjoyed any as much as the first in the series "Death at the Fenice".

If you see this Lizzy S. I just want to say that IMO you've named some really good ones. My first Henning Mankell was last year and since then I've been hooked. With Indridason I must have chosen one that was slightly disappointing (Silence of the grave) but will try again. And, yes, you can't go wrong with Dibden. I've only read one Donna Leon and it was so-so but I'll try the one you suggest.

[Flingo]

Cont.


Lizzy Siddal 8th January 2007, 11:25 PM
Why thank you Chuntzy!

When I read "Silence of the Grave" about 18 months ago, I was impressed but not overly so. Yet it's one that comes back to mind time and time again. I think his treatment of domestic abuse in that novel is actually quite powerful.

"Jar City" renamed "Tainted Blood" is still the best Indridason in my opinion.

"Voices" was released last year and I found it a bit mediocre.

However, I did read the best crime novel I have ever read last year. "Red Leaves" by Thomas H Cook. Absolutely astounding.

Adrian 9th January 2007, 04:35 AM
Originally Posted by Lizzy Siddal
However, I did read the best crime novel I have ever read last year. "Red Leaves" by Thomas H Cook. Absolutely astounding.
I've heard that book praised a lot here. I'll have to look out for it.

SlowRain 9th January 2007, 05:59 AM
I like Martin Cruz Smith, specifically Gorky Park and Rose, but his others are pretty decent as well. He offers an intriguing plot along with a well described setting with lots of commentary on social issues. His novels are also very well researched and often introduce the reader to something that they would normally otherwise not have known about: a ship in the Bering Sea, Chernobyl, a 19th century coal mine. I think he could do better on characterization (Gorky Park probably being his strongest in that regard), but he's still very enjoyable.

[Pannx]

Try The Beach House by James Patterson and Peter De Jonge. Not sure what JP did on this one other than lend his name. Not seen anything else by Peter De Jonge, but this one was good enough for me to keep hold of. Otherwise I only end up reading JP when there's nowt else about.

[r3nu4l]

I really like John Connolly. His books are a mix of crime/horror/paranormal but not to the extent that they destroy the crime element. In some of the books the paranromal/horror element is very muted while in others it plays a very strong role.

His central character "Charlie Parker" is a private investigator who associates with highly undesirable characters. The way these characters are written however makes them very human and you find yourself drawn into their world and liking them, despite what you know of their past and present activities. He has also written some standalones that I really like.

I like these books because they are different and very effectively mix genres. They have the elements of all modern crime writers with just the right amount of Stephen King type horror thrown in for good measure :)

[Royal Rother]

So far, for me, (2 books in) the mixture of investigation and paranormal etc. hasn't entirely worked. One or the other please.

[dumpling]

I've been carefully reading through this thread looking for Christmas present inspiration! I think I've settled on a Christopher Brookmyre ... but which one? Can anyone advise me? I'm looking for something for a 20-year-old, and I'm fairly sure he'll like Brookmyre. I'm just not sure which one to choose. Thanks! :)

[Colin Phillips]

Why not start at the very beginning, a very good place to start.

"Quite Ugly One Morning" should suit a 20-y-o.

[Royal Rother]

I listened to the Friday book slot on Simon Mayo's show on Radio 5.

One of the guests was Peter James an author I've only barely heard of. Liked the sound of his books (very detailed police procedurals apparently) so have stuck him on my Christmas wish list on Amazon.

[Radders]

RR - I've read a couple of Peter James' books and thought they were very good, they were (to coin a real cliche) real page turners so, IMHO, a worthy addition to your wishlist.

[Royal Rother]

Thanks Radders.

Also on the Mayo show was James Lee Burke. What a thoroughly nice man. I have only read 1 of his before (and enjoyed it) so have also placed Tin Roof Blowdown and 2 or 3 of his 3 book omnibuses on the Wish List as well.

Incidentally, when compiling the Wish List I also referred to some of the threads on here and added Henning Mankell and Harlan Coben as a result of recommendations.

Others I have read 1 of, and thoroughly enjoyed, who also featured are Nick Billingham and Greg Iles.

I think I ended up with about 30 books on the list, 8 of which are for 3 book omnibuses so I am hoping my TBR pile will be well stocked come Boxing Day!

[Grammath]

Sounds like a very promising list, RR.

A word of caution with James Lee Burke, however. He has two series characters, ex-New Orleans cop Dave Robicheaux and Billy Bob Holland, an attorney in Montana. I've enjoyed the three Robicheaux novels I've read, which are incredibly atmospheric and Dave's a very likeable character.

However, I find the Holland novels much less convincing. I've read two of the four, "Heartwood" and "Bitterroot" so I'd steer clear of these. The other two are "Cimarron Rose" and "In The Moon of Red Ponies".

I've not read any Greg Iles, but Henning Mankell, Harlan Coben and Mark Billingham are fine writers all.

I've been carefully reading through this thread looking for Christmas present inspiration! I think I've settled on a Christopher Brookmyre ... but which one? Can anyone advise me? I'm looking for something for a 20-year-old, and I'm fairly sure he'll like Brookmyre. I'm just not sure which one to choose. Thanks!

Good choice, dumpling. If you can't find "Quite Ugly One Morning", try his "One Fine Day in the Middle of the Night".

[Royal Rother]

I really must take a plunge on Brookmyre; after the recommendations on here he was another I looked at when creating the wish list.

Oddly, it's the covers and titles that seem to put me off.

[Finn]

I'm not sure if anyone has mentioned him or not, but I'm a big fan of Henning Menkell's (Inspector Wallender series), which are set in the town of Ystad (Sweden). There are 8 books in the series (with my favourites being Firewall, Sidetracked and The Dogs of Riga). The central character is quite obstinate, methodical but oh so incredibly persistent. A little like Inspector Morse (of the TV series, rather than the books.

There's also Kinky Freidmans detective series (about the detective of the same name), which were both quirky and interesting. Although as of yet, I've only read Killing Greenwich Meantime and God Bless John Wayne so far..

And should you like non-fiction crime books, I can recommend Homicide: A year on the killing streets by David Simon (in which he spent a year with the a Baltimore city homicide unit). Incidentally, the excellent US TV series Homicide: Life on the street, was losely based upon it. Which is also something that I would recommend investing in. Should you manage to buy a copy of the DVD.

[Royal Rother]

I included Henning Mankell on my Amazon wish list and believe I'm getting at least 2 of the books you mention for Xmas.

And I agree with your recommendation of Homicide: Life on the Streets - an excellent series!

[Grammath]

There's also Kinky Freidmans detective series (about the detective of the same name), which were both quirky and interesting. Although as of yet, I've only read Killing Greenwich Meantime and God Bless John Wayne so far.

Ooh, thanks for the reminder. I haven't read any Kinky for yonks; he's great fun.