Talk

You might like to go on www.literature-map.com and enter your fave authors name(s) - then watch as others in the same genre etc come floating strangely fascinating into view. The closer they float to your author, the more they are supposed to be similar to the one you've chosen. I've done this a few times and found some "new to me" authors. I've read 4 books this week (been off work) but seem to have overdosed a bit and although I've got lots to choose from as I am a compulsive book buyer always at the library I can't seem to get into any of my secret stash my DH doesn't know I've bought as yet library books at present! Your post has made me decide to have another look through - anything to put off doing housework! Good hunting!

Have you read any Ian Banks? He is very much on my mind at the moment following his recent sad announcement that he's seriously ill. Very intelligent writer with a great turn of phrase and flashes of black humour. Crow Road would be a good choice to start with.

Another book with an absorbing plot - and a quirky narrator - The Observations by Jane Harris.

Iain Banks I meant

Do you like Jane Gardam? She has another book out - the last in the Old Filth trilogy.

I'm a big fan of Kate Atkinson's, and I also like Patrick Gale and Geraldine Brooks, if that helps. Good quality, gripping, highly readable literary fiction.

I've just done what rufus has suggested as I like KA.

I've also liked Rose Tremain books and they come up in the list, and I would think Maggie O"Farrell would be worth a look, too.

I second Rose Tremain. KA is my favourite author of late.

I also enjoy Anna Quindlen and Angela Carter (Wise Children is probably the most accessible IMO)

I haven't read Life After Life yet.....lucky me, and you!!

I also love Kate Atkinson, and recently finished "Life After Life" . Afterwards, I read "The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry" by Rachel Joyce, which I think is a debut novel by an established writer of radio plays. It's a simpler read than Kate Atkinson, but beautiful language and the same sort of heart to the story.

Maybe Sarah Waters? Especially something like Fingersmith: great characters and twisty plots, sharp writing, satisfying. (personally didn't like the Little Visitor ghost story one so much).

If it's her crime novels you like then you might enjoy Susan Hill's Serrailler books (The Various Haunts Of Men etc).

I came on to suggest Susan Hill - and see SGB has got there before me
I like KA to, and I also like Hilary Mantel, Sarah Waters, Tracy Chevalier, Robertson Davies, Pat Barker (all suggested on lit. Map) some Margaret Drabble and A S Byatt, and S J Sansom.