Substantial chick-lit

[Londonista1975]

I've just read 'Separate Lives', quite a disappointment considering what I know Kathryn Flett is capable of. I'd now something quite light to read that as a female protagonist that's well-written, no cliches, good characterisation and a believable and unpredictable story. Thriller, comedy...whatever, it doesn't matter. I like the writing of Joanna Briscoe and Zoe Hller, if that's any help. I've heard that Rachel Cusk is a great author for this kind of thing.

A bit different than what you perhaps have in mind but the nearest I get to chick lit is Nancy Mitford, but has all the things you say you want. I would try The Pursuit of Love first

Try Maggie O'Farrell, she is fab

Sara Paretsky's featuring VI Warshawski (sp?) a Chicago detective are good. (there was a film where Kathleen Turner played her).
Or have you tried Daphne du Maurier ? - maybe Rule Britannia set in WW2.

Thanks for the sugguestions so far and to iseenodust, no never tried DuMaurier I'm ashamed to say!

She wrote short stories too. Rule Britannia is definitely an easy read and meets your criteria although I wouldn't go so far as to say chick lit.

Another vote for Sara Paretsky if you've not read her. VI rocks!

Daytime bump.

Nikki French - excellent thriller.

Marian Keyes - chick lit queen.

for top notch chicklit, Marion Keyes

for crime: Tana French, Elly Griffiths

How about the late great Maeve Binchy?

I'll miss getting the latest Maeve Binchy from DH at birthday/Christmas :( - a sad loss.

I've been enjoying Diane Chamberlain recently, following recommendations on another MN thread.

I really enjoyed Lucy Canvendish's trilogy starts with 'Samantha Smyth's Modern Family Journal' which sounded boak-worthy but was infact a good read. The second and third books were good too.

I tried a Diane Chamberlain recently from the library, it was by far the worst book I have tried to read in the last 5 years.

I enjoyed the Lucy Cavendish's though. I really enjoyed The Family Tree and Astonishing Splashes of Colour not strictly chick lit but good stories.

Marian Keyes is great fun, especially the earlier ones. Really good chick lit IMHO. And some of Douglas Kennedy has been good, some fairly crap though - I really like The Pursuit of Happiness and The State of the Union.

Minnie, I love Diane Chamberlaine.........what one was it?

Dorothy Koomson is brilliant as is Anna Quindslen

Jessie Keans brilliant for gangster Martina Cole like book

Amanda Hockings did a great trilogy first one is calle Switched

And of course, never forget Jackie Collins, I just love her books :)

Sorry. Minge not Minnie, lol!

Barbara Comyns.
All her protagonists are female and slightly bewildered.
I adore her.
Not easy to get though.

Try The American Wife, as long as you go into it expecting a light read, it rattles along nicely. If you expect a searing deconstruction of the American Dream, you'd probably be disappointed .

Two recent ones that fit the bill, I think, are Me Before You, and My Dear, I Wanted To Tell You. Both great reads, and more substantial than the chick lit covers would have you believe.

Jodi Picoult's books can be thought provoking whilst also not too heavy going. Protagonists are usually mainly female though she does tell the story from different viewpoints as well.

I also recommend Anne Fine (better known for children's books but also does adult novels) - not "chick lit" (bit better than that ) but excellent female-centred novels.

Emily Barr. Especially if you like travel.

Another vote for Jodi Picoult here too.

It was The Shadow Wife. It was the writing rather than the story, it was just terrible. Like a really bad Jodi Picoult. I have liked a couple of Jodi P though, Plain Truth and The Pact were pretty good, they just got very samey very quickly, so the formula was glaring through.

Caro Fraser
Joanna Trollope
Philippa Gregory
Catherine Hall

Lisa Jewell, I have loved all of her books particularly Ralph's Party and The Meaning of Us.