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Original poster

Murder Mysteries, detective stories, and so on. Any recommendations?

54 replies

FryOneFatManic · 16/05/2013 21:57

I have almost run out of authors to read. I have recently been reading the books by Donna Leon (featuring Commissario Brunetti) after reading a thread on here, but I can't find that thread and wonder if there are any other authors people might recommend?

Most of my previous reading has been about the older detectives, eg Agatha Christie, Ngaio Marsh (Inspector Alleyn) and so on. I also used to read Dell Shannon (Lt Luis Mendoza) when I could get hold of the books.

I'm not bothered whether the author writes contemporary or historical stories, or about location. It's just that I like a good story where I try to guess the ending.

Thanks.

OP posts:
inneedofrain · 16/05/2013 22:00

Ok what about

Kathy reichs
The Alex cross books (authors name escapes me at the moment)

Both fab contempory physiological thriller and murder mystery authors

inneedofrain · 16/05/2013 22:01

James Patterson just remembered!

LoganMummy · 16/05/2013 22:03

Have you tried any Agatha Raisin books by MC Beaton? Slightly different take on detective/murder mystery but I loved them!

(Yes, I have terrible taste in literature.)

inneedofrain · 16/05/2013 22:04

Karin slaughter as well brilliant books I have one complaint she has not written enough reading them in order is a good idea

MissFenella · 16/05/2013 22:06

Oh No not Kathy Reichs - her smugness oozes off the page, I started to wish her harm.

J Kellerman
Dorothy L Sayers
Gladys Mitchell
Kinky Friedman
Ian Rankin

will think on

MissFenella · 16/05/2013 22:07

Yy to Agatha Raisin

catballou · 16/05/2013 22:07

Ruth Rendell is fantastic, I've read all her books and I wish she'd write more, until she does I have to re-read them. She also writes as Barbara Vine.

inneedofrain · 16/05/2013 22:09

Miss

Thank you I have been trying to think of Ian rankin since I read the op I loved his books

Original poster
FryOneFatManic · 16/05/2013 22:11

I have tried Kathy Reichs, but her writing is not to my taste. My mum is going on about an author called Harlan whatever at present (she can't remember the surname). I might be able to snag the books off her when she's finished with them.

OP posts:
MissFenella · 16/05/2013 22:15

The Morse books are really good too - Colin Dexter

Mockingcurl · 16/05/2013 22:16

How about "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" by somebody or other Larson? Three books altogether. Very good.

Jo Nesbo
Henning Mankell

All good.

inneedofrain · 16/05/2013 22:17

Reichs is a marmite author but I do agree she is snug and I can't chain read her books

Have you tried any of the Patterson or slaughter books I would recommend giving the a go have lent my to friends and not met anyone that can put them down

MrsBrownstone · 16/05/2013 22:22

Richard Montinari is good, along the same lines as Karin Slaughter.

Leo35 · 16/05/2013 22:24

Is it Harlan Coben? I've not read any of them, but I recognise the surname.

I always recommend Philip Kerr's PI Bernie Gunther. Great storytelling, possibly more thriller-ish. But not gentrified (set in Germany in WWII - so far from).

Carl Hiaison? I enjoyed Skinny Dip.
Sarah Paretsky

I was recommended Louise Levene (author) and have just started A Ghastly Business. Only just so far too early to say yay or nay.

Hope you find something good to read.

tigerdriverII · 16/05/2013 22:26

The Erelundur books by (apologies for the spelling) Arnaldur indrisson are brilliant and compulsive.

Michael Ridpaths fire and ice books (both of these are set in Iceland).

Anne Cleeve, Shetland novels, brilliant.

Stephen Booth, Cooper and Fry series, set in the Peak District.

BlueEyeshadow · 16/05/2013 22:29

Patricia Wentworth and Georgette Heyer's mysteries might be worth a try if you like Christie et al. Have you read Dorothy L Sayers?

Andrea Camilleri (Inspector Montalbano) and Gianrico Carofiglio are very good Italian crime authors.

Original poster
FryOneFatManic · 16/05/2013 22:29

You've all given me quite a list of suggestions between you Smile. I'm logging off now and heading for bed, but I have a bad cold and I'm feeling quite grotty right now.

But I'll be back tomorrow and will love to see what further ideas you give me. Thanks Thanks

OP posts:
Chocaholics · 16/05/2013 22:31

Agree the Phil Kerr books are very good as are Karin Slaughter. Maybe try:

Tess Gerritson
Peter May (Lewis books)
Peter Loveseys books with Peter Diamond are good
Deborah Crombies Duncan Kincaid/Gemma James are good too.

cookielove · 16/05/2013 22:52

Lisa Gardener series is brillian

MiddleAgeMiddleEngland · 17/05/2013 13:01

I'm not a big fan of detective stories, but dh is. He's enjoyed Josephine Tye's novels lately, and has read all Michael Innes' books.

I'm sure there's some more, I'll have a look at his bookshelf and report back!

Yes to Colin Dexter. I've met him a couple of times in real life, he's lovely Smile

BornInACrossFireHurricane · 17/05/2013 13:06

Linwood Barclay

weebarra · 17/05/2013 13:07

Ann Cleeve
Peter May
The ones with the forensic archaelogist set in Norfolk...can't remember the author's name!

BornInACrossFireHurricane · 17/05/2013 13:09

Also harlen coben- I love him but be careful as some of his early books have been re-released and nowhere near as good

Badvoc · 17/05/2013 13:09

I'd you like historical murder mysteries to the Faldo series by Lindsay Davis.

BellaBearisWideAwake · 17/05/2013 13:10

How about Phryne Fisher investigates?

1920s Melbourne lady detective