The author who won't let you down

[pippinandtog]

Which author's books would you buy unreservedly, knowing that you will definitely enjoy ?
My choice would be Deborah Moggach.

Bill Bryson has in my opinion no weak books.

Margaret Atwood
John Irving
Alexander McCall Smith

I used to think Kate Atkinson but I just can't get my head around A God In Ruins

Jodi Picoult
Stephen King
Sophie Kinsella

Tess Gerritsen
James Patterson
JK Rowling/ Robert Galbraith

David Mitchell
Julian Barnes
Anita Brookner
Banana Yoshimoto

I used to read every Ian McEwan, but his recent efforts have left me cold and I won't bother any more. I found Margaret Atwood's and Haruki Murakami's latest books quite disappointing too, otherwise they would be on my list.

I love these threads, it's absolutely fascinating to see what other people like, such a huge range.

A new to me author who hadn't let me down yet is Elly Griffiths (pseudonym for Domenica de Rosa -- I kid you not!) Her series about an archaeologist Ruth Galloway is delightful. Plenty of suspense and good humour and an easy read for women with busy lives. I especially like her take on motherhood (author is the mother of twins). Best to try to read the books in sequence. I didn't as I "came in at about the 4th novel and picked up the thread very easily and am now looking for the earlier ones. Can't wait for the next in the series also. Nice style too and the reader doesn't feel "well, that was a waste of time"

You can't usually go wrong with Dianne Moriarty, but he last book was rubbish

Jojo Moyes

Lianne!!

Not sure I have one, there's always the potential a future book might not be to my liking (though JK Rowling so far so good)

I do have a 'band-aid' author in Agatha Christie - if I've not really enjoyed a run of book I read one of hers.

I don't have one either. Even Georgette Heyer has books I don't enjoy.

Ian Rankin might be closest.

Stephen King

Thanks, Benedikt, the Galloway books are looking good.

Jane Austen

Jane Austen
Georgette Heyer
Dorothy L Sayers
Terry Pratchett (though will admit haven't tried the Long Earth series)
Agatha Christie
Niall Williams
Jasper Fforde
Ellis Peters
Rosemary Sutcliffe

L M Montgomery

James Patterson
Jeffrey Archer
Jilly Cooper
Jackie Collins
(I do like authors who names don't begin with a J also!)

Helen Dunmore - I don't know why more people don't talk about her books! First read Burning Bright as an 18 year old (20 years ago, eek!) and it was the beginning of my relationship with reading for pleasure.
Also YY to Margaret Atwood - she and Helen Dunmore are the only writers I'll even read short stories for too.

How could I forget Agatha Christie! Reading her books is like coming home to a warm fire and a nice glass of wine

(and all children asleep in bed)

I haven't read any book of Ian Rankin that I haven't enjoyed. I'm really enjoying Reginald Hill as well although there are a fair few I've yet to read. I've read pretty much everything Val Mcdermid has written and whilst I wouldn't say there were any duds I think some are better and stronger than others.

Jane Austen, Agatha Christie, and perhaps Patricia Briggs (she has one series I will not read because I do not think I would enjoy the setting, but I trust she did it well).

Diane Chamberlain

Ian McEwan and Haruki Murakami

Barry Eisler

Jodi Picoult is my favourite author