Books with a dark, cynical wit... any suggestions?

[NastyBlouse]

If I like fiction with a dark, dry, cynical wit Mick Herron, Stuart MacBride, Chris(topher) Brookmyre, Douglas Adams, Connie Willis, Terry Pratchett to a degree who else might I like?

It doesn't have to be crime or espionage, although I do like a bit of pace. Fantasy or horror is fine. I've just got up to date with both the Slough House and Logan McRae series, and I'm after something new to get my world-weary teeth into.

Just as a reference point, I tried but didn't like the St Mary's books by Jodi Taylor (I found them a bit glib).

Engleby by Sebastian Faulks is very very dark , disturbing stuff . But is funny at the same time.

The Driver's Seat by Muriel Spark.

Iain Banks The Wasp Factory is his first one. Warning: there is one horrific scene that may stay with you for a long time. There are also bits that really really made me laugh, but you do have to have a dark sense of humour. The Crow Road and Espedair Street by the same author are excellent too.

And look at The Restraint of Beasts by Magnus Mills. A group of fencers (wire ones not the sword-play stuff) living in a depressing caravan, botching the job, skiving and going to the pub. It's the banter between them that makes the book work.

I've realised that the above books are all Scottish, but I don't think you have to be from Scotland to enjoy them. You do need to have that sort of sense of humour though.

Finally, Skinny Dip by Carl Hiassen is also worth a look. A bit like an American Christopher Brookmyre. I love CB, specially the one on the converted oil rig, and wish I had more of his to read.

Oh, two more: The Girl on the Landing by Paul Torday. More atmospheric and less funny although there is one scene that made me laugh out loud.

And The Observations by Jane Harris. Mysterious secrets in a gloomy country house, related by Bessy the maid, who has a quirky and amusing narrative voice.

The Lucifer Box series by Mark Gatiss, rude and a very dry wit, think James Bond style but starting in the 1920's.

Some really interesting suggestions here, thanks ever so much everyone.

Seconding Carl Hiaasen - very funny, very pacy and with a very satirical eye.

The Sweetpea books by CJ Skuse.

The patrick melrose books by Edward St Aubyn.
Strong stuff - slightly loathe to recommend as extremely dark, disturbed

Dorothy Parker?

Try Mike Carey he has a series about an exorcist called Felix castor, really excellent.

Also the wise by Andrew Cartmel

I love the Observations. I think the only reason why it's overlooked is because it came out at the same time as Fingersmith.
Saki's short stories fit the bill.