Find me some “mashed potato” reading…

[CurlewKate]

..as my DD’s English teacher used to say. I want an undemanding but engaging and intelligent long series. Like Elly Griffiths, for example. Nothing too gritty-but not too soppy and definitely character driven. I want to care about an individual. Any ideas? Preferably modern day, but I do love Shardlake.

Alison Laurie’s books all follow the same characters, although it’s more incidental than a series purpose. More of a nice ‘aha! That’s Paul popping up’ when it happens.

Naybe start with The Truth About Lorin Jones, move on to The War Between the Tates and then Foreign Affairs.

She sadly died during Covid but I really enjoyed her novels, especially the earlier ones.

Im not sure if it would be classed as intelligent but I'm reading the Mick Herron Slough House series because DH has already read them and wants to watch the tv adaptation next. They are very readable and engaging. Depends on how you feel about spy thrillers though.

It depends so much on your tastes but when I’m looking for that kind of reading, I’ve enjoyed:

The Agatha Raisin series.
The Jack Reacher novels.
Ann Cleeves Vera and Shetland novels, but the Vera series are the best. Not so keen on her new ones set in Devon.
Have you read Sharon Penman’s medieval detective series? Begins with The Queen’s Man I think.
Georgette Heyer’s Regency novels and Ellis Peters’ Cadfael novels are my ultimate go-to comfort read.
I went through a long stage of the No 1Ladies Detective Agency but haven’t read any for years.

Tim Sullivan, DI Cross series fit the bill, as the main character has autistic traits which make him a good detective but tricky with the rest of society .

If you like Shardlake, then Sir Robert Carey series (10 books) by PF Chisholm.

The Cazalets (5 books) by Elizabeth Jane Howard, set in 1930s/1940s

Cynthia Harrod Eagles, Morland Dynasty series

Thank you. Cazalets-swoon-but I think I know it by heart! Forget to add-I prefer a woman protagonist. But I prefer Jimmy Perez to Vera, so no consistency there.

Reverend Mother series (1920s Cork) by Cora Harrison

Ooh-that’s new to me!

Have you already devoured Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie books? Mixed reviews overall I think but they're phenomenally readable.

Not quite what you asked for but Nicola Upton's mysteries with Josephine Tey as the detective are pleasant.

Possibly Lucinda Riley’s Seven Sisters Series, female protagonists and an 8 book series

Just came on to say this series

Sue Grafton? France’s Brody? Both female private eyes - the latter set in the 1920s
Edward Marston the Railway Detective?

Seconding the Nicola Upson recommendation! Female protagonist, too. And whilst they ate set in the 1930s, they are written with a modern sensibility.

Oh yes, Sue Grafton's A to Z series is great (1980s America). Still gutted she didn't get to finish it.

Jane Casey’s Maeve Kerrigan series. Addictive.

I need the same as recovering from a bad lurgy. I have read all Sue Grafton; they are great. Also recommend Ann Cleeves' Shetland and Vera series.

Just started on Maeve Kerrigan. Wasn't impressed by the first one. But will persevere.

I’m now deep in the Maeve Kerrigan series after a slightly hesitant start.
I also loved Shardlake and Cazelets.
Jackson Brodie, I’ve read twice!

Following for more ideas.

There is a very long series of detective stories by Susan Hill that are very readable. The protagonist is called Simon Sherralier, I think.
Another fan of Kate Atkinson's Jackson Brodie series here. They are fabulous. The first one is called Case Histories.
For very dark but oddly quirkly crime try Belinda Bauer. Not a series as such but feature recurring characters. I found them compulsive reading.

VI Warshawski female private investigator series
Poldark
Strike
Tales of the city

@CurlewKate I can't think of a book recommendation off the top of my head - but I'm very curious about the "mashed potato" thing. What on earth does that mean in regards to books 😂?

Comfort reading, like mashed potato is comfort food.

I seem to have suggested books you have already read.
Try the Lindsay Davies crime series set in ancient Rome.

If you love The Cazalets then you'll probably like A Dance To The Music Of Time by Anthony Powell.

Oh right 😂