Among my favorite readings are mysteries. I enjoy many of the older ones, English and American, as well as some newer ones. I prefer those that primarily focus on plot development and characterization and not those that dwell on violence.
My favorite current mystery author is Carolyn Graham, an English woman best known for her books on which the BBC series, Midsomer Murders are based. I also like Ian Rankin, who sets his contemporary novels in Edinburgh. Ruth Rendell, and Martha Grimes are also favorites.
I have also rediscovered Ross McDonald who's books are set in California during the 1960's and '70's. Great reading but not overly demanding. McDonald is in the same tradition as Raymond Chandler.
If you have a favorite mystery writer or several, please let us know.
2 comments:
One of my favorite mystery writers over the years has been Agatha Christie - tried and true! I went through her mysteries in great gulps, and still enjoy going back and re-reading them from time to time.
Another favorite author in the British amateur sleuth line is Dorothy Sayers. Lord Peter Wimsey is quite an amusing character; one of the best of those stories was, I believe, "The Nine Tailors". And finally, another one of the four original "Queens of Crime", and one of my favorites, Ngaio Marsh. Many of her mysteries were set in or around the theatre, Marsh's first love.
I enjoy a good mystery too. However, an excellent narrative that employs a bit of suspense is much appreciated. In this vein, I recommend the author Robert Harris. My first two readings of his books were "Pompeii" and "Imperium". Both are well-researched historical novels of the Roman era. I also recommend his books: Enigma", that takes place during the Second World War, "Fatherland", that might have taken place had the outcome of the war been different, and "Archangel", a post-Stalin era adventure in the USSR. I look forward to the publication of his next book in October.
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