Rate these Seven Thriller authors from best to worse

[Luffy]

Craig Johnson
David Baldacci
John Connolly
Harlan Coben
Ian Rankin
Mary Higgins Clark
Vince Flynn

This is not an idle request. I've read books by 6 of these writers. I'd like you, among those who have read a few or even a couple of these writers, give me something to work with. I want to know where the author whose books I have never read so far, lies on this list. Go.

[pwalker8]

Vince Flynn is the only one that I read. I liked him.

[Luffy]

Thanks, pwalker8. I liked some of his books too.

[JSWolf]

I also like David Baldacci.

[the_callant]

I have read three of them, Harlan Coben, David Baldacci and Ian Rankin. I would say that Ian Rankin is probably my favourite, but that may be because he writes about places that I am very familiar with. Harlan Coben and David Baldacci are more difficult to separate, but I think I would say Coben has the edge, but that could change depending on my mood.

[Catlady]

I've read all but the first two Harlan Coben books (excluding the Bolitar series) and a few Mary Higgins Clark books.

The last five or so Coben books have been uneven and disappointing, but I liked most of the earlier ones quite a bit, and I still look forward to reading each new title.

The MHC books I've read were only middling.

You didn't ask for recommendations, but you might be interested in Linwood Barclay's books.

[Luffy]

Originally Posted by JSWolf

I also like David Baldacci.

As I do, even if his newest books are not as good in my reckoning.

[Luffy]

Originally Posted by the_callant

I have read three of them, Harlan Coben, David Baldacci and Ian Rankin. I would say that Ian Rankin is probably my favourite, but that may be because he writes about places that I am very familiar with. Harlan Coben and David Baldacci are more difficult to separate, but I think I would say Coben has the edge, but that could change depending on my mood.

Thank you for your contribution to the question. All three authors you mentioned are good at their own writings. My first thrillers in my entire life were Rankin's books. Baldacci has written the Camel Club series, which is my favorite franchise of his. Coben I've read less, but he's great when on song.

[Luffy]

Originally Posted by Catlady

I've read all but the first two Harlan Coben books (excluding the Bolitar series) and a few Mary Higgins Clark books.

The last five or so Coben books have been uneven and disappointing, but I liked most of the earlier ones quite a bit, and I still look forward to reading each new title.

The MHC books I've read were only middling.

You didn't ask for recommendations, but you might be interested in Linwood Barclay's books.

Linwood Barclay is a thriller author whose work I sampled back in 2012, but for me his reputation didn't mirror the book I read of his. Still, that's a bit unfair to him since I haven't got a second book of his, budget oblige. Thank you for the rec!

MHC is good, but I prefer her daughter's work. Carol Higgins Clark doesn't write pure thrillers, they (The Megan Reilley series) are lighter in tone and content.

[Catlady]

Originally Posted by Luffy

Linwood Barclay is a thriller author whose work I sampled back in 2012, but for me his reputation didn't mirror the book I read of his. Still, that's a bit unfair to him since I haven't got a second book of his, budget oblige. Thank you for the rec!

MHC is good, but I prefer her daughter's work. Carol Higgins Clark doesn't write pure thrillers, they (The Megan Reilley series) are lighter in tone and content.

If Trust Your Eyes isn't the Barclay title you read, you might want to give him another shot with that title.

I haven't read Carol Higgins Clark; I've been tending to avoid series lately. I have enjoyed a few books by Alafair Burke, who has also collaborated with MHC.

[Luffy]

Originally Posted by Catlady

If Trust Your Eyes isn't the Barclay title you read, you might want to give him another shot with that title.

I haven't read Carol Higgins Clark; I've been tending to avoid series lately. I have enjoyed a few books by Alafair Burke, who has also collaborated with MHC.

Thanks for the rec!!!

[kyrilson]

Originally Posted by Luffy

Craig Johnson
David Baldacci
John Connolly
Harlan Coben
Ian Rankin
Mary Higgins Clark
Vince Flynn

This is not an idle request. I've read books by 6 of these writers. I'd like you, among those who have read a few or even a couple of these writers, give me something to work with. I want to know where the author whose books I have never read so far, lies on this list. Go.

A bit late to the party but I've read all of these authors. Here is my ranking of them.

1) John Connolly - The best of the bunch. His Charlie Parker series is a dark, horrifying masterpiece. Very well done. Be warned, though, it will take you to some dark places.

2) Ian Rankin - Very close second to Connolly. His Inspector Rebus series also has some very dark novels in it.

3) Harlan Coben - The tone lightens up a lot from here, Harlan has alot of good stand alone mystery novels. Most are pretty well done. I like his stuff as "palate cleansers' between series books.

4) Craig Johnson - Walt Longmire series, pretty good series, especially if you like western type stuff but more modern. Reminiscent of CJ Box, if you've read any of his stuff.

5) Vince Flynn - His Mitch Rapp series about a super agent CIA spy type is pretty fun stuff, but a bit over the top at times. I enjoy it as a bit of a popcorn read.

6) David Baldacci - I've read a few of his books, he has a few series, one of Will Trent some government agent type guy, and one of a umm.. this guy that has perfect memory that I can't (haha) recall now and stand alones. They're not bad, somewhat formulaic.

7) Mary Higgins Clark - I've only read a couple of her books, they were both about women in some tough situations that had to overcome them. They seemed formulaic. I get the impression all of her books were like that.

[Luffy]

Your post, kyrilson, was very helpful, as the first author you ranked first is the very one unexplored by me. Thanks.

[Tarana]

David Baldacci - So far love the books I have read and reread a few.
John Connolly - So far, love the books, reread a few. His short stories mostly suck.
Ian Rankin - only read Knots and Crosses and enjoyed it. I'd recommend.
Vince Flynn - I only read his first book (Term Limits, self published. Bought from author at a bar). It was good, moved very well, but not really my interest. My Dad loved his writing though.

I have read nothing by these authors
Craig Johnson
Harlan Coben
Mary Higgins Clark - My Mom really likes this author.

[Luffy]

Thank you, Tarana. Mary Higgins Clark alternates between great and unreadable books. I, in turn, recommend both her, and Carol Higgins Clark. You too praised John Connolly. I've a clearer picture about my future reading plans.