Crime Fiction Recommendations

[DMcCunney]

Originally Posted by benham

Indeed a great loss. Creator of Rockford Files, A-Team and Greatest American Hero, to name just a few.

I was fond of the ensemble series he did for CBS years back.

I have theorized that he was the author of the Richard Castle books, but we may never know. The only book of his that I did not thoroughly enjoy was at First Sight

There is interesting speculation about who ghostwrote the Richard Castle books here: http://jeannieruesch.com/wordpress/?p=3213
______
Dennis

[carpetmojo]

Suddenly had a thought, should have thought earlier, although am I stretching "crime" a bit far ?

" The Brother Odd " books from Dean Koontz, and another called "Sieze the Night".

Odd, quirky, and, I found , brilliant reads.........

But "crime" ?

Read 'em anyway, they're great !

[Billjr13]

Koontz does do some crime fiction, but he throws other elements in there too. "Intensity", "Dark Rivers of the Heart", "Mr Murder" and a couple more I am sure I and missing right now; are all good crime/thrillers. If you liked Sieze the Night" you might look up "Fear Nothing" the follow up novel with Christopher Snow, rummor has it he is working on a third novel for the series.

[benham]

Originally Posted by DMcCunney

I was fond of the ensemble series he did for CBS years back.


There is interesting speculation about who ghostwrote the Richard Castle books here: http://jeannieruesch.com/wordpress/?p=3213
______
Dennis

Good article. Tom Straw is credited with writing only one book, published in 2007, so if he went from that to the Nikki Heat books, timing would be about right. My theory on Cannell was that he realased a Scully book in January and a standalone later in the year for several years in a row. He appeared in all 3 poker games and didn't release any more standalones after Castle started. Now I realize it might have been his illness keeping him from doing the standalones. He does have 1 more Scully coming out but I don't remember when. I think as long as Castle is no tv, we will have to wait for the answer to who wrote the books. The books have been good, so that is ok.

[carpetmojo]

Originally Posted by Billjr13

Koontz does do some crime fiction, but he throws other elements in there too. "Intensity", "Dark Rivers of the Heart", "Mr Murder" and a couple more I am sure I and missing right now; are all good crime/thrillers. If you liked Sieze the Night" you might look up "Fear Nothing" the follow up novel with Christopher Snow, rummor has it he is working on a third novel for the series.

That's what I like about some of his work - particularly the first "Odd.." one I read - that "Whoa, hang on, what's happening here, I'll just re-read that bit........."

Thanks for the heads up about the latest.

[marshacanham]

Originally Posted by benham

A new author for me to check out! What is Wilbur Smith like?

.

That may have been a misleading recommendation because Smith doesn't write crime novels, though there is certainly enough murder and mayhem going on in his books. He writes epic adventures, mostly based in South Africa. Two of his series, one based in Egypt (RiverGod and Seventh Scroll) and one on pirates (Birds of Prey, Monsoon), were terrific. He and Connelly are the only two authors I buy in hardcover. Can't wait for Connelly's new book coming out in two weeks. I've already pre-ordered it.

[benham]

The Fifth Witness, another Mickey Haller book. Are you going to go see Lincoln Lawyer? New Harry Bosch later in the year too. Guess we can rule MC out for writing the Richard Castle books.

Thanks for the updated info on Smith.

[WillieMcIntyre]

I've noticed this is very much a USA based forum, but have you read any of John Mortimer's Rumpole stories? Connelly just doesn't come close.

[Mel Comley]

I love Karen Rose. Haven't been disappointed yet and I've read about 10 of her books in the past year.

[orlok]

Originally Posted by Mel Comley

I love Karen Rose. Haven't been disappointed yet and I've read about 10 of her books in the past year.

I've only read Count to Ten, which I really enjoyed. Thanks for reviving the thought - will have to try some more. Are her books squential in any meaningful way, or can you recommend any specifically?

[benham]

Originally Posted by WillieMcIntyre

I've noticed this is very much a USA based forum, but have you read any of John Mortimer's Rumpole stories? Connelly just doesn't come close.

Nope, but have you read Dick Francis? One of my favorites.

Currently reading the Moe Prager series by Reed Farrell Coleman

[Catlady]

Is anyone familiar with Megan Abbott's books (modern noir)? Worth reading?

[orlok]

Originally Posted by benham

Nope, but have you read Dick Francis? One of my favorites.

I've read every single Dick Francis, and continue now with his son Felix. Excellent stuff, I agree.

Have you tried any John Francome, another champion jockey turned presenter and author? Sllightly racier (pardon the pun), and actually surprisingly good, if not quite up to Dick Francis' standard.

And thanks for the Reed Farrel Coleman recommendation. Never heard of him, but reading reviews he sounds right up my street, so I have just bought the first Moe Prager to give him a try

[caleb72]

I'm not really a crime reader per se. However, I do love Barbara Vine. I haven't actually red any Ruth Rendell at all to compare how she writes under that name, but I love Barbara Vine's writing.

It's not so much crime writing as it is mystery writing. Each of her books usually uncovers at least one mystery. I find her way of telling such a story mesmerising.

Regards
Caleb

[DMB]

Does anyone like Michael Innes? He was one of the classic British detective story writers and wrote loads of books starring his detective John Appleby. IRL he was J.I.M. Stewart, an Oxford don. His books are pretty donnish and quietly fascinating. Now available in eformat.