A good novel I can get stuck into!

[daisyme]

I have lost my Carlos Ruiz Zafon 'Angel's Game' book that I was immensley enjoying but can't seem to find it! So I am on the search for a new book to get my teeth into...

Any recommendations for any amazing crime/mystery/romance (or all three combined) books people have read and enjoyed? I love murder mysteries with a bit of romance - but especially the mystery part. Just really in the mood to get myself stuck into something.

Thanks guys! :-)

[mazie]

Be firm with him daisy and demand Your book back ;o) Jack would

[EcclesCake]

Personally I find the Jack Reacher novels a bit formulaic. They're OK for the poolside but lack the depth and complexity of CRZ.

[mazie]

Well I'm on my first Eccles so I reserve judgement. The predictability hasn't kicked in yet

[nungate]

How about some classic detectives? Raymond Chandler The Big Sleep or Hammett's The Thin Man that sort of thing. And get your book back! I loaned someone one of my books of short stories by Damon Runyon and never got it back! Oh I can I recommend those? Nice books for dipping in and out of, great stories of New York

[EcclesCake]

Maizie I read loads and am a bit sensitive to formulaic writing, i.e. I know when I've reached page 17 because a stunning blonde enters the bar, her hips swaying under the smooth fabric of her dress etc,etc,etc.....

And before anyone suggests I shouldn't read such crap. I like to alternate between decent writing and popcorn for the brain. And in the search for the popcorn I have to go through a whole lot of rubbish to find poolside reading that requires just the right amount of mental effort.

[jamesnan]

Have you read any of Kathy Reichs books, all very good and readable.

[askyourgran]

Agatha Raisin books are a bit gentle imo. I've almost finished John Connelly's The Whisperers, and my bedside book is Robert Crais' Lullaby Town, an Elvis Cole detective story. If you like fantasy books and ever come across Thomas Covenant novels by Stewart Donaldson, try those. usually in a series of three books. I couldn't put them down.

[nungate]

Definitely Gran, that's the point of them, candy for the brain! I only read them for light relief!

[daisyme]

I love those sorts of books sometimes too nungate :-) just something to keep the brain ticking over, just what you need sometimes!! Thanks everyone for your suggestions!! I have just increased my Amazon wishlist massively :-)

[rockyracoon]

Daisya if you like crime novels then The Millenium Trilogy is an absolute must, they're by Steig Larsson and set in Sweden. The first one is The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, then The Girl Who Played With Fire finishing with The Girl Who Kicked A Hornets Nest.

[maggiebee]

Victoria Hislop's books - The Island, The Return and her latest, The Thread are all excellent reads. The Millenium Trilogy is also a must if you haven't already read it. Camilla Lackberg excellent as already suggested by shaneystar2

[Maydup]

I'm pleased people have recommended Shadow of the Wind. I bought it as the third book in a 3 for 2 offer and have never started it. I'll get it down form the shelf now, its been there since last winter!

[maggiebee]

Sorry Rockyracoon, just noticed you had already mentioned The Millenium Trilogy. Have also loved every one of the John Rebus books by Ian Rankin.