Tess Gerritson
Lisa Scottoline
Michael Connolly (all the Harry Bosch crime thrillers)
Sarah Dunant (more historical and thought-provoking)
Joanne Harris (Chocolat et al)
Harlan Coben
Greg Iles
Jeffrey Deaver
Lee Child
James Lee Burke
Shall I go on..........................? :-)
charlie higson has written some great novel, theyre not comedy though, theyre gritty and dark (hes ralph from the fast show)
hugh laurie also a good thriller in the gun seller