I am a Reader. Mostly, I read contemporary fiction. A few "classics" now and then, with a biography or two thrown in here and there. I read a few non-fiction books each year (really; I like them!). I like mysteries, too -- although they tend to be of the "psychological mystery" type.
My Ten Favorite Mysteries:
- Tana French (I especially loved "Faithful Place". . . but all four of her books, set in Dublin, are terrific.)
- Martha Grimes (I've been reading her books for about 25 years now! An old favorite is "The Anodyne Necklace.")
- Louise Penny (I discovered her new-ish Three Pines series while going through chemo; I always look forward a new book by Louise Penny.)
- Kate Atkinson (Technically, probably not a mystery author. But I think her Jackson Brodie novels are mysterious. I loved "Case Histories.")
- Steig Larsson (Oh, if only the "Dragon Tattoo" series could have run its full course!)
- Laurie R. King (Interesting series featuring Mary Russell -- who is Sherlock Holmes' partner . . . and, later, wife. "Justice Hall" is a good one.)
- Elizabeth Peters (I think I read my first "Amelia Peabody" mystery when I was in late high school or college! I pick one up every once in a while; I love Amelia.)
- P.D. James (Again, I've been reading the Adam Dalgliesh series - off and on - since high school.)
- Agatha Christie (I'm a sucker for the classics! I love "And Then There Were None.")
- Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Really, can anything beat Sherlock Holmes? "The Hound of the Baskervilles" is simply perfection.)
How about YOU? What are your favorite mysteries?
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The Steig Larsson books are fantastic! It really is a shame that he passed away before enjoying their success.
Posted by: Dianne | 10/16/2012 at 08:02 AM
We have many of the same favorites (not a surprise). Louise Penny will always hold a special place for me. Mysteries are a great escape!
Posted by: margene | 10/16/2012 at 08:42 AM
I just read the Dragon Tattoo series and it made me so sad that he wasn't here to enjoy their success or to write more. Louise Penny has been recommended to me before and her books are in my queue. The rest are great suggestions.
Posted by: Hillary | 10/16/2012 at 10:34 AM
Ooo, some I recognize and enjoy, but some new authors I'm going to need to look into! Thanks for sharing your list!
Posted by: Kristi aka FiberFool | 10/16/2012 at 12:28 PM
I like many of those authors too, especially the Amelia Peabody stories by E.P. I am also a huge fan of the Nero Wolfe mysteries by Rex Stout.
Based on your list, I would recommend you taking a look at the Maisie Dobbs series by Jacqueline Winspear, the Vish Puri mysteries by Tarquin Hall (very fun), and the Flavia de Luce mysteries by Alan Bradley.
Posted by: Brenda | 10/16/2012 at 02:29 PM
I've read a lot of David Baldacci. They are pretty good.
I tend to avoid mysteries because I can't put them down and then I don't get anything else done!
Posted by: Marilyn | 10/16/2012 at 03:04 PM
Louise Penny keeps showing up on lists today, I've already put her first book on hold for myself.
Posted by: Carole | 10/16/2012 at 03:16 PM
I have so many that I liked, I tried to go with series/authors. But then I ended up thinking [primarily] of things I read when I first really paid much attention to mysteries, in high school. Oh well, everyone starts somewhere ... :-)
Posted by: Bridget | 10/16/2012 at 03:40 PM
I love Margery Allingham. Something about the way she conveys the mood of Britain between the world wars is timeless, and speaks to a lot of the cynicism we feel today.
Posted by: Diana Troldahl | 10/17/2012 at 11:14 AM
So, I think Louise Penny needs to go on my list, since I love all of these (except Elizabeth Peters -- only OK). I'd add Elizabeth George and Ngaio Marsh.
Posted by: Pam | 10/18/2012 at 12:57 AM