I’d Rather Be Reading

This week’s Spin Cycle topic is books or reading or reading books. 

I’ve mentioned before that I love to read.  But I love to read only what I love to read.  And primarily that means mysteries.  I’m a sucker for a good Who-Done-It.  And any author who can keep me guessing til the end, is tops on my list, for sure.

In June, The Boy and I went to the annual Used Book Fair that benefits our local library system.  Paperbacks are 50 cents and hardbacks $1 with a few newer ones a bit more expensive at $3.  We go every year and arm ourselves with multiple bags to load up on books.  People go crazy at this fair – and bring tubs and wagons to fill with books.  The Boy and I loaded up.  I think we each came away with 30 or 40 books.  This is great, but the problem is that I can never decide which book to read first. 

Last year, I posted about my favorite authors.  I felt like this post fit nicely with the Spin Cycle topic and not that many people read it, so I’m recycling.   Here goes!

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I love to read.  I only wish I had more time to do so.  I’ll be the first to admit that I only read what I like.  By that I mean that I rarely stray from the Mystery/Thriller/Drama novels.  So, no, I am not a well-rounded reader.  And quite frankly, I don’t care.  I like what I like.

My son, The Boy, also loves to read.  He’s an even bigger book lover than I am.  Like me, he likes what he likes and that’s Fantasy Fiction.  He always has a book or two in progress.  I’ve even caught him reading while sitting on the curb waiting for the bus.  Gooberville, some would say, but reading has opened up his eyes to many things. 

Back to today’s topic. . . my favorite authors.  I have many, but am listing the top 10 that come to mind first (in no particular order, of course)

James Patterson -  James Patterson’s novels are most definitely page turners.  A typical Patterson novel might have 150 chapters, but each one is just two or three pages long.  His paragraphs are short too, often just one or two sentences.  I’ve found that this approach makes for quick reading and his style lends to action and pace over everything else.  I like that and find his books difficult to put down once I’ve started them.  His Alex Cross series is my favorite, but I’ll read anything written by Patterson, with the exception of the Maximum Ride series.  A series about kids with wings just doesnt appeal to me.  But I’m not the intended audience, young readers are. . . and The Boy loves this series. 

John Grisham – I suppose Grisham tops almost everyone’s list of favorite authors.  As a fan of legal thrillers, it’s only fitting that I should enjoy Grisham’s work.  Currently I am reading The Innocent Man and I must admit that I’m struggling to get through it.  As Grisham’s first stab at non-fiction, The Innocent Man is definitely not grabbing me like his novels do.  I can’t wait to get through this one, so I can begin The Appeal and get back to his legal thrillers that I love.  (note:  I finally finshed The Innocent Man and HATED IT! )

Nelson DeMille – I recently became acquainted with Nelson DeMille’s novels when I picked up Night Fall at a book fair.  I was hooked on the main character, John Corey, and had to have more.  As luck would have it, Corey is also featured in Plum Island, The Lion’s Game and Wild Fire.  Naturally, I had to read them all and am anxiously awaiting the next installment.  I have a few DeMille paperbacks in my stash and am anxious to give them a try as well.

David Baldacci – I first “discovered” David Baldacci in 1996 when he published his first novel, Absolute Power.  Many of you may remember the movie of the same name, starring Clint Eastwood and Gene Hackman.  Since then, he has written several novels, most of which I’ve read.  I recently finished The Camel Club and enjoyed the Oliver Stone character.  Now I’m looking forward to reading Stone Cold and Divine Justice. 

William Bernhardt – I got hooked on William Bernhardt’s novels when I discovered his Ben Kincaid series.  It’s been a while since I’ve read one of the Kincaid novels, but I have found the earlier ones to be quite entertaining.

Sue Grafton – F is for Fun!  Grafton’s Alphabet Series, featuring Kinsey Millhone, is the ultimate beach-week must-read for women.  This series is light and fun to read.  Kinsey, a 30-something year-old private investigator, has plenty of quirks to make each of her cases entertaining.  Grab one from this series next time you’re looking for a quick and fun read.

Michael Connelly – Several years ago when my father-in-law was visiting us for a week, he was reading a book called City of Bones.  Everyday when my husband and I got home from work, Hank would tell us what he read that day in the book.  I became hooked just by receiving Hank’s updates!  After reading City of Bones for myself, I can see why Hank was so wrapped up in it and I’ve since read several other books by Michael Connelly.  City of Bonesremains my favorite, likely because I know my father-in-law enjoyed it so much.  I have alot of Connelly books in my stash to keep me busy and I’m looking forward to each and every one.

John Sandford – The Prey series, featuring Lucas Davenport, is my favorite John Sandford series.  Davenport is a Minneapolis Police Detective, turned Deputy Chief, turned Investigator.  He is definitely unorthodox and manipulative.  And yes, likable. 

Ed McBain – Sadly, Evan Hunter (AKA Ed McBain) passed away in 2005.  He was the author of the 87th Precinct Series that spanned from 1956 until his death in 2005.  The fact that this series spans over almost 50 years is one of the things that makes it so endearing.  The characters don’t really age all that much, but naturally the times change quite significantly.  McBain’s 87th Precinct Series is far and away the best police procedural series out there.  Those written in the 80s and 90s are my favorite, but believe me when I say that I’ve read the entire series (over 50 books).  I also enjoyed his Matthew Hope series. 

Janet Evanovich – Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum series is definitely a fun read.  Plum is a bounty hunter, or at least she is trying to be one.  She always manages to find herself in embarrassing situations, providing the reader with laugh after laugh.  Her family and friends are equally comical making this series a must read for us women who need a good laugh and some entertainment.

So there you have it. 

Who are your favorite authors?

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Since posting this, I’ve “discovered” a few more authors that I enjoy reading including Tami Hoag and Dan Brown.  Happy reading everyone!