I know we have a thread for books you are reading, but if you're anything like me only one in ten might be special enough to recommend.

So this is for books that have that something extra special.

I recently read The Mongolian Connection (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mongolian-Connection-Scott-Christiansen/dp/9628783092/ref=sr_11_1/026-9753212-6481236?ie=UTF8) by Scott Christiansen. It's a crime story but one with difference. Firstly the setting, which takes the main character from the USA to Mongolia, and secondly the writing, this is a very well written and insightful book.

One of my all-time favourites is The Tin Men (http://www.greeneheaton.co.uk/pages/authors/title.asp?AuthorID=5&TitleID=109)by Michael Frayn. It's a wee bit outdated as the computers it features are all the size of houses, but it's the way he takes normality and lets it disintegrate into chaos that makes me laugh out loud.

I'm finding the Peter Robinson "Inspector Banks" series a good fill-in for Ian Rankin's "Rebus". I was hoping it would turn out well as the book store had a "Buy 5 paperbacks for the price of 4" deal and I found 3 on the display table up front and went and pulled the other 2 they had from the "Mystery" shelf. I've been impressed so far...WHEN I have the time to read!!

I also like Michael Connelly's series...they are very engrossing.

MSG - do you think there's a general difference in style beween British and American crime writing, and do you have a preference?

If you like a good crime thriller I would recommend anything by Karin Slaughter...she is fantastic! :good: - although do try and read her stuff in order as they kinda follow on! ;)

Coastie - American or British? And what makes her books special?

Sorry SF...I was going to go on but had to do that work thingie....

Right...she is American and writes crime thrillers.

She has writen 4 books in the series so far which basically follow a peadiatric doctor through a series of murders in her home town.

She smacks you in the face within the first two pages and you simply cannot put the book down thereafter.

You must read them in order to gt the full effect but prepare to have you stomache truned by some of the scenes she describes and enjoy the twists and turns that occur throughout. By far the best writer of this genre I have ever read...

Her books in order:

Blindsighted 2001

Kisscut 2002

A Faint Cold Fear 2003

Indelible 2004

Faithless

SF-I love the 'transporting' of the British thrillers...the language and locations, I like to see how the things are done differently, etc. My fave British mystery writers are Ian Rankin, Peter Robinson, and Val McDermid.

The American thrillers can be formulaic, if you know what I mean...you kinda figure it out early and certain writers really keep the same plot with few variations. I love Michael Connelly and a couple of others that elude me at the second...but I seem to PREFER the British ones, especially since I'm dug in with this 'Inspector Banks' series find.


Coaster-my co-worker LOVES Karen Slaughter...she reads her and a ton of other female mystery writers.

On that note I love Agatha Christie, except I think I've read most of them now :(

There's a book called The Doomsday Book by Connie Willis, which I love, it's one of the very few books I've kept over the years (because of my habit of frequently moving I like to buy books from Chrity Shops and drop them back there when I've finished). It's a time travel book, but not in a majorly sci-fi way, it's more involved in the characters.

I also love The Secret History by Donna Tartt, although I've not read the other one she had published (forgotten the name).

Oh Samm, I LOVE Donna Tartt...the other book is called "The Little Friend" and is set in Mississippi (:cool: ) and was really good...kinda spooky wierd but good!!

Cool, I really must read it, I'll check to see if they have it in the library next time I'm in, thanks MS Girl

This time I got out another book by the guy who wrote The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime - I'm just hoping it's half as good as that book which I really enjoyed.

I always thoroughly recommend "The Wrong Boy (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wrong-Boy-Willy-Russell/dp/0552996459/sr=1-1/qid=1160418467/ref=sr_1_1/202-1324996-8405454?ie=UTF8&s=books)" by Willie Russell. Read some of the reviews in the link, they put it so much better than I could!

It is a monumentally stupendous book and blew me away the first time I read it.

I thoroughly recommend parents of teenagers, teenagers and teachers to read it ... in fact if I was prime minister I would make reading it compulsory!!

I recommend "Starter for Ten" by David Nicholls. I'm just over halfway through it and so far it has been laugh-out-loud funny. I'm really enjoying it.

Just finished 'Wonderland Avenue' by Danny Sugerman.

Even if the subject matter [autobigraphy of a young priviliged american boy who rebels, gets into Rock 'n'roll, goes on to manage The Doors and Iggy Pop and gets addicted to drugs] doesn't grab you, the wonderful humour [laugh out loud stuff] and pathos is a joy to read....mega stuff.

I'm reading 'Riding the Iron Rooster' by Paul Theroux (Louis' dad), it's about his travel by rail through China in the 1990's. I think Bill Bryson lifted his idea for travel writing from Paul Theroux! Theroux isn't slapstick-funny like Bryson, but I think he is a more dedicated traveller and he's a great writer. If you like travel writing and you haven't read any of his books, you might give them a go.

'The hotel was bare and smelled of mutton fat. That was the smell of Ulaanbataar. Mutton was in the air. If there had been a menu it would have been on the menu. It was served at every meal: mutton and potatoes - but gristly mutton and cold potatoes. The Mongolians had a way of making food inedible or disgusting, and could transform even the most inoffensive meal into garbage, by serving it cold, or sprinkling it with black carrots, or garnishing it with a goat's ear. I made a point of visiting food shops, just to see what was available. I found fat black sausages, shrivelled potatoes and turnips, black carrots, basins of yellow goats' ears, chunks of rancid mutton and chicken feet. The most appetising thing I saw turned out to be a large bin of brown unwrapped laundry soap.'

excellent stuff - am off to investigate purchasing some Theroux right now.

I'd recommend The Vizard Mask by Diana Norman, if you like historical novels. It's one of the few books that I can happily read over & over again.

As is The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers. But that's a completely different kettle of fish - difficult to categorise but it's kind of fantasy, I guess.

I think I might look up Paul Theroux too ... it's just the sort of thing my mum likes and I'm sure she hasn't read any of his books.

thanks SF :good:

The only word of warning is he's a more academic writer than Bill Bryson, so it isn't quite as light as the Bryson stuff, but if real travel is your thing he's great.

PS he's also written some good novels including the filmed 'Mosquito Coast'.

There are so many books I would recommend be read. If we are talking current books, I'd definitely recommend "The Kite Runner". I read a lot, and that book is most definitely the best book I have read this year. Its set in Afghanistan in the 1970's and is a fictional story, but it contains a lot of reference to historical fact. Its a compelling story and I really couldn't put it down.

However, if I had to recommend 1 book out of all the books I had ever read, it would probably be Shindler's Ark by Thomas Kineally (or Shindlers List as the film was called). Its fantastically well written and very moving and has the added poignancy of being a true story.

There are so many books I would recommend be read. If we are talking current books, I'd definitely recommend "The Kite Runner". I read a lot, and that book is most definitely the best book I have read this year. Its set in Afghanistan in the 1970's and is a fictional story, but it contains a lot of reference to historical fact. Its a compelling story and I really couldn't put it down.

However, if I had to recommend 1 book out of all the books I had ever read, it would probably be Shindler's Ark by Thomas Kineally (or Shindlers List as the film was called). Its fantastically well written and very moving and has the added poignancy of being a true story.

Another fan of the Kite Runner - one of the best books I have read. It was a very thought-provoking book and will remain in my top list for a long time.

Ive been reading Martha Grimes' Richard Jury books for some time now. They are murder mysterys and are absolutely excellent. She is a terrific writer. They feature Richard Jury, a Scotland Yard detective who is sometimes assisted by Melrose Plant (Lord Ardry) in his efforts to solve cases.

All the books (there are about fifteen) are named after pubs or Inns which feature in the books, starting with "The Man With a Load of Mischief".....

Ive made them sound quite trite but the books are so superbly written they make a great read. They veer from the darkly murderous to the absurdly funny in a chapter....

Its important to read the books in order, as the author has her characters referring to past cases/relationships/happenings and you will be left bewildered if you pick up a book right in the middle of the series.

Here's the list of her books in order, if anyone is interested:-

1. The Man with a Load of Mischief (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/man-with-load-of-mischief.htm) (1981 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1981.htm))
2. The Old Fox Deceiv'd (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/old-fox-deceivd.htm) (1982 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1982.htm))
3. The Anodyne Necklace (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/anodyne-necklace.htm) (1983 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1983.htm))
4. The Dirty Duck (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/dirty-duck.htm) (1984 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1984.htm))
5. Jerusalem Inn (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/jerusalem-inn.htm) (1984 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1984.htm))
6. The Deer Leap (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/deer-leap.htm) (1985 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1985.htm))
7. Help the Poor Struggler (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/help-poor-struggler.htm) (1985 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1985.htm))
8. I Am the Only Running Footman (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/i-am-only-running-footman.htm) (1986 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1986.htm))
9. The Five Bells And Bladebone (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/five-bells-and-bladebone.htm) (1987 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1987.htm))
10. The Old Silent (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/old-silent.htm) (1989 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1989.htm))
11. The Old Contemptibles (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/old-contemptibles.htm) (1991 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1991.htm))
12. The Horse You Came in On (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/horse-you-came-in-on.htm) (1993 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1993.htm))
A Martha Grimes Omnibus: Three Great Richard Jury Mysteries (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/martha-grimes-omnibus.htm) (omnibus) (1993 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1993.htm))
13. Rainbow's End (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/rainbows-end.htm) (1995 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1995.htm))
14. The Case Has Altered (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/case-has-altered.htm) (1997 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1997.htm))
15. The Stargazey (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/stargazey.htm) (1998 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1998.htm))
16. The Lamorna Wink (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/lamorna-wink.htm) (1999 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/1999.htm))
17. The Blue Last (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/blue-last.htm) (2001 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2001.htm))
18. The Grave Maurice (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/grave-maurice.htm) (2002 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2002.htm))
19. The Winds of Change (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/winds-of-change.htm) (2004 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2004.htm))
20. The Old Wine Shades (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/old-wine-shades.htm) (2006 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2006.htm))
21. Dust (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/dust.htm) (2006 (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/years/2006.htm))


http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/thumbs/n12/n63969.jpg (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/man-with-load-of-mischief.htm)[/URL]http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/thumbs/n12/n63971.jpg (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/old-fox-deceivd.htm)http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/thumbs/n12/n63972.jpg (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/dirty-duck.htm)
http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/thumbs/n12/n63973.jpg (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/jerusalem-inn.htm)http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/thumbs/n12/n63975.jpg (http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/deer-leap.htm)[URL="http://www.fantasticfiction.co.uk/g/martha-grimes/i-am-only-running-footman.htm"]

I know it's more of a young reader's book but try reading the Snow Spider Trilogy by Jenny Nimmo - it's brilliant:yahoo:

I know it's more of a young reader's book but try reading the Snow Spider Trilogy by Jenny Nimmo - it's brilliant:yahoo:

Oooooo I have just spotted that on Ma's bookcase and was wondering whether to give it a go!

Have just finished Labyrinth by Kate Mosse, I really enjoyed this book and was gutted when I finished it this morning - its along the lines of The Last Templar and Da Vinci Code (although I havent read Da Vinci Code yet, dont see the point when I have read Holy Blood Holy Grail!)

Im about to start Bernard Cornwell - Heretic, having read Stonehenge before Labyrinth........have you noticed a bit of a theme going on here :laugh:

I'm not into deep books but the Snow Spider is great. Read it!!!!!! It's probably not as impressive as the other books you mentioned but it is worth a read.:applause:

I'm not into deep books but the Snow Spider is great. Read it!!!!!! It's probably not as impressive as the other books you mentioned but it is worth a read.:applause:

I will give it a go - i have 3 on the go now, Heretic which I mentioned, Dawn French Biography and my new book that arrived today called The History of Witchcraft, Heretics and Pagans.........

And dont worry about books being impressive for me - I read the AA Guide to Britain once cos there was nothing else to read :blink:

:applause: I could not do that. I mean reading a book just for the sake of it. I have enough problems doing my assignments because i have to read through nonsence. I applaud you reading stamina...

Isis...how's the Dawn French autobiography?? I love her...and Jennifer Saunders!! I always have 2-4 books going at a time. I'm about 3/4's of the way thru 'the Tao of Physics' which I'm going to report on in 'Soapbox' to sf and Mik, and the rest of the board as well. It's interesting and all, but very deep...have to take breaks!:laugh:

Isis...how's the Dawn French autobiography?? I love her...and Jennifer Saunders!! I always have 2-4 books going at a time. I'm about 3/4's of the way thru 'the Tao of Physics' which I'm going to report on in 'Soapbox' to sf and Mik, and the rest of the board as well. It's interesting and all, but very deep...have to take breaks!:laugh:

Im really enjoying it, if i hadnt borrowed it I would have posted it on to you hun, if I see it when im doing the charity shop rounds I will pick it up for you and let you know!

Hmmmmm the Tao of Physics hey - I read the thread and just when I thought I had "got" what you were all on about I lost the plot again :wacko:

I am going back to my childhood as my 8 year old has now started to read the Secret Seven! Wait until she starts reading about St Clares & Mallory Towers she'll be wanting to be sent off to Boarding School!

I am going back to my childhood as my 8 year old has now started to read the Secret Seven! Wait until she starts reading about St Clares & Mallory Towers she'll be wanting to be sent off to Boarding School!

I used to read them all the time, I prefered the secret seven to the famous five...

I'm reading 'Riding the Iron Rooster' by Paul Theroux (Louis' dad), it's about his travel by rail through China in the 1990's. I think Bill Bryson lifted his idea for travel writing from Paul Theroux! Theroux isn't slapstick-funny like Bryson, but I think he is a more dedicated traveller and he's a great writer. If you like travel writing and you haven't read any of his books, you might give them a go.

'The hotel was bare and smelled of mutton fat. That was the smell of Ulaanbataar. Mutton was in the air. If there had been a menu it would have been on the menu. It was served at every meal: mutton and potatoes - but gristly mutton and cold potatoes. The Mongolians had a way of making food inedible or disgusting, and could transform even the most inoffensive meal into garbage, by serving it cold, or sprinkling it with black carrots, or garnishing it with a goat's ear. I made a point of visiting food shops, just to see what was available. I found fat black sausages, shrivelled potatoes and turnips, black carrots, basins of yellow goats' ears, chunks of rancid mutton and chicken feet. The most appetising thing I saw turned out to be a large bin of brown unwrapped laundry soap.'

just received my copy via amazon today, for my mum's Christmas present. it looks like just the kind of thing she would enjoy losing herself in.

Thanks SF for the heads up! :good:

I don't care what you say, you are a veritable on-line Santa Claus!