What are your....................

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Inspired by DW's original topic, and some of the posts in there, I will start a new topic that I have wanted to do for a very long time.

I would like to start with two of my favorites - both serial novelists:

Elizabeth Peters

• Crocodile on the Sandbank (1975)
  
• The Curse of the Pharoahs (1981)
  
• The Mummy Case (1985)
  
• Lion in the Valley (1986)
  
• The Deeds of the Disturber (1988)
  
• The Last Camel Died at Noon (1991)
  
• The Snake, the Crocodile and the Dog (1992)
  
• The Hippopotamus Pool (1996)
  
• Seeing A Large Cat (1997)
  
• The Ape Who Guards the Balance (1998)
  
• The Falcon at the Portal (1999)
  
• He Shall Thunder in the Sky (2000)
  
• Lord of the Silent (2001)
  
• The Golden One (2002)
  
• Children of the Storm (2003)
  
• Guardian of the Horizon (2004)
  
• The Serpent on the Crown (2005)
  
• Tomb of the Golden Bird (2006)
  

This is about the adventures of Amelia Peabody, Egyptologist, and her husband Professor Emerson (set around the turn of the 19th century). More http://www.ameliapeabody.com/

Alexander McCall Smith

• The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (1998)
  
• Tears Of The Giraffe (2000)
  
• Morality for Beautiful Girls (2001)
  
• The Kalahari Typing School for Men (2002)
  
• The Full Cupboard of Life (2004)
  
• In The Company of Cheerful Ladies (2004)
  
• Blue Shoes and Happiness (2006)
  
• The Good Husband of Zebra Drive (2007)
  
• The Miracle at Speedy Motors (2008)
  
• Tea Time for the Traditionally Built (2009)
  

This is about the adventures of Mma Precious Ramotswe, the first female private investigator in Botswana. More http://www.alexandermccallsmith.co.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

[Irene]

My favoutite modern author...

Diana Gabaldon

Novels in the Outlander Series

Oultlander (also know as Cross Stitch)

Outlander, published in 1991, is the 1st book in the series. (Published as Cross Stitch in the UK.) This book introduces the main characters of Claire Beauchamp Fraser and Jaime Fraser, and is set in 18th century and 20th century Scotland.

Dragonfly in Amber

Published in 1992, Dragonfly continues the story and is set in 18th century Scotland and France, and 20th century America. The plot involves the 1745 Rising and the Battle of Culloden.

Voyager

Published in December of 1993, Voyager moves the story from Scotland to America, via the West Indies.

Drums of Autumn

Published in 1997, Drums of Autumn continues the series in America, beginning with 1767 Charleston through 1770.

The Fiery Cross

Fiery Cross, published in 2001, is set in the United States and covers the pre-Revolutionary War period from 1770 to 1772.

A Breath of Snow and Ashes

The 6th book in the series, A Breath of Snow and Ashes, was published in 2005. The book begins in 1772 and carries us through to the eve of the Revolutionary War.

The next book in the series is due out in September 2009 - An Echo in the Bone

** ** ** ** **

Diana has written several other books relating to, or with characters from the series, but they do not forward the central action of the Outlander series.

The Outlandish Companion

Published in 1999, the Outlandish Companion (the UK edition is titled Through the Stones) is, as the review notes: " .... must-read ultimate companion includes a behind the scene detailed glimpse of this epic saga's creation: A full synopses of the four previous novels, a complete listing of characters origins, family trees, horoscopes, genealogical notations, drawings, a comprehensive glossary and pronunciation guide for, amongst other things, Gaelic and foreign terms and Gabaldon devotes an entire section to the Outlandish Web Sites and Online Venues."

Lord John and the Private Matter

Published in 2005, this book features Lord John Grey, a character from the Outlander Series, and is set in London in 1757. This compelling murder mystery in the first in the Lord John series.

Lord John and the Brotherhood of the Blade

Published in August of 2007, and set in 1758. The book involves the murder of Lord John's father 17 years earlier, and his possible role as a Jacobite spy.

Lord John and the Hands of Devils

Published on November 27, 2007, this book has three stories: Lord John and the Hellfire Club, Lord John and the Succubus, and Lord John and the Haunted Soldier.

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

I have just ordered Outlander from Amazon.co.jp, and it will be delivered before tomorrow evening.

[Irene]

I have just ordered Outlander from Amazon.co.jp, and it will be delivered before tomorrow evening.

Hope you enjoy it.

I just can't wait for the release of the next in the series later this year. :)

[-pops-]

Pat, have a look at this

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00jc...he_Big_Bonanza/

[Gandalph]

I was just about to write and tell Pat that it had started on the Telly when I saw your post pops. :D

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

I knew they were filming some episodes of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, but it will probably be a while until it is shown here. I will try to get it on DVD once it is available.

Here is another of my favourite serial novelists

Patrick O'Brian

• Master and Commander (1970)
  
• Post Captain (1972)
  
• HMS Surprise (1973)
  
• The Mauritius Command (1977)
  
• Desolation Island (1978)
  
• The Fortune of War (1979)
  
• The Surgeon's Mate (1980)
  
• The Ionian Mission (1981)
  
• Treason's Harbour (1983)
  
• The Far Side of the World (1984)
  
• The Reverse of the Medal (1986)
  
• The Letter of Marque (1988)
  
• The Thirteen Gun Salute (1989)
  
• The Nutmeg of Consolation (1991)
  
• Clarissa Oakes (1992)
  
• The Wine-Dark Sea (1993)
  
• The Commodore (1995)
  
• The Yellow Admiral (1996)
  
• The Hundred Days (1998)
  
• Blue at the Mizzen (1999)
  
• The Final Unfinished Voyage of Jack Aubrey (2004)
  

Jack Aubry and his friend Doctor Maturin's sea voyages around the world, set during the Napoleonic Wars.

[Irene]

Another of my 'well read' authors is Mazo de la Roche.

In particular:

Jalna series (in narrative order)

• Building of Jalna, 1944 ISBN 0-316-17996-5
  
• Morning at Jalna, 1960 ISBN 0-333-03933-5
  
• Mary Wakefield, 1949 ISBN 0-333-07652-4
  
• Young Renny, 1935 ISBN 0-333-01371-9
  
• Whiteoak Heritage, 1940 ISBN 0-333-05090-8
  
• Whiteoak Brothers, 1953 ISBN 0-333-08809-3
  
• Jalna, 1927 ISBN 0-316-18000-9
  
• Whiteoaks of Jalna, 1929 1929, ISBN 0-316-18014-9
  
• Finch's Fortune, 1932 ISBN 0-333-09966-4
  
• The Master of Jalna, 1933 ISBN 0-316-18002-5
  
• Whiteoak Harvest, 1936 ISBN 0-333-07404-1
  
• Wakefield's Course, 1941 ISBN 0-316-18010-6
  
• Return to Jalna, 1946 ISBN 0-333-04842-3
  
• Renny's Daughter, 1951 ISBN 0-333-08561-2
  
• Variable Winds at Jalna, 1954 ISBN 0-333-02280-7
  
• Centenary at Jalna, 1958 ISBN 0-316-17997-3
  

This is another series of literature which I have read two or three times.

It's amazing how much you miss the first time around in a saga like this. :)

[andsome]

I have read most of the books by Stephen King, James Herbert, Dean Koontz and Anne Rice. I have read several by Robert Harris and also Robin Cook. (Not the ugly politician). I have a book ready for reading by J.B. Calchman. I have also read biographies of several of the famous composers. I am not into classical authors. I have naturally read the ultimate vampire book by Bram Stoker. :D

[Hb_Kai]

Bernard Cornwell :

Sharpe series

Dan Brown

Digital Fortress

[Gandalph]

I have read most of the books by Stephen King, James Herbert, Dean Koontz and Anne Rice. I have read several by Robert Harris and also Robin Cook. (Not the ugly politician). I have a book ready for reading by J.B. Calchman. I have also read biographies of several of the famous composers. I am not into classical authors. I have naturally read the ultimate vampire book by Bram Stoker. :D

Keith Jones the fanged blood slurper of Burntwood. Good book that. :lol:

[Irene]

I have read most of the books by Stephen King, James Herbert, Dean Koontz and Anne Rice. I have read several by Robert Harris and also Robin Cook. (Not the ugly politician). I have a book ready for reading by J.B. Calchman. I have also read biographies of several of the famous composers. I am not into classical authors. I have naturally read the ultimate vampire book by Bram Stoker. :D

Keith Jones the fanged blood slurper of Burntwood. Good book that. :lol:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

As briefly mentioned in the other topic

C. J. Sansom

• Dissolution (2003)
  
• Dark Fire (2004)
  
• Sovereign (2006)
  
• Revelation (2008)
  

The adventures of the hunchbacked lawyer Matthew Shardlake, set during the reign of Henry VIII.

The BBC have commissioned an adaptation of Dissolution with Kenneth Branagh set to star as Shardlake.

[andsome]

I have read most of the books by Stephen King, James Herbert, Dean Koontz and Anne Rice. I have read several by Robert Harris and also Robin Cook. (Not the ugly politician). I have a book ready for reading by J.B. Calchman. I have also read biographies of several of the famous composers. I am not into classical authors. I have naturally read the ultimate vampire book by Bram Stoker. :D

Keith Jones the fanged blood slurper of Burntwood. Good book that. :lol:

VERY SHARP FANGS. :lol:

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

For those who enjoy a good police/detective story, here are my two favorite Italian police inspectors.

Andrea Camilleri

• The Shape of Water (1994)
  
• The Terracotta Dog (1996)
  
• The Snack Thief (1996)
  
• The Voice of the Violin (1997)
  
• Excursion to Tindari (2000)
  
• The Scent of the Night (2001)
  
• Rounding the Mark (2003)
  
• The Patience of the Spider (2007)
  
• The Paper Moon (2008)
  
• August Heat (2006)
  
• The Sphinx's Wings (2006)
  
• The Sand Path (2007)
  
• The Potter's Field (2008)
  
• The Age of Doubt (2008)
  

Inspector Salvo Montalbano of the Sicilian police has some very interesting and tough cases. Great fun to read!

Michael Dibden

• Ratking (1988)
  
• Vendetta (1990)
  
• Cabal (1992)
  
• Dead Lagoon (1994)
  
• Cosi Fan Tutti (1996)
  
• A Long Finish (1998)
  
• Blood Rain (1999)
  
• And Then You Die (2002)
  
• Medusa (2003)
  
• Back to Bologna (2005)
  
• End Games (2007)
  

Aurelio Zen works for the Roman police, but is sent to resolve (or cover up) the strangest cases all over Italy. A great character!

[Dencandy]

John Le Carre (of Smiley fame) is my favourite living author. A master story-teller with deep psychological insights.

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Diana Gabaldon

Novels in the Outlander Series

Oultlander (also know as Cross Stitch)

Outlander, published in 1991, is the 1st book in the series. (Published as Cross Stitch in the UK.) This book introduces the main characters of Claire Beauchamp Fraser and Jaime Fraser, and is set in 18th century and 20th century Scotland.

I started reading Outlander this past weekend, but the funny thing is that the heroine in my book is called Claire Beauchamp Randall...?

[Irene]

Diana Gabaldon

Novels in the Outlander Series

Oultlander (also know as Cross Stitch)

Outlander, published in 1991, is the 1st book in the series. (Published as Cross Stitch in the UK.) This book introduces the main characters of Claire Beauchamp Fraser and Jaime Fraser, and is set in 18th century and 20th century Scotland.

I started reading Outlander this past weekend, but the funny thing is that the heroine in my book is called Claire Beauchamp Randall...?

All will be revealed later. ;)

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Ah - thank you!

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Another fictional policeman I like, this time from Sweden

Henning Mankell

• Faceless Killers (1997)
  
• The Dogs of Riga (2001)
  
• The White Lioness (1998)
  
• The Man Who Smiled (2005)
  
• Sidetracked (1999)
  
• The Fifth Woman (2000)
  
• One Step Behind (2002)
  
• Firewall (2002)
  
• Before the Frost (2005)
  
• The Pyramid: And Four Other Kurt Wallander Mysteries (2008)
  (the year is the publication of the English translation)
  

Kurt Wallander lives and works in Ystad in Southern Sweden. Very interesting plots and characters. http://www.inspector-wallander.org/

P.S. yes, I know that the BBC has produced some of the books as TV episodes: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00g4g0p/episodes/2008.

[Panarchy]

Robin Hobb

- The latest trilogy was a little... dunno the right word... scary?

- Great author!

Raymond E Feist

- Loved everything I've read so far

Isobelle Carmody (Obernewtyn Chronicles)

Japanese Manga (SJ)

!!!

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

And here is a fictional Chinese policeman that I enjoy very much

Qiu Xiaolong

• Death of a Red Heroine (2000)
  
• A Loyal Character Dancer (2002)
  
• When Red Is Black (2004)
  
• A Case of Two Cities (2006)
  
• Red Mandarin Dress (2007)
  
• Years of Red Dust (2007)
  
• The Mao Case (2009)
  

Inspector Chen of the Shanghai police often finds himself in difficult situations, torn between justice and party loyalty. He is also quite a gourmet, which is sure to hold my attention. :)

[ɹəuəllıʍ ʇɐb]

Currently reading

Eliot Pattison

• The Skull Mantra (1999)
  
• Water Touching Stone (2001)
  
• Bone Mountain (2002)
  
• Beautiful Ghosts (2004)
  
• Prayer of the Dragon (2007)
  
• The Lord of Death (2009)
  

The "Inspector Shan" series is set in modern day Tibet, and features former Beijing police inspector Shan Tao Yun.