"In Bed" with Harlan Coben
Posted by Goodreads on February 28, 2011
In 1995, New Jersey native Harlan Coben published his first mystery in what is now a best-selling series starring Myron Bolitar, a six-foot-four ex-basketball player turned celebrity agent and accidental crime solver. He's a sensitive guy who loves his mom and dad—not a hard-boiled PI—yet he's always getting embroiled in high-stakes crimes involving his troubled clients. Apart from this popular series, Coben is also known for his stand-alone mysteries, including best-sellers Tell No One (also an award-winning French film) and The Woods. His latest novel, Live Wire, is the tenth Myron Bolitar installment. While hunting for a missing rock star, Bolitar stumbles upon clues that may lead to his estranged brother, whom he hopes to find before their father passes away. Coben shares five of his favorite series featuring compelling sleuths.
Matt Scudder series by Lawrence Block
"One of the best ever. Block was, and remains, a pioneer. If you're in the mood for a truly dark, disturbing read, go with A Dance at the Slaughterhouse."
"One of the best ever. Block was, and remains, a pioneer. If you're in the mood for a truly dark, disturbing read, go with A Dance at the Slaughterhouse."
Sherlock Holmes series by Arthur Conan Doyle
"We never forget our first love. When it comes to detective fiction, this was mine."
"We never forget our first love. When it comes to detective fiction, this was mine."
Kinsey Millhone series by Sue Grafton
"When young writers want to learn what 'voice' is, I tell them to read any page from Sue Grafton's beloved alphabet series. You know that only Sue could write this. I love spending time with Kinsey."
"When young writers want to learn what 'voice' is, I tell them to read any page from Sue Grafton's beloved alphabet series. You know that only Sue could write this. I love spending time with Kinsey."
Kenzie & Gennaro series by Dennis Lehane
"Brilliant on every level—character, plotting, dialogue, setting—Dennis is my favorite amongst the writers I came up with. If I had to pick one, it'd be Gone, Baby, Gone."
"Brilliant on every level—character, plotting, dialogue, setting—Dennis is my favorite amongst the writers I came up with. If I had to pick one, it'd be Gone, Baby, Gone."
Spenser series by Robert B. Parker
"Simply put, my favorite series of all time. In Parker's obit, I was quoted as saying that 90 percent of detective writers admit Parker's Spenser series was an influence, the other 10 percent lie. RIP, Bob."
"Simply put, my favorite series of all time. In Parker's obit, I was quoted as saying that 90 percent of detective writers admit Parker's Spenser series was an influence, the other 10 percent lie. RIP, Bob."
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Yeah only 3300 on-line. At alibris.com G.Hay books. You might find something to read. More to come, so keep checking. Like everything condition, condition, condition is important. I try to have the best.I'm just starting with the book site. Any idea's.
Thanks
All of the mentioned books/authors are wonderful but, no one mentioned the Commisario (sp?) in Donna Leon's Venice detective series - great mix of logic, location, politics and characters. I really enjoy the cultural variations.
I loved Coben's Myron Bolitar mysteries; his touch of humor added so much to the stories. For pleasant, easy-going night time reading I've been going through the #1 Ladies Detective Agency Series. It instills in me a desire to see Africa, and a sense of the 'old Botswana morality' Lovely books.
Colin Cotteril has written a wnderful mystery, Lovesogs from a Shallow Grave,that introduces a wonderful character named Dr. Suri and gives insight into the political and social situation in Laos at the time of the Vietnam War.
Well, nobody's mentioned Jo Nesbo so I will--love the Harry Hole series. I'm waiting for some more of his to be translated and published here.
I am a big Nesbo fan also. I teach a course called Mysterious Travel. We read mysteries written by authors other than American. Nesbo was a favorite with all of us. Nenesis was a spcial favorite of mine.
Lynn, it's hard to pick a favorite, but I loved the history lessons contained in the Redbreast. I also like the Tony Hill series by Val McDermid and the books by Asa Larsson.
Jeane - I've never read Val McDermid. What's the locale for her mysteries -Asa Larsson - Which Scandanavian country?
Lynn, Asa Larsson's stories are set in northern Sweden. I think you'd really like them--complex plotting, two compelling but totally different female investigators (just friends), one recovering from recent trauma, plus interesting side characters and perpetrators.
Jeane - Thanks, we read Henning Mankell for Sweden in my class, but I will check out Asa Larson once I have this year's book ready. I also read everythin Tana French writes. Her setting is Ireland and as one of my studen's said upon reading In the Woods -"Wow, this women can write!"
Lynn, I'll have to check out Tana French. I haven't been able to settle on another mystery since finishing The Leopard--still going through Harry Hole withdrawal. Instead, I read True Grit, The Book Thief (wonderful!) and am now almost finished with A Discovery of Witches. I think I need to completely clear my palate before I start a new mystery. Are you on Facebook? :}
Jeane -Unfortunately I am not on facebook. I saw the movie remake of True Grit (good) but never tried reading it. You are the second person to sing the praises of The Book Thief to me. Another gem, more mystewrious than a true mystery, is Carlos Zafron's Shadow of the Wind.
Lynn
I haven't seen the remake of True Grit yet, but the old movie almost follows the dialog from book verbatim. The book is a real jewel. I'll look at Shadow of the Wind. Thx for the tip. If you ever want to discuss books ...
Grant: I know I am coming into this in the middle of a conversation but if you are saying that you just started selling books on line I have some advice. I have been buying books on line for about 6 years and I have rarely found what I was looking for on Alibris. I would recommend you also sell from Amazon, that seems to be the place most people go to first. And a lot of vendors do sell from both. Also, you are correct in the condition. I am always so pleased when the vendor puts it as some wear and it comes looking almost brand new so be honest about that. Also, fast shipping is what I also look for, I have gotten books in 3 days with regular media shipping, so try to get them out as fast as you can. Basically just be honest and you will have no problems. I am going to go look for your site now. Good luck! Darlene
Can you please give me more information about the Ladies Detective Series? Author, titles something so I can find them. They sound good!Thanks,
Darlene
Jeane - delighted to have you as a friend on goodreadsLynn
Darlene,Alexander McCall Smith is the author of The Number 1 Ladie's Detective Agency. That is also the name of the first book. Enjoy! Lynn
Thank you so much Lynn, I am going to Amazon next!Have you read Jane Heller or Susan Anderson? Both are light and funny. If you have not I would choose one of each of their earlier works, they, in my opinion, are better than what they are putting out now. Susan has a series and I have not read that because it just did not look that interesting to me.
Thanks again!
Darlene
Darlene -If I.m in the mood for light and funny, I'll remember those names, Thanks. I tend to like my mysteries a little dark, not the stuff of nightmares, but a little dark.
Lynn, I agree that is why I have not read them in awhile. I also like mine darker. These two are for when you want to laugh sitting outside reading and just relaxing.Darlene
Has anyone read The Death of the Detective? I just started it. Very dark.
Norwegian police inspector Harry Hole (Jo Nesbo's series) currently has my vote. Henning Mankell's Kurt Wallander got me hooked on Scandinavian crime fiction. But I must agree with Molly (#49) that I have no ultimate favourite. There are far too many good ones and 'too little time' to read them all.
Sister Carol Anne O'Marie writes "cozy" mysteries if you're in the mood for that type once in a while. Two nuns get involved in police business.- Heidi
Michael wrote: "Stone Barrington anyone?"Absolutely love stone Barrington Series.. even got my husband interested...:-)
Coben is right: Dennis Lehane's detective series is the hands-down best. Next is his own series.
Haven't read Dennis Lehane's but will check him out because i'm from Boston..
Denise wrote: "Wow, I can't believe none of you have mentioned the Robert Crais books, Elvis Cole and Joe Pike are the BEST detectives!!! Great books, you should check them out!!"Right you are, Cole and Pike are the best. However, Hunters Swagger clan could give them a run for their money. Also pound for pound, John Connolly's Charlie parker and Co. match up quite well.
Randy W. White. Kind of lighten things up.
G.Hay"
Good point. Lighter can also be great.