I'm a "newbie" & could use some help...! :-)

[Stacyc]

Hey everyone...
I'm quite new to this group, and am thrilled (and somewhat relieved) to find a group of like-minded readers. :-)
Right off the top, I'm hoping you all can help me.
I read all of Harlan Coben's books this past summer, and then launched into Karin Slaughter (whose gore, plot, and storyline I loved!), and am just finishing the final novel in Alex Kava's Maggie O'Dell series. I'm searching for my next author - one whose work involves a series with a strong character(s) involved in crime-solving, etc. I tried Cody McFadyen, but couldn't adjust to his first-person style of writing. I started reading "Alone" by Lisa Gardner but found myself bored with it much too soon. I'm kind of bummed that I haven't stumbled across a new "blood and guts/thriller" author -- can anyone help?! I'd definitely appreciate it!!!
Thanks, everyone! I look forward to your suggestions!
:-)

[Bill]

You might want to try Kathy Reichs Temperance Brennan series. It's quite good. Welcome to the group, too. :0)

[Alisa]

Bill's suggestion is a good one. You might try Linda Farstein's series about Alexandra Cooper who is a DA in a New York sex crimes unit. Good series w/ lots of interesting facts about New York. I also like Johnathon Kellerman's series about Alex Delaware. The last few haven't been my favorites but there are a lot of books in the series & the earlier ones were really good.

[aprilla]

Hi, it's always hard to select the next :)

I must try Harlan Coben, ta. I loved Karin Slaughter's books, couldn't get into Alex Kava but enjoyed Cody McFadyen. Agree Lisa Gardner starts out wishy-washy in the Quincy-Raine books but I got through them and the DD Warren books (which I read out of time before QR) are much better.

I don't think I can best your list but the Jack Caffery series from Mo Hayder comes to mind for 'blood and guts'.
I also like the Armand Gamache series from Louise Penny, the Stuart Woods Holly Barker books and Robin Cook's medical series with Jack Stapleton & Laurie Montgomery.

For stand alones try Gillian Flynn or Linwood Barclay.

[Marie]

welcome Stacy,
I recommend you try Aussie author Kathryn Fox. Her main character is a forensic physican, Dr Anya Crichton.

[Teresa]

Crais Robert

[Cm]

John Sandford's Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers kept me up all night and I am anxiously waiting for the next ones. Just got four new books from the library - Patricia Cornwell-Bone Bed, Michael Connelly, Vince Flynn and David Baldacci. I also highly recommend Lee Child, and if you haven't discovered Robert Parker you're in for a wonderful ride!!!

[Beth]

Welcome, Stacyc! Have you tried Robert Crais? I think you might enjoy his series.

[Mike]

Hey, Stacyc, sorry, thought you were reviled to find a like-minded group, but you were only relieved. I second the Robert Crais and John Sandford/Lucas Davenport books, also.

[Carlos]

When it comes to blood and guts I would go for J A Konrath/Jack Kilborn any of his books are great, and Gillian Flynn.

[Tanya]

I would recommend Lee Child, he is one of my favorite's. Also John Sandford, both Kellermans, Johnathan and Faye, I am just getting finished with the Vince Flynn's series which is very good as well.

[Lance]

Beth wrote: "Welcome, Stacyc! Have you tried Robert Crais? I think you might enjoy his series."

I second (third?) that. I'm not sure how much blood-and-guts is enough for you, but Josh Bazell's Beat the Reaper has plenty. Bazell is trying to turn it into a series; I haven't read the second one yet, so I don't know if he's succeeding.