need book suggestions

19 years ago

I'm stuck in a rut and need a suggestion or two for reading.

I finished Patrick O'Brian's Naval Series Last year--

squeezed in the botany of desire and a bniography of sir joseph banks

then I read Horiatio Alger naval series as a point of comparison

the 2nd Mrs D'arcy etc that are 'sequels' to Pride & Prej

then i read all the "bones" mysteries by Cathy Reichs

then i reread First man of rome series (mainly because i couldn't get into the last 2 books since it had been so long since i had read the first 4 to be able to untangle all the family and story lines)

now i've just plowed thru Joanne Flukes mysteries, updated myself with diane mott-davison and lilian jackson braun as well as Mozart & the Whale and the science and fiction of autism (my sons are autistic)

thats what i've read over the last year.

what i'm looking for is something humorous, well written, believable characters, maybe historical that can draw me in.

any suggestions are welcome

and thanked for in advance

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Comments (10)

thyrkas
19 years ago
what i'm looking for is something humorous, well written, believable characters, maybe historical that can draw me in.

diggerb2 - In the last few years when I have been seeking something humorous, light hearted and well written, I have picked up a book the 'No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series. The author is Alexander McCall Smith. There are 8 books in the series at present. IMO, it is best to start at the beginning with this series.

I have 4 books to go in O'Brian's 'Master and Commander' series. Love them! I have listened to 'M&C' and the 'No 1 Ladies'' on audio books.

Another author I enjoy reading is Ellis Peters. She has written the 'Brother Cadfael' novels. These are definitely historical, and well written, too. Not necessarily humorous, though. tkh
ccrdmrbks
19 years ago
*Elizabeth Peters series-the Amelia Peabody ones-light but historically accurate-early archeology in Egypt-1900s
*Anne Perry-two different Victorian mystery series-one stars Charlotte and Thomas Pitt, and the other, William Monk. The Monk series is darker.
*The Fidelma series of ancient Ireland by Peter Tremayne
*Margaret Frazer's series about Sister Frevisse, late medieval England
*Sharon Kay Penman's several series-one about Wales and the fight for independence, one about Henry II, one about the 'time when God and his angels slept' and her mystery series set in the time of Eleanor of Acquitaine
needless to say, best to read them in order-use the link below for order of mystery series.

Here is a link that might be useful: Stop, You're Killing Me mystery resource
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twobigdogs
19 years ago
digger,

If memory serves, Sir Joseph Banks was with Capt. Cook, was he not? If you enjoyed the bio and want to learn a bit more about Capt. Cook, I HIGHLY recommend Blue Latitudes by Tony Horwitz. It is non-fiction. He and a buddy decide to follow the path taken by Capt. Cook. The book is set up with alternating chapters...history about Cook's voyage, then what Horwitz is experiencing in the same vicinity. I literally fell off of the couch laughing at some parts, learned a whole lot and became a Horwitz fan and read everything else he's written.

For medieval mysteries, try the Roger the Chapman series by Kate Sedley. The main character is Roger Chapman, a peddler who was near to taking his vows but decided against becoming a monk at the last minute. He claims that God steers his footsteps to towns and villages that have a problem that needs sorting out. Again, I've read every one and would suggest you read them in order. That order is also listed at the STOP! You're Killing Me! website. There are 11 or 12 of them, I believe, which will give you at least a few weeks of reading!

I shall try to think of others and post them at a later time. Let us know which suggestions you try!
PAM
carolyn_ky
19 years ago
Have you read the Brother Cadfael mysteries by Ellis Peters, set in Shrewsbury in the 1100s? Part of this series was on PBS a few years ago with Derek Jacobi playing Cadfael.
dallas_librarian
19 years ago
The Thomas Llewelyn mysteries by Will Thomas are very enjoyable, atmospheric Victorian London novels. I prefer believable, character driven novels with good world-building. These books do a good job of fitting the bill.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mystery Reader Reviews
laceyvail 6A, WV
19 years ago
If you're interested in books on autism, Temple Grandin is a Ph.D. who is autistic. She has become famous for her design of facilities for working with cattle, and she has at least two books out, one an autobiography and another about animals and how she believes autistics are similar in the way they see the world. I recommend them highly. Her insights are remarkable.
veer
19 years ago
lacey we saw an interesting TV programme on this woman here in the UK not long ago. A most unusual person. Thanks for reminding me of her.
colleenoz
19 years ago
Lindsey Davis- Marcus Didius Falco series. The first one is The Silver Pigs. Falco is an "informer"- a detective who works on occasion for Emperor Vespasian. The characters are believable and there is a lot of humour in Davis' style. Details of Roman life are thrown in without the reader feeling lectured. My honey and I are big fans and eagerly await each new book.
Amy Camus
19 years ago
If you want hilarity, try E.F. Benson's Queen Lucia series. They are wonderful and set in the 20's, I believe.
ccrdmrbks
19 years ago
E.F. Benson's Lucia is set between the WWs, and Tom Holt continued the series very adequately into WW II. Very "British" funny.

need book suggestions

Comments (10)

thyrkas

ccrdmrbks

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