Need Book Recommendations

Hey guys...once again, I've reached the end of the month and find myself having to rush and make my 2 monthly selections at Audible before my 'platinum listener' credits expire. Next month will be different!

I like historical fiction, but loathe minutiae, pointless erudition and navel-gazing on the part of the narrator. For these reasons I've opted NOT to get Ken Follett's latest stuff, anything from Umberto Eco and numerous other tomes that looked more like homework than an entertaining respite.

I enjoyed Devil in the White City, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, and The Alienist. I also like thrillers (a la Stephen King, not Le Carre), fantasy along the lines of Garth Nix' Abhorsen trilogy, and comic nonfiction like David Sedaris' essays. Got any recommendations for me for next month?

Have you read any Sister Fidelma by Peter Tremayne? He writes about a 7th Century Irish monk/Lawyer. Tremayne is also an Irish historian so you learn quiet a bit about Ireland in that time as an interesting part of the story.

Have you ever read any Iain Pears? An Instance of the Fingerpost is one of the best historical mysteries ever!

I've always enjoyed Irving Stone, but I don't know if he's available on your Audible. He wrote about various artists and U.S. Presidents, other folks too, like Freud, Darwin, oh, lots.

Take a bit of light YA historical fiction? Try Pagan's Crusade and the other three Pagan Chronicles. Or the same author's adult historical novels The Notary, The Inquisitor and The Secret Familiar. (warning - The Notary does have a few icky parts). In fact, I would say that the Inquisitor is kind of like The Name of the Rose without the philosophy. :)

Since you like Stephen King, how about Duma Key? I really loved it. Maybe it's not available yet, though...

The Somnambulist was thoroughly enjoyable - historicalish mystery with a Sherlock and paranormal twist. Although, in fairness, some reviewers didn't like the ending.

Wow, these are some great suggestions! Most from authors I've never heard of, which is promising. It's great when I love something by an author who's new to me, and can then 'discover' that author's entire canon. Keep 'em coming, group!

P.S. Already read "Duma", the old-fashioned way; don't know if it's available as an audiobook yet.

The best Historical fiction I read in the past year was The Book Thief by Markus Zusak. It's classified as YA but certainly appeals to adult readers. I read it last year but my husband listened to the audio book and loved it.

In terms of thrillers I've really enjoyed the Pendergast series (Relic, Reliquary, Cabinet of Curiosities, etc.) by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. Sort of detective mysteries with a creepy supernatural twist.

And a comic nonfiction I'd recommend is Candy Freak by Steve Almond.

...now I have to go add a bunch of other people's responses to my TBR list!

If you've only read John Carre 's early work then maybe worth trying his later work as it is quite different and makes a much sharper point. The Constant Gardener is a good starting point.

Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden stories starting with Storm Front might appeal, fairly light hearted urban fantasy with darker undertones, and a Thriller feel to them at times.

I don't like historical fiction so won't suggest any of those.

You could always tag your various favourites and then get recomendations (from your profile) based on the tag. I've found this to work surprisingly well.

I know it's a bit late now, but for future reference I'd definitely second the recommendation of the audiobook of The Book Thief. The reader is excellent!

To help you get started on "next month" (which is now this month) - have you read/listened to Erik Larson's other book Thunderstruck? It's every bit as good as The Devil in the White City.

April, you might want to look at Guy Kay. His best works are historical sorta-fantasies: The Lions of al-Rassan, Sailing to Sarantium, Lord of Emperors, and Tigana, which has a stronger fantasy element.