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Hello everyone!

I'm Deanna from Tacoma, Washington. I have been in the mood to read mysteries. I have read all of the Joanna Brady and Ali Reynolds series by JA Jance. Also, am working on the Lincoln Lawyer series by Michael Connelly.

I'm getting close to reading them all, and need a new series to start on. I would appreciate any suggestions that you have!

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

Deanna

Maybe Margaret Maron's Judge Deborah Knott series, starting with Bootlegger's Daughter or for a lot of books Karin Slaughter has three series following each other using connecting characters, Grant County (Blindsighted), Will Trent (Triptych) and Georgia (Undone). I enjoy both of these series .... up to date with each and waiting for the next :)
Or maybe the Jack Daniels series by JA Konrath, start with Whiskey Sour

Deanna...with the zillions of series, you'd think this is an easy question. Provide a bit more information on the type of mystery that grabs you and we might be able to help you better.

I'll suggest Margaret Coel's mysteries starting with The Eagle Catcher, featuring the Arapahos on the Wind River Reservation. Continuting characters, Father John O'Malley and Attorney Vicki Holden can keep you reading through 15 adventures.

I'm also a big fan of Nevada Barr's Anna Pigeon series set in National Parks. The character is a park ranger and I like the settings.

Everyone I know who has read the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny loves - them - great characters, great stories.

I have read Stuart Wood's Stone Barrington and love every one. Lee Child's Jack Reacher is a really good series.

Thanks for the suggestions! I ordered today, and will start reading it soon. Also, I am going to pick up tomorrow from the library.

Although, with the new fall tv shows that have come out, I hope I will have enough time for reading. I really enjoyed Unforgotten and Person of Interest so far of the new tv shows.

Here's a couple of websites with lots of information about mystery series. The first is the list of finalist and winners for last year and past years of various categories of the Agatha Award, named for Agatha Christie and given out at the Malice Domestic conference. You can't go wrong with any of these authors! The second classifies mystery series by various categories of interest. Enjoy!

Two series that I have folowed for years are:

V. I. Warshawski written by Sara Paretsky (see my review of Blacklist for one example)

Kate Shugak Mysteries by Dana Stabenow--Well written with a unique--o me at least--setting in Alaska. See my review of A fine and Bitter Snow for one example.

Were you ever a Realtor? The reason I'm asking is because I was on Author Chat last Saturday and the first thing the moderator Lynda Brown said was that she liked my books because she, and so many people she knew had been a Realtor. It seems like many people have at some time in their life. If so, try me or Kathleen Delaney.

I second the Sara Paretsky series. Powerful character in Warshawski.

Deanna wrote: "Hello everyone!

I'm Deanna from Tacoma, Washington. I have been in the mood to read mysteries. I have read all of the Joanna Brady and Ali Reynolds series by JA Jance. Also, am working on the..."

Hi Deanna,
I'm usually not this self-serving, but since you asked, might I suggest you try Murder in the Pinelands, the first in my INSIDE STORY series. It's based (in small part) on a suicide (murder?) I covered many years ago as a young crime reporter.

The second will be out before Christmas and it's entitled: Dead Storage.

Here's a summary of Murder in the Pinelands: A New Jersey police sergeant is haunted by a nightmare that a local sailor¡¯s long-ago suicide was really a murder, but local officials won¡¯t listen. In desperation he seeks help from INSIDE STORY, a law enforcement magazine that specializes in investigative reporting. The seasoned investigators are blocked at every turn. But finally the local wall of silence begins to crack, revealing much more than the crime fighting reporters expected.

Hope you decide to read and enjoy it. Thanks for considering.

Hi, All -
I'm a new member but a mystery reader forever. I've just retired as a practicing clinical psychologist and think of mysteries as similar to many patients: stories, and conundrums waiting to be unraveled.

I've just discovered Louise Penny's Three Pines Series, with Chief Inspector Gamache. These take place in a small village in Quebec. Gamache is close to Donna Leon's Insp. Brunetti (and for the older readers around, Georges Simenon's Maigret) in being a complex, thoughtful, compassionate human being. Wonderful reads!!
I've just started the 3rd of the series. I recommend reading them in order. Has anyone else fallen in love with these books?

Sandra wrote: "Everyone I know who has read the Inspector Gamache series by Louise Penny loves - them - great characters, great stories."

Hi, Sandra -
I've just found the Gamache series (I'm starting the 3rd in the series) and you're right - they're wonderful.

Deanna, I'm going to suggest the Maisie Dobbs series.

It's a stand-alone, but you might also like The Alienist.

Skip wrote: "Hi, All -
I'm a new member but a mystery reader forever. I've just retired as a practicing clinical psychologist and think of mysteries as similar to many patients: stories, and conundrums waiting..."

I've read every book in this series and loved every one. I guess I'll have to check out Donna Leon's Brunetti if he is anything like Inspector Gamache. I am so in love with him. I also love the way he adores his wife; so refreshing to see.

Hi, Linda -
Yes, Brunetti also has a good relationship with his wife - and she is a bit of a stronger character. (Not better - just stronger) Isn't it a pleasure to see a positive relationship!!!

Skip wrote: "Hi, All -
I'm a new member but a mystery reader forever. I've just retired as a practicing clinical psychologist and think of mysteries as similar to many patients: stories, and conundrums waiting..."

Have you read the Stephen White series? The main character, Alan Gregory, is a clinical psychologist. I think there are about 18 in the series, the first being Privileged Information. They do refer back to things, so best if read in order.

Try my Sticks Hetrick mystery series. Hetrick is the retired police chief of a small, rural community in Pennsylvania who is called back to duty as consultant to his less experienced successor.
Sticks is assisted by his proteges, rookie officer Flora Vastine and Cpl. Harry Minnich.
There are currently four books in the series and a fifth to be published in 2012. They are available in print and electronic formats:

Dia wrote: "Skip wrote: "Hi, All -
I'm a new member but a mystery reader forever. I've just retired as a practicing clinical psychologist and think of mysteries as similar to many patients: stories, and conun..."

Thanks, Dia -
I'd listened to a Steven White a few yrs ago (audio books) and liked it - but his name just fell out of my head. Duh!! Thanks for the reminder.

Kyle wrote: "Dia wrote: "Skip wrote: "Hi, All -
I'm a new member but a mystery reader forever. I've just retired as a practicing clinical psychologist and think of mysteries as similar to many patients: storie..."

Thanks, Kyle. I "owe" you and Dia - and love knowing there's a series out there just waiting for me. Ha!

I have often wondered about Stephen White - maybe I will pick up an audio version and check him out. I guess I should start with the series - suggestions anyone???

Great! Thanks Kyle.....

When I 'discovered' Jack Reacher by Lee Child a few years ago I was thrilled but had to take a break after the first 5. The best detective out there now is Harry Hole in a series by Jo Nesbo. Sorry, but I forget what one come first.

I've heard that Wicked Autumn by G.M Maillet, might be a good next for Louise Penny fans. A forme M15 agent, Max Tudor becomes an Angelican priest in a small village. Got a starred review from Booklist.

I love the Julia Spencer-Fleming series featuring Clare Ferguson, an Episcopal priest in Millers Kill, New York. Lots of great characters and tension with the married police chief.

C. J. Box - Joe Pickett series starting with "Open Season" you'll love them.

kk

Wow, there are some great suggestions here. I'm a fan of Margaret Coel's books, Louise Penny and John Lindermuth's Hetricks series.

If you like "vintage" detectives, check out Axel Brand's mysteries set in post-WWII Milwaukee. A new one, The Saboteur, just came out this week.

Harry Bosch series by Michael Connelly The Black Echo
Lucas Davenport series by John Sandford Rules of Prey
J.P. Beaumont series by J.A. Jance Until Proven Guilty

My new book, Bluewater Killer, is listed in giveaways on Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ. It's the beginning book of a series, with Bluewater Vengeance to follow early next year.

I agree with Kae that there are a lot of great series suggestions here. I, too am a fan of books by Margaret Coel, Louise Penny ad CJ Box. I'd also include William Kent Krueger and Dana Stabenow in my list of favorites, and I hope folks will consider my two series, too.

wendy wrote: "When I 'discovered' Jack Reacher by Lee Child a few years ago I was thrilled but had to take a break after the first 5. The best detective out there now is Harry Hole in a series by Jo Nesbo. Sorry..."

I really like Reacher as well. Another one similar and just as good is Stuart Wood's Stone Barrington.

One of my favorite series is the Kathleen Mallory Series by Carol O'Connell. The first in the series is:

Lawrence Block's Matt Scudder series
James Lee Burke's Dave Robicheaux series
And of course, do not forget Robert B Parker's Spenser!

James Lee Burke is a favorite of mine. He's a well rounded writer who happens to do thrillers. I think his command of the craft sets him apart from the crowd in this genre.

Jennifer wrote: "Lawrence Block's Matt Scudder series
James Lee Burke's Dave Robicheaux series
And of course, do not forget Robert B Parker's Spenser!"

Jennifer/CLR:
I feel like I'm coming late the party, but on the recommendation of another author, giving James Lee Burke a try. What a master at creating atmosphere! I didn't think he would be to my taste, but he's persuasive.

Dinah wrote: "Jennifer wrote: "Lawrence Block's Matt Scudder series
James Lee Burke's Dave Robicheaux series
And of course, do not forget Robert B Parker's Spenser!"

Jennifer/CLR:
I feel like I'm coming late th..."

Yes re atmosphere and also re dialogue. tell me you don't KNOW Cletus Purcell just from how he talks!

I read a lot of different series - Lee Child's Jack Reacher, John Sandford's Prey novels, John Connolly's excellent Charlie Parker series, Harlan Coben's Myron Bolitar novels and Preston/Child with their Pendergast series. I would heartily recommend them all. I assume you're familiar with Lincoln Rhyme already?

George Pelicanos, Ken Bruen and Ian Rankin, this month's favorites

I just finished the fourth book in the Flavia de Luce mystery series and really loved all four novels. The fourth is a Christmas tale so it's quite appropriate for this time of year. The books are written by Alan Bradley.

Oh, is the new one out? I like that series.

Susanna wrote: "Oh, is the new one out? I like that series."

Yes it came out at the beginning of last month. It was the best one yet IMO.

Have you checked out John Lescroart's novels? They're set in San Francisco and feature lawyer Dismas Hardy and his friend Abe Glitsky, a detective. I met him at the Surrey Writers' Conference a few years ago and was totally amazed that he's not more well known - I rank him right up there with Michael Connelly and John Grisham.

John Lescroart

>Deanna wrote: "Hello everyone!

I'm Deanna from Tacoma, Washington. I have been in the mood to read mysteries. I have read all of the Joanna Brady and Ali Reynolds series by JA Jance. Also, am working on the..."

R. E......Yes! I second John Lescroart! His novels are great and he SHOULD be better known.

I have talked about John Lescroat to many people and everyone enjoys his books so much. I think the stories are wonderful and the characters are very wwell done.

I put him on my TBR Yvonne.

Some less-well-known crime-fiction authors to consider: Laurence Shames, Pete Hautman, Bill Fitzhugh, Jess Walter, Bill Crider, Harry Hunsicker. Would it be tacky to recommend my own series, published by St. Martin's Minotaur? It would? Okay, I'll refrain.

Thanks Ben, I will try some of these. Perhaps the one not mentioned.

Try "Blind Traveler's Blues"

Happy Chinese New Year!!!
Jan 23 is the Lunar New Year, a Dragon Year!! and I send to all Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ fans of The Handover Mysteries a wish for 2012:
¼ª‘cÓÐðNJiqing youyu - "May your happiness be without limit! And thanks for voting The Handovers in the top ten mystery/suspense/thrillers of 2011.

D.L. Kung The Wardens of Punyu

I enjoy Louise Penny's series. Okay, and I love Janet Evenovitch's series. That's why I wrote my series. The first book is free for Kindle today if you'd like to check it out.

Stephanie Plum is great. I don't much care for her Barney novels but Lula keeps me rolling.