Crime books

The Barbara Nadel crime novels, set in Turkey, are a good read, especially if you've visited the country. Cetin Ikmen, the detective, is a bit of a Colombo character. Also enjoy the Donna Leon books which are set in Venice.

I am finding some french authors translated to English are good.
Michel Bussi, After the Crash
Bernard Minier, The Frozen Dead
Fred Vargas - loads of them
Also
Martin Walker, Bruno Chief of Police series, set in Dordogne
Rachel Abbott

I picked up a Robert Galbraith book from a charity shop, and found out that it is a pseudonym of JK Rowling. It's started out to be quite promising, but so far I've only read three chapters.

Just found out that one of the authors I mentioned, Anne Coates, has a kindle book on Amazon for free this weekend.: 'Silent Judgement'.

The Cameron Strike books by Robert Galbraith (JK Rowling)are due to be shown as a series of 7 starting in August on the BBC. (I cannot remember the name of the actor playing Strike but that doesn't mean much).

Alima , thanks for that, I'll look out for it, if I remember

For 'gentler' crime novels I can thoroughly reccommend the Simon Serailler novels by Susan Hill.

Chewbacca yes I've read all the Inkmen books, love them all, it gives you a picture of day to day life in Turkey for ordinary people as well as a glimpse of Istanbul. I love all the different characters too. If only the books were to be televised or made inro films - they'd beat the Inspector Linley and Vera series. Who would play the handsome Suleymsn?

Love the Montalbano books (Andrea Camilleri) and those by Donna Leon, set in Sicily and Venice.

Ooh! starbird that's a good idea! What a beautiful film the Barbara Nadel books could create, such gorgeous scenery in Turkey. Well, for Suleymann, how about Dev Patel? Looks good and can act!

Dev Patel might do, though maybe a bit young, I'm thinking midfle aged, with a history, descended from an Ottoman Prince, used to money, swoon inducingly handsome .....

Not any of these about!

How about Art Malik?

Ooh yes, Arthur Malins is a good suggestion. Tall, dark, handsome and suave! Like it. Now, who for Ikmen?

Arthur Malins? Who the heck is he? Art Malik for goodness sake!

Robson Green might do for Ikmen.

Art Malik 20 yrs ago would have been great (or Omar Sharif even longer ago!)

Robson Green would make a good Ikmen

He would starbird , agreed! Would be great if they'd make the film! The Donna Leon books, set in Venice would be great too, don't you think?

I have yet to read Donna Leon but have added them to my list.

Not much chance of filming Ikmen because he is sometimes political and the new President, Erdogan, is very sensitive. There was a very fascinating recent two part programme on Turkey by Simon Reeve, and it seems that tv prograzmmes are under scrutiny to make sure they are not subversive. Ikmen would not stand a chance! I can't wait for the next book.....

Also enjoying Arnaldur Indridason (Iceland)

At the moment reading 'Snowblind' by Ragnar Jonasson. Dark Iceland series I think. Lovely snowy, cold landscape to cool me down! I wish!

I see I started this thread last January and since then I've taken up many suggestions, too many to thank people individually. Found some great authors, worked my way through all their books and then had that feeling we all get when you've finished their latest book and there are no more to read in that series.

Just about to read my first in the Inspector Gamache mysteries. Hoping this will be one of those mentioned above.

Great suggestions so far. Thank you ??

I love anything by Peter May. The Enzo Macleod books are set in France and there is another series set in China. He is a good writer, with a real sense of place.

I have just read, (for free on kindle unlimited) 6 books by Peter Grainger featuring Ds Smith. I enjoyed the stories and particularly the writing. I have no idea how accurate they are in following police procedure.
I know of course I didn't read them for free as kindle unlimited costs £7.99 a month but I certainly get my money's worth.

So glad you are starting on Louise Penny's books Anya. Do read them in order as she cleverly develops Inspector Gamache and all the characters in Three Pines. Just reading the latest -Glass Houses- and they get better and better. I am drinking a huge cup of coffee from my Gamache mug a Canadian friend gave me, so you and see I am a immersed in the series. I started again from the first book last month as I rather rush the books for the story, but now appreciate the detailed descriptions.. enjoy them Anya and anyone else giving them a try!

Yes to Inspector Gamache. I have just finished Glass Houses and found it just as intriguing as all its predecessors. And there just has to be a sequel!
Another writer I 'discovered' this summer is Martin Walker who used to be the Guardian correspondent in Washington but now lives in France and writes books featuring the local [police chief, Bruno and a cast of colourful characters. The first book is Death in the Dordogne. You get a real feel for the small French town and its pursuits from these books.