Authors you want to shout about

Nicci French, also writes under the name Nicci Gerrard. I really like her books. Some are written with her husband ( hence ' French ' ). Some are psychological thrillers, but all good stories.

Glad to see my favourites being praised - Kate Atkinson, Elizabeth Stroutt, Ian Rankin, Donna Tartt and the incomparable Anne Tyler. I also think Hilary Mantel is very talented, but you have to like writing that is quite dark (and darkly funny at times.)

I liked The Dutch House by Anne Patchett. I haven't read anything else by her, so I thought I might try The Magician's Assistant next. I would like to recommend Barbara Pym. Her work is dated now but it's sharp, perceptive and beautifully written.

My DD recommends Longbourn (can't remember the author). Pride and Prejudice from the servants' point of view. Lizzie might not have been so unconcerned about her muddy hem if she had to scrub it clean... So that's on my reading list too.

That’s the Dr Dan series she’s now written 3 - I was also shocked to hear she had to self publish - she’s such a fabulous writer. I loved the Dr Dan books - albeit different from her usual.

Sara 1954 I agree with you about Sue Gee such a good author.

Oh I loved that too. The only one of his I didn’t like was Macbeth which I really disliked.
I’m reading ‘the secret life of bees’ by Sue Monk Kidd and listening to ‘Away with the penguins ‘ byHazel Prior both of which are hugely entertaining.
What would I do without my books!!

If you want something to make you laugh out loud go for Bill Bryson - Notes from a small island and it's sequel The Road to Little Dribbling. Perfect lockdown reading.

Sarah1954 seems we have very similar tastes in reading matter. Picoult has written some poor books as well as some good ones. I have just read the one about restorative justice by Susan Lewis, it left me feeling preached at and the story was just a hook to hang her latest fad on.
I do think some authors have successful books then write pot boilers to bring in the money. James Patterson and co authors spring to mind.
C J Sansom is not in the above category, his Shardlake series was brilliant. I'm not sure if he is still with us as I understand sadly he had a terminal illness.

Thank you NellG, I have ordered three books ? I like Sarah Walters and Kate Furnival

This is NOT a book to read for light entertainment - but if you want something moving and ultimately uplifting, I would recommend Nula Suchet's story of her life with her late and much loved husband, film-maker James Black, who contracted dementia at a relatively early age. The title is 'The Longest Farewell'. Published by serenbooks.com - and one of the best things I have read over the past year.

Suzanne Berne is excellent. I really disliked Elena Ferrante, thought her stuff like a cross between Eastenders & The Only Way is Essex, but forced myself through “My Brilliant Friend” as it had been chosen by my book group. The author hooked me by her take on sexual politics & social injustice so I bought more in the Neapolitan series.

Thats a brilliant book by Lisa jewell it got me into her books brilliant xxx

Jaxie
I felt the same about My Brilliant Friend, but it was televised with sub titles, and I quite enjoyed that,

Bluecat
Another Barbara Pym fan here, I’d love to be a character in one of her novels.

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Read STar of the Sea years ago and loved it. But you do have to be interested in the subject.

I'm drawn back to this thread again! Thanks Nell G for starting it. Many posts I agree with.

I'm also a fan of Lisa Jewell's books, she may have had a reputation as a chick lit writer, but her books aren't that lightweight imo. I also think some of psychological stuff is reminiscent of Ruth Rendell/Barbara Vine who was one of the best in that particular genre, and a much missed author for me. She wrote the occasional dud, but don't they all.

I see some less than enthusiastic posts about Susan Lewis, I'm reading her latest, "Forgive Me" having never read any of books by her before, 100 pages in I'd say it's ok, but not reeling me in so much so that I can't put it down. Certainly not as good as Louise Candlish crime novels who has become a favourite of mine lately.

Bluecat take up your daughter's recommendation, "Longbourn" is really good.

Sarah 1954, I meant to mention this up thread, Margaret Forster, I read all her stuff too, she wrote so well, another literary loss. As well as her fiction she also wrote a very good biography on Daphne Du Maurier.

rowyn, so agree with you about Richard Osman's book massively over hyped imo, can't help thinking if Joe Bloggs had written it, it would have sunk without a trace. I didn't buy it either, a Christmas present, it will be going straight to a charity shop as soon as they open up again.

Annma and Romola - My husband is mad about the Mick Herron books keeps telling me to give them a go. I read recently Slow Horses is being filmed with Gary Oldman and Kristen Scott-Thomas so that may be of interest to you.

Always mean to read some more Ann Tyler , read Ladder of the Years quite a while ago, and Clock Dance more recently which I really enjoyed.

Nightsky2
I totally agree that many people will have enjoyed Richard Osman's book, just as many will not have enjoyed some of the books recommended by others. In no way did I suggest that he had not written his book.
I did however, suggest that some celebrities may not have done so.
As for the quality of his writing, I accept that other people may disagree, but stand by my opinion.
And if I have somehow annoyed you by sharing my opinion, then I apologise, but thought that was the whole point of these forums.

Fannie Flagg, Fannie Flagg, Fannie Flagg - she is so good

Ian McEwan, Ian Rankin Ian Banks. Alexander McCall Smith, Val.McDermott. all authors I read and love.

Anne Cleeves, particularly her Shetland series, the books are far better than the TV series.

For pure nostalgia and comfort reading - Flora Thomson, Lark Rise to Candleford and Still Glides the Stream.

Patricia Scanlan, a best selling author from Dublin.

I agree with so many of these recommendations. A book I have just finished and is one of the best I have ever read is Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Beautifully written, it will stay with me for a long time.

Anything by Lionel Shriver - her writing is so sharp and her observations spot on. Try We need to Talk about Kevin or Post Birthday World.
Also try Liz Nugent a Dublin author who writes about horribly flawed people in such an entertaining way - try Skin Deep or Unraveling Oliver

I love Mrs Gaskell's books
And Lee Child's
And Jo Nesbo.

For those who like Ian Rankin, Val McDermid, etc, I can also heartily recommend Stuart MacBride and James Oswald.

This is so good!
Fannie Flagg, yes love her

I might have missed them, apologies if I have, but I have to mention two of my all time favourites Philip Roth, and John Updike, the Rabbit boos are a masterpiece in my opinion.