I’m looking for recommendations on an exciting, fast-paced, can’t-put-it-down page-turner - something that requires little to no critical thought. Genres I’d be interested in would include general thriller/mystery, scifi/fantasy, maybe historical fiction. Thoughts?
When I need books that fit that description I have a few series I pull out. Not at all literary fiction, but here are two sci-fi series I have enjoyed as “popcorn reads” (easy to gobble up, but don’t leave you feeling heavy
): Lady Astronaut series (Mary Robinette Kowal —— loved this series) and Murderbot series (Martha Wells). For longer sci-fi opera, I like the Expanse series (James S A Corey); however, I think you have read that series, haven’t you? Another “cozy” quiet sci-fi read but unique in its story is Becky Chambers’s Monk and Robot series. Both books in the series are quite short.
I just read the third book in Tess Gerritsen’s Martini club series. It is a fast-paced entertaining spy thriller series. Again, not excellent literature but can be engaging.
Two short novels that will not tax a brain but can be checked off the 1000 book list: An Uncommon Reader (Alan Bennett) and Goodbye Mr. Chips (James Hilton).
An all-time favorite historic mystery series is Will Thomas’ Barker and Llewelyn series. I wouldn’t say it is fast-paced but it is thoughtful and hard to put down.
A side note - like most series, those above get better as one reads further into the series and gets invested in the characters.
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Something in the Water by Catherine Steadman (2019). Very much a page turner, exciting and fun and yes of course, some twists!
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I second the Martini Club series by Gerritsen, as well as “Killers of a Certain Age” by Deanna Raybourn. They move fast. Earlier this year I binge-read–something I rarely do–the Electra McDonnell mystery series by Ashley Weaver (set in WW II England) but I love that time period and sped through them in no time. David Baldacci’s Amos Decker series has a bit more meat to them but my all-time favorite go-to is the Andy Carpenter series by David Rosenfelt. They are fast-paced, snarky dialogue, and have lots of dog references but best of all, no dogs die in any of the books so I don’t have to worry about that.
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The latest Anthony Horowitz has just started on PBS Masterpiece. Those are great fun reads and don’t need to be read in order.
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I know Historical Fiction was not on your priority list, but I just read The Pirate Queen by Ariel Lawton. It was a page turner for me. It is a big book, but very interesting. I love reading Historical Fiction about real people. I submitted a review but it is probably not posted yet.
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When I need a story like your request I search out the newest of two authors. John Sanford’s books are mystery/crime solving stories mostly set in the Midwest with common elements and revisited characters who do age! I’m currently reading GOD’S COUNTRY by William Kent Krueger who also brings his readers up to date on a main character. His books have a strong Native American spirituality. I find the setting near the Boundary Waters in Minnesota calming even though murderous crimes are committed.
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I live in New Mexico (NOT New America), and I often re-read Tony Hillerman books. They’re always good and fast reads.
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And the tv series of those is very good also. Are you watching Dark Winds with the awesome Zahn McLarnon?
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Yes! And each season has gotten better and better.
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My husband loves the Dark Winds series, too.
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Second Rosenfelt and Weaver as fast reads. Rosenfelt is predictable but I like the snark and happy dogs! Also, enjoy Raybourn but like her Veronica Speedwell series even more than Killers.
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I can’t wait to read Pirate Queen! It showed up on my Audible shelf today. Yay.
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An Uncommon Reader (Alan Bennett) , is one of my all time favorite books.
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Uncommon Reader was definitely a very good read! I loved it, too.
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I love Dark Winds. I’ve only read the first book in Tony Hillerman’s series. I remember his books being all the rage when they first came out, but now the print versions are hard to find. I need to check at a used bookstore.
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I don’t think the books are particularly well written but I love the show.
Agree, but it was a good diversion from intentional reading. I do like that they brought attention to an area and a people that had been shoved aside.
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