So far, 2009 has been an excellent reading year. I’ve discovered several new-to-me authors and splurged on their respective backlists.
Julia Spencer-Fleming writes the wonderful Clare Fergusson/Russ Van Alstyne mysteries. Set in the Adirondacks, the books centre around the forbidden love between Clare, an Episcopalian priest, and Russ, the married chief of police of Miller’s Kill. Each book features a self-contained mystery and some excellent secondary characters. The subtle nuances of characterization and attention to detail are what make these books so special.
Sarah Mayberry is a former script writer for the Australian TV soap, Neighbours. She writes spicy contemporary romances for Harlequin Blaze. After reading Anything for You (2006), I bought her entire backlist and have been enthusiastically working my way through them. (I’ll be posting a review of Anything for You tomorrow.)
Julie James is a new author who writes fresh contemporary romances with a legal setting. Her debut novel is Just the Sexiest Man Alive (2008). The second, Practice Makes Perfect, was reviewed here.
Karin Slaughter is the author of the acclaimed Grant County series, and also of a more recent series featuring Special Agent Will Trent.
Chelsea Cain writes unusual thrillers. I’ve reviewed both Heartsick and Sweetheart, and I plan to read the next book in the series, Evil at Heart.
Jennifer Ashley is not really a new-to-me author as I’ve read (and loved) the historical mystery series which she published under the penname Ashley Gardner. Nonetheless, The Madness of Lord Ian Mackenzie was the first of her historical romances which I’ve read. So far, it’s my favourite romance of 2009.
Which authors have you recently discovered?
{ 4 comments }
Will bookmark your site. Anyway, glad you’re enjoying JSF and Karin Slaughter. I loved JSF’s books as they almost always seem to address the important issues at the time and she’s had some very serious issues in her books and of course, there’s the forbidden attraction/love between a married cop and a Episcopal priest.
Love Chelsea Cain’s stuff, however, I do find the graphic nature of the crimes in her books OVER THE TOP almost to be comical.
Julie James and Sarah Mayberry – have not read, yet.
What romance authors do you read?
Thanks, Keishon! I appreciate it.
As for romance authors: I used to read historicals almost exclusively but became irritated at all the fluff being published. I still like Loretta Chase, Connie Brockway & Laura Lee Guhrke. Shana Abé is another strong author, as is Elizabeth Hoyt. Meredith Duran’s ‘Duke of Shadows’ was a promising debut and I’m looking forward to her next novel.
I like most of Susan Elizabeth Phillips’s books, especially her older contemporaries. Kristan Higgins is good. Victoria Dahl’s ‘Talk Me Down’ was a fun read. Erin McCarthy’s NASCAR series, even though I hate car racing. Also Jennifer Crusie & Anne Stuart.
I don’t read much romantic suspense but Karen Rose is really good, particularly her Vartanian trilogy. I liked Suzanne Brockmann back in the day but I haven’t read her in years.
I’m also a fan of J.R. Ward’s Black Dagger Brotherhood series, despite the inconsistent world building and the silly names.
I saw on your blog that you like Ariana Franklin. If you like her books, you’d probably enjoy C.J. Sansom’s Matthew Shardlake series, set in Tudor England. An excellent historical mystery series.
C.J. Sansom’s Matthew Shardlake series, set in Tudor England. An excellent historical mystery series.//
I will get on that, thank you ma’am!
You’re welcome!