I've read all of the Inspector Gamache books and finally decided to break up with them. I find her writing style intensely annoying (who even thinks like that?) and the stories have become formulaic. That said, it took - what? 16? 17? books to finally kick the addiction.
My favorite is Colleen McCullough’s Masters of Rome series. Seven books, historical novels, covering Rome and famous Romans from 110 BC to 27 BC. Think Sulla, Caesar, Augustus, Anthony, Cleopatra (ok she was Egyptian), and their friends and relations. Wars, love, sex, intrigue, politics, murders, battles, it’s got it all. McCullough is a great writer and historian.
What a great idea to share series. I met Louise Penny before her first book was published and I have always been happy for her success, even though I couldn’t get past book 3. I intende to give the series another try. Currently trying to decide whether or not to finish the last Beartown book. They’re weirdly hard to get through, but so amazing in retrospect.
I've read all of the Inspector Gamache books and finally decided to break up with them. I find her writing style intensely annoying (who even thinks like that?) and the stories have become formulaic. That said, it took - what? 16? 17? books to finally kick the addiction.
That happened to me as well. The books got to be a little too cloyingly sweet. There are better writers out there.
That's 20! books to break the addiction!
So interesting. I do think the stories are becoming a bit formulaic — I still love them. But not for everyone :)
I would add William Kent Krueger’s Cork O’Connor series.
Definitely William Kent Krueger
Those are on my radar but I’ve never tried them. Sounds like I need to start them so eventually I can make a part two of this post :)
My favorite is Colleen McCullough’s Masters of Rome series. Seven books, historical novels, covering Rome and famous Romans from 110 BC to 27 BC. Think Sulla, Caesar, Augustus, Anthony, Cleopatra (ok she was Egyptian), and their friends and relations. Wars, love, sex, intrigue, politics, murders, battles, it’s got it all. McCullough is a great writer and historian.
I’ve never heard of this one! I’ll have to check it out.
Ken Follett series starting with Pillars of the Earth.
I read the first book YEARS ago!
Dave Robicheaux series by James Lee Burke. Rivers of London by Ben Aaronvitch. Slow horses by Mick herron. Sean Duffy series by Adrian McKinty.
Thanks for the recommendation!
I am so happy you included the Inspector Gamache books. I think series is fantastic.
I continued to be surprised at how many people have never heard of it!
The cemetery of forgotten books series by Carlos Ruiz Zafon!
I humbly submit Susan Howatch The Starbridge Series!
Another one I’m not familiar with. I’m going to have to make a post of all the ones people have recommended!
I loved the first 10 books of Winston Graham’s Poldark series. The last 2 books were baaad. Seems like they were written by a different author.
I didn’t expect this post to introduce me to series I’d never heard of. I’m looking into this one!
Daniel Silva’s Gabriel Alon series. It does need to be read in order
I’ll have to check it out!
I’d put Zelazny’s Amber Chronicles high on the list.
George R. R. Martin was a big fan. When HBO was looking for the “next Game of Thrones” he wondered why they didn’t go to Zelazny’s Amber.
Interesting! That makes me even more curious.
I’ve never even heard of it - looking it up!
What a great idea to share series. I met Louise Penny before her first book was published and I have always been happy for her success, even though I couldn’t get past book 3. I intende to give the series another try. Currently trying to decide whether or not to finish the last Beartown book. They’re weirdly hard to get through, but so amazing in retrospect.
They are hard to get through! Definitely not for everyone.
I would put Patrick O’Brian’s Aubrey/Maturin series in this list.
That is a series I’ve never read, although I’ve heard of it. I’ll have to give it a try!
Rangers Apprentice mentioned!! My favourite of all time 🫶🫶