a wolf angel is not a good angel

All of these are favourite *authors* more than books, though I’ve tried to choose my favourite of their books.

A Dark-Adapted Eye: Barbara Vine
I’m never sure which of her books I best like. They’re always a bit creepier than her Rendell books.

A Darker Place: Laurie R. King
A standalone from her two series (one a Sherlock Holmes story — I had to stop after about 3,a little bored of them, but I loved the first 2; the otherabout a lesbian detective in San Fransisco(currently on hiatus).She also has 2related books, Folly and something else; I don’t believe these are being expanded into a further series, but arevery good.This book (also the Sherlock Holmes/Mary Russell series) showcases her background in religion.

A Place of Execution: Val McDermid
Almost two novels at once. There’s not much I can say that doesn’t risk giving things away, but this deserves to be read by any fan of small-town murder in England stories.

A Sight for Sore Eyes: Ruth Rendell
One of her standalones (other than the Mallory series, I tend not to prefer series, in part because of the ‘never sure if they’ll be finished’ issue).

Mallory’s Oracle: Carol O’Connell
The first book in her altogether wonderful Mallory series. Read them in order, especially the first four. The new one is due in November, and I’ve heard suggestions it will may involve a character from her standalone, Judas Child (excellent and worth a read in itself). This is probably my favourite series going.

The Scold’s Bridle: Minette Walters
Although I think I was more scared by The Sculptress (the last paragraph, specifically, can still make me shiver), this is a better book. Her books are populated with odd characters, though they’re often somewhat off-balanced, as one characteristic is focussed on. This book capitalises on her characterisation, and brings in Shakespeare.

The Songcatcher: Sharyn McCrumb
This is the book where I first found out how people in Appalachia prefer having it pronounced. She has two series going, the one set in Appalachia and the other about an anthropologist (Elizabeth MacPherson). I’ve found no particular need to read them in order; they’re more recurring characters than anything else (the Elizabeth MacPherson books are more important to read in order, but not much). Don’t miss her sci-fi books: Bimbos of the Death Sun and Zombies of the Gene Pool. (Seriously.)

I do not know why I prefer female authors (all 6, since I’ll only count Rendell/Vine once), but I know I do. I tend to prefer British (3/6), also. I almost put Charles Mathes, but decided not to, for some reason I’m not sure about. His books are light and silly and rather fun; I look for them, but I don’t call them favourites.

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