Sunday, January 16, 2011

Whodunit?

I like action or mystery or detective novels in which the place is as much a character as the protagonist.

Dennis Lehane's and Robert Parker's gritty Boston (hi, Clueless) shares the stage with Patrick Kenzie and Spenser.  Commissioner Guido Brunetti prowls the backways of Donna Leon's Venice.  Mitch Rapp and Doc Ford travel the world tracking down bad guys, but they are anchored in Vince Flynn's Washington and Randy Wayne White's Sanibel Island.

And could Myron Bolitar from Harlan Coben's novels live anywhere other than New Jersey?  Or could Archer Mayor set his Detective Joe Gunther anywhere other than in Brattleboro, Vermont (hi, Brattcat)?

There is no detective series set in Hartford.  I need to start writing.

15 comments:

Regina K said...

I enjoy popular fiction, most are based on a who done it but there are many that are not. Great photo!

Michelle said...

Nice pic. I also enjoy popular fiction.

SRQ said...

Yes...start writing! There's nothing like a Carl Hiassen novel. Nothing! I love, love, love his writing. A few writers have used Sarasota as their setting, most notably Stuart Kaminisky. It's always fun to read about places right down the street.

Kate said...

Donna Leon is one of my favorites! You really must start reading anything written by Daniel Silva, but start at the beginning! Vince Flynn is a very personable man from St. Paul. I suppose that should read some more Minnesota authors, too. And, you should start writing!!

Youth_in_Asia said...

Get to work...

I love those books as well. I've never read Parker or Coben, though. I'm a big fan of the historical thrillers too. Anything where the location is vivid and important.

VP said...

I like the genre and you gave me a few good ideas!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Jack, I think you could be the one! Be sure to include Mobile on your signing tour... we love mysteries here!

Genie

Stefan Jansson said...

One or two good book here. I am reading the latest Paul Auster novel at the moment.

Sharon said...

You've reminded me, I have three books sitting on the dresser waiting to be read. I better get busy.

cieldequimper said...

I love crime fiction but am not familiar enough with the USA! I do however love Ian Rankin. Yeah, that's in Scotland, I know.

RedPat said...

I agree totally - I first discovered Carl Hiaasen while in Florida and devoured several of them while there and it was perfect!

Lowell said...

It is too bad Parker passed away. I think I've read everything he published; some more than once. I like White, too and Hiaasen.

So, let me know when your first book is published?

And what is this "investing"? Is that when you're sworn into office or something?

Played golf today...cool to start with then bright sun and high 60s...fantastic.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

Another Donna Leon fan here. There's also a series set in Rome with Det. Nick Costa. Can never remember the author's name. Drat.

Randy said...

I love mystery novels but mostly those that take place in the Southwest. Nice photo.

Birdman said...

Colorful design.