[BigBadGravity]

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2. Literature
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4. Computer books
5. Biographies

[Gary Wassner]

Fluffy bunny: If you are interested in historical fiction, Clavell is fantastic. Shogun was one of my all time favorites. It is also a series, so there is more to follow if you love it; Noble House etc.
The first one was the best, though.
If you are looking for a brilliant period piece, read Isherwood's The Berlin Stories; very avant garde, prescient, decadent.

[Legolas]

Originally posted by Cadfael


No Problem...

Michael Jecks is the author of The West Country Mysteries. The are based in 14th century Devon, and feature Sir Baldwin Furnshill, the Keeper Of The King's Peace... and Simon Puttock, Bailiff of Lydford Castle. There are 12 books so far, but I will just give you a few to get you started... in publication order

1. The Last Templar
2. The Merchant's Partner
3. A Moorland Hanging
4. The Crediton Killings

Candace Robb... she is the author of The Owen Archer Mysteries based intially in 14th century York. Archer is the former Captain of the King's Archers..

1. The Apothecary Rose
2. The Lady Chapel
3. The Nuns Tale

The historical research is very accurate in both series... and they do give a good insight into everyday life of the common people... not just the movers and the shakers. It is also intresting to see how the crimes are solved without the aid of forensics and fingerprints.. and all the other modern approaches.


Thanks Cadfael. I guess my reading pile will get bigger.

[Mears]

I enjoy the work of Jecks, Robb and Doherty. This sort of well researched, well written historical novel is worth the read. I've read all the Cadfael novels by Peters as well. There is another series about a couple of Norman nobels who travel the country validating the Domesday book, they run into various mysteries as they go - titles like The Elephants of Norwich, Edward Marston is the author.

I also enjoyed Christian Jacques (An Egpytologist ?) "Rameses" and "The Stone of Light" series. Written in French and translated to English.

I read historical mystery, Non-fiction, Classics - Someone mentioned the Count of Monte Christo - I thought this was a great book, it gets really abused in transfer to TV or film though. I will generally try anything that comes with a recommendation. I also read my kids curriculum books - so I know whats going on.

I thought Birdsong by Sebatian Faulkes was a bit dis-jointed, I did enjoy it though.

[Cadfael]

Originally posted by Mears
I enjoy the work of Jecks, Robb and Doherty. This sort of well researched, well written historical novel is worth the read. I've read all the Cadfael novels by Peters as well. There is another series about a couple of Norman nobels who travel the country validating the Domesday book, they run into various mysteries as they go - titles like The Elephants of Norwich, Edward Marston is the author.

I had forgotten Marston!!! I have only read one of his books though... 'The Lions of York' I think... it was in York and it had lions anyway!!! :D :D

[Mears]

Originally posted by Cadfael


I had forgotten Marston!!! I have only read one of his books though... 'The Lions of York' I think... it was in York and it had lions anyway!!! :D :D

Yes, these are good to pass an idle hour on the train. Doherty and Robb are my favorites at the moment. I think Owain Archer is a great character.

I have just remembered one set in the 17th century about a cavalier architect and a puritan constable. It was called the King's Evil - that was also Marston. Not bad either, the follow up was a bit weak though.

[Cadfael]

Doherty is excellent... I like his Athelstan series the best... a lot more closer to Cadfael.

It is also good for the stuff you pick up about history.. like the discoverer of a murder has to pay a finders fine, untill such time that the perp is found out... in fact the whole borough has to pay it. This led to murder not being reported.

[Sephronel]

This thread has considerable lengthened my "to read" list. I too enjoy historical fiction. Particularily James Mitchener.

My ultimate favourites are the classics.
Charles Dickens' "Our Mutual Friend" is my bible. As is, Pride and Prejudice, Crime and Punishment, The Lost World (the ORIGINAL lost world by Doyle), and anything by L.M. Montgomery.

Originally posted by Shehzad
London's The Call of the Wild and White Fang were both amazing books. Loved 'em.


Here, here. As is a lot of Canadian wilderness fiction. (Said by the girl who lives in the Canadian wilderness:p)
Have you guys read Farley Mowatt by any chance?