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Book recommendations

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Old 09-12-2006, 5:49 PM   #1
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Book recommendations

Looking to get a few books ordered for Xmas pressies.

Can anyone recommend anything - perhaps the odd classics or current thrillers, especially ones with great endings.

Or ones the missus might like.
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Old 09-12-2006, 6:33 PM   #2
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Re: Book recommendations

Shadow of the wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon- great ending, and just brilliant
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Old 09-12-2006, 6:38 PM   #3
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Re: Book recommendations

Most of the Tom Clancy thrillers are a really good read, note that the sequence of the books is different to the films. Red Storm Rising is kind of a standalone book and a damn good read if you are remotely interested in the hi-tech nature of modern warfare.

James Herbert has written a number of really good books, but I would really recommend Moon for a story that builds up to a nigh on unputdownable finish. Magic Cottage is more whimsicle and less horror, another very good read.

For great endings you really cant go wrong with the Darwin Awards books (sic), usually loads of good endings in those.

Well I wont be as cliche'd as mentioning the Da Vinci Code but by the same author is another book, Angels and Demons, which I personally found to be the best of the books Dan Brown has done.
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Old 09-12-2006, 6:42 PM   #4
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Re: Book recommendations

Gazzas autobioghraphy, its a scream.
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Old 09-12-2006, 6:45 PM   #5
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Re: Book recommendations

If you can stretch to crime thrillers in your quest for a really good read then look no further than the Lee Child series of Jack Reacher novels. I go through about a book a fortnight and in all my readings Lee Child stands head and shoulders above the rest. MY only advice in regard to the series is to make sure you read them in the correct chronological order to benefit from the character growing with each book.
Check his website at www.leechild.com
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Old 09-12-2006, 7:55 PM   #6
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Re: Book recommendations

John Grisham - The Innocent Man

Fairly typical John Grisham crime stuff EXCEPT a truely shocking true story - justice in the old USofA.
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Old 09-12-2006, 8:09 PM   #7
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Re: Book recommendations

Quote:
Originally Posted by huntere View Post
John Grisham - The Innocent Man

Fairly typical John Grisham crime stuff EXCEPT a truely shocking true story - justice in the old USofA.
Just finished that one myself and have to say that yes it is an amazing story on the whole but Grisham's writing style for the first two thirds of the book is somewhat tedious to say the least and I found it hard going. It wasn't until the last third of the book that I started to enjoy it. Most unlike the Grisham I usually enjoy having read his entire works. I have to say though his previous offering "The Broker" wasn't what I had hoped for either. Is Grisham loosing the plot I ask myself ?.
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Old 09-12-2006, 8:12 PM   #8
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Re: Book recommendations

Another fine author I would throw in, not to be missed are the works of Peter Robinson's Inspector Banks novels. A bit like Inspector Morse up t' north. A great read.
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Old 09-12-2006, 8:15 PM   #9
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Re: Book recommendations

Quote:
Originally Posted by Kahled View Post
Most of the Tom Clancy thrillers are a really good read, note that the sequence of the books is different to the films. Red Storm Rising is kind of a standalone book and a damn good read if you are remotely interested in the hi-tech nature of modern warfare.
I agree, Clancy's novels are excellent.

Just be careful not to go for the newer ones (with jack ryan's son) cos I have heard they're crap.

Red storm rising is incredible and really gives you some idea of what would have happened had the cold war kicked off.

Can also recommend angels and demons and the majority of books by dean koontz, particularly odd thomas and forever odd.

Andy Mcnab and Chris Ryan are also worth a look.
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Old 10-12-2006, 5:38 PM   #10
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Re: Book recommendations

Philip Kerr's 1993 thriller 'A Philosophical Investigation' - one of my favourite novels
(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Philosophical_Investigation)
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Old 10-12-2006, 5:57 PM   #11
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Re: Book recommendations

Quote:
Originally Posted by RMCF View Post
Looking to get a few books ordered for Xmas pressies.

Can anyone recommend anything - perhaps the odd classics or current thrillers, especially ones with great endings.

Or ones the missus might like.

Noticed today that WHSmith have a special offer box set of classic thrillers (Can't remember exact titles but sure they were the usual Grisham/Clancy etc..) for £9.99 Rec RRP was over £50
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Old 10-12-2006, 6:01 PM   #12
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Re: Book recommendations

Thanks for all the recommendations.

Have just placed the order - only one from those listed was 'Shadow of the Wind'. Don't think the missus would have been too fussed about the others!!
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Old 10-12-2006, 6:55 PM   #13
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Re: Book recommendations

Cecelia Ahern is a great Mrs book author. PS I love you, Where Rainbows End, and If you could see me now.... there is a new one out too but can't remember the name cos I have not read it yet. Just superb. Unless your Mrs is into thrillers and blokey books, you can't go wrong with Cecelia Ahern !!
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Old 10-12-2006, 7:04 PM   #14
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Re: Book recommendations

'Red Dragon' by Thomas Harris a real can't put down book.
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Old 10-12-2006, 7:14 PM   #15
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Re: Book recommendations

Michael Connelly novels, especially the Harry Bosch ones.
I also like the Lee Child books, but you do have to suspend your disbelief a little. More suitable to male readers I think.
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Old 10-12-2006, 9:09 PM   #16
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Re: Book recommendations

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve N View Post
Michael Connelly novels, especially the Harry Bosch ones.
Agreed! Read in order for best effects
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Old 10-12-2006, 10:49 PM   #17
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Re: Book recommendations

Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve N View Post
Michael Connelly novels, especially the Harry Bosch ones.
Most definitely from me also but not for the OP's Mrs it would seem.
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Old 10-12-2006, 10:57 PM   #18
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Cool Re: Book recommendations

The Blue Nowhere by Jeffery Deaver if you want a thriller


its about, well it it involves computers but if you have a very basic knowledge it a very good thriller with a few twist in it.
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Old 10-12-2006, 11:06 PM   #19
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Re: Book recommendations

Smoke screen by Robert Sabbag - I really enjoyed reading this recently A truly amazing (true)story!

Post Office by Charles Bukowski -A classic which I read ages ago and keep meaning to read again.
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Old 11-12-2006, 12:50 AM   #20
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Re: Book recommendations

Quote:
Originally Posted by Garrett View Post
The Blue Nowhere by Jeffery Deaver if you want a thriller


its about, well it it involves computers but if you have a very basic knowledge it a very good thriller with a few twist in it.
Fantastic book by imo,the best thriller writer around.The camel club by David baldaachi is also excellent.
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Old 11-12-2006, 8:30 AM   #21
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Re: Book recommendations

The Time Travellers Wife - Audrey Niffenegger(spelling!!)

There is time travel but it's not what you would call Sci-Fi. It's fundamentally a love story but don't let that put you off. It's one of the best books i've read in ages.

cheers

Jacob
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