topic Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS? in Book Club

FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

Tinkrbl44 — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 19:37:50 GMT

I love reading mystery series in order, to fully enjoy the character development or the protagonist, or central character.

I've really enjoyed Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone and Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum.

This past year, I've gotten to know John Sandford's Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flower. Also have really enjoyed David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter.

Yesterday I was browsing a book rack and saw a few of James Patterson's books .... and his guy Alex Cross. I thought .... hmm .... just who is Alex Cross? I have to google and wiki him to get an idea as to who this character is, since I really have no idea.

So, I ask all the book lovers here ..... of the mysteries you've read over the years, who are your favorite protagonists ... and why? I know you'll have some interesting recommendations ..... and TIA!

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

Oznell — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 19:53:01 GMT

You've already named one of mine, @Tinkrbl44-- Sue Grafton's wry, clever detective-protagonist, "Kinsey Milhone". Isn't she just the best?

I also love Dorothy Sayers' "Lord Peter Wimsey", and his wife, rebellious writer "Harriet Vane". Wonderful romantic and detective duo.

Finally, I really like P.D. James' detective, "Adam Dalgliesh". He's a Scotland Yard guy who's also a sensitive poet, very intuitive, whose enigmatic character grows and reveals more of itself over the course of her books...

Great idea for a thread!

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

GAQShopr53 — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 19:58:07 GMT

My favorite is Patricia Cornwell's Dr. Kay Scarpetta...her character is the Chief Medical Examiner for the Common Wealth of Virginia at Richmond. The series is based on a real medical examiner.

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

Janey2 — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 20:09:32 GMT

Frieda Klein. By Nicci French.

Alex Delaware by Jonathan Kellerman

Joe O’Loughlin by Michael Robotham

Jonthan Stride by Brian Freeman

Alex Delaware by Steve Hamilton

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

phoenixbrd — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 20:23:11 GMT

Rarely read fiction, but years ago I got hooked on James Patterson's Alex Cross. Consumed those books at light speed....lots of fun.

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

teganslaw — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 20:25:12 GMT

Virgil Flowers (by John Sandford)

Alex Cross (by James Patterson; his best books)

Also, in the spy genre, Gabriel Allon (by Daniel Silva.)

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

Carolm — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 20:36:49 GMT

Marcia Muller's - Sharon McCone detective series

Robert Parker's - Jesse Stone

David Baldacci's - Amos Decker series

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

joammi — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 20:44:26 GMT

Inspector Gamache - Louise Penny. Love, love, love!

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

Ruby Laine — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 23:02:13 GMT

Judge Dee mysteries by Robert van Gulik. They are based on a real magistrate in China, I think in the 700s. These aren’t a fast read, but I really enjoy them.

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

CinNC — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 23:36:45 GMT

Walt Longmire books written by Craig Johnson (saw the TV program once and it did not compare to the books!)

Body Farm Books by Jefferson Bass. Based on the body farm at the U of Tenn. Co-written by Jon jefferson and Dr. bill bass - Dr Bass was the founder of the body farm. The forensics are really accurate

And I've always liked theTemperance Brennan Book Series by Kathy Reichs.

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

BornToShop — Sat, 06 Oct 2018 23:38:31 GMT

Hands-down, Elaine Viets cozy mystery Dead End Jobs series is my pick. Helen Hawthorne is someone I relate to & the author seriously got it for me!

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

sassenach1 — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 02:05:06 GMT

@Tinkrbl44 wrote:

I love reading mystery series in order, to fully enjoy the character development or the protagonist, or central character.

I've really enjoyed Sue Grafton's Kinsey Milhone and Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum.

This past year, I've gotten to know John Sandford's Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flower. Also have really enjoyed David Rosenfelt's Andy Carpenter.

Yesterday I was browsing a book rack and saw a few of James Patterson's books .... and his guy Alex Cross. I thought .... hmm .... just who is Alex Cross? I have to google and wiki him to get an idea as to who this character is, since I really have no idea.

So, I ask all the book lovers here ..... of the mysteries you've read over the years, who are your favorite protagonists ... and why? I know you'll have some interesting recommendations ..... and TIA!

@Tinkrbl44

Kinsey Milhone is one of my favorites, as is Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers. Harry Bosch (Michael Connelly) is excellent. I've loved Bosch for years. Amazon Prime has adapted the books and done them very well.

Lee Child's Reacher series has been a favorite for years. However, when Tom Cruise bought the book rights and - ridiculously - played the part of Reacher, I threw up my hands and refused to read Lee Child for years. (A major part of Reacher's character is his size. He is over 6'5" and is LARGE. TC should not be playing him.) I recently got over my grudge and am catching up on Reacher books. I will not see the movies.

Louise Penny's Armand Gamache series is excellent, but, lately, she is becoming too political and I may give her up.

You may enjoy Linda Fairstein's books. Read them in order. Loved them!

I'm not a James Patterson fan and don't care for the Alex Cross books.

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

sassenach1 — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 01:59:06 GMT

@OznellKinsey is one of the best! I started reaching the alphabet series a few weeks ago. I am on I is for Innocent right now. I love her. And, yes, her wry sense of humor is right up my alley.

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

sassenach1 — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 02:01:58 GMT

@GAQShopr53 wrote:
My favorite is Patricia Cornwell's Dr. Kay Scarpetta...her character is the Chief Medical Examiner for the Common Wealth of Virginia at Richmond. The series is based on a real medical examiner.

@GAQShopr53my kids still talk about the summer I "neglected" them by binge reading the Scarpetta series. (I didn't, of course, but they still tease about it I loved Scarpetta until the whole series twisted and when downhill. All her characters went downhill and none of them were likeable anymore.

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

sassenach1 — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 02:03:23 GMT

@Janey2 wrote:
Frieda Klein. By Nicci French.

Alex Delaware by Jonathan Kellerman

Joe O’Loughlin by Michael Robotham

Jonthan Stride by Brian Freeman

Alex Delaware by Steve Hamilton

@Jewel22 - Alex Delaware is one of my favorites. Jonathan Kellerman is really good.

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

KathyM23 — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 04:18:55 GMT

Peter Decker and Rina Lazarus by Faye Kellerman

Jack Reacher - by Lee Child

Goldie Bear -Diane Mott Davidson (haven't been any new in a while)

Do you remember the old Travis McGee series by John MacDonald? I'm dating myself!

Sheriff Joanna Brady by J. A. Jance

Lt Eve Dallas - J. D. Robb

Rev. Claire Fergussen - Julia Spencer-Fleming

V I Warshawski - Sara Paretsky

Jacobia Tiptree - Sarah Graves

Virgil Flowers and Lucas Davenport - John Sandford

Kinsey Milhone - Sue Grafton (she will be missed)

Gino and Magozzi and the Monkeywrench Team - P J Tracy

Bell Elkins - Julia Keller

Andy Carpenter - Davi Rosenfelt (love his humor)

Alex Delaware - Jonathan Kellerman

The 4 women in the Women's Murder Club series by James Patterson

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

Judaline — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 11:42:41 GMT

@Janey2 wrote:
Frieda Klein. By Nicci French.

Alex Delaware by Jonathan Kellerman

Joe O’Loughlin by Michael Robotham

Jonthan Stride by Brian Freeman

Alex Delaware by Steve Hamilton

You mean Alex McKnight!

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

Judaline — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 11:49:46 GMT

Mike Hammer will always be #1. I like the tough guys with the tough guy himself narrating.

Love Elvis Cole/Joe Pike mysteries by Robert Crais

Patrick McKenzie mysteries by Dennis Lehane

Love Hercule Poirot by Agatha Christie

For some reason I prefer the male authors for my tough guys.

I outgrew Stephanie Plum but used to like her. More comedy than mystery but very entertaining.

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

JCath — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 12:33:50 GMT

Anne Hillerman has continued the Navajo mysteries begun by her father Tony. I love the character Jim Chee who has been joined by his wife on the police force.

Re: FAVORITE MYSTERY PROTAGONISTS?

CO3 — Sun, 07 Oct 2018 12:43:16 GMT

Hands down the best mystery series - Inspector Gamache.

Also anything by Ann Cleeves - Shetland Isle series, Vera Stanhope series

My bliss!