Book Club

[Tinkrbl44]

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!

[Oznell]

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!

[GAQShopr53]

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.  

[Janey2]

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

[phoenixbrd]

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

[teganslaw]

Virgil Flowers (by John Sandford) 

Alex Cross (by James Patterson; his best books)

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

[Carolm]

Marcia Muller's - Sharon McCone detective series

Robert Parker's - Jesse Stone

David Baldacci's - Amos Decker series

[joammi]

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

[Ruby Laine]

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. 

[CinNC]

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. 

Also read a lot of cozy mystery series.