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Okay, so here's the idea. I'm going to list ten of my favorite authors who are currently writing books and what I like about their work. Then, I would LOVE it if you would recommend similar books/authors that you think I might enjoy. I'm open to new genres (except for erotica and anything too graphic), but my go-tos are definitely mysteries, thrillers, historical fiction, historical mysteries, general/women's fiction, and family sagas. I tend to shy away from anything too literary or strange or fantasy-y. Non-fiction recs would be awesome as well. Make sense? Alright, put your thinking caps on and give me some great new books/authors to try! 

If I Like These Ten Books and Authors, What/Who Else Would I Enjoy?

- in no particular order; images are of my favorite book by the author or the first book in my favorite series by them - 

1. Kathy Reichs

• Writes: mysteries/thrillers/crime with a focus on forensic science (Reichs is a forensic anthropologist.)
• What I like about her books: strong female lead; likable, complex characters; forensics explained in a way that is approachable, but not condescendingly simple; upbeat vibe, edge-of-your-seat plotting, and humor throughout 

• Writes: historical fiction, family sagas, family secrets novels, dual-timeline 
• What I like about her books: atmospheric settings, complex family dynamics, compelling plots, clean content, Gothic vibes

3. Kelley Armstrong

• Writes: mysteries/thrillers/crime for adults and YA; also writes urban fantasy and supernatural novels, but I haven't read any of those (not my genre)
• What I like about her books: strong female leads, humor, exciting plots, complex characters and relationship dynamics, understated romance as subplots

4. Ruta Sepetys

• Writes: YA historical fiction
• What I like about her books: unique settings, vivid historical detail, sympathetic characters, engaging prose

5. Louise Penny

• Writes: mysteries/thrillers/crime with a bit of a literary bent
• What I lilke about her books: rich, detailed settings; complex, sympathetic characters; lead character with wisdom and morals; interesting mysteries; easy to sink into

6. Maureen Johnson

• Writes: YA contemporary fiction and YA mysteries/thrillers
• What I like about her books: warm vibe; page-turners; likable characters; twisty mysteries

7. Stacey Lee

• Writes: MG and YA contemporary and (mostly) historical fiction with a focus on the Chinese-American experience
• What I like about her books: rich, historical settings/details; unique take on known historical events; compelling plots; clean content; engaging

8. Riley Sager

• Writes: thrillers, psychological thrillers, mysteries, spooky books
• What I like about his books: creepy without being terrifying; intriguing premises; addicting stories; plots that pull me in and keep me reading fast and furious

9. Jennifer Ryan

• Writes: historical fiction
• What I like about her books: upbeat in spite of heavy subject matter; likable, sympathetic characters; strong female characters; vivid historical settings/details; engaging reads; clean content

10. Susan Meissner