Just discovered this spot and think it's great since I'm always looking for new authors. I hate when I read the last one of their books (especially if they're no longer alive). I like D. Sayers, too, so will check out all these. Lilian Jackson Braun's cat books are "clean" with intersting characters.

I'd really like to recommend Minette Walters' books, especially 'The Scold's Bridle'. The memory of her books lingers with you long after you have read them.

I really enjoy British authors. Could anyone recommend any, besides the more popular ones like Agatha Christie (read them all!)?

I like here very much too. I saw "The Sculptress" on PBS and was so impressed, I immediately went out and bought "The Dark Room." That was very good - and very dark indeed. I have "The Echo" but have not read it yet. Have you read other books by her, Simmi?

didn't see any mention of josephine tey, patricia wentworth or mary roberts rinehart. if you like agatha you'll like those three.

And Daphne duMaurier's Rebecca and My Cousin Rachel. Two musts, if you havn't read either one.

To Simmi, who asked about British authors, I'd recommend Reginald Hill's Dalziel and Pascoe series. I got hooked by watching a few episodes on A&E, but--much as I enjoyed the TV series--the books are A LOT better--dark and funny and convoluted and logical, all at the same time.

I don't see Margaret Maron on this list. Her book, Bootlegger's Daughter won a lot of awards. It is great!

First to P Marlowe. I also discovered Walters when I saw 'The Scultptress' on PBS. I went straight to my library and took out 'The Dark Room'. I then read 'The Echo', 'The Scold's Bridle' and I just finished 'The Ice House' yesterday. I liked The Scold's Bridle and The Ice House best. The plot is The Echo is very well thought out. You won't be able to figure out anything until the last page. I'd really like to see them on PBS now. I can't wait for new book whenever it comes out. As for the duMaurier books, 'Rebecca' is one of my favourite stories. Did you see the film version on Masterpiece Theatre a few weeks ago with Diana Rigg as Mrs. Danvers? I've already read the book several times. I also read 'My Cousin Rachel', but it was a while ago and I don't remeber the story. I'm going to have to read it again.

To Viv, thanks for the suggestion. I will definitely check it out. Do you recommend any book in particular?

I must say this message board is a great idea. I'm always looking for new mystery authors. I now have quite a list to try out. It's also nice to be able to discuss the book after I've read it.

I just recently read 'Enter a Gentlewoman' by Sara Woods. It was pretty good. Has anyone else read her books?

I've always thought that Alfred Hitchcock made two of the best ghost story movies - first, Rebecca, for which he should have won an academy award and next, Vertigo. I'll have to read the other two Walters you suggested. There is a Midsomers Murder on A&E this p.m. I plan to watch.

Simmi, Re. which of Reginald Hill's Dalziel and Pascoe books I recommend, it depends on which of the characters you like best. Dalziel acts outrageously and is always fun to follow, so you might like "Bones and Silence." Pascoe is generally sweet and sincere, and "The Wood Beyond" is more his story. "Pictures of Perfection" gives Sgt. Wield a chance to star. At the end of Sept., A&E will be showing "Under World," which might be a good introduction for you, though I'm sure the plot will have to be much simplified to fit in two hours. Happy reading.

I just finished Four to Score by Janet Evanovich. Actually I started reading it when I went to bed and finished before I could go to sleep. It is fast paced and absolutely hysterical. I laughed so hard I thought I would wake up old snoozy next to me! He, he.