Summer reading recommendations

Have you spent some time reading in your hammock or garden chair yet? Well, now is the time. Half the summer has passed and it is a good idea to enjoy a book outdoors before the cold arrives.

Here are some good mystery reads that I can recommend.

If you have not yet discovered Phyllis Dorothy James White, or PD James that she is most commonly known as, I can recommend her Adam Dalgliesh mysteries. Her language stands above most mystery writers, but I fear there won't be that many more mysteries, because this British author is turning 91 this August and she might have other plans than writing mystery novels these days.

Another author that I can recommend is Barry Maitland. He was born in Scotland, raised in England, and currently lives in Autstralia. Barry Maitland's mystery novels take place in London, and I learned a lot by reading his The Chalon Heads.

One of my favorite Swedish mystery writer is Håkan Nesser and his Van Veeteren series, but he has written a few other books and they are all good. Some of his books have been translated into English, such as Kim Novak Never Swam in Genesaret's Lake, a very good summer read with a twist.

Here in the Seattle area, on Whidbey Island, lives Elizabeth George, an American mystery writer who spends her time between Seattle and London. Her Lynley series all take place in London. Yes, there is a lot of London in this blog post. Elizabeth George's books are easy reads but many times have a bit too many pages. So, if you are only looking for action, her books might not be your cup of tea.

And last but not least, I would like to recommend Ann Cleeves, a British mystery author who won prices for her Raven Black, which is part a quartet and takes place on the Shetland Islands.

And yes, of course there are other books to read in your hammock apart from mystery novels, but I won't talk about those this time.

"A book is like a garden carried in the pocket."
Chinese proverb