>>>>>>If I recall, you hadn't read any of the Thursday Next books by Jasper Fforde. You really should. I'm sure Charles would agree that you'd enjoy the hell out of them. A word of warning, they MUST be read in order.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>The Eyre Affair
>>>>>>Lost in a Good Book
>>>>>>The Well of Lost Plots
>>>>>>Something Rotten
>>>>>>First Among Sequels
>>>>>>
>>>>>>His DCI Jack Spratt books are a lot of fun too, but the Thursday Next books are brilliant.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Alan
>>>>>
>>>>>I LOVE Fforde ! How can one not be entranced by a dodo named Pickwick. Indeed a treat.
>>>>
>>>>And Miss Haversham? Who'd have guessed?!
>>>>
>>>>>
>>>>>Tamar you would really like these if you don't already know them. (I'd begin with Eyre Affair )
>>>>
>>>>Absolutely, and just to reiterate, they MUST be read in order. They wouldn't make any nonsense otherwise.
>>>
>>>BTW, the CD version is terrific. i've become a big audiobook fan and usually have one plugged in while I'm out. Fforde's book are really good on audiobook - the accent of the reader is terrific and adds a lot to the story.
>>>
>>> I also find John LeCarre novels particularly good in this format and - the star of the show - the James Lee Burke books read by Will Patton.
>>
>>I've been reading some Le Carre recently and while I've enjoyed all the "spy" books I've just read The Constant Gardener and now The Mission song and am finding them not very good at all.
>
>I think his stuff gets ... murky as one gets into his later books. I like the spy stuff but agree with you on the others - especially Mission Song.
>
>Personally, I prefer Len Deighton. If you haven't read the trilogy trilogy ( Berlin Game, Mexico Set, London Match, Spy Hook, Spy Line, Spy Sinker, Faith, Hope, Charity ) I think that represents some of the most compelling work in the genre.


I have read them and agree. In fact I agree so much maybe I'll re read those as the Le carre is getting in my wick.