Need recommendations for my DH

[javagirl]

Hi all,

Was wondering if I could get some recommendations for books for my DH that are similar to some of the ones he likes the most.

What he's looking for in general is contemporary fiction where the story takes place in the US west and the description of the land, the nature and way of life for people in that kind of area is a fairly big part of the story. So ones that he likes that meet this criteria are the following:

Craig Johnson - Walt Longmire series
C J Box - Joe Pickett series
Hillerman - Chee/Leaphorn series

He loves stuff around or in national parks, so I had him try a Nevada Barr Anna Pigeon (I haven't tried them myself) and he started Blood Lure but didn't like it. Not sure why. Does anyone think any of those are worth trying?

I'm thinking of suggesting the Stabenow Kate Shugak series since he also likes Alaska and it seems the nature/land is a big part of those stories. (Again I haven't tried those myself since I do so much HF) Anyone have an opinion on those?

He's read some James Lee Burke and is o.k. with them but doesn't like as well as the series I mentioned above.

Thanks!
Lynn

[Kveto from Prague]

He could try the time-sweep novels of James Michener who wrote mant set in the US (Texas, Hawaii, Alaska, etc.) Michener tended to start in the early history of the land and tell stories through the centuries up to the present day (often with the same families through many generations). they were very descriptive of the lands in which they were set, in fact the land was the real main character of the book.
not everybody likes them, they tend to be 1000 pages each, but from the feedback on this site they seem to be particularly popular with male readers.

http://www.suite101.com/content/james-a ... er-a296596

[Telynor]

Here's a few from the modern American west that I've enjoyed. You've already mentioned the Leaphorn novels, so I shan't go there. These are a bit oddball, but each one entertaining in its own way:

The Monkey Wrench Gang by Edward Abbey
http://www.epinions.com/content_50028973700 -- review

Hayduke Lives! by Edward Abbey -- follow up to MWG

The Lonely Polygamist by Barry Udall
http://www.epinions.com/review/Book_The ... 1586249348 -- review

And of course, nearly anything by Larry McMurty or Kinky Friedman.

[Brenna]

I really enjoy Nevada Barr, but only certain books. It's weird, but some grab me from the very beginning, others I have to really work to get into the story. The two I really enjoyed were along the Natchez Trace: Deep South and Hunting Season. Another series that is really good that is focused out in New Mexico is Michael McGarrity. I've enjoyed everyone of his books! Good luck!

[Ash]

Song of the Lark by Willa Cather

http://www.amazon.com/Song-Lark-Willa-C ... 0395345308

West of Here

http://www.amazon.com/West-Here-Jonatha ... 087&sr=8-1

Anything by Edward Abbey (tho Monkey Wrench Gang has a special place in my heart)

My husband loved Louis L'Amour but I never cared for his writing. He's worth a look tho.

Larry McMurty also comes to mind

[SarahWoodbury]

What about Robert Parker's western-themed ones. They aren't for me, but even Spencer ended up in Arizona once.

And I know there were a series of mysteries set among the Navaho where the detective was a native American. Male author. Maybe someone can help me out with the name.

[LoveHistory]

[quote=""SarahWoodbury""]What about Robert Parker's western-themed ones. They aren't for me, but even Spencer ended up in Arizona once.

And I know there were a series of mysteries set among the Navaho where the detective was a native American. Male author. Maybe someone can help me out with the name.[/quote]

Tony Hillerman?

[annis]

Michael McGarrity and J A Jance might appeal. William Kent Kruger and Craig Johnson are other possibilities.

[rockygirl]

I'm not crazy about the Nevada Barr books either.

Maybe the Margaret Coel books.

[javagirl]

Thanks for the recommendations. Much appreciated.