Read Alike: Nora Roberts

Nora Roberts is an incredibly prolific author; since her first book came out thirty years ago, she's published almost two hundred novels. The vast majority of her books have been on the New York Times Best Seller List, and according to her website, that adds up to a total of almost 900 weeks. Because Ms. Roberts has published so many books over the course of her career, her newest titles are distinguished from reprints by an NR in a circle on the covers.

Over the course of her career, Ms. Roberts has written a variety of different plots and settings, including paranormals, though the majority are contemporary romances. Her stories are very character-driven, and many of her series include a focus on the bonds of family and friendship in addition to romantic love.

Nora Roberts is actually one of the author's pen names, and she's also well-known as the mystery author, J.D. Robb. As Robb, Ms. Roberts' writes a fast-paced series following Eve Dallas as she solves murders in the near future. If you're interested in J.D. Robb read alikes, check out these suggestions from the San Antonio Public Library.

Ms. Robert's next book, The Next Always, is scheduled for publication in November. The Next Always is the start of the new Inn Boonsboro Trilogy, which happens to be the name of the Inn that Ms. Roberts owns in real life. You can read more about Nora Roberts on her webpage: http://www.noraroberts.com/

If you've read Ms. Robert's entire catalog, we have some author suggestions you may enjoy:

Jayne Ann Krentz is another prolific author of contemporary romantic fiction. Like Ms. Roberts, she includes a focus on the family and friends of her protagonists as well as a suspenseful plot. Her novels are character-driven, funny, and often include narration from both of the main character's perspective. Start with All Night Long, Irene Stenson remains haunted by the death of her parents, but when she returns to her hometown she finds only more questions after her best friend dies. In addition to contemporary romantic suspense, Ms. Krentz writes contemporary paranormals, historical romance (as Amanda Quick), and science-fiction romance (as Jayne Castle).

Eileen Goudge's novels center on the drama of family and friendship. High drama, mystery, suspense, and a touch of romance make her titles an appealing match for Nora Roberts' fans. Start with Otherwise Engaged, childhood friends Jessie and Erin appear to have everything they wanted, but neither is quite satisfied. They decide to switch homes for six months; Erin trades her successful Bed and Breakfast for the restaurants of New York City, Jessie decides to try writing freelance from her hometown, and they both find more than they hoped for.

Elizabeth Lowell writes primarily contemporary romances, often with a suspenseful and fast-moving plot. She's known for the well-researched details of her settings, and the steamy passion between her novels' main characters. Start with The Wrong Hostage, the first book of her St. Kilda Consulting series. When her son his kidnapped by a Mexican Drug Lord and her ex-husband is nowhere to be found, federal judge Catherine Silva turns to Joe Faroe a kidnapping-specialist with whom she has a complicated history.

Elizabeth Adler's contemporary romantic suspense titles are a good match for Ms. Roberts' complex characters and steamy plots. Ms. Adler often sets her novels in romantic European locations. Start with One of Those Malibu Nights, private investigator Mac Reilly takes on a case of stalking and celebrity in this first of a series featuring Mac and his girlfriend Sunny.

Jude Deveraux writes romances both historical and contemporary, often with a paranormal twist. Readers enjoy her fast-pace and humorous tone. Start with An Angel for Emily, librarian Emily is skeptical when a (very attractive) man introduces himself as her guardian angel, but then her life takes a turn for the dangerous.

Suzanne Brockmann's specialty are military romances, packing her plots with suspense and action. She often places a greater focus on the hero's perspective and his military career. Not all of her novels feature military bad boys however. Try Infamous, for a modern-day cowboy romance, or Into the Storm for a former Navy SEAL.

JoAnn Ross is another author of contemporary romance with a suspenseful twist. Her independent career women heroines are surrounded by friends and family, but whose life isn't improved by a little unexpected romance? Start with Out of the Mist, the first in a trilogy about sisters with a Scottish twist.

Please stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor, check out NoveList Plus on the library's website, or visit W. 11th & Bluff next week for more reading suggestions. Or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll create a reading list just for you!

Remembering September 11th, 2001

Photo: Dov Harrington (http://www.flickr.com/photos/idovermani/3911596294)

As we approach the tenth anniversary of September 11th, I, like many people, find myself turning to memories of that day. In honor of this significant anniversary, we've gathered together a display of non-fiction titles, on display near the Recommendations Desk. The Youth Services Department will also be creating displays for younger readers. Parents who are looking to discuss this day with their children may find The Day Our World Changed: children's art of 9/11 helpful. Parents may also want to check out PBS's guide on how to discuss upsetting news events with your children.

Fiction Titles about the events of September 11th and its aftermath

Histories, Memoirs, Political examinations, Biographies, and other NonFiction titles about September 11th

The Internet Archive has a collection of television news coverage, domestic and international, from the week of September 11th, 2001 online. Along with 3000 hours of video, they include a selection of scholarly analysis of the events of that week.

Read Alike: Elizabeth Peters

Elizabeth Peters is a master of the Cozy Mystery, in which the body is safely offstage and there is no strong language, sex, or violence, just a comfortable murder investigation. With her cast of amateur sleuths, Peters sets the standard for these gentle Mysteries featuring quirky characters, a humorous tone, and often foreign climes. Although she has also written stand-alone novels of Romantic Suspense as Elizabeth Peters and more Romantic Suspense, touched with Gothic elements, under pseudonym Barbara Michaels, not to mention titles on Egyptology published under her real name, Barbara Mertz, Peters is best known for her Amelia Peabody Mystery series.

Peter’s female protagonists are all intelligent, beautiful, strong-willed, independent, and very appealing. When placed in dangerous situations, they are as likely to extricate themselves as to be saved by someone else. Archaeologist Amelia Peabody carries her formidable umbrella, librarian/romance writer Jacqueline Kirby keeps her enormous handbag well stocked and at her side at all times, ready for any emergency, and Vicky Bliss, the smart but self-deprecating art historian, is as likely to fight back with her sharp wit as with a weapon. Supporting characters serve as foils or eccentrics in their own right. All in all, Peters' books are a feast for fans of amusing characters.

Peter’s writes layered stories that can be appreciated on more than one level. Complex, convoluted plots fill all Peters' books, and while the details make them read more slowly, they also add a depth which fans appreciate. Despite the humor and mystery puzzle with romantic complications, these are also good suggestions for fans of Historical Fiction. Peters' facts are correct; she is a meticulous researcher, no matter what the setting or time period; and readers of Historical novels find much to appreciate and enjoy.

Peter’s Peabody/Emerson series, set in turn-of-the-twentieth-century Egypt, shows off her considerable talents to best advantage. These are detail-laden, historically-rich, densely-written, complex (in terms of story and structure) Mysteries with more than a touch of Romance. Start with the first, Crocodile on the Sandbank, in which Amelia Peabody, traveling on a small inheritance, meets Egyptologist Radcliffe Emerson, and the rest is history.

Statuesque, brilliant art historian Vicky Bliss appeals more to fans of Romantic Suspense (who want their stories riddled with humor, that is). All offer fascinating details of European and/or Egyptian art and artifacts, building danger and exciting escapes -- not to mention romantic interest art dealer cum master thief, Sir John Smythe. Trojan Gold, while not the first, is a good example of the series.

Finally, librarians especially should know Jacqueline Kirby, like Bliss of statuesque proportions, who gave up her academic library career to become a successful Romance writer. Try The Murders of Richard III, which involves a costume party in an English Country house, and, of course, murder.

Read-Alikes:

Sharyn McCrumb’s Elizabeth MacPherson Mystery series fits right in with those of Elizabeth Peters. Elizabeth is another spunky heroine, intelligent but quirky. She's a forensic anthropologist, and her studies lead her to exotic locales, where she confronts dangers (including centuries-old Anthrax spores) and romance. The action may be less swashbuckling, but these are certainly amusing reading. Sick of Shadows is the first: Elizabeth MacPherson finds herself investigating a murder that puts an end to her cousin’s wedding.

If the romantic interests and entanglements form a large part of the appeal for readers, readers should try Jayne Ann Krentz for contemporary settings and her alter-ego Amanda Quick for historicals. Although neither employs series characters, both share Peters' madcap humor; her pleasure in romantic romps; her intelligent, independent heroines; her often brooding heroes; convoluted, detail-rich plots; and stories with element of Mystery, Suspense, and Adventure. These are not, however, for readers who do not enjoy racy romances with explicit sex.

Krentz's Smoke in Mirrors: Leonora Hutton must trust Thomas Walker to help her unravel a web of illusion and distortion. Meredith Spooner, Leonora's best friend embezzles millions from a college endowment fund and sends Leonora the safe-deposit box key just before she dies. The safe-deposit box also contains a book about Mirror House, the site of Meredith's last scam and newspaper stories about a thirty-year-old unsolved murder that occurred there.

Quick's Affair: Hired by marriage-minded women to investigate the backgrounds of their prospective husbands, Charlotte Arkendale finds herself in deep trouble when one of her clients turns up dead and she is forced to depend on Baxter St. Ives, her mysterious new man-of-affairs, for protection.

Anne Perry is acclaimed for her two well-researched, detail-rich, atmospheric Mystery series that probe the social and political injustices found in the underside of Victorian London society. The crimes that fill these novels are brutal and Perry provides plenty of details of these crimes, as well as the society that produced them. Her introspective character studies provide depth and psychological insights that please fans. Pacing in both series is slow, due to the wealth of historical information, character details, and social commentary. Start with The Cater Street Hangman featuring Thomas and Charlotte Pitt: Careless of both murder and manners, two determinedly unconventional young sisters ignore Victorian mores and actively join the police investigation into the murder of their servant girl.

Elliott Roosevelt's historical mysteries featuring Eleanor Roosevelt portray life in the spheres of power; his mother's deep compassion; and the innocence and optimism of most of his secondary characters. Other historical figures during FDR's presidency often take center stage, though the mysteries revolve around the imaginary characters. These aren't strictly cozies, but violence is restrained, and sex is not explicitly described even when important to the plot. A separate short series features FDR himself in underworld-connected political back rooms. Start with Murder and the First Lady: When a lowly secretary, Philip Garber, is found dead in the room of her British secretary, Eleanor Roosevelt begins to investigate.

Husband and wife detective teams may also appeal to Peters' fans. Try the classic The Thin Man by Dashiell Hammett, with the incomparable banter between sleuths Nick and Nora Charles, or the more contemporary series by Carolyn Hart, featuring bookstore owner Annie Laurance and husband Max Darling. Death on Demand is the first.

Please stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor, check out NoveList Plus on the library's website, or visit W. 11th & Bluff next week for more reading suggestions. Or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll create a reading list just for you!

Read Alike: Robert Jordan

Robert Jordan is a pen name of James Rigney, Jr., an author of fantasy as well as books in the Conan the Barbarian series. Mr. Jordan is best known as the author of the fantasy series, The Wheel of Time. The first book, The Eye of the World, came out over twenty years ago, and the last book, A Memory of Light, is scheduled for release sometime in late 2012. The series is set in a richly detailed world and peopled by a large cast of characters. The action of the novels primarily follows a small band of adventurers in their quest to save the world from great evil, but latter books tend to focus on other side characters. The books are, unsurprisingly, modeled loosely on the great classic by J.R.R. Tolkien.

Mr. Jordan unfortunately died in 2007 before he had a chance to finish his long-running series. After receiving a diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis, he resolved to finish the 12th book, but he also took steps to ensure that the series would be finished even without him. After his death, his widow worked with his long time editors to select Brian Sanderson to complete The Wheel of Time.

The Wheel of Time has been adapted as a series of graphic novels. The Eye of the World will be released next month. In October, a documentary on Robert Jordan is scheduled for release, "The Wit of the Staircase: The Life and Works of Robert Jordan." There is, however, no word of an upcoming film or television adaptation of The Wheel of Time at this point.

Fans of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time, may also enjoy these authors:

Terry Brooks is another of the well-known names in fantasy. His books are fast-paced, action-filled and optimistic. His interconnected series gradually provide the details of his extensive world-building. Start with The Sword of Shannara, wherein the hero Shea is given a sword, traveling companions, and an epic quest to save the world.

Terry Goodkind is a darker fantasy author who includes more violence in his tales of good versus evil in a magical world. His novels are fast-paced, intricately plotted, and richly detailed. Start with Wizard's First Rule, wherein our heroes struggle to prevent the evil Darken Rahl from acquiring the powerful Sword of Truth.

David Eddings, along with his wife Leigh, was the author of several popular fantasy novels. The epic coming of age series, The Belgariad, is a teen-friendly introduction to the genre. His writing style is fast-paced, witty, and includes strong female characters. Start with Pawn of Prophecy (note: this is a downloadable audiobook), wherein young Garion learns that he is destined for far bigger things than life on the farm, assuming he survives today.

Guy Gavriel Kay assisted in the editing of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion, but has gone on to create his own works of richly-detailed and character-driven fantasy. Start with Sailing to Sarantium, set in a world which echoes the Byzantine Empire the mosaicist Crispin arrives to create art, but finds intrigue and adventure.

Elizabeth Moon writes both upbeat military science-fiction and character-driven fantasy novels. Start with The Deed of Paksenarrion, a compilation of three novels about the heroine Paksenarrion, whose humble beginnings on a sheep farm help to drive her to defy expectations.

George RR Martin is another well-known fantasy author, though his novels tend to be darker and more violent. His Song of Ice and Fire series is a highly-detailed and complex example of world-building, taking elements of the historical War of the Roses to create something new. The series was recently adapted to television by HBO. Start with A Game of Thrones, political intrigue, mysterious danger, lost magic, and a cast of hundreds.

There are many other Fantasy authors that you might want to try, including:
Stephen R. Donaldson, Lord Foul's Bane
David Farland, The Runelords: the sum of all men
Raymond E. Feist, Magician
Melanie Rawn, Dragon Prince
Tad Williams, The Dragonbone Chair
Robin Hobb, Assassin's Apprentice
Margaret Weis and Tracy Hickman, Dragons of Autumn Twilight

Please stop by the Recommendations Desk on the first floor, check out NoveList Plus on the library's website, or visit W. 11th & Bluff next week for more reading suggestions. Or submit a Personal Recommendations request, and we'll create a reading list just for you!