It’s that time of year again. Time for all of the “Best of…..” book lists to come out. Those lists can be very helpful, especially since I don’t get the chance to read nearly as many books as I would like, and it’s good to have those lists as resources to come back to later. So I thought I’d toss together my own list. But this list isn’t going to be a “Best of 2011” type of list. I just can’t bring myself to “colour within the lines” that way. It’s a weakness I’ve had all my life 
. Instead, this is a group of books, fictional events and characters who’ve made a real impression on me. It’s absolutely not exhaustive – there are too many fine books out there for that, and I haven’t read nearly all of them. And it’s not objective – feel completely free to disagree with me on all points if you do. Finally, not all of these are books or authors I read in 2011. So…here goes:
Most Haunting, “Stayed With Me” Book
Simon Lelic – Rupture (AKA A Thousand Cuts)
Catherine O’Flynn – What Was Lost
Paddy Richardson – Hunting Blind
Megan Abbott – Bury Me Deep
The winner for me is Catherine O’Flynn’s What Was Lost. It’s the story of ten-year-old Kate Meaney, who has just started her own detective agency, Falcon Investigations, and spends much of her time in Green Oaks, the new local mall, looking for crimes to investigate. One day, she gets on a bus with a friend Adrian Palmer to sit entrance exams at the exclusive Redspoon School, and never comes back. At the time, everyone blames Palmer for Kate’s disappearance. In fact, life’s made so difficult for him that he’s hounded out of town. Twenty years later, Adrian’s sister Lisa is stuck in a dead-end job as an assistant manager of a music store in Green Oaks. One night, she strikes up an unlikely friendship with Kurt, a security guard at the mall. Kurt confesses to Lisa that he’s seen something unusual on the security cameras: a young girl who seems to belong to no-one and seems to be haunting the place. His description reminds Lisa of Kate Meaney, and each in their own way, Lisa and Kurt try to find out what really happened to the girl. This is the story of a mystery, but it is also the story of what happens to those who are devastated by sudden loss and unanswered questions. This one was a tough choice, though, as all of the titles I’ve mentioned have stayed with me…
Funniest Line/Most Humourous Moment
Dorothy Sayers – Strong Poison
Agatha Christie – Dumb Witness (AKA Poirot Loses a Client)
Håkan Nesser – Mind’s Eye
Alexander McCall Smith – The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
I have a background in linguistics, so I really appreciate good verbal timing and expert use of language. With reluctance (because there are gems of humour in all of these nominees!), my choice is the courtroom scene in Håkan Nesser’s Mind’s Eye. Inspector Van Veeteren and his team investigate the murder of Eva Ringard. Her husband, schoolteacher Jurgen Mitter, has been accused of the crime. Admittedly he was at home and extremely drunk on the night of her death, so he can’t reliably account for himself. But he does know he is not guilty. Still he’s arrested and put on trial for murder. At one point, an officious prosecutor pushes him too far and asks how Mitter knows he didn’t kill his wife. Here’s Mitter’s response:
“I know I didn’t kill her; because I didn’t kill her. Just as I’m sure that you know you are not wearing frilly knickers today, because you aren’t. Not today.”
The courtroom breaks into laughter – and so did I.
Sleuth Whose Attitude Towards Life I Most Really Like
Luiz Alfredo Garcia-Roza – Inspector Espinosa
Adrian Hyland – Emily Tempest
Arnaldur Indriðason – Inspector Erlendur
Kerry Greenwood – Corinna Chapman
The thing about well-written sleuths is that they are multi-dimensional characters. So I can’t say I adore every single thing about any of these fine sleuths. But all of them have qualities I admire very much. So that’s what makes it difficult – very difficult – to choose. Still, the winner by a slender thread for me is Kerry Greenwood’s accountant-turned baker Corinna Chapman. She’s strong, smart, loyal and practical. She’s compassionate without being maudlin and quick-thinking without being rash. I especially like it that she’s happy with exactly who she is. She’s not perfect, and she and I both admit that. Nor is she a “beauty queen” (thank heavens for that!!) But she is content to be Corinna Chapman – not somebody else. I like that. I have to admit that I also like the way she “colours outside the lines,” chiefly because I’ve been known to do that myself. Oh, and I like her sense of humour. Here’s an example:
“I’ve got an order for Health Loaf, guaranteed free of fat. I haven’t told the buyer that unless it’s a special or sweet bread there isn’t any fat in bread. I don’t believe that the Trade Practices Act obliges me to do so.”
See what I mean?
Author I Did Not Expect To Like But Really Do (Shame On Me For Not Being More Open-Minded!)
Deon Meyer
Susan Wittig Albert
Arthur Upfield
Simon Beckett
I really do try to be open to all sorts of different writing styles, sub-genres and so on. I do. But I’m not one for overly-frothy cosies, violence-and-gore-filled thrillers or a lot of inch-by-inch (and sometimes unpleasant) forensic detail. I’m not one for “isms” either (although I admit to really liking some of the classics where you do see a lot of them). But sometimes an author surprises one with a story or series that’s much more than it seems on the surface. All of these authors have shown me in different ways that a talented author can make all sorts of different kinds of stories work. For that I’m grateful. My choice (again, a difficult one) is Deon Meyer. When I first started reading Meyer a few years ago I was completely prepared to dislike his work. Why? As I said, I am not generally one for action-packed-in-each-moment-and-filled-with-bloody-violence thrillers. That’s what I thought Meyer’s work would be. I was wrong. His stories are compelling, engaging and full of fascinating characters. He has a way of drawing the reader into the story and making the reader care what happens. Really care. He deals with difficult issues without either flinching or preaching, and his stories have very well-drawn settings. Sorry, Mr. Meyer – I should have known not to doubt you.
Most Dependable, Never-Lets-Me-Down Author
Michael Connelly
Ruth Rendell/Barbara Vine
Tony Hillerman
Sue Grafton
All of these authors have that rare ability to keep a series going over a long period of time with very few weak points. Almost never have I regretted reading any of their work and that is saying something. I want to be like that when I grow up – if I ever do . But one must make a choice, so….my choice is Michael Connelly. Through rich and evolving characters, innovative plots, strong writing and real respect for the reader, Connelly has kept me reading and I daresay will keep doing so. What a talented author!
And Finally…….Author Whose Books I Would Keep If I Could Only Choose One Author
Did you even have to ask? It’s Agatha Christie. Need I say more?
What about you? This isn’t a meme, but I really am interested in some of the books, authors and characters who’ve meant something to you.
*NOTE: The title of this post is the title of a Tina Turner song.
Oh, dear, you’ve just made my must read list longer than ever. And Deon Meyer is wonderful. I did like his first book the best, though.
Pat – Whoops – didn’t mean to increase your TBR list – well…not really
. You’re right, too, that Meyer’s first novel is terrific!
I like reading other people´s lists, but I am hopeless with them myself. I always prefer the five-star novel I read last week
I do remember Megan Abbott´s wonderful book, however, and I plan to read What Was Lost and Rupture. But I think I already told you that I picked up that one around the time when Norway was hit by their shooting tragedy, and it just felt wrong to enjoy a story of that kind right then.
Dorte – LOL! I know what you mean about that “just read it” syndrome
. I hope you’ll get the chance to read What Was Lost and Rupture. Both are just such memorable reads (at least in my opinion). But yes, I do remember that the tragedy in Norway came along and you decided to wait. Well, you will know when the time is right for you to read it. It’ll be worth the wait, I think.
They are great categories Margot…might have to pinch them for a list of my own. I am simply besotte by WHAT WAS LOST…I listened to it earlier this year and adored it so much I bought the print version and have already read it that way too. I love the combination of humour and sadness and the characters are just gorgeous. I like some of your other choices too…Corinna Chapman’s attitude is wonderful isn’t it.
Whenever I think of the ‘books I didn’t think I would like’ category I think of the Chris Grabenstein books which I would never have chosen to read based on the blurbs…but in the wonderful world of book blogging there was someone whose tastes I trust who strongly recommended them and suddenly I have a new favourite author.
You’ve definitely added to my TBR…I shall start with the two books in your ‘stayed with me’ category that I haven’t yet read…bound to be good as I wholeheartedly agree with you on the other two.
Bernadette – Thank you
I hope you do put together your own list; I would love to see what your choices would be. And yes, What Was Lost is one of those books that does get in one’s bones doesn’t it? I could read it again and again. There are so many layers to the book, and the story is, as you say, both sad and funny. Tender, too, but really not at all mawkish and that takes an expert touch.
.
And yes, I adore Corinna Chapman’s attitude to life. If she were real I’d love to be mates with her, but as she isn’t, well, at least I can read about her. I really do like the way she sees herself and the world.
And thanks for mentioning Chris Grabenstein. Thanks to you, I tried Grabenstein and liked his stuff very much. I’ll confess I haven’t read much of him lately. You have put him back on the radar, though. Perhaps I’ll do a spotlight on one of his books.
And I’m sorry if I’ve added to your TBR, but really, it’s called “payback”
Love your choices and would go with AC every time as well. Her plots are brilliant.
Clarissa – Why, thank you
! Yes, you can’t go wrong with Agatha Christie. You are so right about her plots…
Margot: I wanted to read your post but scrolled past as I want to wait until the end of 2011 before I make my own list and am trying hard not to read anyone’s “best” list until after I have put mine together after Dec. 31. Thus I will come back to your list in 24 days. I am sure it is interesting.
Bill – Thanks – I know exactly what you mean. Mine was not the usual “best of” list, but I understand all about wanting to make one’s own choices without being unduly influenced. I’ll look forward to your reaction when you get a chance to see this. And of course, I look forward to your own list.
I’ve been neglecting this blog for a bit lately while I finished a book.. and what a great post to come back to!
This is the perfect kind of year end best of. I think so many of those “Best of” lists get bogged down and limited by being only about perfect high literary merit. But the books I want to hear about are those which may or may not be perfect, but really stick with you.
Thanks for this.
Camille – Oh, nice to have you back! I know all about getting a book done… Thanks for the kind words
. I’m so glad you enjoyed this post. I agree about “Best Of” lists. I do find them helpful as resources when I’m looking for “what next to read.” But as you say, it’s the books that really stick with one that are worth talking about, I think.
What a wonderful list. It was nice to see some ‘old friends’ on here – and by that i mean books you have already introduced me to and I have added to my list
Sarah – Why, thank you
. I’m glad you liked this list. And believe me, I know all about adding books to one’s list. You should see mine… 
.
There’s great variety in your list of books, Ms Kinberg. I look forward to reading Catherine O’Flynn, Megan Abbott, Alexander McCall Smith, Michael Connelly, Ruth Rendell, Tony Hillerman, and Sue Grafton next year. I hope to end the year with biblical fiction by Lloyd C. Douglas (THE BIG FISHERMAN) and Frank G. Slaughter (UPON THIS ROCK) based on Simon Peter. My own lists are like new year resolutions—in on Jan.1, out on Jan.2. I usually read three to four books at a time, swinging like a pendulum between humour/satire, detective/thriller, pulp/popular fiction, and classics.
I can’t put a finger on characters I might have liked or who might have meant something. A character appeals to me while I’m reading the book. Every character has his or her own identity. For instance, I’m going to remember Jude Fawley and Michael Henchard all my reading life, not because they meant something but simply because I liked the way Hardy portrayed them.
Prashant – Thank you – I hope you’ll enjoy those authors when you get the chance to read them. It sounds as though you’ve got quite a lot of variety in your own reading and I think that’s interesting. I’m sure you’ve gotten to “meet” some very interesting characters, too. Sometimes I do the same thing – read more than one book at a time. That’s especially true if I’m reading one book in paper form and one e-book or something of that kind.
&nbp;
And you’re far from the only person, I think, who gets enthralled with characters while reading because of the way they’re portrayed. I’ve gotten to like a lot of characters for that reason.
Okay, now I’m going to have an even longer TBR list! Ha! Ruth Rendell is always a good fall-back for me…I almost always love her books. And I’m an M.C. Beaton and Deborah Crombie fan. I still love Elizabeth George, too, although I think she needs to be edited down a little.
Elizabeth – LOL! And I’m so glad you mentioned M.C. Beaton and Deborah Crombie. I like both of them very, very much, and I can see why you’re the fan you are. And yes, Ruth Rendell is a wonderfully talented writer, I think…
Great post, Margot, not least because I agree with your choices
(though not Kerry Greenwood as I haven’t read her, and probably not Agatha Christie though I agree she’s great – but the rest, I’m with you on).
These “best of” lists get very same-y so it is very refreshing to read your version, thank you.
Maxine – Why, thank you
. I have to admit those lists get same-y to me, too. I s’pose that’s why I did this. I do recommend Kerry Greenwood if you get the chance. Such a great protagonist I think, and some interesting mysteries. Good sense of the Melbourne setting, too.
I’m an eclectic reader and just throw up my hands in helplessness when I’m asked what books I liked the most in any year. There are always too many to select just a few. So many characters stay in my mind, and I’m constantly (thanks to book bloggers) finding new authors, new series, new characters to love. That’s what I love about reading; I sometimes think reading is one of the main things that makes life worth living for me. My husband being first of course.
Barbara – No doubt at all about it: reading does introduce one to so many different books and authors that it’s hard to choose. That’s also a little of the reason why I chose this kind of list. It’s a little too narrowing to simply select the best books one’s read.
What a great list. I’m afraid you’ve added to my TBR list as well. I especially like WHAT WAS LOST. That sounds most intriguing. There are so many wonderful books out there (yours included) it would be hard to select just one author.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
Mason – Thank you
. I really hope you do get the time to read What Was Lost. It’s a truly unforgettable book in my opinion. And it’s so deftly woven together. You’re right, though, there really are so many wonderful books out there; there is certainly never time to get to all of them!
Margot: You have an excellent group of categories.
Out of the authors you were prepared to dislike I am giving Deon Meyers another chance. I was not as excited about Blood Safari as yourself. Reading Jose Ignacio’s review of Trackers persuaded me to buy the book in Calgary last week.
Arthur Upfield was my find of the year. Simply looking for some Australian authors I found several of his books deep inside a used bookstore in Ottawa. I am finishing the 4th book from the series tonight and expect to look for more of them in 2012.
I agree with the consistency of Michael Connelly. Out of all of his books I thought the Overlook was not great but subsequent books are excellent. I have read more of his books in the last 12 years than any other author. I got The Drop for Christmas and it will soon be read.
Will you use the same categories each year?
Bill – Thank you
. And honestly, I’m not sure if I’ll use the same categories or not this year or in coming years. I hadn’t thought about that yet.
I’m glad you’re giving Meyer another chance. I think it often happens that one’s less than thrilled with one of an author’s books but then completely enthralled with another. Hopefully you’ll like Trackers.
It’s also good to hear you like Arthur Upfield’s work as much as you do. His work’s not as well known as I think it ought to be and even though in some ways it’s dated, the stories are still excellent I think.
And as to Michael Connelly? I may not have liked each book to the same degree, but I’ve never felt really let down. I’ve never felt that I shouldn’t have bothered reading something he wrote. And that says a lot for an author who’s that prolific.