The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion

I was really surprised when I went through the authors and series in this topic area that Greg Ilses was not listed. For those of you who love science, technology, and a thrilling plot with lots of twists and turns, you should check out Greg Iles. His Penn Cage series (4th book coming out this year) is amazing. I also enjoyed Mortal Fear and True Evil. I haven't read all of his novels but I have read quite a few and have never been disappointed. He is a very detailed writer who draws you in within the first few pages. So far, I have given all of his novels five stars. If your looking for a new author and a book you cannot put down, pick up on of his novels ... Once you pick it up, good luck putting it down.

I too love the Penn Cage thrillers. But i also enjoy his other books; If you have not read Dead Sleep, I recommend it. very creepy

I didn't fall head over heels reading Dead Sleep. OK OK said story and material, the painting, models, and the horror of it all intrigued me, just enough while the story was neat and sharp from there on end when we begin to feel there is a mystery to solve, one of the painting, two of Jordon’s father, and as well for me Glass Jordon the photojournalist and her roundness in life style, or rather Iles reference to such lavish people who choose to lead a kind of devotion in life to a lost parent of their choosing. It may have been my bad timing or when I got started on the wrong foot that it wasn't nearly as interesting a page turner as Turning Angel (Penn Cage #2) which I keep comparing. Comparison’s aside, Iles uses longer and stronger interesting material in his stories making them worth the taking personal time in reading which I appreciate. Many writer’s give me the feeling they express themselves finer in one character’s series more than in another.

In which book do we see Greg Isles and thriller plot, both at its best form ??

If you are looking at the best Penn Cage, I really enjoyed Turning Angel as Arthur already says, it's a great page turner. The first Greg Iles I ever read was True Evil, and I was completely blown away by the storytelling. i can't say whether it's the best, since personal preference is a huge factor.

I have read somewhere that Quiet Games is good too !!! Gotta start reading him !!!

I happened to pick up Black Cross (his second book) and was completely enthralled. One of the best WWII thrillers I've read. Since then I've read everything he's written except Spandau Phoenix, his first book - just never got to it. Turning Angel is a particular favorite, though I've enjoyed all of the Penn Cage books.

And I have read only Spandau Phoenix...The book is phenomenal though the ending quite lost me...Coz from brains it suddenly went all brawns..And I didnt like it !!! :(

Mortal Fear was the first I read of his and it blew me away. I don't think any of his others quite had the impact on me that one did, although the Penn Cage series is quite gripping. In addition to the mystery element of these and the complicated plots with fascinating and torn characters, there is the whole backdrop of the modern day south and the racial attitudes, as seen from the perspective of the white community and the black community. I have always thought that if I could pick an author to have dinner with he would be my pick.

I can't wait for the publication of The Bone Tree, it's been pushed out several times and split into two books because it became so long. Looks like May 2012 is the new date - for the UK anyway!

Okk....Guys !! I will be starting Greg Isles this week onwards...As I have mentioned earlier I have read only Spandau Phoenix..What do u suggest be my next book be ???

In 2007 I read Isles'Turning Angel. I found it to be wordy, crude, too much sex but in spite of all that it turned out to be a good book about a beautiful young girl who falls in love with an older doctor. There is rape, murder, and drugs in this Penn Cage story.
Another Penn Cage story that I read in 2010 was the Devil's Punchbowl. It was a good book but too long. Corruption, dog fights, gambling and prostitution.

I have ordered Black Cross !!

I adore Penn, as well. Greg's "The Quiet Game" introduces us to him. It's a fabulous read. I'm always overjoyed when a new novel brings Penn back into our lives.

Maybe I will try The Quiet Game.

I tried The Quiet Game but I never really got into it. And a book that thick if it takes too long to get into it. I'm not going to do it. And I'm not going to read him. I think I had 24 Hours too but I gave them both away.

Plan on reading all of Greg Iles - just have to make the time for it, since I know I won't put the book down once I start.

I've read Blood Memory - a great page-turner. Just got Turning Angel and can't wait to read it. Sounds like Turning Angel has lots of good reviews.

Just completed black cross !!! I just loved it..a page turner, a beautiful love story and tensions built through the pages..Characters you hate and love every 50 pages...The book was so Greg Iles !

I agree with Avisek, I also read Black Cross and loved it!! Great book!

Avisek wrote: "In which book do we see Greg Isles and thriller plot, both at its best form ??"

I haven't read all of his books, but I have read quite a few of them. In my opinion his Penn Cage series is the best of both worlds. I have yet to be disappointed in any of his novels. I still have 4 or 5 on my "to read" list. I cannot wait for the new Penn Cage novel to come out.

Jan C wrote: "I tried The Quiet Game but I never really got into it. And a book that thick if it takes too long to get into it. I'm not going to do it. And I'm not going to read him. I think I had [..."

In my opinion the weaker Peen Cage novel was The Quiet Game. It just didn't have the gripping plot that Turning Angel and The Devil's Punchbowl. To me, The Quiet Game was a stage set for the following novels. Iles does tend to be long winded, but so far that hasn't bothered me. I love the writing style and so far there hasn't been a book that I have read by him that I though "geesh, he could have left all of that out and it have been a better book." I cannot speak for 24 hours, because I haven't read it yet. It might just be a preference, but so far I have loved all of his books.

I do admit though ... After I read one of his novels, I take a break. They are long and twisted, so I will mix it up and read something more simple and shorter. Besides, I'm trying to reach my book goal. Not easy if all of them are 500 plus pages. Haha.

I have read a Greg Iles since Black Cross. Thanks for the reminder that I need to catch up.