As someone who's been reading and will continue to do so my whole life, I see a fatal flaw in today's BookTok culture. People who claim to be avid readers rarely go beyond "trending" books, and these tend to be romance novels. There's nothing wrong with a good love story; it's exactly what we need sometimes. However, there is a large lack of exposure to real, and in my opinion, timeless literature.
There is so much to discover beyond the world of tropes. All the writers I've mentioned do include elements of romance; it is often indispensable to any plot. The difference is that their stories are not centered around it.
These works are not too recent but unforgettable nevertheless. And their storylines speak for themselves.
1. Jeffrey Archer
Jeffrey Archer is, honestly, an absolute genius. No writer has made me hang on to every word as he does. He has the magic ability to weave together intricate storylines and memorable characters.
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Archer often explores themes of ambition, rivalry, and redemption, adding depth to his characters and their motivations. His books are impossible to put down. More than anything, it's his accuracy and attention to detail, no matter the subject, that sets him apart. Here are some of my favourites.
- Kane and Abel
- The Prodigal Daughter
- Shall We Tell The President?
- Only Time Will Tell (the first book in The Clifton Chronicles, a multi-generational saga about the Clifton family in 20th century England)
2. John Grisham
A former attorney, John Grisham uses his legal background to create authentic courtroom dramas and behind-the-scenes looks at the legal world. He explores the American judicial system, making it understandable and fascinating regardless of your legal knowledge.
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His protagonists are usually ordinary people thrown into high-stakes legal battles against powerful rivals, making readers root for them. It's easy to believe that any of his storylines are real; his facts and content are so accurate. Some of his books have even been turned into hit movies! Here are a few to get you started.
- The Client
- The Rainmaker (my personal favourite, also a Matt Damon movie!)
- The Street Lawyer
- The Runaway Jury
3. Dan Brown
You might have watched the Tom Hanks films The DaVinci Code, Angels and Demons, or Inferno. They are based on wonderful novels by Dan Brown. And as it usually goes, the movies don't nearly do justice to the books. His books are truly "unputdownable", so much so that I finished a 600-page Angels and Demons in a day and a half.
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Brown's work usually is based on religious and cultural legends from around the world, combined with science and just the right amount of thrill. He blends realistic fiction with accurate locations, legends, and facts to create the perfect page-turner and raise your adrenaline levels, almost like it's you doing the chasing! His books have consistently ranked among my favourites for a very long time now. Read these and believe it!
- Angels and Demons
- The DaVinci Code
- The Lost Symbol
- Inferno
4. Robin Cook
Robin Cook is the undisputed master of the medical thriller. His work is the perfect mix of scientific accuracy and fast-paced fiction. Using his background as a doctor, he writes engaging mysteries that are detailed but not overwhelmed by medical vocabulary. Even if science and medicine aren't your vibe, his writing guarantees that you will enjoy it.
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My first Robin Cook novel was a gift from a friend, who thought that the mix of reading and science would be perfect for my interests. Boy, was she right! It's the perfect way to read a mystery while also stimulating your inner physician and learning something new. Here are some of his bestsellers:
- Acceptable Risk
- Chromosome 6
- Coma
- Contagion
5. Agatha Christie
A list of timeless authors would be incomplete without her! The queen of murder mysteries, Agatha Christie never gets old. Through a complex and intricate plot, she presents the reader with all the clues necessary to solve the crime and the seasoned ones might get it right.
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But it's usually someone you never expected, with an ingenious explanation of who, why, when, and how. While Hercule Poirot is the more famous hero, she also has written about Jane Marple, another memorable detective. An Agatha Christie mystery is perfect at any time and never fails to entertain.
That's why her work remains beloved to date. Here are some lesser-known novels that are proof of her talent.
- The ABC Murders
- A Murder is Announced
- The Hollow
- The Third Girl
Special Mentions
If you let me talk about books, I'd go on forever! But since we don't have that much time, here are some wonderful authors you should definitely check out:
1. James Hadley Chase: The "king of thriller writers", he is known for fast paced and action packed stories. Some of his most well-known books include No Orchids for Miss Blandish, The World in My Pocket, and Lay Her Among the Lilies.
2. Cornelia Funke: She writes heart-wrenching fantasies, making you believe in an impossible yet imaginable world. Her most popular books are the trilogy of Inkheart, Inkspell, and Inkdeath.
3. Tom Clancy: The bestselling creator of the Jack Ryan universe, his novels describe advanced military technology, espionage, international politics, and action-packed plots. Some Jack Ryan books are The Hunt for Red October, Patriot Games, and Clear and Present Danger.
Here's a pro tip: many of these are older books, so they might be hard to find in newer bookstores. Consider visiting used and second-hand bookstores or libraries instead. This way, you can find quality reads that are easy on your wallet.
Happy reading!
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