- How did you come across your favorite author(s)? Recommended by a friend? Stumbled across at a bookstore? A book given to you as a gift?
- Was it love at first sight? Or did the love affair evolve over a long acquaintance?
One of my favorite authors is Thomas H. Cook. Very few people, it seems, have heard of him. In fact, only two people, myself included, have him listed as a favorite author on LibraryThing. I was first ‘introduced’ to him when I picked up a signed paperback of The Chatham School Affair at the now-defunct (cry!) Hawley-Cooke Bookstores in Louisville, Ky. This book won the Edgar Award in 1997. I was so impressed with the literary style of this mystery writer that I went on to read several more of his books. The Chatham School Affair and Breakheart Hill are two of my favorites and the ones I recommend that readers unfamiliar with Cook start with.
Currently, his book The Cloud of Unknowing (also known as The Murmur of Stones) is on the list for best mysteries by Publishers Weekly. I haven’t read that one yet, but I’d like to this year for the Notable Book Challenge. If any of you end up reading Cook because of my recommendation, please come back and tell me what you think! I’d love to hear your thoughts.
I’m in the never heard of him group but I’m always looking for a good mystery writer. Thanks for the heads up.
cjh
I was all over the rating board with Red Leaves, but ended up with a 3.5/5, which isn’t great but I knew he had potential and have been wanting to read another since then.
In several book clubs, I have suggested The Chatham School Affair and every group passed it up, so I haven’t read it yet!
BUT…currently I have The Cloud of Unknowing in my possession and plan on reading it this month!
Thanks for the post. I’m encouraged and excited about finally picking up another book by him.
not only have i heard of him, i’ve read the chatham school affair and loved it. i’ll be looking for the cloud of unknowing. thanks for reminding me of another great mystery writer
That reminds me, I used to love Robin Cook books. Long time read one!
I wonder if he’s available in the UK? I must head over to the library site and see.
I plan to read The Chatham School Affair this month and I have The Cloud of Unknowing on my list
I haven’t heard of him either. I’ll have to check him out. Thanks for the visit!
I’ve got The Chatham School Affair to read this year. I’m glad to hear that you like him a lot. It makes it more exciting to pick up.
I’ve haven’t heard of him, but his books sound interesting! Now he’s on the TBR list.
I have read one of his books – Red Leaves. It was great! I haven’t read The Chatham School Affair though, hopefully I will get around to reading it soon!
I actually have three of Thomas H. Cook books in my TBR collection and am looking forward to reading them one of these days. I’ve heard such great things about him.
I read Red Leaves on a recommendation not all that long ago. I liked it, but didn’t love it!
I loved the Chatham School Affair. I read it last year and hope to read more of Cook’s books.
My list is posted too.
Sadly, I am unfamiliar with your favorite authors.
But I wanted to say I love that image at the top of your blog! It’s so beautiful. Where did you come across it?