I thought today that I would write about a few of my favorite authors.  They are detailed here in no particular order and I guess a valid question would be which is my favorite. Generally speaking it is the one I am currently reading.  So here we go.

The main character in Vince Flynn’s books is Mitch Rapp, a CIA operative.  Rapp is portrayed as somewhat of a loose cannon that does what is necessary to get the job done. But it is this attitude that is what many will find most enjoyable about the stories. There are 11 books in the series and while one does not have to read them in order there is a continuation of actions that does make it more enjoyable.  His last book, American Assassin is actually a prequel in that it follows Rapp’s recruitment into the CIA.  While these are works of fiction on at least one occasion evidently Flynn got too close to the truth as it generated interest from the Department of Energy.  There is a new book, Kill Shot, coming out in February 2012.

Next we have Dan Silva whose protagonist is Gabriel Allon an art restorer, Mossad spy and assassin and in a lot of ways is the Israeli version of Mitch Rapp.  Which probably explains my attraction to both Silva and Flynn.  There are 11 books in the Allon series with the last one, Portrait of a Spy, was published earlier this year.  Here we have interesting character development, both in those that Allon is pursuing and at the “Office”, Mossad headquarters on King Saul Boulevard. As is also the case with Flynn’s books, one expects that there is an element of truth in these works of fiction and a part of the fun is trying to decide “which is what”.

The central character in Lee Child’s book is another kettle of fish.  Jack Reacher is a retired U S Army Major whose service was as Military Policeman.  Reacher travels the country with only a folding tooth brush.  No luggage no nothing.  When he needs clean clothes, he buys new ones and throws away the old ones.  Reacher has no car and either rides buses, hitchhikes or walks his way around the country happening upon towns with serious troubles that he feels compelled to fix.  While the basic premise may seem a little far fetched, the character development and story lines are compelling and always a satisfying read.

In 2010 we lost Robert Parker, a prolific writer who spawned a number of intriguing characters.  Notably among the characters is probably Spencer which gave birth the the Spencer for Hire TV series.  Spencer is a private detective who surrounds himself with a broad range of colorful associates.  My favorite is Hawk, a large African American man who is portrayed as one that nobody messes with.  Other Parker protagonists include Sunny Randall, a southern police chief turned private investigator who also has colorful characters around her, not the least of which is Spike, “the world’s toughest Queer”. Police chief Jesse Stone who after trouble in Los Angles matriculates to a small New England Town, again with an interesting mix of characters that sometimes includes Sunny Randall. Since Mr. Parker’s death his estate has decided that the Spencer series will continue with Michael Brandman, who collaborated with Mr. Parker on a number of occasions,who  has written the first Stone novel. Titled Robert B. Parker’s Killing the Blues, it was published Sept. 13, 2011.  I haven’t decided if I will read that one or not. Parker’s skill at character development was such that if I do decide to read the book, I will look at it as if it is something totally new.

There are more but that is enough for today. Early on I posed the question as to which is my favorite author and if I were pressed to choose I would say Vince Flynn. Having said that I think that if you try any of these authors you will be rewarded with a pleasant and sometimes intriguing experience and will have the opportunity to choose your favorite.