Some of my favorites of 2006

Well, it is that time of year again. Here's a few books I read in 2006 that I really enjoyed.

Beggars Banquet by Ian Rankin
I'd never read Rankin before and this collection of short stories shows why he's such a well-selling crime author. I'm looking forward to reading some of his novels next year.

The Dramatist by Ken Bruen
Hardboiled detective fiction is alive and well. Of course, in this book the main character has kicked the pills and powder, but only because his dealer is in jail. It's a lively book and an interesting study in the darker side of things. I intend to read more Bruen in the new year.

The Nautical Chart by Arturo Perez-Reverte
Man, this Spanish guy can write. I first discovered him through his novel the Fencing Master, and now this novel. He's one I'm definitely keeping on my reading list.

Art in the Blood by Craig McDonald
This book is a collection of interviews with mystery writers. I love reading interviews and this book contains the first interviews I've found in a long time that delve into new territory and this book does provide some new insights, and interviews with authors you don't normally read interviews with.

Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen
The first time I ran across the Lakewood Church pastor, I was flipping channels and happened to stop on his sermon when the phone rang. I remember him describing a problem you may have in your life, and darn it if it wasn't my problem. For the next 10 minutes, I felt as though he were talking directly to me. This book is sort of religious self-help, but it addresses how to put yourself in a position to let God help you live a good life.

Don't Look Back by Karin Fossum
Fossum is a Norweigan crime novelist who writes novels featuring Inspector Konrad Sejer. Her novels have been translated into 16 languages and this one makes it easy to see why.

Of course I read a lot of other books this year. I enjoyed novels by Robert B. Parker, Stephen King, Sue Grafton, Jonathan King, Harlan Coben and others. I enjoyed non-fiction by Stephen Ambrose, Barak Obama, Pres. Jimmy Carter and others.