Best private investigator mystery books according to redditors
We found 394 Reddit comments discussing the best private investigator mystery books. We ranked the 56 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 394 Reddit comments discussing the best private investigator mystery books. We ranked the 56 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
Where she was later brought back to life using necromancy by Harry Dresden and ridden into battle while a one man Polka band played on her back.
Dead Beat
A part of the Desden Files. If you haven't read it, you gotta!
Step 1: Purge the TV show from your memory.
Step 2: Pick up Storm Front and enjoy!
I did some research in the 1990s for use in sci fi scenarios about both the past and the future. Some of it regarded 'what ifs' about lost civilizations such as a possible Atlantis-like scenario in southeast asia, that got decimated in a biotech war, then drowned by rising seas at the end of the last Ice Age.
(Note that the use of biotech meant virtually all evidence of its usage would rot totally away; then the rising seas helped destroy any other evidence as well).
The Atlantis That Could Have Been
My other scenario dealt with a pseudo primate civilization that basically developed millions of years before humanity, in the vicinity of Antarctica and the Kerguelen mini continent (it was all much warmer then). A tight constraint on a certain vital plant in their diet which wouldn't grow elsewhere in the world, plus their own despotic government, kept them primarily within the environs of Kerguelen for a very long time; then the rulers decided to move lock stock and barrel into space, and leave behind most of their peasants/slaves to die in their homeland, as Kerguelen sank beneath the sea. The race still exists today in the outer solar system, mining asteroids and comets, and warily watching humanity advance tech-wise.
The main reasons they hadn't destroyed us the past century is because we remain clueless to their existence, and their rulers enjoy our entertainment media. Plus, they like stealing some of the breakthroughs we make in stuff like drugs and medical tech, that they haven't (as explained on my site, the ruling families keep a tight leash on tech development within their own nation, out of fear that it might make them lose control of their people; the only exceptions have been times like when they wanted to rush development of space technologies to make the leap into space).
Could we eventually uncover a lost civilization on the sunken Kerguelen continent? And if so, what might have been its fate?
I include many supporting references for my speculations.
Finally, in the sci fi book Anne Maddison’s Secret Admirer, evidence of both these civilizations are discovered by a woman private investigator on Earth, in 2017. :-)
I can almost guarantee that you will enjoy the Dresden Files books by Jim Butcher. The protagonist is a wizard who works with Chicago PD on magic related and other supernatural cases. There are some strong female characters, a sort of Scooby gang eventually, lots of vampire intrigue, and while the sense of humor isn't exactly the same, I find it to be in the same neighborhood, just a little geekier. Here is a link to the first book in the series.
In all honesty, the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings are pretty tough to get into, since they are practically the ur-examples of fantasy, written back when a lot of commercial fiction methodology was still being developed.
When i read a book, I worry first and foremost if I'm entertained, if I am, I'll give it my recommendation, regardless of the flaws. These are the ones I think you'd find best for jumping in with.
YA/Middle Grade Books
Fantasy
Discworld by Terry Pratchet (I'd recommend not starting at the beginning.)
Sci-Fi
Urban Fantasy
Thrillers/Suspense
This is true. That said, one can always introduce the magic into the mundane - a passing reference to a spell in the opening paragrah or page and you're good.
Or read the first two pages of the first book of Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series for another, more direct approach:
http://www.amazon.com/books/dp/0451457811
> But at least have enough class not to advertise that you did it.
Hey, Jim. Long time fan of the Dresden books; I usually use them as a case example of showing people what it's like for an author to improve over time, because I think it's very clear to the reader how consistently you get better as a writer from book to book (although you rely on the word 'literally' far too often for my taste). I understand your point of view on people sharing your books for free, but I cannot support your attitude that there is anything remotely shameful about it, any more than there is shame in lending or giving a book to a friend - it is simply a fact that a digital book can be given away without the giver no longer having it, which shouldn't have any impact on the morality in question.
Some of your pirates truly can't afford your books, and you should not consider them a loss of sales in any way. Many, like thefran has strongly implied he is, struggle with inadequate service - information in the digital age is always in competition with free, and sellers who do not realize this make poor decisions that cause piracy. theFran has straight-up admitted that he had to buy a bootleg because, for no good reason, he could not buy your product when it released, as it was delayed in his country. In the internet age, that is straight-up inexcusable. This is your publisher's fault, not yours, but you should understand that he was out to enjoy your work, not hurt you, and as a group, the people involved in selling him the book dropped the ball collectively.
If you're serious about wanting to sell more books to internet denizens, 1) make absolutely sure digital copies of your book release no later than the physical book does, 2) in every format used by a digital reader, 3) on widely accessible markets, 4) for a reasonable price (this means less than the physical copy; 5 dollars is about right). This shit, where the digital copy costs MORE than the paper copy, is just going to lose you sales. http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Front-Book-Dresden-Files/dp/0451457811
I realise you're the author, but you're big enough to tell your publishers to stop being idiots. Get on the phone with them and start making yourself more money and your internet readers happier.
If she loved Harry Potter, some urban fantasy might be worth trying. Dresden Files is one of the archetypal examples that everyone brings up, though it does have a first-person Guy Perspective complete with a bit of a staring problem and some unconscious condescension/patronization (early-series in particular, he does get better on that one). I still love the books and I know a bunch of wimminfolks do as well, but it's worth noting in case that'd be a big turn-off. Skip straight to the third book if you try Dresden tho - first two are skippable and not the best intro. Some people say skip to fourth, but those people are wrong. Third-book intro place ftw.
To run through a couple other urban fantasies:
Twenty Palaces: Very very good IMHO, but a bit (kinda) (sometimes a lot) bleak and sad. YMMV.
Magic Ex Libris: Books are magic. A bit cheesy but a fun premise. I read the first two and I might keep going if I ever diminish the size of Mt Readmore.
Eric Carter: Pitch-black supernatural LA noir. If she doesn't like GoT b/c it's too dark this is a definite no-no, but I thought I'd mention just because I like these books and you never know.
Aaand there's a bunch more UF out there but I'm kinda worn out on typing right now. Hope some of this helped!
Are you looking for straight comedy or just things with comedic elements? Do you have any specific genre preferences?
For example, Steven Brust's Jhereg series has a very snarky protagonist, but it's not a comedy.
Same would be true for the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, if you like urban fantasy.
A Wizard of Earthsea
Dresden files
If you like fantasy, check in with the folks over at r/fantasy. That being said, Patrick Rothfuss' Name of the Wind is phenomenal epic fantasy with beautifully crafted storytelling. If you want fast paced urban fantasy, check out Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files, which is about a magic wielding private detective with an irreverent sense of humor.
If you liked Sanderson for his straightforward style and fun tone, I recommend Jim Butcher. You can read the Codex Alera for epic fantasy or his more popular Dresden Files, which is urban fantasy.
Start reading The Dresden Files
Book 16 isn't due out until 2015, so you may be able to catch up in time.
This is very much a "just trust me". Book 1 isn't the best of the series, but everyone has to start somewhere. Very quickly it becomes an addiction.
Click Here for the amazon link. You can buy it in almost any format.
For Harry Dresden, Chicago's only professional wizard, business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry's seeing dollar signs. But where there's black magic, there's a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry's name.
Fellow fan of series here! Let me see...
Young Adult
Percy Jackson series is fun (and finished, too, I think).
Artemis Fowl series isn't quite as good as Percy Jackson IMHO, but it's got a following.
Fantasy
Harry Dresden series This is one of my favorites. Harry is Chicago's only professional wizard. There are a ton of these books and they are still going strong.
Game of Thrones These are great...but unfinished. If you watch the show, reading the books does help you get even more out of the story, I think.
Wheel of Time Another good series. There is a LOT of this series and it's finished. (Thank you, Brandon Sanderson!)
Mistborn Speaking of Brandon Sanderson... This one is very good. I highly recommend reading the Mistborn books before trying the Stormlight Archive, but only because as good as Mistborn is, Stormlight Archive is even better.
Stormlight Archive Amazing. Man, these are good. The series isn't finished, but the two books that are available are some of my favorites ever.
Kingkiller Chronicles I loved the first book. I could not freakin' believe I enjoyed the second one even more. The third one is still pending.
Temeraire Dragons in Napoleonic times. Super cool premise! This one is not finished (I don't think, anyway).
Gentlemen Bastards Con men in a fantasy realm. It's pretty light on the fantasy elements. Very light, I'd say. I'd also say that it has some of the very best swearing that I've ever come across. :D
Scifi
Old Man's War I'm almost finished this one--it's amazing!
Horror/Thriller
Passage Trilogy I've heard these described as vampire books...maybe zombie books... It's apocalyptic for sure. Great books!
Mysteries
Amelia Peabody Egyptology + murder mysteries. Super fun, but trust me...go with the audiobooks for these. They are best when they are performed.
Stephanie Plum Total popcorn reads. If that's your thing, shut off your brain and just enjoy.
Walt Longmire These get particularly good as it goes along. The main character is a sheriff in modern day Wyoming. (Side note: The TV show is also great--just don't expect them to stick to the books.)
Graphic Novels (Everything recommended can be gotten in a "book" format instead of only in comic form, in case that matters. I've gotten most of these from my local library.)
Locke & Key Eerie as crap. Love the art! This one is on-going.
Y: The Last Man All the men on the planet drop dead in a day...except for Yorrick. REALLY good. This is the series that got me reading graphic novels. Plus, it's finished!
Walking Dead I am not a zombie fan...but I like these. They're not done, but I've read up through volume 22 and am still enjoying them.
Other
OutlanderI have no idea how to categorize these or even give a description that does them justice. I refused to pick it up for AGES because it sounded like a bodice-ripper romance and that's not my bag. But these are good!
I hope there's something in there that'll do for you. Have fun and read on!
Edit: Apparently, I need to practice formatting. :/
Edit 2: I forgot to add the Lies of Locke Lamora (Gentlemen Bastards #1).
There're two covers. One more "chick lit" and the other looks more neutral to my mind. I think the more female directed cover is US and the other is UK.
I would guess it's the target audience they think they're going after more than gender of author. I live in the UK, and here mysteries/procedurals are one of the most main stream genres; the bulk of all of the TV is in some way a mystery. Maybe in the states they thought it would appeal more to specifically women? But that's just a guess.
The Devil and Daniel Webster is short. Though if you're interested in recommendations for books that are longer that you may like check out these:
The Cinder Spires: The Aeronaut's Windlass
On Basilisk Station
The Hobbit
The Dresden Files 1, 2, 3. (The first two books of the series are the weakest, the quality jumps tremendously in Book 3 and each one is better then the last after that.)
The Lost Fleet
I came here to say the same thing. Start with The Atrocity Archives and then The Jennifer Morgue. Also, the Dresden Files have always felt X-Files-ish to me. Start with Storm Front.
http://www.amazon.com/Gardens-Moon-Malazan-Book-Fallen/dp/0765348780
http://www.amazon.com/Hitchhikers-Guide-Galaxy-Douglas-Adams/dp/0345391802/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376093747&sr=1-2&keywords=hitchhikers+guide+to+the+galaxy
http://www.amazon.com/Mistborn-Final-Empire-Book-No/dp/0765350386/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376093807&sr=1-1&keywords=mistborn
http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Front-Book-Dresden-Files/dp/0451457811/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1376093895&sr=1-1&keywords=storm+front+jim+butcher
Dresden Files by Jim Butcher is your thing if you like a character who would die for the principles. It's hard to explain it without spoilers, but several times he choose principles over the easy way out.
Start with Storm Front.
Talk to me when you get the Dresden Files books in Hardcover. That will truly be impressive.
The Nightside series (12 books) by Simon R Green was pretty good. While not being specifically YA, I don't remember it having overly objectionable content.
How about some good books?:
Sandman Slim by Richard Kadrey - First in the series.
Something from the Nightside by Simon R. Green - First in the series.
Good Omens by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett - Hilarious
Most of this is copypasta from another reply on this thread, since it seemed silly to just rephrase all the things. Please note the last paragraph if none of these seem fun. I read a lot, mostly exclusively SF/F (both adult and YA), and boy do I have opinions on it. And if you're not a reader starting with YA is a thought. There's a lot of fun, intelligent YA out there now as publishers realize teens don't actually want to be treated like they're stupid.
For a low commitment (i.e. not part of a series), humorous start there's Terry Pratchett/Neil Gaiman's Good Omens. I like a lot of Gaiman's work, which ranges from the strange and humorous (see: GO) to the strange and creepy (Anasazi Boys), but what I'd recommend from him depends on what you're looking for.
In the funny but harder scifi range I'd rec the beloved classic Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson. This is seriously one of the wittiest books I've ever read besides being an action-packed scifi romp.
If you're interested in urban fantasy I have all the recs. Everything from Jim Butcher's Harry Dresden series Book 1: Storm Front, for the grown-up wizard, to Seanan McGuire's October Daye series Book 1: Rosemary and Rue, if you're more into fae.
For the dark and more sexual (seriously, there is sex in these books) I highly recommend the Fever Series by Karen Moning, Book 1: Darkfever.
If you like SF/F books (like Discworld, Animorphs, etc.) let me know what subgenres (e.g. hard scifi, urban fantasy, urban scifi, fantasy romance, young adult _____ ) you think you might like and I guarantee you I have a recommendation or two. I read a lot.
The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher is one of my favorite series. It's less scifi and a bit more on the fantasy genre, but still really good. It's much less high fantasy than the Game of Thrones series and set in Chicago in today's time. Plus the main guy gets to ride a zombie t-rex.
Tell us a little bit more about yourself. What entertainment genres do you like? Are there any subjects you want to learn more about?
Here's a few good books I've read recently:
I've read the preview of this book and it looks pretty good, especially since I love well done urban fantasy story's. You'd probably really enjoy the Dresden Series... about a badass wizard detective living in Chicago.
Here's a link to the first book if you want to check it out:
http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Front-Dresden-Files-Book/dp/0451457811
Ya know, I'll order a paperback edition of a Madness of Angels from amazon right now if you promise to take a look at the Dresden Series. Deal?
I'm really surprised that nobody has mentioned this one yet, but you should check out the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher. Storm Front is the first book in the series. Don't quit after only reading the first one! The series gets better as you go!
Also, I just finished reading Fahrenheit 451 and loved it :)
EDIT: If you read a lot, I would really recommend using PaperBack Swap! (gotta be honest, this is a referral link through me!) They have a ton of great books available for around $3.45 per book (with shipping) at the most, and that's if you actually purchase credits.
I will second The Lies of Locke Lamora (part of the Gentleman Bastard series) as an excellent choice.
If you like Percy Jackson because it is fantasy mixed with the real world (i.e. urban fantasy genre) you might like The Dresden Files or the Iron Druid Chronicles
You might also look at branching into historical fiction, maybe? There are a lot of books using real historical military campaigns as backgrounds that are very entertaining - if that is of any interest to you, start with The Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield.
What sort of fantasy do you think you would like? High fantasy, modern day real world fantasy, steam punk, romance, adventure, coming of age?
If you are looking at staying with a Young Adult fantasy theme, I would suggest Cassandra Clare's series, [The Mortal Instruments] (https://www.amazon.com/Bones-Mortal-Instruments-Cassandra-Clare/dp/1481455923/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1478740289&sr=8-3&keywords=the+mortal+instruments) and it's prequel series, [The Infernal Devices] (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1481456024/ref=pd_sim_14_6?ie=UTF8&pd_rd_i=1481456024&pd_rd_r=H6XGB69FAEC3097ZA851&pd_rd_w=lLXM8&pd_rd_wg=MOvOs&psc=1&refRID=H6XGB69FAEC3097ZA851) . The prequel series is actually my favorite of the two. It is steam punk fantasy while the other is not. I also would recommend [The Dresden Files] (https://www.amazon.com/Storm-Front-Dresden-Files-Butcher/dp/0451457811/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1478740351&sr=1-1&keywords=dresden+files), by Jim Butcher even though they are not Young Adult. They contain every type of fantasy creature and setting you could imagine. It's a series about a private detective in modern day Chicago who also happens to be a wizard.
If you want to delve into a zombie genre, I have enjoyed [The Forest of Hands and Teeth] (https://www.amazon.com/Forest-Hands-Teeth-Carrie-Ryan/dp/0385736827/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478740244&sr=8-1&keywords=forest+of+hands+and+teeth) series by Carrie Ryan as well as [The Enemy] (https://www.amazon.com/Enemy-new-cover-Novel/dp/1484721462/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1478740190&sr=8-1&keywords=the+enemy+charlie+higson) series by Charlie Higson.
Crossbow, bolts, and the first book of the Dresden Files.
Ok, you like a lot of the authors I do so Imma try and throw a couple out there.
The Windup Girl by Paolo Bacigalupi Set in future Thailand where global warming has run rampant, the oceans have risen, and gene companies produce food seed continuously to keep ahead of genetic plagues that destroy anything edible. It's some solid hard scifi and if you like Gibson and Dick it should do ya well.
Red Thunder by John Varley Set in the near future the Chinese are clearly going to win the spacerace to Mars and a small group decides to build a ship to beat em. This is the first in a three part series (which I just learned had a third part lookin up that link) and I enjoyed it.
As for fantasy...
The Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher In the world of The Dresden Files, magic is real, along with ghouls, vampires, demons, spirits, faeries, werewolves, zombies and other mythical monsters. Harry Dresden works to protect the general public, who are ignorant of magic and the dark forces conspiring against them. This makes it difficult for Harry to get by as a working wizard and private eye. The Chicago PD's Special Investigation unit, when led by Karrin Murphy, regularly employs Dresden as a consultant to help solve cases of a supernatural nature. I love this series, whenever a new book comes out (and hes up to 14 not counting a few short story collections and such) I read it almost nonstop.
Others have suggested older lore sources for fey pact, but there's recent as well in the Dresden series with Mab (see Summer Knight and Cold Days)
I publish under a lot of different pseudonyms. And the stories vary widely. Below are some of them:
Spellbound: The Lost, the Hidden, and the Forgotten
The Old Soldier and the Monsters of Mount Snyder
The Goddess of Trinifore College
Wildest Dreams, Lost and Found
Anne Maddison’s Secret Admirer
Here are all the local Amazon links I could find:
amazon.com
amazon.co.uk
amazon.ca
amazon.com.au
amazon.in
amazon.com.mx
amazon.de
amazon.it
amazon.es
amazon.com.br
amazon.nl
amazon.co.jp
amazon.fr
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Sheffield P.I.: The Day of Death is free https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07XYQW4XP
Hi all, my crime mystery novel, Lightly Falling Snow, is free on Amazon until Sunday!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L8L5429
An occult murder. An unsolved mystery. And a writer with too many secrets.
Three years ago, police detectives, Rojhat and Dimitrios, were unable to solve the brutal murder of a headteacher in the the remote wilderness of Cumbria. Laid out as an occult sacrifice, the gruesome details were kept hidden from the public, and the case soon went cold.
Now, by chance, Rojhat has discovered a novel which is seemingly based on the murder, down to the intricate, satanic details of the crime scene. Rojhat and Dimitrios will need to uncover the writer's secrets before it's too late. Does the novel point to a possible killer? Or is there something far more insidious at work?
False Light
Do you think your spouse is cheating? Flynn'll follow them. Is your child a dirty druggie? Flynn'll set them straight. Do you want to drive your neighbor out of town? Flynn'll think of something.
If there's a problem at the Jacksonville Beaches, Flynn Dupree is your man. He may be an unlicensed consultant, but he's also cheap. And sometimes cheap is the best you can afford.
https://www.amazon.com/False-Light-Wolfgang-von-Wittern-ebook/dp/B07NCKKWP6
E-book $5
Kindle unlimited free
https://www.amazon.com/Taika-Town-Drew-Montgomery-ebook/dp/B07J3PBR24/
One more if you're still taking them
Yeah, if it was free to play I'd push a lot harder for people to try it, but I can understand not wanting to plop down thirty bucks for a game you're not sure you'd want.
However, I really love modern day/supernatural settings. Some of my favorite book series are The Nightside books by Simon R. Green, The Hollows series by Kim Harrison (especially so because I actually live near Cincinnati, which is where the books take place), The Hellboy graphic novel series, and so on.
So yeah, a game with a modern day setting where I get to spend hours fighting zombies, insane cultists, bloodthirsty vampires, and elder gods? Sign me up! :D
I just realized there is a series you will ADORE. The Nightside series by Simon R. Green! 12 books out so far and #13 due next year.
Something from the Nightside by Simon R. Green. It's not really "period" but the series does have a dark and quirky sense of humor and they're mysteries, mainly.
Simone R Green's series about the NightSide http://www.amazon.com/Something-Nightside-Book-1/dp/0441010652
Private Investigator in a "second London" filled with supernatural things.
This specific one
It doesn't mention the carnivorous house, but it's definitely part of the plot in book 1.
I have trouble listening to the Dresden books. It's just so breathy that it annoys me.
You can hear a sample here: Amazon
The numerous audible inhales and exhales just grate on me.
It is. Plus the author has a great sense of humor and lets it color his writing. I've turned quite a few people on to the series with no complaints. To be fair, all of those people did enjoy books of a similar nature. Good luck and let me know what you think if you read them. The first book is Storm Front. They're pretty expensive right now on Kindle so I linked the paperback edition for you. My local library always has the books available, so I'd check there as well - free is a great price as well :).
Full disclosure: I've talked about these books before. It's hard not to talk about them again, because I love reading books!
The dated but still fun modern-fantasy SERRAted Edge series written by Mercedes Lackey and others starts with Born to Run. They tackle some serious issues and have serious moments, but they're generally a nice light read.
Dana Stabenow's Alaskan murder mystery Kate Shugak series starts off with A Cold Day For Murder -- and it's free if you have a Kindle/other e-reader. The main character Kate and her half-wolf Mutt have a lot of suspenseful, yet occasionally hilarious, moments. There's even a bit of romance thrown in here and there.
David Weber writes a space-opera series that's on its ... twentieth? novel. It all started off with On Basilisk Station and The Honor of the Queen -- both of which are free as well through the Kindle store! (HotQ is probably my favorite in the entire series.) This series is less humor and a little more cerebral (especially once you get to 'recent events' and end up re-reading the entire series to spot the plot setups...) but honestly, how can you argue with a main character whose primary companion is a six-limbed, arboreal, prehensile-tailed, thumb-wielding, telepathic cat?
Maggie Furey wrote a magic-fantasy quadrilogy that I discovered years ago when I read Aurian. It's actually been long enough since I've read it that I don't remember tons of the details, but it's currently very high on my to-read (again) list.
Naomi Novik writes an alternate history Napoleonic-era Britain (with dragons!) that starts with His Majesty's Dragon. I highly recommend the first three. It's sort of sea-and-sky-opera with some lighthearted fun thrown in.
A new addition to my recommended list is the modern-fantasy Dresden Files, written by Jim Butcher and starting with Storm Front. Private investigation meets spellslinging, with sometimes unpredictable and often hilarious results.
Any relation to The Dresden Files ?
The Dresden Files Book 1
The Iron Druid Chronicles Book 1
I have lots more, just ask for a genre.
Ok, sorry it took so long, but maybe try Spice and Wolf light novels, Konosuba, Death March to a Parallel World, and No game no life.
If the manga light novels aren't your style, then perhaps The Dresden Files by Jim Butcher, The Dark Tower series by Stephen King, or The Passage by Justin Cronin.
You should definitely check out Dresden Files. Please dont base it on the horrible TV series they made the books are fantastic.
http://www.amazon.com/Storm-Front-Dresden-Files-Book/dp/0451457811/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1291817709&sr=8-1
also the audio books are great, read by James Marsters.
Jim Butcher's The Dresden Files series. The first book is called Storm Front.
There are more books in this series than I can remember so it'd keep her busy for the forseeable future.
I really loved Ender's Game, but I know its not everyone's cup of tea. You should read The Dresden Files. It is a really good mix of fantasy/magic and detective/action types.
If you are looking for an action-packed easy-read then try out the Dresden Files by Jim Butcher. Almost ideal for reading when not quite up to 100% in recovery.
The Ex-Heroes series is a personal favorite. great character development and really clever power usage. When you figure one of the villains powers you have that "Oh shit it was there this whole time and I didn't notice it!" moments.
Later on in the Dresden Files Harry Dresden has his own Rouges Gallery, sidekick, and car named the blue Beetle. He has the luck and mid-battle banter of Spider-Man and as many allies as the X-Men but fewer true friends.
There's a lot of power crawl and he struggles with morality and fighting a never ending battle against evils that most of the world doesn't recognize while getting no respect.
Seriously, Dresden Files is my favorite thing maybe ever and I try to convert people to the light whenever I can. The books started out a little rough but started getting really good with book three but book four is also a great place to start. I'm not exaggerating when I say the series gets better and better with each book. The third acts always manage to leave me on the edge of my seat and then the next one comes along and blows it away. Sorry for going on fore awhile but I fucking love the Dresden Files.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/0451461975/ref=nav_timeline_asin?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Ta-da! http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0451461975/iagonet
In Simon R Green’s Nightside Series a train is used to transport him (and others) to the Nightside. The Nightside is an alternate place in London that is both fantastical and grim.