A few people asked me for recommendations lately, so I decided I'd make a short list: (that turned out to be not so short, so maybe choose the category that interests you?)

Crime/Mystery

Agatha Christie.

Everything. Absolutely everything. Those who know me well know that I worship the woman. They're not only very good mysteries, but also they have an atmosphere of eternal elegance. These books deserve to be savoured, don't rush them, don't look ahead; enjoy them. I promise you you'd never guess the murderer.
My personal favourites: the Hollow and the Murder of Roger Ackroyd.

Nero Wolfe Series by Rex Stout

I haven't read enough of them. Last time I read one my internal temperature was between 38-40 C so... but amazing. the structure and story, while you may suspect the killer, the surrounding and personalities of the characters are brilliant.

Both of the above writers make very good studies of human character, this makes the detail of the interactions incredible.

Fantasy

Darkweaver/Imperial Series by Mark Robson

Technically the Series are connected and are in the same universe/same decade. However the stories are quite different. What I love about this writer is the fact that he doesn't make excuses, there is no introduction; these books employ the sink or swim method. And once you get the hang of the storyline you really appreciate the detail - which is very intricate and rather, well, creative.

The Cry of the Icemark by Stuart Hill

Only the first book; it is a series but in this case the first book is the best. I suppose it counts as a young adult book, but not a lot of morals and lessons to be learned. So I see it more as one of my comfort books; it is a very sweet desperate story with bits of every genre included.

Cozy Mysteries

This is a genre I'm still discovering, it is a mysteries but I guess softer. In Rita's newly discovered maths: cozy=mystery - thriller.

Gray Whale Inn Series by Karen MacInerney

I guess these are more focused on a female audience, but they really are feel-good books despite being murder centered. I especially love the main character, the reality of her life and the homey feeling of the books. It's a combination that makes these books irresistible to me and easily consumed in a day.

Humour

Absolute Power (DVD)

Not a book, I know. But there is such power and dedication in the script. I think the idea(s) are the things that makes this series really really consuming. It has a modern feel without becoming all chrome and angles. It also shows the world, media and people in a unique and rather harsh yet humorous light. It also challenges the popular conceptions we have about truth, morals and deception. Rather sharp, sarcastic humour very often at the expense of others.

Art/Photography/Unconventional Writing



This is a photographer that really inspires me, his photographs show a lot of skill and reality. I am in awe of how he shows human nature through a combination of photographs and writing. His projects are unique and in a way he really has the dream job. I also am drawn like a moth to a flame, to his thought process and personal reception of his work.
One of my favourite photographs of his is this one. For me it's the simplicity and the relaxed atmosphere.
However to fully appreciate it you really need look at his photographs as a group, project by project.

Kmye Chan

This artist creates something we often see with very good fantasy writing. She creates universes, proper structured universes that you see in you mind with her art. Her pieces aren't in proportion or conventional and yet they give of the feelings and atmosphere that I generally get from a very good book.
My favourite art of hers is the one I've seen first. Yes it was the theme that drew me in, but it is the unrealistic detailed that captured me. Most people when doing a fantasy setting simplify the art and focus on a few aspects, she does the opposite and this is what makes it so much more real.