Everyone has their favourite authors, those whose words and stories have touched their hearts and minds in a meaningful way. For me, there are ten authors who stand out above the rest as my absolute favourites. In this blog post, I will share a little bit about each of these authors and what makes them so special to me.
is at the top of my list, and for good reason. His Discworld series is a masterful blend of fantasy and satire, with richly-drawn characters and a clever wit that never fails to make me laugh out loud. Pratchett's writing is both entertaining and insightful, and his books always leave me feeling uplifted and inspired.
Another author who holds a special place in my heart. Her detective novels are classic whodunits, with intricate plots and memorable characters that keep me guessing until the very end. Christie's writing is both clever and engaging, and her ability to weave together complex mysteries is truly impressive.
Perhaps best known for his creation of Sherlock Holmes, one of the most iconic characters in literary history. Doyle's writing is marked by his keen eye for detail and his ability to create complex, multi-layered plots that keep me on the edge of my seat. His stories are timeless classics that I never tire of re-reading.
is another favourite of mine, particularly his science fiction novels written under the name Iain M. Banks. His writing is marked by his visionary world-building, his philosophical themes, and his memorable characters. Banks' novels are both thought-provoking and entertaining, and I always find myself fully immersed in his imaginative worlds.
is a British author best known for his Dalziel and Pascoe series of detective novels. Hill's writing is marked by his clever wit and his ability to create memorable characters that feel like old friends. His plots are always intricate and unpredictable, and I never grow tired of trying to solve the mysteries alongside his detectives. He died in 2012.
is a literary giant whose works have stood the test of time. His novels are epic in scale, with vividly-drawn characters and a powerful social commentary that is still relevant today. Dickens' writing is both moving and entertaining, and his books have a timeless quality that continues to captivate readers of all ages.
a favourite of mine, particularly her Harry Potter seisries. Rowling's writing is marked by her incredible imagination, her memorable characters, and her ability to create a fully-realized magical world that feels both familiar and new. Her books are a joy to read, and I always find myself swept away by her storytelling. Although some of her personal views may be controversial.
is an author whose works have had a profound impact on my life. His Chronicles of Narnia series is a masterful blend of fantasy and Christian allegory, with timeless themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Lewis' writing is both imaginative and insightful, and his books are a constant source of inspiration and comfort for me.
is perhaps best known for his epic fantasy novel The Lord of the Rings. His writing is marked by his incredible world-building, his intricate plots, and his ability to create memorable characters that feel like real people. Tolkien's books have a timeless quality that continues to captivate readers of all ages, and his influence can be felt in countless works of fantasy fiction.
is a Scottish crime writer best known for his Inspector Rebus series. Set in Edinburgh and the area around it. These include Knots and Crosses, Hide and Seek, Tooth and Nail just to name a few. In total there are 27.
I was introduced to these by the TV shows in the UK. With Scottish actors John Hannah and Ken Stott playing DCI Rebus.