The Nero Wolfe series is another option. Wolfe is an eccentric detective who solves crimes from his armchair, while his assistant Archie Goodwin does the legwork. The novels are filled with interesting characters and intricate mysteries, much like the Spenser novels. And the relationship between Wolfe and Goodwin has some similarities to the relationships in Spenser's world.
Jack Vance is another author you could enjoy if you like Gene Wolfe. Vance is known for his vivid and strange worlds, as well as his complex characters. His 'Dying Earth' series has that same sense of otherworldliness that you can find in Wolfe's novels. The language and the settings in both authors' works are quite rich and engaging.
The Hercule Poirot series could also be appealing. Poirot is a very different kind of detective from Pendergast, but the mysteries are top - notch. Agatha Christie's writing style is so clever, and Poirot uses his 'little grey cells' to figure out the most convoluted of cases. It has a more cozy mystery feel in some ways compared to the often darker Pendergast novels.
You might like Lee Child's short story collections related to Jack Reacher. They give you more insights into his character in bite - sized stories. Also, books by Vince Flynn featuring Mitch Rapp could be appealing as they also have a tough, resourceful protagonist dealing with dangerous situations.
You might like books by Robert B. Parker. His Spenser novels have a similar tone of tough - guy detectives solving crimes in an urban setting. The main character, Spenser, is also very charming and has a complex set of relationships, much like Stone Barrington.
Eric Ambler is another author. His novels often deal with the world of espionage and intrigue during the mid - 20th century. The political and social contexts in his books are somewhat similar to what Furst presents in his novels.
You might like Steve Berry. His novels are also full of historical mysteries and adventures. He often takes real - life historical events and adds a fictional, thrilling twist to them, much like Dan Brown does.
You might like 'Smile' by Raina Telgemeier. It has a similar feel with great characters and a relatable story about growing up.
In Spenser detective novels, the character development is quite remarkable. Spenser himself evolves over the series. His past experiences shape his approach to each new case. The novels also explore different themes such as justice, morality, and the human condition. The dialogue in these novels is sharp and engaging, making the characters seem more real. And the pacing is well - handled, with enough action and suspense to keep the readers hooked from start to finish.
James Rollins is a good one. His novels, like Steve Berry's, often blend adventure and mystery with historical elements. For example, his Sigma Force series has exciting plots that involve ancient secrets and modern - day threats.
Well, the central character is Spenser, a private detective with a strong sense of justice. Hawk is a key figure too. He is a complex character, with his own set of values and a very capable fighter. He provides a contrast to Spenser in some ways. Susan Silverman, as Spenser's girlfriend, is also an important character. She is a psychologist, and her insights sometimes help Spenser in understanding the motives of the criminals he is chasing. Their relationship has its ups and downs, which is an interesting aspect of the novels.