Can you recommend the best Bernie Wolfe novel for a beginner?

I'm not sure which Bernie Wolfe novel is considered the best as it can be very subjective. However, some might argue that 'The Lost City' is a great one due to its engaging plot and well - developed characters.

I'd recommend 'The Bonfire of the Vanities'. It's a great starting point as it's very accessible. It has a fast - paced plot that keeps you hooked. The characters are well - drawn and it gives a good sense of the time period. You can easily get into Wolfe's writing style through this novel.

I would recommend 'The Far and the Near' as it is relatively easy to understand and gives a good taste of Wolfe's writing style.

A beginner could also try 'Accelerando' by Charles Stross. It's a bit more challenging but still accessible. It shows a future of rapid technological change, including things like mind - uploading and post - human evolution, and it does so in a story - driven way that helps the reader understand the concepts.

Another beginner - friendly Drukhari novel could be 'First Steps into Commorragh'. This novel is designed to ease the reader into the dark and often confusing world of the Drukhari. It has simple language and a straightforward plot that focuses on the basic aspects of the Drukhari society, such as their hierarchy, their main activities, and their relationship with the wider Warhammer 40,000 universe.

For a beginner, 'Ubik' could be a good choice too. It has an exciting and mysterious plot that draws you in right from the start. The way it plays with the idea of reality is really interesting and it's not overly complex in terms of language or structure.

I would recommend 'The Hot Rock' as a great starting point for a beginner. It has a simple enough plot to follow. Dortmunder's attempts to steal a large diamond are filled with humorous mishaps. The writing style is accessible and it gives a good introduction to the character of Dortmunder and the kind of criminal adventures he gets into.

I would recommend 'The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter'. It has a relatively straightforward plot that is easy to follow. The language used is not overly complex, so it's a great introduction to lighthouse - themed novels. It also gives a good sense of the life around a lighthouse.

I would recommend 'The Day of the Jackal' by Frederick Forsyth. It's a classic that is not too difficult to understand. It tells a straightforward story of an assassination plot in a very engaging way. You can easily get caught up in the suspense and the details of the assassin's planning.

For a beginner, 'The Princess Bride' by William Goldman is a great choice. It has a wonderful mix of adventure, romance, and humor. The characters are engaging, and the story is told in a very entertaining way. It's easy to get into and will have you laughing out loud at the witty dialogue and comical situations.