Can you recommend a Kolchak novel for a beginner?

I would recommend 'The Heiress'. It has a fairly straightforward plot with a likeable heroine. The story is easy to follow and has a lot of the typical elements of a 'fabio novel' like a charming hero and a romantic storyline.

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.

I would recommend 'The Snow Tiger'. It has a relatively straightforward plot compared to some of his more complex works. It's a great introduction to Bagley's style of writing adventure stories with elements of mystery.

'Rosemary's Baby' by Ira Levin is also a good choice. It's more of a slow - burn horror, focusing on the paranoia of the main character, Rosemary. The sense of something being not quite right in her new home and her pregnancy is what makes it so scary. It doesn't rely on a lot of jump scares, which can be a plus for a beginner.

I'd recommend 'The Golem' by Gustav Meyrink. It's a great starting point as it is quite accessible and it really sets the mood for golem - related horror. It has all the elements like mystery, a bit of the supernatural, and a creepy atmosphere.

A great option for a beginner would be 'To All the Boys I've Loved Before' by Jenny Han. It has a really cute and relatable romantic plot. There are some elements of drama and mystery, like when the love letters get sent out, which adds a bit of a thrilling aspect. It's a simple and enjoyable read.

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.