In my opinion, 'The Women's Murder Club' series by James Patterson is excellent. Each book in the series, like the first one '1st to Die', has a great ensemble of female characters who are smart and strong. The plots are full of twists and turns, and Patterson does a great job of showing different perspectives in the investigations.
Definitely 'The Aspern Papers'. It has a clear plot that revolves around a literary detective trying to get hold of some valuable papers. It's not overly complicated yet still has that Henry James touch of psychological exploration. You can quickly get into the story and start to appreciate James's writing style.
Perhaps 'The Portrait of a Lady' could be a good starting point. It's a classic and offers a comprehensive look into James's writing. The story follows Isabel Archer, a young American woman, as she navigates life, love, and society in Europe. It's a long novel but well worth the read as it delves deep into themes of freedom, marriage, and self - discovery, and showcases James's masterful characterization and complex narrative.
Many consider 'The Portrait of a Lady' to be one of his best. It tells the story of Isabel Archer, a young American woman who inherits a large amount of money and travels to Europe. There, she experiences love, betrayal, and self - discovery. James' detailed descriptions of the characters' inner thoughts and the complex social situations make this novel a masterpiece.
One of his highly regarded novels is 'Go Tell It on the Mountain'. It's a semi - autobiographical work that delves deep into the life of a young African - American boy named John Grimes. The novel explores themes of race, religion, and identity within the context of 1930s Harlem. It beautifully portrays the complex relationship between the boy and his father, as well as his spiritual and personal growth.
A great James Patterson novel often has a fast - paced plot. For example, in 'Cross Fire', the action moves quickly from one scene to another, which keeps the reader engaged. His use of short chapters also adds to the sense of urgency.
I think 'Light Years' could also be regarded as his best. It tells the story of a marriage over time, with Salter's elegant prose painting a detailed picture of the characters' lives, their relationships, and the passage of time. The way he describes the emotions and the mundanity of life is truly remarkable.
Well, 'The Women's Murder Club' series is also a strong contender for his best work. It features a group of female investigators who work together to solve various crimes. The series has a great blend of mystery, character relationships, and Patterson's ability to create complex and interesting storylines.