'Best' Humourous Crime Novel

[Jeff Ross]

I've begun reading Carl Hiassen and wonder what other people believe are the 'funniest' or 'most humorous' crime novels out there. Steve Hamilton's stuff is great as well, but I feel like I'm missing out on a bunch.
Any ideas?

[Lynette Hall Hampton]

I admit my taste in reading material doesn't usually run with the main stream, but I'm one of those souls who likes what they like. I picked up a book by a new author and couldn't help laughing out loud as I read. It's about a PI in Hollywood, struggling to keep her business going after leaving the military and divorcing 2 husbands. If you want to check out the book it's Holy Death, by Harol Marshall. I'm looking forward to the second in the series.

[Rosylinn]

Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series is very humourous! Anything that involves grandma is going to be seriously funny.

[Jessica]

I love the Plum series. I can't help giggling out loud in some parts - and then my dad will pause the tv and make me tell him what was funny. The books are good for a cheap laugh!

[Donna Carrick]

I enjoyed Dave Hugelschaffer's dry, self-depracating wit. Porter Cassel series includes: "Day Into Night" and "One Careless Moment".

[Suzanne]

When I'm in the mood for something light and silly, I go for Jim Butcher's books about Harry Dresden, wizard for hire in Chicago. Books are written in the first person by the wizard, and he's a funny guy.

[Angela Zeman]

Last spring I discovered Lisa Lutz's Spellman Files series. I read one--which kept me up to finish, I just couldn't let go of it! The next day I rushed out and found two more...read the second one, which also kept me up all night. Her pace is addicting, the chapters in miniature, and like potato chips I couldn't STOP! Just one more page, just one more chapter.

So in exhaustion, I stopped. The third book still sits unread, like an unwrapped chocolate bar. I'm gearing up for what I know will be a hilariously touching story set to the pace of 24.

NOW--that said...just found Hannah Dennison. (New to me, but maybe not to others.) Her book, SCOOP, just came out. (St. Martins? Not sure. Maybe Berkley Prime Crime.) Her fourth is in the pipeline. Her protagonist is a journalist in village England...cozy, sure, with familiar warm British humor and quirks, but pointy sharp spikes among the chuckles. Great combination of styles!

[Jeff Ross]

There's something about the covers of those Lutz books that I find hard to get past. It seems silly, I know, but there it is. I've heard enough that I'll very likely give one a shot now. But put a tough looking cover over it. :)

[Angela Zeman]

JUST remembered a favorite: INVITATION TO A DYNAMITE PARTY, by Reginald Hill (yowie, can't find it at the moment to doublecheck. Somebody please correct me if I'm wrong.)

Also, Paul E. Erdmans' THE SILVER BEARS. Both old old books, but terrific.

[Angela Zeman]

Bad bad bad of me. I eventually found the book in question, and as suspected, I must correct my comment (above)--INVITATION TO A DYNAMITE PARTY was written by PETER LOVESEY. His Detective Sergeant Cribb is a wonderful creation. WOBBLE TO DEATH is another Sergeant Cribb appearance that I can't recommend enough.

Reginald Hill, Peter Lovesey, and Robert Barnard are incredible, prolific writers of superlative original witty and absorbing mysteries. If these names are unfamiliar to a mystery writer today, consider it vital homework, but you'll love going there.

[Suzanne]

Eric Garcia, producer of "My Name is Earl," wrote three books featuring a T. rex detective. They were "Anonymous Rex," "Casual Rex," and "Hot and Sweaty Rex." Funny stuff

[Edward G. Talbot]

Oh yes, those dinosaur books were great!

[Lisa Fernow]

William X. Kienzle's Father Koesler mysteries made me laugh out loud, mainly because of how Father Koesler thinks. It's been a while since I've read him but I just bought Requiem for Moses and Chameleon, which somehow I missed, and am looking forward to reading them.