I typically read hard science fiction (I love “Competence Porn”) and fantasy, looking for something a little lighter to read on vacation. Maybe like a modern Sherlock Holmes-esque book.

Below are my favorite books. I’m going on a beachy vacation next week and wanted something just a little lighter than what I typically read, but still well written and clever. Bonus if the setting is also tropical. Even though I tend toward Sci Fi and Fantasy, I’d be open to any fiction genre – maybe a spy novel or crime solving drama… Are there any good modern books that have a Sherlock Holmes vibe?

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Here are my favorites:

The Martian and Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir – I’ve heard this called “Competence Porn” – i.e., big focus on clever problem solving.

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Bobiverse series by Dennis E Taylor

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The Walking Drum by Louis L’amour – I don’t like most of his writing (almost all westerns) but this one’s great. It’s a 12th century setting, and follows the main character through medieval europe. I’ve never been so immersed into a historical setting as with this book.

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Thanks in advance!

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by KnivesAndShallots