@taralumia, it's funny that you said that. i can't read anything stimulating before bed. if i'm reading something good, i'll put it down and read something boring. i try not to come on pr late either because i'll get too involved.
@2005cbr, i don't have a very high opinion of james patterson. his books are formulaic. it seems to be a trend with some writers nowadays: their books are like screenplays. you can just see how the writers are envisioning the movie to be made. i was enjoying craig johnson's longmire series until i got annoyed at how the books all end with a big chase scene with mystical overtones. chase scenes are for movies, not books.
i read a lot of mysteries and sf and avoid "thrillers." what genre do you like? i'd be happy to suggest some writers that i like.