Here is the list of authors that I really enjoy. I go for the mystery with a great atmospheric storyline and unique characters.
Louise Penny, Chief Inspector Gamache series of mysteries which take place in a small Quebec town.
Martin Walker, Chief of Police Bruno which takes place in a small French village in the Dordogne region.
Andrea Camilleri, Inspector Montalbano which takes place in Sicily.
Fred Vargas, Commissaire Adamsberg, a wonderfully intuitive French policeman.
All have great storylines and they get into the history and other interesting aspects of the region where the stories take place, such as the truffle trade and the cave paintings of the Dordogne valley. Reading these authors is like taking a vacation and moving into the various towns for a month, meeting the locals, smelling the smells and tasting the food and wine. They all build on the prior book somewhat so I like to start at the beginning of a series. There are 5 to 9 books from each author in a series and I watch with anticipation for new releases.
Catherine