Her first novel bagged an Edgar nod. And The Prisoner of the Riviera, from her Francis Bacon mystery series, earned a 2014 Lambda Literary Award in the gay mystery category. But those are only two reasons to be impressed by author Janice Law.
We got a chance to chat with the prolific writer, who told us about the six books at the top of her must-read list. Get ready to add them to yours.
![journey into fear journey into fear](https://orion-uploads.openroadmedia.com/sm_8acc9ea8781f-9780307949967_p0_v1_s1200x630.jpg)
Journey Into Fear
Ambler was the god of suspense, who could make the pocketing of a roll of film or a moment of isolation on a steamer as tense as much more violent and elaborate scenes by lesser writers. Ingenious and knowledgeable, Ambler was never better than in this short, fast moving thriller.
![Strong-Poison Strong Poison](https://d1pwnu15mzvjms.cloudfront.net/210x320/9781453258897.jpg)
Strong Poison
My introduction to Sayers and to a wonderful golden age female detective. Literate and well plotted and featuring Lord Peter Wimsey, Strong Poison is a delight even if Sayers was a bit of a snob.
Related: 10 Modern and Classic Mysteries for Dorothy L. Sayers Fans
![started early took my dog Started Early, Took My Dog](https://orion-uploads.openroadmedia.com/sm_b4eea579e440-51lmuzyq1ol.jpg)
Started Early, Took My Dog
Jackson Brodie is a terrific character, Atkinson’s plots are intricate and surprising, and her minor characters well observed. She likes dogs, too.
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![the leopard The Leopard](https://orion-uploads.openroadmedia.com/sm_2a29338dbeae-31emhgb1y3l.jpg)
The Leopard
The Italian writer’s one and only novel and one of those books that remains in memory as a rare and perfect thing. An elegy for Old Sicily and a portrait of a whole society.
![sense and sensibility Sense and Sensibility](https://orion-uploads.openroadmedia.com/sm_e9a5e065ae88-41oqmww-hgl._sx326_bo1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Sense and Sensibility
All right, her masterpiece is Pride and Prejudice, but I taught Sense & Sensibility happily for many years and never tired of its wit and humanity. Although the great-grandmother of the romance novel, she was anything but romantic in her assessment of money, marriage, and morals.
![lord jim Lord Jim](https://orion-uploads.openroadmedia.com/sm_9683881dd738-lord-jim-36.jpg)
Lord Jim
Conrad wrote novels in English, his third language. He was a dyed-in-the-wool pessimist who suffered writer’s block. Yet his complex understanding of human nature, especially the miseries of the colonial worlds and imperialist designs of the 19th century, are unmatched.
Related: 8 Essential Louise Penny Books for Any Mystery Lover
Featured photo courtesy of Janice Law