I just read Devil's Punch Bowl by Greg Iles too. I usually love his books and can't put them down, but the dog fighting in this one was too much for me, just too graphic. The plot was good though. I highly recommend others by Greg Iles like Turning Angel and True Evil.
I am like Nancy and read a lot of mystery/purely entertainment books. Deaver, Clark, etc...
Recently I tried to read something different - it is also mystery, but very different "The Historian" by Elizabeth Kostova. Unfortunately, it is not my cup of tea. I have a new book from my sister - about an Indian man living in CA, living the good life, but has to return home to India for an arranged marriage. I am starting that tonight - will keep you posted.
My favorite books of all time are: Clan of the Cave Bears, Pillars of the Earth, the Grapes of Wrath (a good high school requirement)....
Pillars of the Earth is in my favorites list too! I also like World Without End (sequal) but it's not as good at Pillars. I liked The Historian, but felt that it could have been about 250 pages shorter to keep the action moving.
I have World Without End but was waiting (for what, I don't know!).
Also Frannie - they are coming out with a miniseries on Starz called Pillars of the Earth with Donald Sutherland. I don't get Starz but will watch it on Netflix once its out on DVD.
Pillars of the Earth was one of my favorites too. On July 23rd the movie premier will be on Starz USA TV.
Cannot wait. Check out their website it looks like it will be spectacular! http://www.the-pillars-of-the-earth.tv/
Angelology by Danielle Trussoni is a combination of Angels and Demons and The Historian (which I agree was way too long). However, I hated the way this book ended.