Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. I think I'll get started on the Spenser series for now since it received thumbs up from several people.
I'll pass on the sci-fi techno stuff. I've never been able to get into that stuff.
@ Ronin: I have, indeed consumed all that Brad Thor has produced--including The Last Patriot.
@ Irving: Thanks for the tip. After 15000+ posts, it's nice to see you still have the time to be helpful. I hear they also publish lists of books in the NYTimes. Are they also sorted by the types of books I like to read--as I described in my initial post?
@ TheGrey: Thanks for the well-reasoned suggestions. I'll definitely try to put my hands on The Rook as soon as I can.
[UPDATE: The library only has The Rook in audio book format so I'll have to take a crowbar to my wallet and spend $9 to buy it through Amazon. I really don't enjoy audio books.]
I do most of my reading on my iPad while having lunch or dinner. I've found that I can download most of the books I want to read through the Denver Public Library system. It sure beats paying $10 apiece for them through Amazon.
Thanks again for all the helpful suggestions. I knew there had to be some like-minded readers on this forum!