I also found Peter Bowen's book sheer delight! I managed to read them in the order written to get the "life story" straight. That makes a difference to me.
Loved Elizabeth Peters also but would not do a reprise.
Ellis Peters, Brother Cadfael (sp?) series, with all its wonderful herbal references, are fun.
Lately: Water for Elephants, Snow in August, Last Night I Dreamed of Peace (marvellous to me but others could not read it).