By the way, I have the same reaction to Robert Ludlum, Clive Cussler, and James Patterson as you do. I've never read a thing by any of them.

I figure this is partly due to...

A. ...my fine taste in literature, my ongoing search for REAL quality as opposed to vapid generic filler, and my generally keen sense of what is worthwhile and what is not.

and B.   On the other hand...(grin)...it could be because I'm a pretentious snob who thinks he's smarter than the common herd. (Well, in truth...I am smarter than the common herd...)

Yeah, it's probably a combination of A and B above.