Gervase, just read the "English Passengers." While I was reading, I kept asking myself why I stuck with it- now that I have finished it, I keep thinking about it.
I go for old fiction and modern murder. I recently read "Lin McLean" by Owen Wister (western novel written 1898), which has the funniest funeral episode I have ever read. Yhe book is much better than his famous "The Virginian." And, of course, mysteries- esp. Caleb Carr, Michael Dibdin, Hillerman, Anaya (a must for Katlaughing), Burke, Campbell, Barr, Bartholomew Gill, J. Robert Janes (too little known!), Taibo, Iain Pears, and all the Scottish hardnose stuff.
And all the romantic, historical, funny novels by Jose Saramago.