First off, thanks to all who suggested children's books from the earlier thread. The woman from our office who did the shopping settled on "The Cat in the Hat" and "Charlotte's Web" in the end.

Anyway, I am going on vacation soon and plan to do some pleasure reading. While there are many classics out there that I have not yet read, I am seeking recommendations for books or authors that might be a little off the beaten path, preferably something fairly exciting (for example, some of Daphne du Maurier's other books besides "Rebecca" and "The Birds"). Any good mysteries or thrillers would be aprpeciated, anything along the lines of Frederick Forsythe for example. I was also thinking about a Patricia Highsmith novel. All I know about her work is from seeing the film "The Talented Mr. Ripley." Thanks in advance.