I've just recently (due to this board) discovered Marie Bostwick's 'Cobbled Court' series, which is quilting-related but not so much with the mystery/detective. And of course I am addicted to Jennifer Chiaverini's 'Elm Creek' series.
For the detective stuff I love Harlan Coben (the Myron Bolitar series), Robert Crais, and Michael Connelly (Harry Bosch). Also Sue Grafton, as someone mentioned, Patricia Cornwell and Linda Fairstein.
Janet Evanovich is a great choice if you prefer your humour first, and 'detecting' second
