I looked in my library records and found the authors whose books I have read lots of and here is my list. They are all mysteries.
Dana Stabenow writes about Alaska, her protagonist is female but her books would appeal to both sexes
Jo Nesbo is writing about his very flawed detective Harry Hole. Swedish or Nordic setting. His books are sometimes gory
Hakan Nesser also has a very flawed detective named Van Veeteren whom you will learn to love.
Henning Mankell has the Inspector Wallender who also is featured on PBS Mystery Theater
Deborah Crombie older books but very good.
Steig Larsson Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and two more must reads. My DH could not get through the Swedish names but that is too bad because the books are great. Might get audio books if this is a problem with the Swedish/Norwegian books
Nevada Barr writes great books
Alan Folsom has 3 great books and they are page turners
Lee Child has the "Reacher" series which is riveting and they too are page turners
Sarah Andrews writes books loosely archeology based
My favorite detective is Inspector Lynley by Elizabeth George.
Happy reading!