Have read all of Fannie Flaggs books.and when you read of places like "Bug Tussel" etc it is a real place here in Al.
she is from Al and used to be the 'weather girl" on TV out of Bham. And yes I have eaten at The Whistle stop Cafe in Irondale, but not when her aunt was running it.
also another author I Love is "Charles Martin". my fav of his books, " When Crickets Cry"
Thanks for the inform. on this new to me author Harlen Coben. Will give him a try.