Laura Lippman's 6 favorite books for those who crave a high-stakes adventure
The Grand Master recommends works by E.L. Konigsburg, Charles Portis, and more

- 'Possession' by A.S. Byatt (1990)
- 'From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler' by E.L. Konigsburg (1967)
- 'True Grit' by Charles Portis (1968)
- 'Betsy and the Great World' by Maud Hart Lovelace (1952)
- 'Cadillac Jack' by Larry McMurtry (1982)
- 'Emma Who Saved My Life' by Wilton Barnhardt (1989)
When you make a purchase using links on our site, The Week may earn a commission. All reviews are written independently by our editorial team.
Laura Lippman's new novel, Murder Takes a Vacation, follows a shy widow on a European getaway that turns into a deadly adventure. Lippman was recently named a Grand Master by the Mystery Writers of America. Below, she lists six favorite books about quests.
'Possession' by A.S. Byatt (1990)
Two young scholars, in competition with other academics, race to find out the truth behind love letters written by an important 19th-century poet. By turns satiric and poignant, the novel finds its climax on a dark and stormy night in a churchyard. But it's the quiet devastation of the final chapter that will haunt you. Buy it here.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
'From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler' by E.L. Konigsburg (1967)
Two suburban siblings run away and set up camp in New York City's Metropolitan Museum of Art, only to become obsessed with the statue of a marble angel, which may or may not have been carved by Michelangelo. Simply one of the best books ever written, in any genre. Buy it here.
'True Grit' by Charles Portis (1968)
A straightforward quest novel: Mattie Ross, only 14, is determined to avenge her father's murder and hires U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn to be her protector as she ventures into dangerous territory. But it's easy to forget that the story is told from the astringent point of view of a 60-something woman who has lived her life absolutely on her own terms, indifferent to public opinion. Buy it here.
'Betsy and the Great World' by Maud Hart Lovelace (1952)
In 1914, would-be writer Betsy Ray travels abroad, hoping to gain experiences that will help enrich her writing—and also help her recover from a broken heart. Buy it here.
'Cadillac Jack' by Larry McMurtry (1982)
This novel is full of coveted objects "scouted" by the titular character, who essentially lives in his pearl-colored Cadillac, uniting precious finds with covetous owners. But it's the women he "collects" along his travels that leave him perpetually yearning for the one he can't have. Buy it here.
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
'Emma Who Saved My Life' by Wilton Barnhardt (1989)
Gil Freeman arrives in New York City in 1974 determined to find success as an actor as well as the love of his life. Emma is his sometimes roommate, sometimes ideal, but this is not a typical rom-com. It's an ode to the grimy New York of the 1970s and early 1980s, complete with a herpes subplot. Buy it here.
-
5 museum-grade cartoons about Trump's Smithsonian purge
Cartoons Artists take on institutional rebranding, exhibit interpretation, and more
-
Settling the West Bank: a death knell for a Palestine state?
In the Spotlight The reality on the ground is that the annexation of the West Bank is all but a done deal
-
Codeword: August 23, 2025
The Week's daily codeword puzzle
-
Ford Ranger Plug-in Hybrid: 'more than just a novelty'
The Week Recommends Europe's first plug-in hybrid pickup is 'surprisingly agile'
-
6 lush homes in the trees
Feature Featuring a glass house in Texas and a home built for a Broncos quarterback in Colorado
-
Brooklyn vs. the Beckhams: trouble in paradise
In the Spotlight Scion of the Beckham clan and billionaire heiress wife Nicola Peltz staged an elaborate vow renewal – and none of his family were on the guest list
-
Alien: Earth – a 'bold' prequel to the space horror classic
The Week Recommends Set two years before Alien, new Disney show pays 'homage' to the original
-
Music reviews: Ethel Cain, Amaarae, and The Black Keys
Feature "Willoughby Tucker, I'll Always Love You," "Black Star," and "No Rain, No Flowers"
-
Film reviews: Highest 2 Lowest and Weapons
Feature A kidnapping threatens a mogul's legacy and a town spins into madness after 17 children disappear
-
Book reviews: 'King of Kings: The Iranian Revolution' and 'Gwyneth: The Biography'
Feature How the Iranian Revolution began and Gwyneth Paltrow's life in the spotlight
-
Garrett Graff's 6 favorite books that shine new light on World War II
Feature The author recommends works by James D. Hornfischer, Craig L. Symonds, and more