Well, then, do put Laurie King on the list. So far, I've only read 3 of King's Mary Russel/Sherlock Holmes books (The Language of Bees, The God of the Hive, and The Pirate King) but they've been exceptionally good. King can occasionally drag things out a bit too long, but those moments are usually just bumps in the road.

SciFi and Fantasy? Well, I can't say I have anything new to say beyond what I've said in other posts in the thread. Lots of authors doing retreads of earlier work, or paying a visit to Cliche City, I'd say. If I had to suggest one fairly recent SF novel, it would be Greg Bear's City at the End of Time.

For a good fantasy, try Declare by Tim Powers. It's my favorite of all his novels. On Stranger Tides (forget the wretched movie!) and Last Call would be second and third.