I shall take the risk of recommending a series of books to you in the mystery genre in hopes you will find this hero intriguing. Years ago a librarian turned book-seller advised me to read these and I am very grateful to her still.

Robert B. Parker - the Spenser detective stories. In particular the early ones since the later books suffer from the usual 'too long a series' disorder. "Early Autumn" is one of my favourites; I must have read it at least half a dozen times. Spenser is fascinating and is one of the few other characters who awakens the fanfic writing genie in me.