Neil Gaiman

Despite the fact that he's always photographed dressed up in black t-shirts and leather jackets, looking like he'd be happier with a skull in one hand, Neil Gaiman is actually capable of being a truly enjoyable writer. He doesn't always fulfill his potential (sometimes he goes for "gratifying his already massively swelled head" instead--see: American Gods), but at his best, Gaiman can produce some totally kickass stuff. His children's books, the T.V. miniseries Neverwhere, and Good Omens, his collaboration with fellow Wordcandy author Terry Pratchett, are all awesome. His other stuff--assorted novels, short stories, and tons of comic book writing, including the rockstar-famous Sandman series--is less fun, but still worth the money. (Pretty much. Well... so long as you have lots of money to spare. And they're on sale.)

Aftertaste:
Um. The parts in American Gods about his wife's body. If you've read it you'll know what I'm talking about. If you haven't... be grateful.

Availability:
Everywhere.

Other Recommendations:
Anything by A.S. Byatt

The His Dark Materials trilogy, by Phillip Pullman

Hexwood or Fire and Hemlock by Diana Wynne Jones

Website:
http://www.neilgaiman.com/ -