Today, December 16, marks the birth of two outstanding writers, Randall Garrett (1927-1987) and Phillip K. Dick (1928-1982). PKD is still well known and in print nearly 40 years after his death. Randall Garrett not so much. Garrett didn’t write nearly as many novels as PKD did, which is probably part of the reason for that.
Both were original and are worth seeking out. If you like a blend of sf and mystery, then you definitely should track down some Garrett.
I’ve not had a chance to read anything by either of these guys today, but I didn’t want to let the day pass without making a note of it.