Left: Agave 'Blue Flame'. I do not know the conifer

Fifthing (can't second) Douglas Adams.
Especially love the Dirk Gently books. Seconding Bill Bryson.
In no particular order:
Donald E Westlake, Dortmunder series
Dave Barry, Big Trouble
*Janet Evanovich, One for the Money and etc.
Donna Andrews, Murder with Peacocks and etc.
Early Carl Hiassen