Just browsing through the web and suddenly thought about Michael Crichton. He single-handedly wrote Jurassic Park, Eaters of the Dead (known as 13th Warrior on the silver screen), Congo, Timeline, Disclosure, Rising Sun and a few more screenplays such as ER and Twister. Although a few handful movies were made famous like Jurassic Park & 13th Warrior, most of the movies were based from his well written book.

I really enjoyed his books. He has creative idea on writing story that's within the confined parameters, ranging from ancient Arab (Eaters of the Dead) to Victorian era (Great Train Robbery) till the current techno-thriller & office politics (Disclosure). He has the ability to actually grab a hold of the reader's attention with his simplified but detailed explanation. He usually like to twist his story into an interesting spiral plot.

Crichton will usually place a short timeframe in the story (i.e. within 6-7 days at most). Usually the first part is full of intrigued mystery as the lead character will try to figure out what is running on their minds and what can be done to resolve the situation at hand.

If you're new to Crichton, try out his few books, you might want to check out:

1. Office politics - Disclosure
2. Adventure - Eaters of the Dead, Sphere, Timeline, Congo
3. Investigative Notion - The Great Train Robbery, Rising Sun, Airframe, Five Patients
4. Techno Thriller - Jurassic Park, Lost World, Prey, Terminal Man, Andromeda Strain

Only a few handfuls of his movies are great, I still recommend the book-first.