Prior to starting BOH, I finished:
Michael McCollum - Gibraltar Earth Series.
A three volume set which although not mind blowing, proved to be a pleasent read or in my case a pleasant listen as these days I have developed a preference for Audio Books.
http://www.amazon.com/GIBRALTAR-EART.../dp/B00295R1G0
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_McCollum