My favorite series is The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan, but I cannot stop loving the Sherlock Holmes (collection) by Arthur Conan Doyle. He wrote so passionately and perfectly, with incredible humor and wit, that it isn't hard to believe why he and his work is considered so highly. Particularly, "A Study in Scarlet" is an incredible piece of literature. Part II was the most depressing and entertaining thing I have ever read, and it was so cleverly written that I couldn't put the book down.
If you guys haven't yet, read just that story at least. If you don't fall in love with the wit of Doyle and his writing and cast of characters, what book could appease you man?!