I like reoccurring protagonists/detectives but can get bored after a while and I will need a break. Sue Grafton was ok, for awhile. Then I latched on to Lee Child and C.J. Box. James Lee Burke is probably the only writer of this genre that I consistently like. He's always fresh and charged. He is an enormous talent.I've read several of his, and he's pretty good.
I did read Mr. Mercedes but haven't read the second, yet. It has been a nice switch for King, speaking of keeping it fresh and exciting.