I love Natsuo Kirino. She's a Japanese psychological crime writer and her books are just fascinating. Favourite book by her is OUT, the first of her books to be translated into English.

I love most Japanese writers, since their books hold elements of surrealism most of the time. I loved Daphne du Marier's Rebecca, as well.
Favourite kids' book is probably Chris Riddells' "Edge Chronicles" series, which has similar attributes to Final Fantasy.