Cryptonomicon is definitely the best place to start with this author. The earlier works were very good cyberpunk and although a cut above in that genre, really didn't show off his utter brilliance as does his later and latest work... start with Cryptonomicon!

Neal Asher is a fun read - simply that. The books flow cleanly and the ideas are refreshing, irreverant but often with respectful nods to the industry greats. He has written extensively in many industry mags and collections (none of which I have read so can only judge his writing by his books).

His web site is atrocious so don't judge his fiction by his html skills, Neal: hire someone!

If you're new to Asher start with Gridlinked, that book kind of eases you into the universe that he has created.

If you are very open to new and strange, start with The Cowl. Its a freaky, trippy time travel opus that encompasses all of time and then some. Asher has expanded on traditional SF time-travel themes in this book not just by mentioning trans-dimensional theory but by existing in it and making it real in a sweaty, bloody way. If John Wayne had a time machine, he would be Traveller Saphothere!