I didn’t realize that biblios had such a broad range. While researching, I found rare manuscripts and letters, and even scraps of writing on paper were considered part of the genre. A few titles fit very neatly. Here’s one–The Vivero Letter, Bagley, Desmond, 1968– A letter dating from 1539 and the conquest of Mexico by Cortes … Read more
I’ve revamped, redone, reorganized and generally changed the way I’m going about listing and writing up the Best 100 Mysteries of All Time. Although these titles are still in the list–they no longer are numbered. I have put the entire list up, in alphabetical order, thereby keeping what book comes in at what number, undisclosed, … Read more
Fright George Hopley 1950-IP It’s no secret that I love Cornell Woolrich. There are several entries on this list of his work. Fright is a latecomer to me. Under the pen name of George Hopley, Woolrich wrote a book that I literally could not put down. I was riveted, horrified, wondering if the protagonist would … Read more
Who would have thought it? Not me. Thanksgiving in my life is something I’ve always wanted to avoid. Stress, relatives, stress, too much food, and stress were the prevailing elements when I was growing up. Naturally, over the years the holiday was celebrated with other people, but the stress remained–a boyfriend’s mother, a friend’s family, … Read more
Biblios = Books about Books Part 1: Books about Books–Better Known as Biblios Part 2 Bibilos Focusing on Bookselling/Collectors Part 3 Bibilos Focusing on Writers Part 4 Biblios focusing on Writers Part 5 Biblios Focusing on Publishing Naturally, after I write about the specific areas within mystery biblios, I find slews of other titles that should … Read more
Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie—Alan Bradley 2009–IP There’s never been a protagonist quite like 11 year old Flavia DeLuce. Right off the bat you are thrown into her chaotic world where she lives with her two sisters, Ophelia and Daphne, and her widowed father in a decaying manse called Buckshaw. She and her … Read more
I’ve already stated that the best book covers DO persuade me and make a difference in whether or not I’ll purchase a title. What I didn’t relate is that dust jacket and book covers are a passion of mine. I love illustration on practically anything; from packaging perfumes, to ads, to menus, and naturally books. … Read more
Biblios = Books about Books Part 1: Books about Books–Better Known as Biblios Part 2 Biblios Focusing on Booksellers/Collectors Part 3 Bibilos Focusing on Writers Part 4 Biblios Focusing on Writers Part 5 Biblios Focusing on Publishing I’m amazed at how many mystery books are about writing, authors, publishing, letters, rare manuscripts, diaries, collecting, rare … Read more
