To inscribe, or not to inscribe, that is the question. Whether tis’ n0bler to splatter your name indecipherably across the page, or to write a heartfelt little ditty. . . In days long ago, mystery authors did not sign as many books as they do today. The publishers didn’t demand they be their own publicists … Read more
Sisters in Crime, a group dedicated to women writers of crime fiction, took a survey of those who purchase books. One librarian and author found some interesting and to her, surprising answers. In particular, younger, college age people prefer ‘real’ books to e-books. Not something most would think is true. Brick and Mortar bookstores are … Read more
It wasn’t until I started at the second mystery bookshop, that I learned how important a signed book is. The first store I worked in, Foul Play, although delightful, was small and predominately paperbacks. An author signing his or her book, never occurred to me. Not until a local author dropped by and asked if … Read more
Murder by the Book BREAKING NEWS! It’s official: Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark will be doing an evening event at MBTB on Monday, May 2, at 6:30 pm, and a luncheon event at The Briar Club on Tuesday, May 3, at 11:30 am!!! If you’re not familiar with Murder By The Book, it’s … Read more
One of the gravy parts of my tenure managing mystery bookshops, was meeting and greeting authors. Established, brand new, legends, ego maniacs, and future friends. Granted, I worked in arguably the greatest city in the world (I take that line from the David Letterman show) and therefore had more opportunity to meet authors. In a … Read more
Mystery Scene Magazine has published an article by Oline Cogdill about the uncertain fate of one of the United States most important author’s home being forced to close. Poe lived in several cities, including New York, where one of his former homes was carelessly torn down by New York University. You’d think a center for … Read more
A super article highlights some fantastic bookstores in NYC. I frequented quite a few while living there, especially the superlative, Partners & Crime. Read some tidbits about why they continue to be successful. http://www.amny.com/urbanite-1.812039/little-giants-in-the-bookstore-world-big-is-not-better-1.2689092
Have you ever had a particularly crappy day and needed something to read that would be familiar, give a cozy feeling, a sense of comfort to you? If sick, in bed or the hospital, are the books you crave of a nature to cheer you up? These are called ‘comfort’ reads. Where the phrase comes … Read more
