When the mood arises, it's best not to ignore it. I have been in a definite mystery sort of mood lately. I guess coming on the tail of the R.I.P. Challenge--all those atmospheric books, and the weather changing, it just puts me in the mood to snuggle up with a nice, cozy mystery! There is a really nice little mystery bookstore here locally, The Mystery Bookstore. Although it is a small store, she has it chock full of great mysteries--lots of "off the beaten track" sorts of books, and British imports as well! I decided after reading Book Girl's post yesterday that I really needed to visit as I had not been in some time!
I came away with more than I had planned (I know, I know...don't say it!). I came away with: Murder at Bertram's Bower by Cynthia Peale (Boston in the late 1800s--a brother sister sleuthing team), What Angels Fear by C.S. Harris (this series is completely new to me--set after the Napoleonic Wars, a young nobleman shattered by his war experiences must clear his name of murder), Another Scandal in Bohemia by Carole Nelson Douglas (this came recommended by Carl V.--they didn't have the first in the series, and I have to start at the beginning, but this series features Irene Adler--"the only woman to outwit Sherlock Holmes"), Death and the Oxford Box by Veronica Stallwood (a British import, a series set in Oxford--I loved the Dorothy Sayers and want more Oxford--Kate Ivory is a novelist). More than one person has recommended mysteries featuring academic Karen Pelletier. I have the first two in ther series, which I have dug out, but I decided to buy Cold and Pure and Very Dead and The Raven and the Nightingale by Joanne Dobson--they all sound good! The bookstore owner recommended Laurie King's The Beekeeper's Apprentice for anyone who like Sherlock Holmes. I really like it when bookstore employees are so knowledgeable about their stock--and she is very well read when it comes to mysteries! Lastly, I have never read Martha Grimes' Richard Jury mysteries, but after reading Iliana's review and hearing Rachel talk so highly of Melrose Plant, I though it was time! So I bought the first in the series, Man with a Load of Mischief. And oh, the books I passed up....
One little side note, my brother in law is still in the hospital, but he is doing better. He has a blood clot, which they decided they could treat with medication. Unfortunately he has to stay until he has shown sufficient signs of improvement. Hospitals are not my favorite place, and we have been going every night to visit! Lots of fingers crossed please, that he gets better and can recuperate at home soon!