Mysteries

I love a good mystery. Of course, I have my own idea of what a good mystery is. I like a complex puzzle, but I also like interesting and, at times, surprising characters. I like some suspense but not so much it completely overshadows the story. Too much horror or graphic gore can turn me off. And while I can enjoy some humor as part of a mystery, too flip a tone also puts me off. (I tried those "cat" mysteries a while back, and they were not my cup of tea.)

I am always looking for a new series I would enjoy. I find there is some comfort in the familiar detective around whom a new story and new characters develop. I use the term detective broadly, as some are professionals and some are not. Some of my favorites: Miss Marple, Adam Dalgleish & Kate Miskin, Alan Banks, Spencer Arrowood, Kate Martinelli, Inspector Wexford, Richard Jury, Jim Chee & Joe Leaphorn, and Kate Fansler (in not too large a dose.) So there are often mysteries on my shelf. Some are recent reads waiting for a home on one of the bookshelves throughout our house. Some are waiting to be read. What a delight to have a lineup of promising books calling out to be read. Too little time!