Marilyn's Mystery Reads

February 6, 2016

This month marks the sixth year anniversary of my writing this blog.  As people always say when celebrating anniversaries of various types, I can’t believe that so much time has passed.  But I truly can’t, as it seems more like months than years since I began reviewing new mystery novels, honoring writers who have passed away, mentioning favorite books from years ago, and occasionally writing about things that fascinate or annoy me.

I have many things to be grateful for that have come to me through this blog.  One is my connection with the wonderful Mainely Murders bookstore (www.mainelymurders.com) in Kennebunk, Maine, run by two former publishing executives.  Paula and Ann have made their garage-cum-bookstore a delightful place to visit, not only to find current best sellers but also hard-to-find older mysteries from around the United States and the world.  Putting aside their own comfort, these two intrepid women have braved such places as Santa Barbara, Scotland, and Paris, all to get their customers access to the best books available.  How much we owe them!

And speaking of owing people, I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the publicists who have been sending me review copies of their firms’ latest mysteries for the past couple of years.  As I sit at my computer with ten novels to be read in the next few weeks, I’m overwhelmed with their generosity.  They’ve sent me thrillers, hard-boiled novels, and cozies too.  I’m feeling really fortunate right now.

My especial thanks to all those who read these weekly columns, tell me that they’re glad to get recommendations, and even sometimes let me know that they don’t agree with my reviews.  That’s okay–not every book strikes every reader the same way.  I’m just delighted they continue to follow the blog.

Here’s looking forward to my sixth year of blogging; I hope you’ll share the journey with me.

Marilyn