Murder By the Book

Murder By the Book in Houston is one of those wonderful independent bookstores where the magic of words and the love of books seem to wrap you in a warm, embracing glow the instant you step through its welcoming doors. At my signing last Saturday, I talked about early nineteenth-century England and writing historical mysteries with a group of friendly, knowledgeable, and enthusiastic readers. The staff was wonderful, and I had an all-around great time. I also made a nice discovery: travel is sooo much easier when a publicist takes care of every little detail for you!

On a side note, check out Shauna Roberts' interview with me at Love of Words. Also, thanks to the trip I finally finished Martin Cruz Smith’s STALLION GATE. I’ve been reading it forever, in between nonfiction research books, so it was nice to be able to focus on it and enjoy. Not a mystery exactly, but still an incredible read. I now have only two of his books left, and I think I’m going to ration them and force myself to pick something else from my towering TBR pile. Unfortunately, it’s more a Books I Feel I Must Read for Market Research pile than a simple To Be Read pile, so it’s hard to summon up much enthusiasm. That’s one of the hazards of being a writer—all too often, reading becomes work rather than pleasure.