Obsession might be a better word. I've read the big name/best sellers/Walmart shelf folks (i.e. John Grisham, Patricia Cornwell, etc.). But what REALLY got me going on mysteries and thrillers was Robert Crais. I had stopped teaching - I taught high school English - and I had such a huge void where I had been reading and discussing books. Before teaching I majored in English in college, so I was reading and discussing there. So, I received an email about one of Crais's books coming out and I did a little research to find out it was part of a series. So, OCD-me had to go back to the beginning and start at book #1. I fell in love immediately. I told my dad about Crais and then started searching around online for things. That's when I discovered the Craisie Club - a discussion group dedicated to fans of Robert Crais. From there I started learning about some other authors and it just took off. Shortly there after, I started my blog, which is pretty niche to mystery/crime fiction.

I started seriously reading contemporary crime fiction about five years ago now - some of the more commercial big name authors I was reading long before. I've had my blog going for 18 months.

My first experience was THE WESTING GAME. I read it as a third grader and it so perplexed me because I didn't get it the first time I read it. I think that was the book that helped me become a more critical reader. I never wanted to be outwitted again, so I was going to pay mega-attention to what I read!

Oh no, I don't exclusively read mysteries, although if it weren't for my book club I probably wouldn't be reading much outside the genre right now simply because there are so many books in the crime fiction genre that I want to read. But, I've always (and will always) love classic literature. One of my all-time favorite authors is Pat Conroy, and he definitely is not a mystery/crime fiction writer. Although I'm sure he would be great at it if he tried. I will also read non-fiction when a topic interests me. I enjoy historical fiction as well. For the most part there isn't too much I don't WANT to read. Time is what prevents me from reading more. I don't particularly care for sappy/trashy romance novels or science fiction. So, since time is always in short supply, I don't even look at those categories of books. But it's just a personal preference. It isn't that the books are bad.

I have a few more things to finish up and then I'm ready to start reading. It is sunny and gorgeous outside. Birds are singing, so I'll be parked on my front porch swing...at least for the first leg! Check back in a few hours! GET YOUR ENTRIES IN FOR DIE FOR YOU!!

Happy Reading!

I have just recently discovered my love for mysteries over the past 6 months or so. I read Nancy Drew as a child and enjoyed John Grisham as an adult. It wasn't until I visited a local mystery bookstore - and saw the amazing variety of topics/themes within this genre, that I became hooked.

I think the mystery readathon is a great idea and while I can't devote a lot of time to reading today, I think I will open my newest mystery purchase in its honor.

Oh, I have to read your posts on Crais! I have the first Elvis Cole on Mt. TBR (a Bookcrossing copy) and I could use a nudge to finally start it after tiptoeing around this copy for so long...