A Day to Celebrate; A Day to Mourn

Today marks the 3rd birthday of Jen's Book Thoughts. I had anticipated a great day of celebration because I'm still slightly amazed that it's been 3 years since I started this blog. In a way it feels like just yesterday and in other ways it feels like I've been talking with you all forever.

I'm proud of the way the blog has grown and the accomplishments we've been able to make, the authors we've been able to talk to and hype, spreading the crime fiction love! I want to continue to grow and accomplish and discover. That's what my goals are. A bit broad, but it leaves me room to be creative, which is what I love.

However, this is also a sad day. Yesterday the announcement came out that The Mystery Bookstore in Los Angeles is closing its doors at the end of the month. If you're a regular reader here, you've heard me talk about them and their link is at the bottom of the blog. Two years ago, when I was still a wee blogger and basically didn't know my way out of a paper bag, I visited The Mystery Bookstore for the first time. They were friendly and welcoming, despite the craziness of the pre-Festival of Books party going on.

The Mystery Bookstore is where I met Chris Grabenstein, Craig Johnson, Jeff Parker and Gregg Hurwitz for the first time. It's also where I met my wonderful friend Michael Alatorre for the first time.

I returned to my home across the country but continued to develop a wonderful friendship with the folks there. Linda introduced me to Reed Farrel Coleman's work and sent me pictures of Gregg Hurwitz signing my book; Emily - bless her heart - was always so thorough about my e-mail orders; and when I sent a request and said, "I'd like to spend xx dollars for prizes for my theme week" Bobby picked the greatest selection of books for me. Their entire staff is just amazing.

I had the good fortune to return again last year to see them in person. There's something just so magical for a crime fiction fan walking through the front door. You just enter a world where everyone "gets" you. Even though I couldn't walk through that front door very often, I still feel a loss. The Mystery Bookstore is much, much more than bricks and mortar. It's friends; it's family.


Please, if you have the chance between now and January 31st, visit the Mystery Bookstore. Take a picture of yourself there and send it to me. If you have a mystery indie bookstore near you, VISIT! Patronize. We can't afford to lose more of these magical places. They're endangered as it is; let's not allow them to become extinct.