This week I had the pleasure of taking a trip to Kansas City. While there, I visited another independent bookstore located in Mission, Kansas. The store, I Love a Mystery, has the ambience of an old Victorian library with a touch of haunting décor such as a gargoyle poised by the front door, a skeleton watching over the coffee area, as well as poison bottles and daggers tucked into little nooks around the store.
The shelves in the store are stocked entirely with mysteries- new and used. As I browsed the shelves, I had a great chance to chat with store manager, Becci West. I must say, it is always a delight to "talk shop" with other indies. We tossed around ideas for new displays, spoke of pro's and con's to some of the software we use, and discussed ways to attract customers to locally owned businesses.
I was so happy to meet some of the staff at I Love a Mystery and have the chance to see another independent store; rich with personality in its decor and staff. Next time you are in the Kansas City area, make sure to stop into I Love a Mystery for a ghostly good time browsing through their mysteries. Visit them on the web at iloveamystery.com
If you are not heading to Kansas City, but are interested in a good mystery, I would recommend the book, The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie by Alan Bradley. You can purchase this book right here in Lincoln at Indigo Bridge Books! This book was just released in May and has been announced as the winner of the Crime Writer's Association Debut Dagger Award.
Bradley sets his story in 1950 at the address of his 11-years-old protagonist, Flavia. The book unfurls a series of mysteries that surrounds Flavia's home and life. In a family that is pretty strange already, Flavia manages a new extreme when she finds a dead man in the garden. This book has been recommended as adult fare that mature young adults can also enjoy.
"The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie ... is full of mystery, charm and chemistry. Its quick-witted dialogue, tongue-in-cheek humour and colourful characters will linger long after the book is back on the shelf. " --DAILY PLANET, The Discovery Channel
"[A] charming novel that is sure to be one of the most loved mysteries of the year."--CHICAGO SUN-TIMES
"It's a rare pleasure to follow Flavia as she investigates her limited but boundless-feeling world. And it's nice to know she'll be back."--ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
Peace!
Kate
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