So there I was, walking down Cherry Street in Seattle, when the sign jumped out at me. SEATTLE MYSTERY BOOKSHOP. A sign with a bright red hand pointed me toward the door. Next thing I know, I'm being dragged inside, tied to a chair, asked to sign a pile of books, and then propped up in front of a computer screen. Blog, they said. And here I am. Blogging! With no outline, no plan! At Seattle Mystery Bookshop, of all places!
Okay, deep breaths. I'm overdramatizing -- easy to do when you're surrounded by all these fabulous mystery and thriller titles. I wasn't really dragged in. I've been stalking this fabulous store online for months, following their reviews (including a fantastic one of TOKYO HEIST that came out a few months ago!) I've been dying to visit the store in person for months. So when I was invited to come and sign some books, and meet Amber (a major supporter of YA mysteries), I couldn't resist. My sales rep from Penguin drove me here in style. We walked in freely. But yes, I have been asked to blog.
This store is packed with great reads and enticing signs. (I'm dying to see what's shelved under "Cheap Thrills.") They have a section for Scandinavian mysteries. Mystery magazines. They have everything mystery-related you can think of.
But here's what's really exciting about being in this store at this very moment. People around me are describing mystery plots and characters. Volleying titles. Discussing mmysteries for young readers. As a YA mystery writer, and a longtime fan of mysteries for young people, this kind of talk is what sends chills down my spine. More mysteries are coming! Mystery is alive and well! Teens and tweens love mysteries!
I'm especially honored to be the first YA mystery author they've had in the store for a signing. I'm pretty sure I'm not the last. You should see the mystery section for younger readers here. Lots of great new reads, tantalizing displayed. I'm not actually being forced to stay here, but I fear I may never escape.
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