What we're reading in December 2011
Ever wonder what the folks who work at a mystery bookstore like to read? Well, here's your answer. Each month we ask everyone here to pick a book, current or older, that they truly enjoyed and are enthusiastic about. Of course, if you visited the store, we'd tell you directly what we like but for those of you who can't come see us, this is the next best thing. Our special thanks to Judi for pulling this feature together and to all the staff who contributed their picks.
Presented here are the picks for this month, an archive of earlier months is available from the menu at the left.
What Mary Alice is reading
There is something special about a Christmas mystery and by the hand of Margaret Maron it is a real gift. Christmas Mourning, 16th in the Deborah Knott series, brings Judge Deborah Knott and her sprawling Southern family together again, but the death of a young cheerleader in a car crash dims the lights. It was no accident and the answers can only be found after the teens and Aunt Deborah get together before the holiday and anniversary of the talented sleuth. Not to be missed…I would see that this is under the tree for your favorite reader.
 Also available as an eBook
What Vicki is reading
Shel Silverstein's Everything On It is the gift for the child in all of us. If you and your family haven't enjoyed his poems and drawings before you're in for a treat, and if you are already fans of Where The Sidewalk Ends or just love the joy of language, you won't want to miss this new collection of unforgettable characters and inventive wordplay. Give it the children you know but, like me, you'll want to read it yourself first.
What Kathy S. is reading
If you are looking for an amazing gift book that will make you the Best Aunt/Friend/Mom for years to come, order this magnificent book that is a must-have for Harry Potter fans everywhere. Don't tell my kids, nieces or nephews - I want them to be surprised!
What Kathy O. is puzzling over
Every year, we do a puzzle together over the holidays. This one is great for all ages - the pieces are different sizes. If you want something more challenging, choose one of the New Yorker puzzles - worth the effort!
$4.50 shipping on orders including puzzles or other non-book items
What Kathy S. is giving to adults (maybe teens)
I rely on The Onion for great comedic writing when I want a gift for someone with a sarcastic sense of humor - which is basically everyone I know.
What Kathy S. is giving to kids
You don't have to be Italian to love Tomie DePaola's books - you just have to be someone who loves to read a good story with wonderful illustrations.
What Judi is puzzling over
Charlie Brown Festive Doghouse is the perfect holiday puzzle for kids ages 5 to 8. It features Snoopy’s abode all decked out along with Charlie himself and his sad, ragged tree. This is a puzzle you’ll love to work on. 100 pieces.
$4.50 shipping on orders including puzzles or other non-book items
What Lynne is playing
Spot It is an addictively entertaining game that will entertain up to 8 players in fast-paced fun for 10 to 30 minutes. Great for trips to the ski lodge, beach or just at home. 55 cards each contain 8 images but on any two cards there is exactly one matching symbol. Find it first and you'll take that card. Accumulate the most cards and you're the Spot It champion. 2 to 8 players, ages 7 and up.
What Margo is reading
The gorgeous artwork in Jane Ray’s The Twelve Days of Christmas first caught my eye and the text is, of course, the traditional carol that we all know and love. Open the first page to a beautiful streetscape and lose yourself in the lush illustrations, chock full of detail. As the story progresses, the young woman at No. 4 townhouse, receives her partridge and her drummers drumming and all the gifts in between. As her house fills up, don’t forget to look for her true love (peeking behind the curtains at No.3.)
What Richard is reading
I don’t think we could have dreamed up a more perfect Christmas mystery than Twelve Drummers Drumming by C.C. Benison (remember her from the Jane Bee mysteries?). We’ve got the village of Thornford Regis, we’ve got a vicar and sleuth named Father Christmas who’s a single parent with a nine year old daughter and we’ve got a murder victim—the daughter of the choir director. Just a perfect treat for the season. Let's hope they do one of these every Christmas.
Also available as an eBook
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