The First
Today it’s my turn to host our Mystery Book Club. I woke up feeling guilty – just a tad – because, once again, I haven’t read the book. I’m trying to assuage my conscience with the thought that “at least I am offering coffee and a sweet” but, of course, that’s not really a legitimate excuse. Plus, it’s not the first time I have purposely not read the selection. And, to make matters worse, we had a choice this time – ANY book by author Elizabeth Haynes, “best-selling crime writer” according to her website.
I tried. Really. I even checked out two of her books from the library – her latest (Behind Closed Doors) and her first (Into the Darkest Corner). And, I read a few pages of each. WAY too dark for me. I just cannot convince myself to use my leisure time reading graphic accounts of murder and mayhem, especially not when they involve child abuse, rape, sick sex etc. Especially not when I can see that any night of the week on the “News.”
Haynes is a British writer and, generally speaking, that in itself is a positive recommendation as far as I’m concerned. But, my brief forays into her books did not reveal the usual understated, beautifully crafted stories that I’ve come to associate with authors from the UK. Not just, “English cozies” mind you – but the more complex stories by the likes of Ellis Peters (Edith Pargeter) or Charles Todd (actually an American mother-son duo but English books, nevertheless). Maybe the difference is that I like mysteries, not crime stories.
The Latest
But… that’s my excuse this time. There have been other selections I’ve not read, either. “When I am researching for a book I’m writing, it’s hard for me to carve out time to read for pleasure” is how I explain myself. But, truth to tell, it’s a matter of priorities and my greatest enjoyment comes not from leisure-time reading, but from reading for a project I’m working on. When it comes to juggling my time and something has to give, there is no contest.
So… maybe this is the time the Mystery Club will bid me adieu. I’m hoping these little sticky cinnamon rolls will make all difference…
I’m totally good with your rationalization. You said, no, to a too dark author, but yes to cinnamon rolls and if they are the ones I’m thinking of, they are addictive and will make everyone too happy to say adieu to anyone. Simple. I still like the idea of a book club where everyone reads what they want and then get others excited about it. That’s what we were shooting for with our “What I’m Reading, What I’ve Read” page on Facebook, but the cinnamon rolls or sweet potato pie are important!
Know what you mean by priorities. Happily as a fictions writer, reading fiction is my research. Glad to have a heads up about Haynes. Not a fan of British favorite, P. D. James, either. Her crime? She’s too sober.” I like a bit of humor or more depth to character. But there’s no mystery about you and the book club. if you keep supplying those cinnamon rolls, I suspect your place there is secure.
You are right about those cinnamon rolls, Caroline! In fact, I don’t think anyone noticed that I didn’t enter the book discussion at all! (Of course, admittedly, the book selection is the least of what we talk about usually!)
It’s your life. You get to choose. It’s National Women’s Day for gosh sake!