Mysteries, lightweight to gritty

I really love a good mystery. Sometimes I want an easy going read. At other times I’m ready for a little grit. In my deepest of moods, I like the brainy kind of books filled with lots of historical background and philosophical contemplation. In all types of mysteries, I like being given the chance to solve the mystery myself along the way.

For cozy reading I grab a book from Ellery Adams’ Book Retreat Mystery series. Adams sets this series in a vintage mansion, holding an abundance of books, both on accessible bookshelves and also hidden deeply away. Groups are invited to the mansion for book related seminars, weekend events and it is never dull. These books can be finished in a day and satisfy that momentary mystery hunger. The latest, “Murder in the Reading Room” comes out April 30 and can be pre-ordered and delivered to your Kindle or book app now.

For grittier stories, I reach for a Susan Grafton (Alphabet series from A to Y) or for adventure mysteries authored by Michael Crichton. From dinosaurs to aliens, they entertain in a breathtaking manner. JK Rowling does not disappoint with her alter ego Robert Galbraith and the CB Strike books. To this date, there are four of them, a continuing and building story from the first to the latest. She is still writing about private detective Comoran Strike, in between “Fantastic Beast” movies.

I fell upon “The Da Vinci Code” quite by accident a few years back when it was hot off the presses (as they used to describe printing and publishing, before digital). I loved the historical aspects and was drawn in by page two. I had to go back to catch up on Dan Brown’s earlier writing involving his character Robert Langdon, Harvard professor of history and art “symbology.” I didn’t want to miss out on his myriad of layers, both fact and conspiracy theory. It is sometimes hard to distinguish between the two, and there lies the fun of them.

I began my love of mysteries at an early age when my mother unboxed a treasured collection of vintage Nancy Drew. I loved Nancy’s roadster and the wearing of hats and gloves. The girl figuring out the mysteries was a real treat and I decided right then and there to be a lady detective. But that didn’t stop me from honing my detective skills by checking out the Hardy Boy brothers Frank and Joe next, and following their crazy mystery adventures, too. Both series are still around in old antique and bookstores for the originals or buying the newer updated versions for the youth of today.

Are you surprised that these books are so old (publishing started in the 1930s) or that they are still around and thriving? In the newest edition, Nancy Drew Diaries, “The Stolen Show” #18 in this series is available. The same with the Hardy Boys “Trouble in Paradise” #12. How does that saying go? “All things old become new?”

Alas, I didn’t become a girl detective. But I still enjoy solving mysteries, from books to on-screen adaptations. There is no lack of mystery in life. And lots are available at an online vendor or bookstore near you!

Good Books.

Good Reading.

*Midge Lyn’dee is a fictional character used for the purpose of entertainment though the reviews are real and sincere.