Everyone has their escape books and mine are mysteries and I know I’m not the only one who loves them. Mysteries, along with fantasy, are one of the most popular genres. I’m not sure why I love them–maybe it’s trying to solve the crime along with the protagonist, maybe it’s the fact that in the end, the crime is solved. The endings are rarely as messy as real life. I like a certain kind of mystery, the ones that are long on character and short on the gory details. I know there are those of you who love all the forensic details–not me. Give me clues and some good dialogue. I think this all started with Nancy Drew and Trixie Belden and the Bobbsy Twins. While other kids played whatever they played, I played detective. I carried a notebook around and spied on the neighbors. I took notes and concocted theories. i hope the neighbors never knew, but they probably did.

Right now, I have two mysteries on my nightsatnd, an Elizabeth George and the new Deborah Crombie. I used to be a big fan of Martha Grimes, but I got tired of some of her quirky characters never being anything beyond quirky. And of course, one of my all time favorites is Sherlock Holmes. I reread the Hound of the Baskervilles every few years and I even went to 221B Baker St. when I visited London to pay homage.

If you’ve read Wolfproof, you’ll know that Sarah quotes a famous Holmesian truth. Any guesses?