Every so often, I go through all of my “private lists” of authors with their chronological lists of cozy mystery books, and try to make sense of the notes that I have added to the list. (The date of my last update was about two years ago.)
The Cozy Mystery Site is the basis of my private list. It is the reason I started the site. I used to keep a version of the site as my way of keeping track of my favorite authors and their mystery books. I know that I have talked about this before, so I won’t go into the details… AGAIN!!!
Anyway>>> I am updating my private lists, and this usually takes me a few days of wrangling around with the notes I have written in the margins and the one inch space I leave between my authors. Yes, I not only have the site’s lists, but I have another copy on my desktop with just the authors I follow (which are quite a few!) and then I have a printed copy on which I like to mark off the books as I read them, add my authors’ new published books, and write “important” notes to myself about some of the books and/or authors. I have to admit, though, that the important notes are usually in the negative vein… something like “YUCK” or “NO MORE OF THIS SERIES“… and of course, there is sometimes the X-ing off of an author.
On a more positive note, I also cram new authors into the margins of my paper copy list. Cyril Hare is one author who comes to mind. I feel like he is my “happy discovery” this year… and I wish I could remember who recommended him to me! THANK YOU!!! I have his Christmas mystery, which I consider a “keeper” as I am sure I will be re-reading it in a few years. (That’s one good thing about a memory that seems to be deteriorating with age…. I can read the same books twice, and just get that little hint of déjà vu… nothing major, though… the EUREKA moment of finding out who the culprit is still takes place, but I have that little nagging sensation that I already knew he/she did it. Of course, I prefer not to read the same books twice, which is the reason for my obsession with chronological lists!)
So, since it is the beginning of the new year, I am updating my lists, and urge some of you who are as obsessive/compulsive about these chronological series to do so, also. I’m on a mission! Another reason to forget the housework, serve frozen TV dinners, and not apply any of the minimal make-up I usually don. Hmmm……. I might have to do this updating gig more often!
Petie says
Danna, I keep a 5 1/2″ x 4″ notebook in my purse at all times of authors/books and am always updating it. Katie, my twin sister, got me hooked on my notebook. Whenever I come across a new ‘find’ on your site, I copy the page, cut it down to fit, and voila! A new addition!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
That’s a great idea, Petie. That way you’re prepared at all times, and you don’t “ditto buy” any books.
Kim says
I’m laughing over the memory and déjà vu moment. I am so there. XD
I used to keep a note pad in my purse, but I’ve given up and just use Excel on my computer as I order books from online anyhow. You have opened up so many writers for me this past six months! Margaret Frazer, Rhys Bowen, Shirley Damsgaard. If not for you, I never would have taken the Cozy Plunge.
Dru says
I keep a list of all my books that I’ve read, that I’m reading and those I want to read in an Excel spreadsheet.
I just discovered that I can put my book list on my blackberry so when I go to the bookstore I don’t have to guess what books I wanted.
Judith says
Because I’m always so far behind on my reading, I used to have the problem of sometimes buying the same book twice. I have now discovered Library Thing and am trying to catalog my books – I’m keeping up with what I buy but am still behind on the old books. As for those old duplicates, a friend introduced me to Paperback Book Swap so I’ve been able to trade some of them and fill some holes in my collection. (More reading to do!)
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sounds like you have a great system that works for you, Judith!