book lovers Archives

A Lifetime of Reading

Book Lovers Day has arrived, and I’m claiming it proudly. The cats had their moment yesterday for International Cat Day, so today belongs to me and my books.

I’ve been a reader for as long as I can remember. I used to imagine myself living in a home with a grand library — towering shelves, a rolling ladder, leather chairs, a crackling fireplace, and warm reading lamps. A perfect retreat for losing myself in a good story.

Reality looks a little different. My tiny condo doesn’t have room for a sprawling library, so I’ve embraced digital reading. I still prefer the feel of a physical book, but I can’t deny the convenience of carrying hundreds of titles in one slim device. Travel is lighter, and choosing a book is as easy as tapping a screen.

The Joy of Retirement Reading

Retirement has given me the greatest gift: time. Time to read every day, time to revisit old favorites, and time to explore new authors. I still remember the first book I ever bought — I read it until it literally fell apart. Some habits never change.

My favorite authors remain steady: J.D. Robb, Iris Johansen, Catherine Coulter, Elizabeth Peters. This year I’ve added Janet Evanovich, whose books deliver crime, chaos, and laughter in equal measure.

New Discoveries and Old Favorites

I also have my eye on Five Hieroglyphs by Stephen T. Pearson, a book described as evoking the spirit of the Amelia Peabody adventures. Since that series is one of my all‑time favorites, I’m eager to give it a try.

At the moment, I’m re‑reading Catherine Coulter’s FBI series. Earlier this year I revisited the entire In Death series when Stolen in Death (Book 62) was released. With Fury in Death arriving on September 8, I may need to start another full‑series re‑read soon.

📚 A Bibliophile’s Confession

Today is Book Lovers Day, and I can definitely get behind that one. I think it’s safe to say I qualify. Although I’m a proud bibliophile, I’m not a literary snob—I haven’t read most of the classics, and I don’t plan to. My heart belongs to fictional crime, especially long-running series that let me settle in and really get to know the characters.

Books on Shelves in Library or Study with Classic Dark Wood

I often re-read a series when I know a new book is coming out, just to keep the story fresh in my mind. There’s something comforting about revisiting familiar characters and watching them evolve over time. Here are a few of my favorite authors and the unforgettable worlds they’ve created:

🔍 My Favorite Crime Series & Authors

J.D. Robb – Her In Death series features Lieutenant Eve Dallas and her enigmatic husband Roarke. Crime-solving with a futuristic twist? Yes, please.
Iris Johansen – She writes about Eve Duncan, a forensic sculptor who helps catch the bad guys. Smart, intense, and always gripping.
Catherine Coulter – Her FBI thrillers star agents Savage and Sherlock, with a spin-off series called Brit in the FBI. I love both.
J.A. Jance – She keeps me busy with multiple series that sometimes cross over. There’s J.P. Beaumont, a Seattle homicide detective; Ali Reynolds, a former newswoman; and Arizona Sheriff Joanna Brady.
Elizabeth Peters – An oldie but goodie. Her Egypt-based series blends fiction with real history, including pyramids and Howard Carter’s 1920s discoveries. It’s pure adventure.

These authors can be purchased at Amazon

📦 Downsizing My Library

I used to collect all the books—shelves full of dog-eared paperbacks and hardcovers with cracked spines. But after downsizing to a small apartment, my beloved library had to be donated to a book sale. Now, everything lives on my Kindle. It’s not quite as satisfying as holding a real book, but it’s definitely easier to carry around. And let’s be honest—having an entire library in my purse is pretty magical.

“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” — George R.R. Martin

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☕ Let’s Talk Books

So, fellow book lovers—who do you like to read? Do you have a favorite series you revisit like an old friend? Drop your recommendations in the comments—I’m always looking for my next fictional crime spree.