Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion

Those who have known me for awhile will remember me talking about a local indie bookstore in Cambridge called Kate's Mystery Books, run by Kate Mattes. It was three blocks from my office and I became a regular and even wound up doing some work for Kate in exchange for books. She was a legend in the mystery books world and a friend to authors everywhere. Robert B. Parker was a friend and although he stopped doing signings there long before I started visiting he always came by when a new book was released and signed books for Kate to sell. I saw so many wonderful authors there... Dennis Lehane, George Pelecanos, Sue Grafton, Harlan Coben, I can't remember them all. When she closed the shop in 2006 because none of her relatives wanted to continue it, it was a sad day for us all. I just learned that she passed away March 26. She was 72 and apparently had congestive heart failure. So sad. RIP, Kate, you made an indelible mark on many of us. Here is the notice in the Boston Globe: https://www.bostonglobe.com/2020/04/0...

Carol, I remember well your reports on signings held at Kate’s bookstore. It always sounded wonderful. What a shame that her shop closed and so sad that she has passed.

That is sad that she built a fun and unique business and none of her relatives were interested. Also, I'd have loved to have a book signed by some of the big names you mentioned.

She sounds lovely-so sorry she passed.

Carol I loved thinking of you working part-time in that wonderful book store. Kate sounds like she was a unique and wonderful person.

oh that is sad news, indeed. i remember your days and stories about kate's book store.

I remember your stories about Kate's store. So sad that none of her family cared to keep the store open. We had a great local mystery bookstore like that here in Denver and it was the same story. I was able to meet some of the same authors you mention, too. I still remember Harlan Coben taking out his wallet and showing me pictures of his kids! Sorry for the loss of such a special person.

I was shocked initially when she said her relatives weren't interested, but I get it. It takes a passion for the genre and a dedication that not everyone has to keep such a business afloat. I'm not sure even I would have taken it on if I'd had the opportunity. A lot of hard work went into that store and it wasn't exactly a moneymaker despite the many fans of Kate and the m/t genre. Another reason to keep supporting our remaining local independent bookstores.

Carol: Yes it is even more important currently and harder to do with some not having online sales options.
Carol/Bonadie wrote: " Another reason to keep supporting our remaining local independent bookstores..."