The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group discussion

Greetings (as the Draft Board began its letters in the '60's). My first mystery was The Lady in the Lake (I was 11). My taste in our genre are moderately broad, though (with the miraculous exception of Louise Penny) I abhor cosies. Hard boiled, but with plot, characters who live, and good writing. Chandler, Ross MacDonald, John D. MacDonald, Valin, Estleman, Crais, Thomas Perry, Michael Connelly, Rozan, Linda Barnes. And lots more.I thrill in sharing books, and I would be so very grateful for recommendations.

For what it's worth, I bring some knowledge--for 25 years I was a criminal trial lawyer (over 250 murder trials, scads of gun and drug cases), in a major city. Though most cops, like most people, work to earn a living, there are some who epitomize Chandler's description of the lone man or woman, principled where it counts, walking the mean streets.

I'm 65. I just had to stop teaching high school English because my heart gets clogged (my students, of course, thought I didn't have a heart). I've now become pretty active in Goodreads, because I have the time.

I read what is traditionally called "literature," too, watch movies and tv, listen to and used to play Celtic music, and ride a very large motorcycle.

Lastly, I live in South Central Florida, an astonishing and unknown part of this state. We have many, many more cows than people in this county, and I live on a prairie (visualize a western movie, with essentially no trees). My nearest neighbor is half a mile away.

Life's still good. If you read all this, thanks.

full disclosure: I posted the same text on Mysteries and Crime

Peter wrote: "Greetings (as the Draft Board began its letters in the '60's). My first mystery was The Lady in the Lake (I was 11). My taste in our genre are moderately broad, though (with the miraculous exceptio..."

Hi Peter, and welcome. I'm on the a Treasure Coast of FL, and absolutely love Chandler. I'm sure you'll meet a number of like-minded readers here!

Hi Peter. Welcome to the group. I hope you enjoy yourself here and can feed your enjoyment of mysteries. Have you ever tried any of Ross MacDonald's wife's mysteries; those of Margaret Millar. I've read a couple and have enjoyed.

Hi Peter! I, like yourself am new to this group. I used to clean houses. For 27 years I owned my own cleaning service and in one night it all ended. I was caught in the web of domestic violence and as a result will never be able to go back to it again. I do not fret the loss. I may be labeled disabled, but I do not abide by it lol. I love to read and mystery/suspense/crime/ thriller novels. As a result of what happened, I began to write novels as well and became an author. It is one thing that can not be taken away. It may sound crazy, but what happened to me has made me stronger and gave me the urge to push forward. I have been put in a position to know what it's like to be a victim and also know the signs to not become one again. I speak at seminars to students on the warning signs of domestic violence. I speak at high schools and colleges. Forewarned is forearmed.

I just thought that I would share a little of myself, I didn't do that when I first joined this group. I hope you find many great reads. I have found plenty and the conversations are wonderful. It is nice to have a place to go and chat with friends (even if you've never met).

I'm from Maryland and have family in Florida. My oldest daughter was born in Largo. It's a beautiful place. I have lived in several places there including the Everglades lol. By the way... How is your weather? Just thought I would here about some sunshine and warm up a bit lol