One topic leads to another at Big Sleep Books

It is our good fortune to have two independent book stores located within several blocks of one another in the Central West End; and in the case of Big Sleep Books at 239 N. Euclid, one solely devoted to mysteries.

I love visiting Big Sleep for many reasons. When you walk in the door past the Humphrey Bogart photo, whether Ed King or Helen Simpson (proprietors) is on duty, he or she always has his/her nose in a book. And though I have never inquired about the identity of the "mystery reader" who seems always to be sitting on a folding chair in the back with her nose in a book too, it's obvious that this crew knows their merchandise. For that reason alone, you know will get a good recommendation. Last year, Helen Simpson handed me the amazing Winter's Bone by Ozark native Daniel Woodrell, and said "read it!" How could I resist with that kind of informed salesmanship?

Earlier this spring Ed King informed me that many customers purchase mysteries to use as travel guides, which I had never considered. The afternoon I visited, I had just missed two couples who were traveling to Brazil and looking for book suggestions by Brazilian authors. Ed's experience is that if the author lives where the mystery is set, a reader gains much more insight into the country, its people, and culture. Earlier that week, an Australian who was staying at the Chase stopped in and Ed had a chance to discuss authors from "down under."  Big Sleep attracts many customers from out of town.

To demonstrate his point, Ed handed me Bangkok 8, a NY Times Notable Book by British author John Burdett. The book is about a Buddhist detective who stays true to his religion in spite of his profession. Burdett lived in Bangkok, and while the story unfolds, the reader learns interesting details such as how the public feels about the above-ground subway, much about the red-light district, and where the best and worst (i.e., tourist-trap) shopping areas are located. To admit that I enjoyed this rather graphic book will definitely taint what I perceive to be my "goody two-shoes" reputation, but in fact, I did.However, it is definitely not one I would recommend to my mother. And if you suffer from ophidiophobia, ask for another suggestion. Whether you are travelling to an exotic locale this summer or trying to stay cool right here in the neighborhood, there is bound to be a book on the shelf for you.

Big Sleep Books, 239 N. Euclid, Mon. to Thurs. 11-6, Fri. & Sat. 11-8, Sun. 12-6, (314) 361-6100.