Mystery Books — Collecting New and Old Books
Collecting books is not a new hobby. Mystery books have been around since the Father of the Detective Story, Edgar Allen Poe, first wrote "Murders of the Rue Morgue" back in 1841. Collecting mystery books is becoming more and more popular. Today, we will look at a few things you should look for when you decide to collect modern mystery books. You can find them in a lot of places in addition to your to your local books store.
What to Look For When Collecting Modern Books
You can collect mystery books for any reason you want but if you are hoping they will appreciate in value, there are a few things to look for when starting or adding to your collection.
- Even with modern books, first editions are the key. Hardback books that are a first edition, first printing are usually the only ones that appreciate. Look for those.
- The dust jacket should be in pristine condition. Dust jackets that are torn or worn devalue the overall book.
- If you are lucky enough to get an author to sign your book, all the better. If only the author's name is autographed on the title page, it is considered a "signed book". If the author writes some words or personalized the autograph, it is considered "inscribed". A "signed" book is worth more than an "inscribed book" in most cases. A big unless is if the book is inscribed to a famous person.
- Overall condition of the book is important too. If the spine is cracked or pages are torn or loose, this also devalues the book for collectors.
What to Look For on the Title Page for First Edition
Collecting Modern Mystery Books
Crystal Ball -- Book Collecting
It's hard to see into the future and know which books are going to really take off. The best advice is to watch for new releases in the Mystery - Thriller genre. Read the first reviews and if it is a book you think you would like, buy it. It may be worth some money one day, it may not. But the key to collecting books is buying what you like and enjoy. That way, even if it doesn't appreciate, you have a good book for your personal library!
Where to Buy Modern Mysteries
You can always go to your local bookstore -- no brainer. But, you should keep your eyes peeled at tag/yard sales, vintage booths, flea markets, eBay and around the internet.
One of my favorite new sites is Mystery Book World. Susan, owner of the website, is a friend of mine. It's right up my alley since I love a good mystery. She offers reviews, suggestions and entertaining articles about the authors themselves. She covers the gamut with categories like children's mysteries, women sleuths, British sleuths and historical mysteries.
A mystery lover herself, she has introduced me to a few authors I new little about. One of them could be the next Sue Grafton or James Patterson! Take a look at the site as a whole or read one of the articles like Cozy Mysteries and Armchair Mysteries. I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I do!
Good luck! Remember, find out what and who you like and then collect it. It's a win-win situation!
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What a great article about collecting mystery books. As always, your articles are well-written with great information. My library is full of 1st editions that I’m afraid I will not part with. Mysteries to me are to be read and enjoyed many times over. Thanks for the mention of Mystery Book World, too. Us mystery lovers love to share.