You know what’s a mystery? The fact that every time I see the latest issue of Mystery Scene at the bookstore I buy it yet even though I’ve been a fan of this magazine for a while now I still haven’t subscribed. I am going to change that soon.
This latest issue has a wonderful article on the use of maps in mysteries (you can read the article online). Apparently maps were all the rage in the English Golden Age mysteries. I admit, I love seeing a map included in a mystery book too. I feel as if the writer is going out of his way to give me more clues and invites me to see the “crime scene” as he sees it.
And, now I’m on a bit of a book quest. From 1943 through 1951 maps were so popular that Dell began publishing the Dell Mapback series. These paperbacks had colorful covers and detailed and well-drawn maps on the back cover. Here’s a sample of one I found. Isn’t that cool? I haven’t run across any of these books at the used book stores but that is my new book quest. I want one.
For now it’s time for me to go through the magazine again but this time to mark the mystery books I’ll be adding to my TBR list.
Mystery Scene is my favorite magazine. I could never find it in the stores, and so I ended up subscribing to it. The article on maps in mysteries was quite interesting. 🙂
I love maps! I wasn’t familiar with Mystery Scene, so thanks for the heads up, iliana!
That is so cool. And, the cover of that book is wonderful.
Thanks for the heads up on Mystery Scene. I never knew that magazine existed. It looks a great source for TBR lists 🙂
If you like classic covers, here’s a great source :
http://www.pulpoftheday.com/
Also, if you ever yearn to read old mystery/detective stories from the old pulp magazines, they are available for free in pdf format.
Check out an old post of mine at :
http://digitalife.wordpress.com/2006/02/03/digitized-pulp-magazines/
Literary Feline – Really? I always find it at B&N and Borders. Still, I think I just need to subscribe and really support them 🙂
Jenclair – Hope you enjoy the magazine!
Nancy – I love those pulp covers. Aren’t they cool? I’ve thought of using some for some altered books.
Gavin – You are in for a treat! I do think it’s a great magazine. Thank you so much for the link to pulp of the day. I can’t wait to check that out later today.
I love maps too – I have a favorite hanging on my wall (late 1800’s Africa)…
I am so out of the loop on mystery books in general — but these look really cool. Good luck in your quest…
I have never heard of Mystery Scene (never seen it at any of my bookstores!), but I will have to try and find a copy. I love maps, too, when they are included with books. It helps with the visuals. Those Dell books look like fun. I have never seen one, but I will have to keep my eyes open now for them
That’s pretty neat! I love little extras like that in books.
Never heard of a mapback. How kewl! My husband, the knower of all things, hasn’t even heard of a mapback. Thanks for helping me stump him. 😉
Thanks, Bookgirl. I’ve enjoyed browsing Mystery Scenes site. I love books that include maps.
Christine – Don’t you also have a gorgeous old map of London? I’ll keep you posted on that quest 🙂
Danielle – Oh you will love it! I hope you find it at the bookstore on your next visit.
Lesley – I know, too cool right.
Maggie – Ha! That’s great. See now we are all going to be on a quest for a mapback 🙂
Booklogged – Glad you liked that. I swear I’ve yet to read an issue that didn’t have some fascinating tidbit in the world of mystery books.