It was when I was thinking about my recent visit to Big Sleep Books that I realized one of the reasons I love writing this blog. And that is that almost all of the shops in the neighborhood are independent businesses operated by their owners, who are understandably passionate about what they do...and my conversations with them are so much fun to write about.
That is certainly the case with Big Sleep. I went in one recent Saturday looking for the late Scandinavian author Steig Larsson's latest book, "The Girl Who Played with Fire." Ed King, one of the owners who handles the weekend shift, said that Scandinavian authors are really hot right now, and that their style reminds him of what the Brits did in the early days of the mystery genre.
The shop at 239 N. Euclid has a core following from the neighborhood and beyond. In fact, being around the corner from the Chase Park-Plaza has been a double pleasure...first to have occasion to meet the many European guests of the hotel as they explore the neighborhood, and then to be able to discuss with them mystery authors from their respective countries.
I pulled this picture from Big Sleep's website. It shows the late Chris King and Peter Simpson, friends from their days at St. Louis University High School, and later partners in Big Sleep, at the 1988 ribbon cutting with Cardinal players Willie McGee, Terry Pendleton and Ozzie Smith. (Seeing these three greats together is still a thrill!) Chris King was an actor who performed in the heyday of Gaslight Square, and Peter Simpson a poet who taught at SIUE. Helen Simpson, Peter's widow, and Ed King, Chris's son, carry on the tradition.
That's Ed King above recommending "The Good Thief," a NY Times Notable title, to a customer. His words were, "This one will make your socks roll up and down." (I'm still smiling at that one.)
There is a substantial section devoted to St. Louis mystery authors, of which there are about twenty. When asked who is the most popular among them, Ed said it's probably John Lutz. There are occasional book signings at the store which I will put in my "what's happening" column as I learn about them.
If you love to talk suspense and mysteries, stop in and visit Ed, who is there Friday thru Sunday, or Helen, who is there the rest of the week with her friendly dachshund in tow.
Big Sleep Books, 239 N. Euclid, Mon. to Thurs. 11-6, Fri. & Sat. 11-8, Sun. 12-6, (314) 361-6100.
wonderful! Andy got a kick out of seeing Peter and Chris...we forwarded the link to Tommy. thanks again for the look back and forward too!
Posted by: charlotte | 03/07/2010 at 08:12 AM