David Thompson

I read the sad news on Dec Burke's blog that David Thompson of the great Murder By The Book store in Houston has died. Thompson was a tireless advocate of new authors and crime and mystery writing in general. I never did a reading at Murder By The Book but I visited the store when I was in Houston and was impressed by everything about it.
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The big chains only carry the big authors, so we small fry, especially mystery authors, owe these plucky independent book stores a big debt of thanks for keeping our names in the public eye. Actually no, that's the passive voice. Let me rephrase that: I would like to thank every bookshop and bookstore owner that has ever hosted a reading for me or invited me to be part of a panel. I really appreciate it and I am in your debt.
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Mr Thompson, my best wishes to your friends, colleagues and family. You will be missed.