Thanks, Kate's Mystery Books

by Dana

Saturday, August 1, was the final day that Kate's Mystery Books in Cambridge, Massachusetts was officially open.  It was a combination packing-up party and sale and it was a chance for some of us to say goodbye to a place that had been a home to the New England mystery community for decades.  I went in, as many authors did, to help out for a bit.  It was hot, dusty, and emotional, and like other events at Kate's, it was a time to see friends, catch up, talk books and buy books.  I took some pictures, and they look like this, where you can see me in a loud aloha shirt and just behind, Lynne Heitman, but I think I'd rather remember Kate's bookstore with these other pictures.

Like this one,  at one of Kate's mob-scene holiday parties, where you can see me yacking on the left, then Fellow Femme Toni Kelner, Sarah Stewart Taylor behind her, and in the great holiday sweater, Karen Olsen.  Writers would come in shifts, stay long, and sign books.  Readers would come in to meet their favorite writers and discover new ones.  Everyone would eat and shop for presents.  Moving around wasn't easy, but these parties marked one end of the year for New England mystery writers.

Then there were the anniversary parties.  This was from the twenty-fifth anniversary of the store, and Kate herself (left) is talking with Linda Barnes. 

There were meetings of local mystery groups and signings by authors from near and far (here's one,  below, with Fellow Femme Donna, me, and Cynthia Riggs).  It was a place to find new friends and new books.

If you are a reader or a writer who made Kate's a home-away-from-home or a pilgrimage destination, please join me in thanking Kate for having had her bookstore.  Kate assures us she'll still be on the mystery scene in Cambridge and Boston, but it's sad to see the store itself closing.

Comments

[Patti Abbott]

We watched Shaman Drum in Ann Arbor close recently. A very sad day.

[Dana Cameron]

So many great stores closing, Patti, as Kris pointed out recently. I'm sorry to hear about Shaman Drum. I'm glad I had a chance to know these places and will do my best to cherish the ones still hanging in there.

Thanks for stopping by.

[Sheila Connolly]

While it was a sad day for mystery readers and writers, it was amazing to see the volunteers swarm in and pack up all (all!) of the books in hours. A real tribute to Kate and the community she created.

[krisneri]

Such sad photos, Dana. The empty shelves are heartbreaking. But it does demonstrate the best part of independent stores, and that's that they become community gathering spots, bringing readers and writers together.

[Dana]

It surely was, Sheila. I was glad to be a part of it--and all the good times, too.

Absolutely, Kris. That's why I prefer the party pics!

[Julie Wray Herman]

I cannot imagine Boston without Kate's store.

To me, it will always be a great place -- I'm so glad I got to shop there when in town.