December 27th, 2010

Murder on the Beach Mystery Bookstore, Delray Beach, Florida, Mystery Books, Entertainment, Booksignings, Palm Beach County

“A good book should leave you…..slightly exhausted at the end.  You live several lives while reading it.”    william styron

I arrived at the Murder on the Beach Mystery Bookstore because it had been some time since I paid them a visit.  From time to time I put what’s going on in Delray and usually include this unique mystery bookstore’s events.  I wanted to also take some pictures.  There is nothing better than to have a visual idea of what I am talking about.  I think it creates interest; I hope so, anyway.

They are located at 273 NE 2nd Ave., Pineapple Grove Way, Delray Beach, FL 33444.  Tel. 561-279-7790, toll free 800-956-7770.  Website is www.murderonthebeach.com. Winter hours are Mon – Sat from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Sun from 12 until 5 p.m.  Please note they will be closed New Years Eve and New Years Day.

Pineapple Grove is pretty much an extension of Atlantic Ave., known as the Arts District.  It looked so good; the stores have been leased, the condominiums are full of people and those outdoor seatings are there to be enjoyed, if you like to dine al fresco, as much as I do.

Murder on the Beach is such a quaint and delightful bookstore.  You feel like you are in a library; in the comfort of your own home.  Chairs to sit and review books, a counter with all kinds of information and schedule of events.

Joanne is the owner and I hope that Jean is the other person working the store that helped me so much on that day.  She was so gracious and I bought 2 of her suggestions, which I have not read yet but dying to start.

Murder on the Beach is definitely a mystery bookstore, specializing in Florida authors, but they also have romance, true crime, thrillers, horror and children’s books.

The State of Florida, I believe, is one of the states with the most mystery writers in residence.

I introduced myself to Joanne and requested to see the “board of bloody prints”.  An author who is signing at Murder on the Beach is asked to leave a bloody palm print, his or her signature, and a quote. 

Joanne is also the Director of the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association (IMBA).  It is known as an organization of mystery booksellers who together have common interests and issues.  For more information, please visit www.mysterybooksellers.com and check out what they are all about.  They “connect criminally inclined readers with arresting mysteries”.

Murder on the Beach can ship books all over the world and if by chance you are not able to attend an event and have a specific book in mind, please do give them a call because they would be most happy to help you.

On Friday, January 7th, Tami Hoag will be signing her newest book, Secrets to the Grave at 7 p.m.  

Entertainment?  What is it?  A Murder Mystery Party in your home, hotel, restaurant, condo or you pick your favorite place.  Size?  Well, you decide but they have done conferences and conventions for up to 500 peoople.  Also small parties for a few.

It is an audience interactive murder mystery party.  The actors are professionals; performances will be tailored to your group.  For more info., please get in touch with Joanne at the above mentioned telephone number.

I always carry a book in my bag.  I guess is part of a habit acquired as I waited in pick up lines at schools for so many years; a companion of sorts.

I love it…talk to you later….you know I will…

December 10th, 2010

Delray Beach, Florida, Village by the Sea, South Florida, Palm Beach County, Week-end, Holiday Celebrations, 12/10/10 – 12/11/10

As you have heard from the weather forecasters, South Florida has had very cold temperatures since Monday.  Well, I kid you not; today I saw a woman wearing a fur coat.  I cannot believe she was that cold.  And, today has been chilly; not freezing. It strikes me so funny to also see people weraring gloves.

Delray looks beautiful this time of the year.  Atlantic Avenue has lights everywhere; the restaurants have outdone themselves with their own unique decorations.  The 100 ft. tree looks spectacular, especially in the early evening hours.

Delray Beach will be busy on Friday and Saturday.  If you are around, then these are a few of the events going on.

Friday, December 10th –  It is the Delray & Boyton Beach Holiday Boat Parade from 6:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.  The line up will be at the Boyton Beach Inlet to Intracoastal Waterway to C-15 Canal in Delray Beach.  Please bring the family and friends to see the flotillas of brightly color boats. Better yet, join them.

Friday, December 10th – Murder at the Beach Bookstore –  Book signing at 7:00 p.m. – Midnight Guardians by Jonathan King.  He writes full time in South Florida and Midnight Guardians take place in the Everglades.  This is the 6th book of the Max Freeman mystery series.  After Max is hired to investigate a conspiracy involving fake claims to Medicare he quickly realizes the scheme is much more dangerous… 

Murder at the Beach is located at 273 NE 2nd Ave. (Pineapple Grove district).  The telephone is 561-279-7790 and the website is www.murderonthebeach.com.

Friday, December 10th – Gallery Walk from 7 until 10 p.m.  At Atlantic Ave. and NE 2nd Ave. – Delray Beach is known for a town that is embracing the arts full force.  The Gallery Walks give you, the visitor, and maybe, the residen,t an opportunity to discover them and see what they are all about.  They stay open for us, the public.  Take advantage of a wonderful evening on the Avenue and in Pineapple Grove.

Saturday, December 11th – You will find the Delray Green Market every Saturday at SE 4th Ave.  It is south of Atlantic Ave.  More info?  e-mail Nolan at www.mydelraybeach.com.  I have visited this market through the years; local produce, breads, dipping sauces, flowers, music and the perfect place for a stroll on Saturday mornings.

Saturday, December 11th – Kids at the Tree – 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Old School Square at 51 N. Swinton Ave.  Visit Santa and play in the “snow”, special surprises at the Famous 100 foot Christmas tree.  More info?  Please visit www.downtowndelray.com.

Saturday, December 11th  and Sunday, December 12th – Artists in the Park from 10 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.  Location?  Veterans Park, Atlantic Ave. at the Intracoastal.   This is a free outdoor art festival.

Saturday, December 11th – Shark Feeding at 10:30 a.m. at the Sandoway Nature Center located at 142 S. Ocean Blv.  It is on A1A and South of the corner of Atlantic Ave. and A1A. 

Saturday, December 11th – Holiday Parade in Dowtown Delray Beach.  The parade begins at Venetian Drive at 6 p.m. and goes west on Atlantic Ave. to the Courthouse.  This event is sponsored by the Delray Beach Parks and Recreations.  More info?  Then call 561-243-7277. 

Saturday, December 11th – It is also the Greater Delray Beach Chamber Annual Holiday Parade from 6 until 8 p.m.  It will start at Gleason and Atlantic and will go West.  More info?  Please call 561-733-6497.

Have a wonderful Holiday Season!!  Talk to you later…