About

Welcome to Buried Under Books!   My name is Lelia Taylor and I live in St. Augustine, FL, after spending most of my life in the metro Richmond, VA, area. How lame is it to say I’m a former bookseller? It is what it is, though–after 9 1/2 years of co-owning a genre store called Creatures ‘n Crooks Bookshoppe and loving every minute of it, I was out on my ear, done in by the recession.  I couldn’t make a clean break, had to stay in the book world in some way, so here began my next life.

So, what is this blog all about?  Well, it’s the logical next step after the closing of our Richmond, VA store which specialized in mystery, science fiction, fantasy & horror.   I’m happy to say I’m still a member of two of our book clubs, with connections to the third and to our writing group.  What I miss, though, is the constant opportunity to share the excitement or, sometimes, the disappointment of books so that’s what we’ll be doing here.  You’ll find reviews by me and some friends of books in these genres and others, thoughts about the bookselling business and guest blogs.  Stay tuned also for some contests to win books and ARCs.

Enjoy yourself here and please share your thoughts with us!

Contact Information for Creatures ‘n Crooks

Email: cncbooks1@gmail.com
Address:  Somewhere in St. Augustine, FL
Twitter: @cncbooks
Facebook: Lelia Taylor

33 thoughts on “About”

  1. Hi Lelia,

    So sorry to hear about Creatures ‘n Crooks, but I’m very happy to see that you’re still in the book biz!!! Best of luck with the new venture.

    (We met at last year’s Festival for the Book in Charlottesville.)

    Alan

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  4. Rosemary, having your book at Crime Wave was a pleasure. Considering how many authors were there, your showing as a new author with a hardcover was quite good. I’m looking forward to Dead Head 😉

    Like

    Reply

  5. Hi Lelia,

    I wandered onto your site today. This makes me sad… I’m starting to campaign for indie bookstores more and more these days. As a matter of fact, I’m doing a book tour this spring and ONLY going to indie bookstores. If I had lived in Richmond, VA I’m sure I would have loved your store.

    (I also see you had cataract surgery.. I just went thru the same thing 4 years ago. hope you are adjusting and all went well)

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  6. Dear Danika,

    I’m sure I speak for independent bookstores everywhere when I say I truly appreciate this. Far too many small press authors don’t seem to understand that this is a symbiotic relationship and we need each other.

    Thank you!

    Like

    Reply

  7. Lelia

    Saw your name on DorothyL today and was glad to find this website. Very sorry to see your store close, but I am glad I still get to read your reviews as well as those of your friends. I’ve been following your recommendations since we first met at Bouchercon in D.C. Good luck in your new venture.

    Your friend in Iowa

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  8. HI LELIA!! It’s Sam. I’m glad to see things are up and running! I just made use of the online store! Very exciting. I sent you a letter I hope you got it ok. ALSO I thought you might be interested to know…..I made it to the “in color” season of Dark Shadows and Barnabus is out and about in all his glory!! Hope all is well!

    Take care,
    Sam

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  9. Hi there Leila

    first time visiting your site, and have enjoyed it.
    I love mysteries and write reviews myself. Hope I win one of the ARCs. ( Maybe Laura Lippman -I have Cemetery Dance?) Will write a review.

    Lillian

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  13. Hi Leila,

    I’ve enjoyed finding your reviews through the Sisters in Crime list. I really appreciate the giveaways, too!

    I’ve decided to e-publish a Christmas-themed short story this December, “Saint Nick and the Fir Tree.” I don’t know if that’s something you’d be interested in reviewing, but if it is let me know. I usually write mysteries, and though this is really more urban fantasy, there’s also a little mystery twist near the end.

    Thanks!

    Nancy

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  14. Leila, I just read your email to Sunny Frazier that was passed on to her Posse. Firstly, I think it is irresponsible for someone to commit to an interview and just blow it off (it is an honor), secondly, I think it is good of you to follow it up. Finally, chuck them off, its their lost, for your column is new to me, but I do follow when you host a Posse member. I am impressed.

    I will be looking over your page to subscribe, you are doing a bang-up fantastic job here.

    Hey, maybe one day you’ll have reason to honor me with an interview. Currently, I’m just a workin stiff, whose tryin to write something (lol). See you soon. Augie

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    • Thank you for reporting back, Peg—it really helps. I’m glad you like the look and the extras but I can’t take credit for that part. The general design came from WordPress and I knew what I wanted on there but my daughter is the tech-savvy one who knows how to add widgets and buttons and things. I’d be lost in the wilderness without her 😉

      Regards, Lelia

      Lelia Taylor Creatures ‘n Crooks / Buried Under Books http://www.cncbooks.com/blog

      On Fri, Dec 14, 2012 at 9:58 AM, Buried Under Books

      Like

      Reply

  19. Pingback: Versatile Blogger Award | We're Jumpin' Books

  22. Pingback: Book review: THE FINISHER « David Baldacci

  24. Hi Lelia,
    My favorite Indie bookstore, Mysteryscape in Overland Park, KS, had to close last month. The owners were not only supporters of my books, but also supporters of the entire community. All the book groups, authors, thespian groups, SINC groups, and readers who frequented the store are devastated by its closing. I wish all the good readers in the world would find and buy from great stores like this.
    I’m glad to found this new venture.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

  26. Pingback: Siblinghood of the World Bloggers Award | Ink and Paper

  27. Pingback: One Lovely Blog Award | Don't Shush Me!

  29. Pingback: The Sunshine Blogger Award | Don't Shush Me!

  30. Lelia,

    Stumbled on your blog here. My question is you is: do you only review books/ interview authors of the horror/ sci-fi genre? I write contemporary romance but I does not fall in those categories.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.