It was 'one of those days' in the bookshop yesterday. Tuesday is one of two market days here in Framlingham and local shops always hope that, in the summer, a few more visitors will come through the doors. And yesterday they did - and went out without buying anything.

So I took to Substack to ask some questions about what we sell, what might we sell and how to turn those who say 'lovely shop!' and 'I'm so pleased we still have physical bookshops' into customers who buy even one paperback.

So if you have a moment, do check out the post below and tell us your thoughts. Local shops here are surprised at how quiet it is in Framlingham for June. World events? Maybe.

Flaming June (or rather showery and cloudy June thus far here in Suffolk) has been designated National Crime Reading Month by the fabulous Crime Writers’ Association. For a whole month, and in collaboration with The Reading Agency, new books are promoted to those who already love the crime genre and for new readers, the whole world of crime writing is opened up with events in places such as bookshops, libraries, theatres and online. 

Crime is the world’s bestselling genre – in our shop too - and there really is something for everyone. In Framlingham Books, we see readers who love classics such as Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers, cosy crime, dark thrillers, popular TV detectives and spy thrillers. There are even detectives in sci-fi and fantasy novels and books for children. From Hercule Poirot to Jack Reacher, Miss Marple to Vera Stanhope, there is a detective for everyone.

At the end of the month, the Crime Writers’ Association hands out the coveted Daggers – awards to best crime writing of the year. 

You can find out more on the Crime Writers’ Association and NCRM websites, and in our shop where our window display highlights the range of writing encompassed by the genre.

So who are your favourite crime writers? Do you prefer hard-boiled, troubled detectives or those who solve mysteries over a cup of tea and their knitting? We’d love to hear your thoughts!