I always suggest --or should I say insist-- that you support your local independent bookseller. I'm fortunate to have a terrific bookstore nearby. But I know not everyone does. And sometimes even my terrific bookstore doesn't have the books I want.

I have listed a couple of search engines that will steer you to online sources for buying books. I also have a list of online book sites where you can purchase books. These sites are not exclusively for mystery books. Most of them allow you to make a book-by-book search by the author's name or by the title. Some sites will let you buy directly from them. On e-Bay, of course, you will bid on the books you want. This is Peggy's favorite way to find and collect books. She loves the thrill of the chase, the tension of the next bid, and the ultimate joy of winning that first edition at a low price. (Sometimes at a not-so-low price.)

I have had great success with ABE books. They have quick searches, huge source lists, and provide me with the option of ordering through their service or going directly to the bookseller who has the books in his possession. Unlike some sites, which have huge warehouses full of books, ABE is a connection between buyer and seller. When I find a book listed there, they also list the bookseller's address, phone, fax, e-mail, and terms for sale. I then can phone the bookseller directly, ask questions about the book, and sometimes get a better price. I really enjoy talking to the booksellers in person, because most of them are knowledgeable and enthusiastic about their trade. I have ordered books from shops in Utah, New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania, and I haven't been disappointed yet.

But everyone has his or her own way of doing things, and I'm leaving it up you to decide which works best for you. Again, I'm here to share the information I've found, not sell you on anything. I hope this helps!

Search Engines:

www.bookfinder.com
www.bookradar.com

Online Booksites:

www.abebooks.com
www.amazon.com
www.Alibris.com
www.addall.com
www.addall.com - used books
www.bibliofind.com
www.bookavenue.com
www.powellsbooks.com
www.wordsworth.com