Books as gifts? What a great idea!

Books make great gifts for all ages. Here are some ideas for giving a gift that will be appreciated. Since mystery books are my favorites and are enjoyed by many readers, you'll find some specific recommendations sprinkled throughout.

Choice is important; price is unimportant!

To a reader, the words on the page are what count. We all say, "it's the thought that counts", but it's especially true to a reader. A small box of used paperbacks, well chosen, will satisfy the right person just as much as a pricey signed first edition will satisfy another. Regardless of your budget, you can bring a smile with a well chosen book.

Author tip: If a person likes Michael Connolly, then they might like other noir police procedural types like Dennis Lehane, James Lee Burke or John Sandford.

New Books, special books!

There is something about opening a book for the first time. The shinny dust jacket... the un-cracked spine... the smell of, well let's just say the smell of new things is nice. It's often hard to know what books an author has read, so it may be easier to get a book by an author from a similar genre.

Author tip: If a person likes John Grisham, then they might like other legal thriller authors like Steve Martini, John Lescroart and Scott Turow.

Used Books, cherished books!

Used books make a great gift in a couple of situations. If your budget is limited, then consider hunting for a neat little pile of books for a gift. A few paperbacks of books by authors I haven't read represent an opportunity to explore new writers. If you know of an author that somebody is reading, finding an out of print copy that fills a slot in the reading list is much appreciated.

Old books + bright wrapping = Smile.

Author tip: If they like Sue Grafton, they might like Janet Evanovich, Nevada Barr or Dana Stabenow.

Find a good mystery bookshop.

There are lots of independent booksellers that specialize in the mystery books. Most do business from a storefront and through the Internet. I enjoy scouting out these mystery specialists when I travel. One of my favorites is The Poisoned Pen, here in Phoenix, AZ. Ask for Patrick Millikin; he is the collection management and book search specialist. He can give you some great recommendations. Tell him Jack says hi.

Collectible books last forever!

If you know of somebody's favorite author, look for the latest book and try to get a signed first edition copy. Here is where a knowledgeable bookseller is a big help. The bookseller can probably provide such a book or locate it. The cost will not be as much as you think. You can find signed firsts at list price; just don't expect a discount!

If you have a little more room in your budget, then search for one of the early books by a favorite author. The premium depends on the author's popularity, number of printed copies and other factors. Book number one by a very successful author can run into some bucks. Here, a good bookseller is your best friend.

Book scout tip: Ask your bookseller for a lead to a relatively new author whose first book carries a modest premium. You gift may grow in value! Don't be afraid to give a budget.

A book gift certificate can be just the ticket.

OK, some of you think gift certificates are tacky. If so skip this paragraph. The rest of you take heart. Remember that for a reader, the next best thing after reading a good book, is shopping for one. Give me a gift certificate and point me to the store. Consider adding a reading related item to the gift certificate; something like a bookmark, a reading light, a book-stand - you get the idea. If there is a mystery bookstore in the recipients town, then you've get a perfect certificate opportunity.

Mystery readers come in all sizes.

Books make great gifts from toddlers to seniors. Mystery books are a very popular genre with young readers. If you'd like a youngster in your life to develop a lifelong reading interest, look for some juvenile mysteries.

When faced with the person who has everything, a book solves the problem. Give a great (mystery) book, and invite them to read it and pass it on!

There are many more terrific mystery writers whose names may not be on the NY Time's list, but deserve to be on a mystery reader's list. Discover Mystery Authors is a HubPage with a sneak peak at many more author's that you should check out!