R.I.P. David Thompson of Murder By the Book -- Houston, TX
I'm shocked to pass along that David Thompson, Publicity Manager at Murder By the Book of Houston, Texas, died suddenly Monday night. It was unexpected, and as of now the cause is unknown. David was just shy of 39. He leaves behind his beloved wife McKenna Jordan, as well as extended family, friends, and the many people he has served and worked with in the book business over the past 21 years.
David started out stocking shelves while in his late teens, and worked his way up to the managerial level. He was also the founder and publisher of Busted Flush Press. David got me hooked on David Handler, for which I will be forever grateful -- thanks to Busted Flush Press, I have copies of Handler's earlier books for myself! I don't think I've ever met another book seller with the boundless enthusiasm of David Thompson -- he would hand sell the entire store to you, even while helping you find those niche stories you had to have about one-eyed detectives who used canes.
Quite simply, he adored his job, and was stupendous at it. David had sold Busted Flush to Tyrus Books just a few weeks ago, and was moving into the next stage of his life and career, even as he continued to be involved over at Murder By the Book, his various publicity outlets (including Facebook) and the forthcoming BoucherCon in St. Louis in September, 2011.
Sarah Weinman has written about this loss, as well as providing a list of memoirs about David already posted on-line. A particularly nice one is from -- you guessed it -- David Handler.
Another good one lost much too soon. Please send good thoughts toward his loved ones, who will have some hard days ahead. I'm sending strength and grace, and hope that everyone knows how much David loved them, and that he'll be closer than you think.
David started out stocking shelves while in his late teens, and worked his way up to the managerial level. He was also the founder and publisher of Busted Flush Press. David got me hooked on David Handler, for which I will be forever grateful -- thanks to Busted Flush Press, I have copies of Handler's earlier books for myself! I don't think I've ever met another book seller with the boundless enthusiasm of David Thompson -- he would hand sell the entire store to you, even while helping you find those niche stories you had to have about one-eyed detectives who used canes.
Quite simply, he adored his job, and was stupendous at it. David had sold Busted Flush to Tyrus Books just a few weeks ago, and was moving into the next stage of his life and career, even as he continued to be involved over at Murder By the Book, his various publicity outlets (including Facebook) and the forthcoming BoucherCon in St. Louis in September, 2011.
Sarah Weinman has written about this loss, as well as providing a list of memoirs about David already posted on-line. A particularly nice one is from -- you guessed it -- David Handler.
Another good one lost much too soon. Please send good thoughts toward his loved ones, who will have some hard days ahead. I'm sending strength and grace, and hope that everyone knows how much David loved them, and that he'll be closer than you think.