The Good & The Bad

I've been searching for a trade size edition of Kate Westbrook's "The Moneypenny Diaries - Secret Servant", published by John Murray in 2006, for several years now.  So when I discovered a secondhand bookstore in Queensland (Lawnton Books) had a copy I immediately purchased it.  The book arrived in the mail today.  It's the first new Bond cover I'll be adding to PizGloria.com in 2018.

Earlier today I visited "Out Of Print Books etc" in Caulfield and found that the store is closing down as the owner, Ken, is retiring. I've been visiting Ken's store for over a decade and have purchased many books from him. I'm very happy for Ken but it's still sad to lose another secondhand book store in Melbourne.

When I visited today the usual pile of Bond paperbacks had already been sold. However I uncovered a copy of Kate Westbrook's "The Moneypenny Diaries - Guardian Angel", published by John Murray in 2005. I already had this book in my collection but this copy was in too good condition to refuse.  Ken also allowed me to take a couple of photos of inside his store for posterity's sake.

To celebrate his retirement Ken has discounted all his stock by 50%. Congrats Ken and all the best for the future.

So overall some good and bad news, and by a strange coincidence I acquired two trade size "Moneypenny Diaries" paperbacks on the same day.

"Trigger Mortis" Paperback In Oz Stores

The latest edition of "Trigger Mortis" by Anthony Horowitz is now available on Australian book shelves.  This paperback edition, published by Orion, has a great cover design by Keenan.  My wife and I visited several book stores today before finally purchasing this copy at Thesaurus Books in Brighton.

Considering there were no book purchases for PizGloria.com for the first five months of this year, July has proven to be a great month for new books to this website.

While driving home I noticed this billboard on Nepean Highway and quickly did a U-turn to take this photo.

On another note, I visited Out Of Print Books etc. in Caulfield the other day.  It was great to see several other customers in the store.  As usual they had at least 10 Bond paperbacks but none for me this time.

I also visited Cornerlamp Secondhand Books in Moorabbin.  Unfortunately there are signs on the window explaining the lease is ending soon.  Hopefully that just means this store will be moving and not closing down.

And just one last thing... while at Thesaurus Books today the girl behind the counter, Kate, recognised me and brought out a coffee book she thought I might be interested in; a copy of The James Bond Archives.  Obviously I've seen this on the web but not physically.  I had a quick flick through and it looks great so I may have to consider purchasing this in the future.

Weekday Bookshop Stop

While out driving at lunch today I stopped by "Out Of Print Books etc" in Caulfield South.

I've been visiting this store for years which is operated by Ken and his son.  Today Ken allowed me to take a photo of him too.  He told me to make sure not to forget the "etc" in the store name.  Apparently everyone forgets the "etc" !

 

I ended up purchasing this excellent unread copy of "Dr No" published by Pan Books in 1972.  I'm pretty sure I already have this edition, with the coloured Pan logo in the top left hand corner, however I'm sure it's not in a condition as good as this.  A great find if I say so myself.