Bookseller Jean Utley leads the mystery reading group that meets every month at Book'em Mysteries in South Pasadena, CA. To choose her club's reading selections, she combines her fellow members' input with books that she's already read and enjoyed, and she experiments with different methods to keep discussion flowing. Read on to learn more about Jean and her mystery-themed book club.

Q: Does your store host any book clubs? If so, are they based on a certain theme or genre (ie, mystery)? How often do the groups meet?

A: We have a mystery reading group that meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month.

Q: How many members are in each group? How many men, how many women? What ages are most of the members? Are the groups open to accepting new members?

A: Currently we have about 15 members between 30 and 80. We are always open to new members --- people come and go but there is a core group of about 10 people who have been coming longer than me.

Q: Who leads the book discussions? Are reading group discussion guides used?

A: I, as bookseller, try to lead but I'm not very good at it. Sometimes I ask the group questions, and I have tried the technique of asking for a brief thumbs up or down at the beginning.

Q: How are books selected? Is a new one chosen at each meeting, or are they chosen for a number of meetings ahead of time?

A: I want their input and ask for suggestions. But it is as likely that I choose a book I read and enjoyed. I always have the next book available for purchase, and sometimes two ahead if I know what it will be. Currently I have five books chosen based on members' recommendations.

Q: What were some of the best discussions or favorite books the groups have read?

A: Rochelle Krich's Now You See Me, Naomi Hirahara's The Summer of the Big Bachi and Gasa-Gasa Girl, Denise Hamilton's Jasmine Trade.

Q: How are book club meetings kept interesting and fun?

A: We live in Los Angeles, so we have a lot of author visits. We often have dinner before, and we've become friends outside of the club, too.

Q: What advice would you give to other bookstores that would like to start hosting book clubs, or provide resources for ones in the community?

A: Have a good moderator. Don't let one or two members hold you hostage --- keep one person in charge.

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