Lauren Kelly 🥉

Tried running once as a beginner, tripped over nothing and face-planted - hilarious now, but wrecked my ankle for weeks. Switched to biking, which was factual low-impact, and I just pedaled around the park daily. No joint issues after that. Fact is, start with 10 minutes, add time each week. I overshared my cat joining me on the bike once, chaos ensued when it jumped off mid-ride.

Your approach is spot on and should tell you if the paperback matches the hardcover in text and chapter breaks :) One caveat is that different territories or later printings can use a fresh typeset even under the same edition label and which can change pagination and type size a little. A handy check is to count words per line in the preview since around nine to twelve per line usually reads comfortably while much above that starts to feel cramped. You actually can also peek at the trim size in the details because a smaller trim often forces tighter type and spacing.

Hey and if you're just dipping your toes into mystery novels and want something with detectives and plenty of twists, I totally get why your friend suggested starting with a series. It keeps the excitement going book after book. One that I think would be perfect for you as a beginner is The Thursday Murder Club. It's got this fun vibe with a group of clever retirees who form an amateur detective club, and the story is full of clever plot twists that keep you guessing without being too intense for bedtime reading. What makes it great for someone new to the genre is how approachable it is. The characters are relatable and humorous, which eases you into the mystery elements, and it's the first in a series so you can dive right into more if you love it. The pacing is just right, building suspense gradually with those satisfying reveals. One thing to note is that it's more on the cozy side, so if you're craving super gritty crime scenes, it might feel a tad light. But overall, it's a fantastic entry point that balances excitement and charm, and I bet it'll hook you on mysteries without keeping you up all night in a bad way.

I copy the camera roll to a computer, file by year and month, then clear the phone. A few favorites get printed and go in an album, and a verified copy sits on an external drive or a disc.