CrimeFictionbook.com

Most author/reader forums blow. It's just a fact. The parts of the forum that aren't spammed to death by authors contain little conversation and even fewer members.

Which is why CrimeSpace is such a gem. It bills itself as a place for writers and readers of crime fiction to connect, and actually comes through on the promise. I'm on it almost every day, catching up with the regulars and talking crime fiction shop.

Some times we discuss the latest publishing industry news. Other times we pick our favorite classic detectives or review the latest. It's never boring, and full of interesting people. In fact, most of my to-read pile comes directly from CrimeSpace. I've either talked with the author on a thread or seen something mentioned. It also has an excellent spam policy that weeds out touch-and-go members.

The rest of the crime fiction world feels the same way. It won a Spinetingler Magazine Award (these are a big deal) for service to the crime community a few years back.

I mention all this with the hope you'll do two things:

1) Become a member of the site. It's free.

2) Pitch in a couple bucks to keep the site going. CrimeSpace uses premium software that requires an annual fee. Most of this is covered through ads and the generosity of the site's founder, Daniel Hatadi. The rest depends on donations from members. You can read a message from him here. I put my money where my mouth is and chipped into the pot. It's easy and handled through PayPal, so it's not scammy.

Either way, I encourage you to check out the site. It's really an oasis in a world of desert forums. Click here to go to CrimeSpace.