Published by Donald Jay
Donald Jay writes cozy mystery, adventure, romance, and inspirational stories suitable for all audiences. Don brings to life eclectic and engaging characters who whisk readers off to enchanting places, challenge them with unusual puzzles and cleverly hidden clues, and inspire them to dream.
Formerly a magician, Don is also a woodworker, painter, and toymaker. His wife, Linda, says, “It’s like being married to Santa himself.” He grew up in the snowy winters of the West Virginia mountains and loves the spiritual roots, rich traditions, and festive decorations that spark the magic of Christmas. So, he often sets his stories during the Christmas season.
Don is a Virginia Tech graduate, a former first responder, and a retired hotel executive who now turns his lively imagination to entertaining readers of all ages.
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Lori Lee Palmer says:
Don –
I read mostly library books, so I try to read whatever is due the soonest. My TBR list is on my phone (I try to keep it under 100 titles) and I choose books to check out according to mood.
Lori
Donald Jay says:
Hi, Lori. Yeah, isn’t the library the greatest. I have recently discovered Hoopla where I can check out eBooks from the library. Most of what I read these days is on eBooks. Then, if I really like the work and want to add it to my library or have the opportunity to get an autograph, I’ll buy a print edition.
John Anderson says:
This is a real struggle. I’ve got multiple TBR piles. My most organized one is my “books about writing” shelf that contains a mix of books I go back to every year or so, as well as TBRs and “books in progress.” Generally, I go to the pile that appeals to my emotional state at the time I’m looking for my next book. Do I need some encouragement or clear thinking about life? That would be my theology pile (with C. S. Lewis and others). Do I just need a mental escape? That would be my fiction pile. Am I looking for greater understanding of systems (including politics)? That would be my “analysis books” pile. Is anything new or almost overdue in my “borrowed from the library” pile? I also realized last year that I need to put a higher priority on my “drafts from friends” pile, so that’ll impact my TBR in 2026.
Donald Jay says:
Hi, John. As Lori and I just discussed, it’s the “almost due at the library” pile that I watch most carefully. I’m currently reading contemporary (as in new releases) authors in the cozy mystery genre. It’s entertaining and I’m learning a lot about what’s happening in my genre.
Dianna Kelly says:
I use my Kindle so…the pile is imaginary. 😂 I read library books first, then try to read the books I’ve paid for (but who can remember???). After that it’s really mood/brain space. I have a lot of very cerebral books but since my business has me thinking so.hars these days I don’t often choose thoae… usually it’s something lighter.
Donald Jay says:
I know what you mean, Dianna. Lately, I have been reading contemporary cozy mystery authors to learn what is working in the genre. But sometimes I like something just light and entertaining, like the old Hardy Boys series.