Why Do Readers Like Some Books More than Others?

By Elaine L. Orr

To be clear, I have no idea why readers like some books more than others. 

I like the kind of mysteries I write, and I like to read those others write. But I've been surprised that books I think will grab attention (and sell well) may move off the shelves slowly, while one I thought would draw fewer readers is very popular.

When I moved to Illinois I decided to write a book set in central Illinois, and did not intend to make it a series. I've never laughed so much when writing as when drafting Tip a Hat to Murder. I liked the characters so much it became the first book in the three-book Logland series. And the only one to have more than 100 reviews. I think the second book, Final Cycle, is one of the best of the forty or so mysteries I've written.

Reviews are good, but the series is not a true cozy series. The primary sleuth is a small town, female police chief and I describe the series a 'police procedurals with a cozy feel.' I suppose that tells readers the books aren't as gritty as other police procedurals, so readers who like those books don't pick up the series. Conversely, people who read my amateur sleuth mysteries aren't looking to read about a professional crime solver. 

There is a goat in a fraternity house dining room early on in the first book, and that's a bit off topic for me, too. So is t he occasional swearing (mild words). 

The message I get is don't try to mix sub-genres. Readers can't focus as easily -- in my opinion. While I wanted to write something with a sleuth who had a reason to investigate crimes. the books' structure also means there is no other profession or hobby to focus on. My family history series draws readers with that interest, my Jersey shore real estate appraiser gets in all kinds of trouble when she goes into uninhabited houses. And she's really involved with the local business community. A police chief is sort of always on duty.

However, I still laugh when I think of future books, so I plan to add to the series. To attract more future readers I put the three-book series in a box set on Kindle Unlimited. People have a chance to get acquainted with the books an I can occasionally offer the box set free. There's always more to learn about what to write.

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