Murder by the Book's David Thompson dies suddenly, mystery community mourns

Since 1989, David Thompson was a fixture at Murder by the Book.

Rising from shelf stocker to manager, David brought in national authors in addition to founding Busted Flush Press, a publisher of mystery anthologies and reprints.

It was at the beloved mystery book store where he met his wife, McKenna Jordan, who started as a part-time worker herself and purchased the store in 2009.

Thompson — who was in his late thirties — died suddenly on Monday. Jordan asks that no tributes be sent to the book store, which remains opens for business.

"We appreciate the loving support that customers have always given the store, and in the difficult days to come we will need it more than ever," Jordan wrote on Murder by the Book's website.

Loyal customers and friends have left their memories of David and condolences on Murder by the Book's Facebook page.

"David was the best bookseller I've ever known, a terrific publisher, generous, enthusiastic, and extraordinary," Greg Morrow remembered.

"I never knew anyone so exuberant about crime fiction than David. His passion was infectious, as was his genuine nature. You couldn't help but smile when you went into the store and starting talking about mysteries with David," Scott Parker wrote.

Jordan says a memorial is planned and will announce details as they are available.