The "Loyalty-First" Reader

My Toxic Trait? Assuming My TBR Pile Follows the Laws of Physics

Let’s have a moment of honesty: I have a toxic trait.

It’s not my penchant for dark chocolate at 11:00 PM, nor is it my habit of talking to the characters in my current read. No, my toxic trait is the unwavering belief that I actually have the time—and the shelf space—to read every single book an author has ever written.

Once I find a writer who respects my intelligence, plays fair with a mystery, and crafts a world with a wicked edge, I don’t just buy a book. I sign a lease.

The Permanent Residents

My bookshelves are currently hosting permanent residencies for some of the greatest minds in fiction. We’re talking about the architectural brilliance of Agatha Christie, the satirical genius of Terry Pratchett, the fierce, high-stakes energy of Xiran Jay Zhao, and the cosy-yet-gripping vibes of Laurie Gilmore.

I don’t just want a story; I want the whole brain behind it. I want to see how their world-building evolves, how their snark sharpens over time, and how they manage to keep me guessing without ever resorting to "cheap" twists or unnecessary spice.

The Indie Newcomers

Lately, my loyalty is being tested by some incredible indie authors who are making me want to buy their entire backstock in one go. There is something so exhilarating about discovering a hidden gem—a layered, no-spice story that feels like it was written specifically for my brain.

I’m currently deep-diving into a few new worlds that I can’t wait to share with you. These are the stories that remind me why I’m a "loyalty-first" reader. When the writing is this good, "one book" is never enough.

The Ultimate Question for  loyalty-first readers

I know I’m not alone in this obsession. We all have that one author—the one whose name on a cover is an automatic "add to cart."

So, tell me: Who is the one author you HAVE to read everything by? Is it a classic mystery maven or an indie fantasy creator who has completely captured your heart? Let’s talk about our shelf-space struggles in the comments.