Happy Trails to You

"Fasten your seat belt; it's going to be a bumpy night."

Margo Channing (Bette Davis) "All About Eve"

I don't like to fly.

Why not, you may ask.

It's the total loss of control; it's the announcement of a cruising altitude of (gulp) 30,000 feet; turbulence; tiny bathrooms; ice that always tastes stale; the kid who kicks the back of my seat; it's the air mask demonstration; and again, turbulence.

It's the dreaded middle seat.

Yes, I know that statistically I am in more danger in a car. (However, I read that if we flew as often as we drive, the stats would certainly be different. These are things I try to NOT think about while driving to the airport)

And, grudgingly, I admit I enjoy arriving in Florida or New York a few hours after leaving my driveway. It is a thrill to see a familiar, much-loved face smiling at me, waiting for me.

But during the flight, I usually bury myself in a book and don't look up until the plane touches down. I look for suspense authors who will keep my mind occupied during the flight. It is no surprise that these authors always seem to be front and center at any airport bookstore. I take that as a sign that I am not alone with my white knuckles, fluttering heart and bouts of boredom.

These authors are good travel companions:

Harlan Coben - I haven't read any of his Myron Bolitar series, preferring to read thrilling novels such as Tell No One or No Second Chance.

Tess Gerritsen - Her books are suspenseful and at times, creepy. Try Bloodstream, Life Support or the Rizzoli & Isles series.

Nelson DeMille - A prolific writer, it is difficult to choose a few of his many titles. If DeMille is new to you, I recommend Charm School, which transports readers back to the Cold War, complete with a KGB conspiracy; and Word of Honor, an examination of the subsequent lives of men accused of committing an atrocity in Vietnam.

Michael Crichton - The king of the suspense novel. The late author's influence is still felt in books and on television. On flights, bring along Congo, Andromeda Strain or Sphere.

Stephen King - Okay, maybe you don't want to add to the tension while flying, but the longtime author of thrillers promises keeping your mind occupied with his classics - Carrie, Green Mile or Misery.

Buckle up!