Carrie Bebris loves a good mystery. So much so that the Centerville author has penned five of them, based on her fondness for 19th-century British author Jane Austen (see story in January's Ohio Magazine). But, as Bebris explains here, her tastes span the gamut — from stories she loved as a child to classics that remain irresistible.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: "Obviously, I love everything by Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice showcases her talent for characterization and her use of language, which is what I most admire about her."

Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain: "Huck's voice is what appeals to me most about the book. I think it's a marvelous example of one that just grabs you from the first sentence and carries you through the whole story."

The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: "The books you read as a child stick with you forever. Unlike most series — where you follow the characters all the way though — C.S. Lewis changes his characters, but keeps the setting the same throughout his seven books. Although it's constantly evolving, the setting is what draws me back."

Dracula by Bram Stoker: "I'm not a person who reads much horror fiction, but I love the original version of this book. The way Stoker uses not just straight narration, but journals and newspaper clippings to tell the tale is fascinating. The reader puts the story together by using all these different pieces. I think the book is a really good example of different tools a writer can use to create a story. It's also an excellent example of building suspense, which appeals to me as a mystery writer."

William Shakespeare's history plays: "These works don't get read nearly as often as his tragedies and comedies, but they are my favorites. I love Henry V, because of the way Shakespeare builds the character, as well as for the politics and intrigue he plays around with."