By Marissa Creamer
Rowan Public Library
Many of us grew up reading the Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys mysteries, enjoying the challenge of solving the puzzle, appreciating the ordered universe where good and bad are easily distinguishable and justice triumphs in the end. Although there seem to be fewer choices for the teen mystery fan that has outgrown Nancy Drew, there have been some recent offerings for the mystery reader not quite ready for Agatha Christie.
“Into the Dark” is the third tale in Peter Abrahams’ Edgar Award-winning “Echo Falls” series. When 13-year-old Ingrid finds a body lying in the snow on her grandfather’s land, he is charged with the crime. Although he did threaten the victim, Ingrid knows Grampy is innocent.
Why does he refuse to divulge his whereabouts on the day the crime was committed? Ingrid must delve into hidden secrets from the past to clear Grampy’s name. What is the truth about his heroic service in World War II? Is it in some way connected to the murder? It seems everyone is keeping secrets, including Ingrid.
As always, Ingrid relies on her hero, Sherlock Holmes, for guidance as she seeks the truth. Previous titles in the “Echo Falls” series include “Down the Rabbit Hole” and “Behind the Curtain.”
Nancy Springer brings us a teen sleuth who is actually the younger sister of Sherlock Holmes. In this Victorian mystery, Enola Holmes has refused to take on the traditional role of a young lady preparing for marriage. Living under an alias to avoid boarding school, Enola pursues her calling as a Perditorian; a finder of the lost.
In the third and latest title, “Enola Holmes and the Case of the Bizarre Bouquets,” the clever teen is on the trail of the missing Dr. Watson. Enola utilizes ciphers, codes and disguises as she attempts to decipher the clues in the bizarre bouquets sent to Dr. Watson’s wife. Previous “Enola Holmes” outings include “The Case of the Missing Marquess” and “The Case of the Left-handed Lady.”
Older teens with an interest in forensic science should enjoy the “Traces” series by Malcolm Rose. Set in a futuristic London, this series features 16-year-old forensic investigator Luke Harding, the youngest person ever to qualify for this position.
Luke is assisted by his robotic sidekick Malc, whose capabilities include lasers, scanners and access to a vast computer database for instant fact-checking. In the most recent case, “Blood Brother,” Luke investigates a hospital with a suspiciously high rate of fatalities. Are they medical accidents or deliberate killings? Unfortunately, Luke’s long-lost father is the prime suspect.
Full of twists and turns, these action-packed mysteries with a dash of humor will appeal to fans of Anthony Horowitz’s “Alex Rider” series. Previous titles in the “Traces” series include “Framed,” “Lost Bullet,” “Role Call,” “Double Check” and “Final Lap.”
Search for these mysteries at Rowan Public Library, where you can find mysteries for every age and to suit every taste, including thrillers, cozies, police procedurals, medical, supernatural, historical and more.
June computer classes: Headquarters ó Audio Books and NetLibrary, Monday, 7 p.m.; Microsoft Publisher Part 1, Thursday, June 12, 1:30 p.m.; Introduction to Windows, Monday, June 16, 7 p.m.; Microsoft Publisher Part 2, Thursday, June 19, 1:30 p.m. South ó Google Class, Monday, 7 p.m.
Tuesday movies in June ó Heroic Tuesday Nights is the theme for this month’s movies. “Fantastic 4” is Tuesday; “Spiderman,” June 17; “Batman Begins” June 24. All movies start at 6:30 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
Displays: Headquarters ó Price High School by Eleanor Qadirah; South ó Build-a-Bear by Diane Brideson.Children’s programs: Registration has begun for this year’s Summer Reading Program, “Catch the Reading Bug!” at headquarters and East and South branches. Kickoff is Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Literacy: Call the Rowan County Literacy Council at 704-216-8266 for more information on teaching or receiving literacy tutoring for English speakers or for those for whom English is a second language.
Web site: For a listing of all library programs at all library locations, www.rowanpubliclibrary.org.