“Because I read so much nonfiction for work, I enjoy fiction most, especially detective novels and mysteries that keep me awake at night,”  — David Grann

By Amanda Bosch

Rowan Public Library

I love to read a good mystery novel and immerse myself in another world, another setting, where clues lead me to follow a path to solving the crime. It lets my brain relax after a day spent solving other people’s problems, whether at work or at home, navigating between homework deadlines, sports schedules and grocery shopping.

I find when I finish a good mystery, my mind feels calm and at peace as I congratulate myself if I figure out “whodunit” within the first half of the book.

This year I attended the American Library Association Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana, in June and was able to go to a session titled, “It’s a Mystery to Me” where four mystery authors discussed their latest novels.

Robert Olen Butler (“Paris in the Dark”), Amy Stewart (“Miss Kopp Just Won’t Quit”), Jude Deveraux (“A Willing Murder,”), Ellen Byron (“Mardi Gras Murder,”) and Deborah LeBlanc (“Witch’s Fury”) all kept the audience intrigued as they shared their inspirations and personal stories that led to the development of their characters, novels and new series.

After returning home to Salisbury and getting back to the library, I discovered that Rowan Public Library has a variety of new mystery novels to read. You can easily search new titles by navigating to the library homepage and clicking on the “I Want To…” tab and then selecting “Search the Catalog” where you will find a shortcut to the new titles that are available.

This will list books added to the collection over the past month. You can filter to show titles added over the last week or last two weeks or search within the new titles for a specific subject or author. I chose to search for mystery titles and filtered for titles added in the past month. I found some excellent new reads. Some of the new titles are:

• “Probable Claws” by Rita Mae Brown – I have read many of the titles in this series that feature Tee Tucker the corgi and his kitty best friends, Mrs. Murphy and Pewter, urging their human compadre to notice the clues to solve the puzzle. Set in Crozet, Virginia, these titles always make a for a fun read following the clues and thinking perhaps the animals really are smarter than their human counterparts. You can discover more about this author and her books at http://www.ritamaebrownbooks.com/
• “Dreams of Falling” by Karen White – I am a huge fan of Karen White’s novels. She writes contemporary women’s fiction, often setting her novels in the low country of South Carolina or Charleston area. This novel explores the relationships between generations of women and the secrets they hold. She also writes the Tradd Street mystery series set in Charleston, S.C., and can be found online at https://www.karen-white.com/
• “Pieces of Her” by Karin Slaughter – I am anxiously awaiting this title to arrive after placing it on hold. Karin Slaughter is an internationally best-selling author of both the Will Trent Series and the Grant County series. Her books have fairly graphic violence, so are not for those with weak stomachs but the mysteries and relationships between the characters are gripping and make for novels that are hard to put down. Find out more about Karin Slaughter and her novels at http://www.karinslaughter.com/

 

There are many more mystery titles at Rowan Public Library; these are just a few of the titles available that are new releases. Why buy a book from Amazon or the bookstore if you can find your favorite author or try a new title or genre for free with your library card?

SECU Storytime with FAT CAT: South, Tuesday, 6 p.m. It’s never too early for children to begin learning basic finance principles. This storytime, sponsored by the State Employees Credit Union, includes stories and coloring activities. This financial literacy program is free; all ages ;welcome. For more details, call 704-216-7728.

Technology Club: South, Tuesday, 7 p.m. Do you enjoy learning about technology in a friendly, casual atmosphere? If so, this club is for you. Each month, learn, discuss and experiment with technology. All ages and experience levels welcome. Light refreshments. Need more information? Call Paul at 704-216-7737.

Adult Summer Reading Finale: Headquarters, Aug. 13, 6:30 p.m. Adults and families are invited to participate in a rollicking game of “Name that Tune.” Music represented will span several genres, including Disney tunes, ’60s rock & roll, and contemporary favorites. At this final Adult Summer Reading event, the grand prizes in the adult categories will also be awarded. Questions? Call 704-216-8248.

Subway — Share the Color: Headqurters, Aug. 9, 11 a.m. For ages 5-7. Participate in a hands-on sub-making activity and get tips for nutritious eating from Dr. Allison Koch, a registered dietitian from Hickory. The first 30 participants will receive a free sandwich and coloring book. To register, call 704-216-8234.

Displays: Headquarters, Communities in Schools; East, a celebration of African culture by James Rhea; South, artwork by Miranda Foster.

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.