The “Mystery Book Club” will take a summer break, however, the “I love a mystery” column will continue. Last fall, a lovely library patron and neighbor asked me if I would write about one of her favorite authors, Elizabeth George. Since I had not read one of her novels, I did not feel that I could do her justice. Then, our Mystery Book Club's assignment for June was “Missing Joseph” by Elizabeth George. The club's response was unanimously positive and would put Ms. George on their recommended author's list. They called it a classic. So this one is for you, Jeanne.

Elizabeth George was born in Ohio and raised in California. She received a teaching certificate from the University of CA Riverside. While teaching English in the public school system, she completed a master’s degree in counseling and psychology. She received an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Cal State Fullerton and was awarded an honorary master’s in fine arts.

Ms. George's first novel was “Deliverance” (1988) and introduced Inspector Thomas Lynley, who in his private life is the Earl of Asherton — privately tutored, and Eton and Oxford educated. His partner, in contrast, is Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers — grammar school educated and from a working class family. As of 2018, there are 20 books in the Lynley series; the first 11 were adapted for television (BBC).

Elizabeth is the recipient of both the Anthony and the Agatha awards, France's Grand Prix de Literature Policiere, and Germany's MIMI (literary award).

The author established the Elizabeth George Foundation in 2000.  Its purpose is to make grants to poets, emerging playwrights and unpublished novelists.

Aside from her writing, she has taught creative writing at colleges, universities, writer's retreats, and conferences internationally. She most recently taught a live online creative writing class for the Hedgebrook Women's Writing Retreat on Whidbey Island, Puget Sound, Washington.

Finally, if you are interested in writing a novel, Ms. George is the author of a long time best selling creative writing book titled, “Write Away.”

Check our catalog for a list of Elizabeth George's books and CDs.  Also check the DVD collection for the Inspector Lynley series.

Happy reading mystery lovers!

Jazz concert tickets for sale

Don’t forget that you can still get tickets for this summer’s fundraising jazz concert! The Marcus and Riza Printup Quartet will play at The Shipyard at Boothbay Harbor (formerly Sample’s Shipyard) on Saturday, July 20, from 7 to 10 p.m.

Then on Sunday, July 21, bring your little ones to see “I Have A Song Inside My Heart” with Riza Printup and Friends. This free concert blends literature and jazz to delight kids of all ages, and will be held at The Shipyard at 2 p.m.

Tickets for each show are available at bbhlibrary.org; or call or stop by to order.

Upcoming events

College Admissions Counseling and SAT prep: Free admissions help with Jane Hahn, Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-noon and SAT prep with Mrs. Desiree, noon-1 p.m., Great Room.

A Summer Evening of Jazz: Fundraising concert Sat. July 20, 7-10 p.m., The Shipyard at Boothbay Harbor. Visit us online for tickets.

Windjammers for Wee Mateys & Summer Reading Kickoff: Tuesday, June 25, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Library lawn. Face painting, arts & crafts, touch tank from the Maine State Aquarium