With all of today's technology does anyone listen to the radio anymore? Do you remember “Radio Days?” I may be dating myself, but I do. While researching the author P.D. James I discovered that she served as governor for the B.B.C. from 1988-93. It reminded me of how much I looked forward to listening to the P.B.S. Mystery Theater radio program during my hour long drive home after closing the library on Friday evenings. By the time I pulled into my driveway, the mystery was solved.

English Crime Writer P.D. James (1920-2014) was also known as Baroness James of Holland Park. She was considered the Grand Dame of mystery, following Agatha Christie in popularity. At the young age of 16 she was forced to leave school in order to work and financially help her family. Her father did not believe in higher education for girls. Later after marrying and having two girls, she lost her husband, a war veteran, to mental illness. She now had the sole responsibility of supporting her family. James started writing while working for both the National Health and Civil services.

James started writing full time in 1979. She rose to fame with her detective novels starring Police Commander and poet Adam Dalgliesh. There are 14 titles in the Chief Inspector Dalgliesh series, two in the Cordelia Gray series, and three stand-alone stories including her popular “Death Comes to Pemberley.” Several have been adapted for film and television. Check our library's catalog to see the fantastic collection of her works available to you in print, CD, DVD, and electronic book format.

To her credit, Ms. James’ accolades are numerous. Aside from 15 book awards she received six honors, seven honorary doctorates, and five honorary fellowships. In 2008 she was inducted into the International Crime Writer's Hall of Fame at the inaugural 1TV3 Crime Thriller's Award.

Phyllis Dorothy James died in 2014 at the age of 94. Here we are 100 years after her birth reading her books and enjoying her movies. Quite a legacy. Way to go P.D.

Happy reading mystery lovers!

Upcoming events

Let’s Talk About It: Re-imagining the American Family book club sponosored by the Maine Humanities Council. Sat., Feb. 1, 10:30 a.m. to noon. “Hilliblly Elegy” by J.D.Vance.

Library closed: Thursday, Feb. 6. Staff in-service day.

Story Hour: Fridays, 10:30 a.m.