What is a mystery?  The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines it as anything that arouses curiosity, because it is inexplicable or secret. In a novel it is explained as a piece of fiction dealing with a puzzling crime.  

In the old detective stories usually a murder is solved by a detective or amateur sleuth. The modern detective is thought to have emerged in Edgar A. Poe's “Murder in the Rue Morgue” continuing with Arthur C. Doyle's “Sherlock Holmes” and Agatha Christie's “Poirot.”  P.D. James and Ruth Rendall  included the police aspect. Dashiell Hammett brought forth the private eye. Ian Fleming and John LeCarre were known for their espionage novels. Patricia Cornwell and Tess Gerritsen introduced us to the medical examiner. Popular authors like Catherine Coulter, James Patterson and Lee Child are loved for their FBI stories.

In my last article I wrote about some of the best Maine mystery writers. Based on today's subject I thought why not stroll around the country and take a look at other popular mystery writers.

James Lee Burke writes about “Dave Robicheaux,” a detective in the New Orleans, LA police department.

Michael Connelly's police detective “Harry Bosch” takes place in Los Angeles, CA.

J.T. Ellison visits Nashville, TN in her domestic thriller “No One Knows.”  Her “Lie To Me” is based in Franklin, TN.

William Kent Kruger's very popular Native American series starring ex- sheriff  “Cork O'Connor” is set mainly in Minnesota.

Karen Slaughter's series stars protagonist “Will Trent” in the G.B.I. special agent takes place in Atlanta, GA.

Patricia Cornwell has her popular medical examiner “Kay Scarpetta” series based out of Richmond, VA.  Ms. Cornwell is now moving forward with a new protagonist “Capt. Calle Chase” a NASA pilot in her new thriller “Quantum.”

Happy reading mystery lovers.

Upcouming events

Wednesday, May 26: BHML open for browsing, see operating details at bbhlibrary.org

Saturday, June 5: Plant Sale Fundraiser, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., library lawn