How quickly December has moved in. With the holidays approaching people are busy planning, shopping, and decorating. By the end of the day, after all the hustle bustle you might want to sit and relax with a warm drink or a glass of your favorite spirits. Take time to put your feet up with a good mystery because tomorrow you will check your list and begin again.

In my previous column I wrote about famous women mystery writers from the 20th Century. Many of these authors used  inspectors as their leading characters, several of whom  have become popular via television and movies. Fictional inspectors from around the world have  now moved into the 21st Century. The following is a list of the most often requested from our library and a suggested book from the series. All great holiday reading.

Agatha Christie's Belgian “Inspector Hercule Poirot.” (television/movies)  You might try her most famous book, “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.”

P.D. James's British “Inspector Adam Dalgliesh.” (television/movies)  Most famous novel: “Death Comes to Pemberley.”

Ann Cleeves introduced the English “Inspector Vera Stanhope.” (television)  Try “ Raven Black.”

Elizabeth George's famous Earl “Inspector Thomas Linley.” (television)  “A Great Deliverance” was credited with 4 stars.

Charles Todd's English “Inspector Ian Rutledge.” (television).  One of his best: “A Test of Wills.”

Louise Penny's Canadian “Inspector Armand Gamache” (television)  Great read: “Still Life.”

Martin Walker's French “Inspector Bruno” (television)  Very popular: “To Kill a Troubadour.”

Qiu Xiaolong's Chinese “Inspector Chen Cao”  (BBC radio)  A fresh face among the elite.  Give a try to his “Death of a Red Heroine.”

Happy reading mystery lovers!

Upcoming programs

I'll Be On Zoom for the Holidays: Tuesday, Dec. 6, 1-2 p.m.

Drop In Chess Club: Wednesday, Dec. 7, 5:30-6:30 p.m.

Story Time: Friday, Dec. 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Homeschool Connection: Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2-3 p.m.

Luminary Making: Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2-7 p.m.