One recent morning there was an abundance of activity in our garden as a variety of birds fluttered about the bird feeders, while others looked on from their nests or bird houses waiting for their turn. Beneath the feeders ducks and squirrels fought over the droppings. Nearby two yellow finches played in the bird bath. As I watched from my usual seat I noticed a huge bird perched on a garden rail as it watched its prey. Suddenly all manner of activity ceased to be. Not a creature was in sight.

Taking a closer look I realized that the bird sitting on the rail was none other than a Cooper Hawk, well known for its stalking of bird feeders. It sat for more than 30 minutes while waiting for its prey to reappear. It finally flew across the river but for the rest of the day there was no sign of life.

The word prey brought to my mind John Sandford author of the” Prey Series.” John Sandford, aka John Roswell Camp, has a BA in American Studies and a MA in journalism. He received a Pulitzer Prize for Journalism in 1985 and was a finalist in 1980. As of 2023 he has 54 published novels, all of which appeared in the N.Y. Times Best Seller List.

Most of John's writing has been done as a series. “Prey,” “Virgil Flowers,” “Letty Davenport,” “Kidd” and “Singular Menace.” His most popular is the Prey Series. His protagonist Lucas Davenport is a maverick detective with the Minneapolis P.D.

There are 33 titles in this series starting with #1 “Rules of Prey,” (1989). The latest #33 “Judgment,” 2023 is currently on the library's waiting list. I suggest you read this series in order as Lucas not only solves the most complex of crimes but deals with many personal challenges as well. Happy reading mystery lovers!

Footnote: The I love a mystery book club will be starting back up at the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library on Oct/ 14. The scheduled book is “The Paris Apartment” by Lucy Foley.

Upcoming events

• Lego & Gaming Clubs - Wednesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. starting Oct. 4.
• Girls Who Code - Wednesdays starting Oct. 4 from 4:15 to 5:15 p.m.
• Booktoberfest - Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Read & Watch - “Killers of the Flower Moon,” Saturday, Oct. 28, 10:30 a.m.
• Halloween Parade - Tuesday, Oct. 31, 4-5 p.m.
• Chess Club - Every Wednesday 5:30-6: 30 p.m.
• Writer’s Workgroup - Last Wednesday of the month 5-6:30 p.m.
• Stitch Craft - Every Thursday 2-4 p.m.