I love a mystery! Murder she wrote! It's elementary my dear Watson! These are clichés mystery lovers no doubt are familiar with. Where do the stories come from? Who writes them? The stories come from the imagination and creativity of some of the world's best writers; let’s step back in time to name a few...

In the nineteenth century, Edgar Allan Poe was considered the father of the modern detective novel when he wrote “Murder in the Rue Morgue,” and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle introduced us to Sherlock Holmes and the delightful Dr. Watson. Early in the twentieth century the leading mystery writer was Dame Agatha Christie. Out of her 80 books, her two favorite characters were crime solvers Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot. Agatha Christie’s “Murder on the Orient Express” is still popular today. Her books are housed in libraries the world over (including ours!).

Mary Higgins Clark wrote “A Stranger is Watching” and “Where Are the Children,” both chilling and suspenseful. Clark has written more than 50 mystery and suspense novels to date. Leading the pack with 54 novels of suspense and 200 short stories to his credit — though you may not think of him as a mystery writer — Maine's own Stephen King. Who could forget, “Carrie,” “Misery” and “The Shining?”

Now, the new millennium brought with it an influx of MTS (mystery, thriller and suspense) writers. I’m becoming a fan of another Maine author, Bruce Coffin. His first two books, “Among the Shadows” and “Beneath the Depths,” could only be written by someone very knowledgeable of police work. Coffin is indeed a retired Portland, Maine detective sergeant.

If you haven't read “Train Man” by Peter Deutermann, you’re in for a thrill; I couldn't put it down. Lisa Jackson's “You Will Pay” leaves you wanting more; and once you read, “Where I Lost Her” by T. Greenwood, you’ll be hooked.

I haven't yet read all 68 of Sandra Brown's books, but I'm getting close. Her latest book, “Seeing Red,” has a waiting list (helps build up the suspense!). Let's not forget Iris Johansen’s, “Eve Duncan Trilogy;” Paul Doiron's, “The Poacher's Son;” James Patterson's 100 New York Times bestsellers; Michael Connelly's Harry Bosch series; and two fantastic medical thriller writers Tess Gerritsen and Patricia Cornwell.

If you’re a mystery lover, you’re in good company! If there’s a book or author that the library doesn’t have, visit us in person or online (https://bbhlibrary.org/services/suggest-a-purchase/) to suggest a purchase.

Happy reading mystery lovers!

Upcoming events

Minecraft Clubs: Wednesdays, 2-3 p.m. play club and Fridays, 3-4:30 modders club.

Artist of the Month June Elderkin: oils on display for October in the upstairs Community Room.

Story Hour: Fridays, 10:15 a.m. Hear a story, make a craft, and sing a song!

Library Booth at Fall Foliage Festival: Come make crafts with us at the Railway Village. Saturday, Oct. 7, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.