Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library

Mon, 11/13/2017 - 7:15am

I love a mystery!

I would like to thank those mystery readers who responded with both enthusiasm and anticipation after reading the first “I love a mystery column.” Your  input is valuable to us. We look forward to more comments.

While reorganizing my home library recently I came across a Nancy Drew mystery, “The  Hidden Staircase” by Carolyn Keene.  I remembered that it was this book that introduced me to mysteries in my early teens. Curiosity got me. Who was Carolyn Keene?

Edward Stratemeyer, 1862-1930, was a writer and publisher of children books. He had so many ideas for his brain child Nancy Drew that he formed a syndicate of ghost writers and called them Carolyn Keene. Mildred Benson was the first ghost writer. She wrote 23 of the original 30 Nancy Drew mystery series.  After his death, Stratemeyer's daughter Harriet took over the syndicate and to her credit over 500 of these mysteries have been written to date. Be aware this teen-age sleuth has kept up with the times.

Many mystery writers have favorite characters and oftentimes feature them in a series, keeping you in suspense. One of my favorites, Linda Greenlaw (Maine author), is the captain of a fishing vessel. She was featured in the book “The Perfect Storm” and the movie adaptation. She wrote the Jane Bunker series, “Slipknot,” “Fisherman's Bend” and “Shiver Hitch.” Debra Webb spent three years working for the commanding general of the U.S. Army in Berlin behind the Iron Curtain and five years with NASA. Her latest series, “Shades of Death,” includes five books beginning with “No Darker Place.” Keeps you on your seat.

Kathy Reichs is in the company of Tess Gerritsen and Patricia Cornwell with her medical series featuring forensic anthropologist “Temperance Brennin.” You will want to read all seven starting with “De Ja Dead.”  Tami Hoag is another favorite of mine. One of her most popular series stars Homicide Detectives “Kovac and Liska.”  “Ashes to Ashes” gets you started.  You might also check out Peter Robinson.  He is the creator of the “Inspector Banks” series. There are seven in all.

If you have a favorite mystery author you would like to share we would appreciate hearing from you.

Happy reading mystery lovers!

Upcoming events

Minecraft Play Club: Wednesdays, 2-3 p.m. Come build and play in a virtual world with friends. Kindergarten and up.

Artist of the Month Mark Mellor: Watercolors on display for November in the upstairs Community Room.

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

3D Ornament Printing: Saturday, Nov. 18, noon-3 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 25, noon-3 p.m. Learn 3-D printing basics in this 3-hour all-ages workshop. Registration is required and space is limited. Children under 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Call the Library for more information or to register: 207-633-3112.

The Library will be closing at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 22 and closed all day on Thursday, Nov. 23 and Friday, Nov. 24, in observance of Thanksgiving Day.