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The Weed That Strings the Hangman's Bag by Alan Bradley

In the bucolic village of Bishop’s Lacey, England in the l950’s, there is a mad woman in the woods, a beloved puppeteer, a German obsessed with the Bronte sisters, a spinster aunt, malicious older sisters, a Philatelist father, and the mysterious deaths, of a child and a popular puppeteer.

Quick-witted, Flavia de Luce, a precocious heroine, is articulate, glib, and a self-educated chemist. She is quick thinking and “more often than not, busy fantasizing of new and interesting ways of bringing her enemies to sudden death.” Her philosophy: poisons were put on earth to be put to good use by persons with the wits but not necessarily physical strength. Flavia, a fully developed child character, must solve the riddle of both deaths. Canadian, Alan Bradley has written a thoroughly satisfying mystery.

Reserve this book here.

Murder, She Wrote: The Fine Art of Murder by Donald Bain and Jessica Fletcher

Friends had encouraged Jessica to take a vacation to relax.  So she went to Rome, Italy, for her enjoyment, not as a research trip for another book.  But while there she 'experienced' the world of art theft.  Having a gun pointed directly at her and being pushed hard enough to send her to the hospital as well as witnessing a murder certainly kept her from relaxing.  When she returned to the U.S., writing her next novel consumed her time and was progressing quite nicely until she had an unexpected visitor.  The step son of a friend in Chicago appeared on her doorstep soon after his father was murdered.  Jessica became involved in investigation of the Chicago case and the art theft and murder in Italy as well as supporting her friend.  When Mafia involvement became an issue Jessica was really scared.  She certainly was not in control of this investigation.  

The descriptions of the architecture and art in Italy are good and help imagine the setting of the story and objects of the crimes.  I enjoyed this fast paced story revealing the world of art theft.  It is a change of pace to have Jessica 'along' for the ride.

We have this book in the Adult Department or you can reserve it in the catalog. ~Beth H.

The Sixth Man by David Baldacci

While commuting back and forth to work, I've just recently discovered books-on-CD. Actually, I recently purchased a car with a CD player in it and decided I'd take advantage of it. My first attempt was Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen which I quickly ejected after the sixth chapter because I could not take it any longer--much too depressing, desperate, disappointing, dirty and detailed!

My next attempt at listening to an audiobook was a much better experience. I found I really liked the Sixth Man by David Baldacci. Guess I like mystery and suspense. The story involving national defense, spies, PIs, and a murder case are so expertly intertwined that I didn't actually realize the two main characters, Sean and Michelle, seem to be recurring lead characters in some of Baldacci's books. And it didn't matter at all that I didn't know a thing about them.

It's a fast moving audiobook with a very exciting last few chapters with many twists and turns. Also the sound effects throughout the book, caught me off guard several times which added emotion and intrigue to the story. Oh, and I agree with another review I read, for the last CD, you might want to make sure you can devote your attention to it or you will have to listen to it again, like I did.

I don't think this is the last David Baldacci book/audiobook that I will enjoy listening to while I travel about.

Reserve this book, book-on-CD, or large print in the catalog.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder by Joanne Fluke

I enjoyed reading this first title in the Hannah Swensen Mystery series. Hannah owns the Cookie Jar-bakery and coffee shop. She has always been good with baking and even developing recipes for cookies so her job is just perfect for her. Her brother in law, Bill, is police chief of Lake Eden, a small town in Minnesota. When Ron was killed very near her shop and shortly before he was to make a delivery to the Cookie Jar, Hannah was shocked and saddened. Then curious and also concerned that they actually had a murderer on the loose in their quiet little town. Bill asked her to help him investigate the crime but don't let anyone know she was snooping around. As she considered the possible motives and people involved she proceeded to make inquiries. Hopefully the guilty party would not realize what she was doing or her life would also be in jeopardy. Before all was done Hannah had enlisted the help of Bill's wife and the man she found was really funny, Norman the dentist. Of course, free cookies were given to everyone she would "visit" and all who helped her. I learned I can read the story without reading the enticing recipes and getting too hungry. I will continue with this series and see what Hannah cooks up next.

Find Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder in our catalog in book, large print and Playaway formats.

~Beth

Murder in the Magic City 2011 at Homewood Public Library

Murder in the Magic City is a mystery conference for fans of all sub-genres of mystery novels. Our next event is Saturday, February 5, 2011. Our conference consists of panel discussions and presentations by our Guests of Honor. Lunch, coffee and doughnuts, sodas, and a "goody bag" are included in the registration fee. In addition, we have a basket auction each year for charity. Baskets consist of at least one book and items related to that book/theme. For 2010, we raised over $900 for the important Crime Lab Project.

Why the "Magic City"? When Birmingham was founded around 1871, it grew so fast that people said it happened "just like magic". Currently, Birmingham is Alabama's largest city. There are lots of fun things to do here. We have a fantastic Museum of Art, and the Civil Rights Museum is great to visit. Of course, no trip to Birmingham would be complete without seeing Vulcan, our naked statue, made even more famous by the late mystery writer, Anne George. Who knows, you might even see our American Idols, Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks.

For a complete list of what's going on in Birmingham, visit the Birmingham Convention and Vistors Bureau website.

We are delighted to announce our 2011 Guests of Honor:

Chris Grabenstein and Nancy Means Wright

Also scheduled to appear:

Vicki Delany
Vicki Doudera
Mary Anna Evans
Rosemary Harris
Sue Ann Jaffarian
Thomas Lakeman
Vicki Lane
James Macomber
Rick Reed
Sara Rosett
Joanna Campbell Slan
Keith Thomson
C.J. West
Jeri Westerson

Tickets are now on sale! Go to the Murder in the Magic City website to print out a registration form.

Our basket auction to benefit The Crime Lab Project will take place again this year. Be sure to bid on your favorite mystery-themed basket and support this very worthy cause. For more information, click here.

Sponsored by: Southern Sisters, Sisters in Crime, Sisters in Crime Birmingham, Homewood Public Library, Jonathan Benton, Bookseller. ~Murder in the Magic City website

Stop, You’re Killing Me! is a resource for lovers of...

...mystery, crime, thriller, spy, and suspense books. Our Reference Librarian, Beth, would like to share a very interesting and helpful website with all the mystery lovers out there! At Stop, You're Killing Me! you'll find a plethora of ways to search for your favorite author, book, or series, and they have a What's New section so you'll never have to wonder when your favorite author's new book will be released. We think you'll love it!

"We list over 3,400 authors, with chronological lists of their books (over 38,000 titles), both series (3,800+) and non-series. Use the alphabetical author and character links or the special indexes in the left column. And it’s perfectly fine with us if you print our pages for your private use, especially for a trip to your local library or bookstore." ~Stop, You're Killing Me! website

For more assistance, please contact the Adult Dept. @ 205-332-6624. See you at the library!

Dog On It by Spencer Quinn A Chet and Bernie Mystery

Bernie is a human private investigator with a canine partner named Chet. Chet narrates this story from his perspective. He idolizes Bernie and is proud to be his partner. His job is security and, of course, sniffing out clues and trails. Much of what is said by Bernie and other humans Chet does not comprehend.
But he observes and tells us about it anyway. In Dog On It Bernie and Chet are hired to find a girl, Madison, who has disappeared. There hasn't been a ransom demand but she is no where to be found by her parents. The clues seem to lead Bernie and Chet in multiple directions but Chet is pleased to report that Bernie is determined and persistent in finding what happened and returning Madison home. Then suddenly she appeared in Las Vegas and folks were told she was on her way home. But she didn't make it and the case continues. Now the clues take in Las Vegas and the surrounding little towns and desert areas. Madison's father is a real estate developer who seems nervous when talking with Bernie and Chet and whose business appears to be in a holding pattern. Chet was snatched by Russian mafia and tortured. He actually saw Madison but couldn't tell anyone. He was befriended by bikers and had some wild rides with them but then was taken to a shelter. We know what happens to unclaimed dogs in those places. While Chet was missing Bernie was frantic. Chet got back with Bernie using his cunning and personality. Bernie disappeared, too. What was going on? Who took Bernie and where did they go? Chet went to work sniffing out the trail and followed it. With Chet and Bernie on the job Madison would be returned to her family.

unabridged on 8 cds narrated by Jim Frangione

The Eternal Hunter by Cynthia Eden

Erin Jerome, the new Assistant District Attorney of Baton Rouge, has a past that she's desperately trying to conceal - and run from. But her stalker won't let her escape that easily. And his gifts - the murders - keep coming. Out of necessity, Erin hires sexy bounty hunter Jude Donovan to keep her safe and to find the thing who tracked her to Baton Rouge to terrorize and "claim" her as his mate. Though she's never seen him, she knows the stalker is a powerful Other. Donovan may be the only Other who can match his strength. Because Donovan's beast is rare. And the rarer the beast, the more powerful it is. Donovan will need every bit of his power to tackle this assignment, and all of his control to keep from falling for Erin. She's Other as well, but he can't quite figure out what...

This erotic supernatural thriller was riveting. The mystery was well crafted and the suspense kept me on the edge of my seat. It's been a long time since I was so wrapped up in a story that I couldn't stop reading, but this was one that I just couldn't put down until I was done. I recommend it to fans of J.D. Robb, Heather Graham, Laurell K. Hamilton and Christine Feehan.

Maid for Murder: A Squeaky Clean Charlotte LaRue mystery by Barbara Colley

Charlotte LaRue has owned a cleaning business for thirty years serving the Garden District in New Orleans. During this time she has acquired a reputation for excellent cleaning, punctuality and not sharing the family secrets of many of her wealthy clients. One of those families is the Dubuissons who own an amazing mansion and have employed Charlotte for years. She has seen their daughter, Anna-Maria, grow into a lovely young woman with a fiance and Jeanne Dubuisson's mother, Clarice St. Martin, grow old and show signs of senility. Needless to say, Charlotte was distressed when one evening Jeanne called Charlotte to come clean the room where her husband, Jackson, had been murdered. Of course, Charlotte did as requested for such a good friend and client. Then after she had done her usual excellent job of cleaning, the police informed her that they were not done with the crime scene and in fact had left crime scene tape around it. The tape was gone when Charlotte arrived. Why had Jeanne removed it and had the area cleaned? Charlotte had conflicting emotions about helping the police, including her detective niece, find Jackson's killer. Because the evidence might point at some of her clients. 

Reserve Maid for Murder: A Squeaky Clean Charlotte LaRue mystery by Barbara Colley in the catalog.

Murder in the Magic City 2010 to be held at Homewood Public Library

Murder in the Magic City is a mystery conference for fans of all sub-genres of mystery novels. The event is February 6, 2010. The conference consists of panel discussions and presentations by the Guests of Honor. Lunch, coffee and doughnuts, sodas, and a "goody bag" are included in the registration fee. In additon, they have a basket auction each year for charity. Baskets consist of at least one book and items related to that book/theme. For 2009, they raised over $700 for the important Crime Lab Project. 

The 2010 Guests of Honor:
S.J. Rozan and C.J. Box 

Also scheduled to appear:
Philip Cioffari
Meredith Cole
Margaret Fenton
Andrew Grant
Lois Greiman
Libby Fischer Hellmann
Richard Helms
Marion Moore Hill
Sheila Lowe
Sharon Potts
Hank Phillipi Ryan
Maggie Sefton
Tom Schreck
Patricia Sprinkle
E. Michael Terrell
Sheila York 

Go to the Murder in the Magic City website for registration info.

Sponsored by:

Southern Sisters

Sisters in Crime

Sisters in Crime Birmingham

Homewood Public Library  

~from the Murder in the Magic City website

A Fatal Feast: a Murder, She Wrote Mystery by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain

Jessica truly enjoys living in the small town Cabot Cove, Maine. She realizes just how small it is when everyone she meets comments on her writer's block or her trouble meeting her writing deadline. Her anticipation of the Thanksgiving celebration is heightened this year because her Scotland Yard friend will be visiting. Her guest list for the holiday grows by the moment as she plans a traditional Thanksgiving menu for George Sutherland to experience. All the motels and B & Bs are booked so Seth is host to the Inspector during his stay. Everyday in the mail Jessica receives a letter of the alphabet pasted on an otherwise blank sheet of paper. This really made Jessica wonder what was going on. Then Jessica and George happen on the body of one of her dinner guests. The murder weapon was the carving knife used by Jessica and George at the Thanksgiving charity meal. As Jessica's unfinished book awaits, she and George try to help Mort Metzger find out who killed Hubie and why. George's visit really wasn't relaxing.

MYSTERY DINNER THEATRE PRESENTS Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap

More information and how to purchase tickets for the play!

The Mousetrap was initially performed as a radio play in 1952 and was broadcast by the BBC with the title Three Blind Mice. The radio play had been commissioned in 1947 by Queen Mary, who was a Christie fan. The forty-five minute play was based on a short story on which Christie had been working; however, audience reaction was so positive that Christie went back to work on the script, elaborating on it, and with its first performance on October 6, 1952, The Mousetrap became a stage play. After a seven-week tour, the play opened in London at The Ambassadors Theatre on November 25, 1952. The play later transferred to St. Martin's Theatre in London on March 23, 1974 and has been running there ever since. The Mousetrap has broken several records for its continuous theatrical run since its opening, and it is estimated that more than four million people had seen the play by the time its twenty-five year anniversary was celebrated in 1977. After another twenty years of performances it is safe to speculate that an additional three to four million people have probably sat in the dark and tried to puzzle out the identity of the murderer. Performances of The Mousetrap continue to benefit from tourists who seek out the play both for its artistic merits and for the joy of being part of a theatrical tradition. Christie signed over the royalties from the play to her grandson at its opening in 1952. It is thought that he has become a multimillionaire from the royalties of this one property alone.

Here's just a little taste of the play from enotes.com that will make you want more...  

Act One, scene i

The play opens with a radio account of a woman murdered in London. Mollie and Giles have just opened a small guest house and inn with property that Mollie has inherited from her aunt. The action begins on their first day of business and with their first guests. Christopher Wren is the first guest to arrive. He is enthusiastic about the house and praises both the style and decor. Mrs. Boyle is the second guest to arrive, and she arrives complaining that a taxi did not meet her at the train (although she never provided an arrival time). The third guest to arrive, Major Metcalf, is carrying her luggage when he enters the hall a few moments later. Mrs. Boyle's complaints about everything, including the lack of servants and experienced hosts, result in Giles offering to cancel her stay, but she declines and insists she will stay. ~www.enotes.com/mousetrap

The Mermaid in the Basement a Lady Trent Mystery by Gilbert Morris

In London, 1857, the Newton family was part of the peerage and the genteel society. Dr. Newton had raised his daughter, Serafina, to be a scientist and very serious minded. Her sister, Dora, and brother, Clive, were neither logically minded or serious. Clive was more fun loving which is why he spent time with the actors and actresses at the Old Vic theatre. He was especially attracted to the actress Kate and he was often seen and heard giving her his attentions. Therefore, it was no surprise when Clive was arrested by the Superintendent and Inspector of Scotland Yard for the murder of Kate. Clive had wanted Kate and when she treated him badly he had been heard threatening to kill her. This was an upsetting blow to the Newton family and Serafina vowed to investigate and do whatever possible to see her brother released and to find the real murderer. She soon realized that she was unfamiliar with most of London life and districts so she enlisted the help of one of the actors who was acquainted with the London of the lower classes. Though the evidence against Clive was great and it seemed a simple case, Serafina and Dylan Tremayne were not easily discouraged. Along the way Serafina and Dora learned to value another side of life which until recently was not known to them.

Your all-time favorite mystery?

What is your favorite mystery novel of all time?

graphic from sparror.cubecinema.com

The Blackbird Papers by Ian Smith

Dr. Ian Smith is famous for trying to get America to lose weight and get healthy. He has written several books on the subject. Several years ago he got the fiction bug and penned a book entitled The Blackbird Papers.

The Blackbird Papers centers on the disappearance and death of a prominent African-American Ethologist at Dartmouth College. The lead FBI investigator happens to be the professor’s estranged brother who still suffers from being the number two son. As a reader you are left wondering will his brother uncover who killed the professor and what in the world does his death have to do with Blackbirds?

I could use words like spell bounding, riveting, and suspenseful to describe it, but that would be cliché. Start it, if it doesn’t grab you by page fifty, put it down.

You can reserve The Blackbird Papers in the catalog.

~by The Circulator (a.k.a. L. Jones)

Murder in the Magic City - Sat. Feb. 7th

A day filled with murder and mayhem!

Sat., Feb. 7, 2009

Homewood Public Library

9am - 4pm

$30 per person

Join us for an interactive day with some of the best writers in the mystery genre. Guests of honor: Debbie Crombie and William Kent Krueger.

For more info visit www.murderinthemagiccity.com.

NEW! Like Culinary Mysteries?

NEW! Like Culinary Mysteries? Then see who our Author of the Month is in the Adult Dept. Hint.........................>

Reserve these in Encore.

Thief in Retreat A Sister Agatha Mystery by Aimee and David Thurlo

Archbishop Miera has enlisted the help of Sister Agatha and Pax, the white German Shepherd. When the Church sold the former Monastery of Saint John in the Pines to Mr. and Mrs. Luna it became an inn called The Retreat. The Archbishop assigned Sister Agatha to examine and catalog crates of artifacts left behind by the monks. He also sent her to help solve the theft of several art pieces at The Retreat and a ghostly appearance. When Sister Agatha and Pax arrived they caused quite a stir- a nun riding a red Harley with a German Shepherd riding in the side car. Everyone who met them there were automatically put at ease by this unique pair. Sister and Pax took up residence in the library where she worked with the artifacts belonging to the Church. Pax was on guard when she was out. Since she tended to be up late at night she had occasion to see Juanita, the ghost. Writers at a conference being held at The Retreat gave imaginative theories for the mysterious happenings. Rumors explained who Juanita had been and why she roamed The Retreat halls. But they did not explain the disappearance of sacred art or the substitution of fakes. While Sister was there the thefts continued, a manuscript disappeared and so did people and then a body was discovered. Now the local sheriff was called in on the case. And he did not like the interference of Sister Agatha at all. But she was on duty for the Church and continued her investigations along with her protector, Pax.

Murder She Wrote : The Maine Mutiny by Jessica Fletcher and Donald Bain

The people of Cabot Cove were busy planning the upcoming Lobersterfest. The main attraction would be lobsters and the heroes of the event would be the men who spend their lives catching the lobster and who in turn will provide the crustaceans for the festival. The broker who buys the catch from each lobster man is not being fair with the very low prices he pays. Therefore Mr. Pettie is a very unpopular man among many. Talk around the docks is that the lobster men could get more money forming a co-op or going elsewhere and not dealing with Mr. Pettie. Jessica has agreed to write an article for the festival edition of the Gazette and tell about lobstering so she has arranged to accompany one of the lobster men on his boat for a day. That was a helpful and memorable day for her. It was not as memorable as another day before the festival when she was almost killed and then left to die on the ocean. Though it appeared to be obvious to the sheriff who was responsible for murder, attempted murder and destruction of property, Jessica and the accused knew better. Somehow the truly guilty person or persons needed to be revealed without hurting more people and before the festival.