DCL Collection Guide
Mystery Fiction IT’S MURDER IN THE STACKS AT THE DCL!
Visit the DeWitt Community Library or check the online catalog through our website: www.dewlib.org
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Your Guide to the Mystery Genre Books Here are some suggested titles: Allen, Conrad. Murder on the Celtic A dangerous fugitive and a series of thefts mar a voyage the Celtic makes in 1910 from New York to London in Allen’s satisfying 8th shipboard mystery series, featuring the husband-wife detective team of Bostonian George Porter Dillman and Englishwoman Genevieve Masefield. Box, Edgar. Death Before Bedtime Under the pseudonym Edgar Box, Gore Vidal wrote several mysteries featuring public relations man Peter Cutler Sargeant II. In Death Before Bedtime, Sargeant is hired by a venerable senator who plans to run for president. When the senator ends up dead, Sargeant navigates Washington’s elite to solve the murder. Goldenbaum, Sally. Death by Cashmere In this first book in the Seaside Knitters mystery series, Isabel “Izzy” Chambers opens up a knitting shop and a group of women congregate each week to knit. Angie Archer rents the room above Izzy’s shop and turns up dead in a lobster trap. Her death is ruled an accident, but Izzy and the Seaside Knitters think otherwise... Harris, Rosemary Slugfest In her fourth outing, Paula Holliday agrees to act as an exhibit manager for a reclusive artist at a garden show. After an attendee’s murder, Paula realizes she accidentally holds a clue to the murder. This amusing amateur sleuth tale will appeal to cozy readers. 2
Pintoff, Stefanie. Secret of the White Rose Pintoff, who won the Edgar for her first-novel, returns with her third historical mystery featuring Detective Simon Ziele and criminologist Alistair Sinclair. New York City is unnerved by a series of anarchist bombings. When a judge on the case is brutally murdered, Ziele steps in to solve the case. Ritter, Todd. Death Notice In this debut novel, single mom police chief Kat Campbell is shocked to find a farmer’s corpse left by the side of the road in a makeshift coffin. The man’s death notice was faxed to a reporter before the murder. There’s a generous assortment of suspects and one very clever killer. Rowland, Laura Joh. The Perfumed Sleeve A book for mystery lovers set in 17th Century Japan. The streets of Edo are erupting in violence as two factions struggle for control over the ruling Tokugawa regime. When one of the leading shogun’s most trusted advisors is found dead, San Ichiro is forced to honor a posthumous request to conduct a murder investigation. Sano must not only investigate what becomes a case of multiple murder, but he must also stem the tide of an impending civil war. Rozan, S. J. Winter and Night 2003 Edgar Award winning mystery. New York sleuths Bill Smith and Lydia Chin investigate a case involving Smith’s nephew. An unexpected phone call from a police detective informs Bill that they have his nephew in custody, a 15 year -old runaway who is the son of the sister with whom Bill has not been in touch for 25 years. Two mysteries are being set up here, but before Rozan is finished, more than even these two will have been followed to their tragic conclusions. 3
Your Guide to the Mystery Genre King, Laurie R. Pirate King The latest case, featuring Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes, involves England’s budding silent film industry. The filming of Gilbert and Sullivan’s The Pirates of Penzance encounters film set secrets, real pirates, criminal activity, and murder. Author King is scheduled to speak as part of the Rosamond Gifford Lecture series in April 2012. Madison, Ada. The Square Root of Murder When a much despised chemistry professor is poisoned, Dr. Sophie Knowles, who teaches math at Henley College in Massachusetts, resolves to investigate in order to clear the name of the graduate student accused of the crime.
Southey, Roz. The Ladder Dancer In 1736, Charles Patterson witnesses a child killed by an unknown horseman. The only witness close enough to see that it was no accident, Charles vows to hunt down the rider. Matters are complicated when a fashionable ‘ladder-dancer’ recently arrived in London is attacked, and Charles wonders if the events are related. Tracy, P. J. Shoot to Thrill Number five in the Monkeewrench series by this mother and daughter team begins with the discovery of a bride found floating in the Mississippi River. Minneapolis homicide cops Gino Rolseth and Leo Magozzi, together with the Monkeewrench crew (computer geeks aiding the police with anticrime software) are on the hunt to solve a series of murder videos posted to the web which are linked to the dead bride.
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White, Jenny. The Sultan’s Seal In this stunningly lyrical debut novel, set in 19th century Istanbul, the body of a young Englishwoman washes up in Istanbul wearing a pendant inscribed with the seal of the deposed sultan. The death resembles the murder by strangulation of another English governess, a crime never solved. Kamil Pasha, a magistrate in the new secular courts, sets out to find the killer, but his dispassionate belief in science and modernity is shaken by betrayal and widening danger. Were these political murders involving the palace or crimes of personal passion? (384 pgs)
Winspear, Jacqueline. A Lesson in Secrets After World War I, Maisie Dobbs decided on a career as a private investigator. In her latest case, Maisie is given an assignment by the British secret service to investigate a private college in Cambridge. When a controversial pacifist professor is murdered, Maisie discovers suspicious circumstances linked to faculty and students under her surveillance.
OF LOCAL INTEREST Some mysteries with a CNY setting. Abu-Jaber, Diana. Origin A fingerprint expert in the Syracuse crime lab discovers a clue that suggests that a series of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) cases may be far more sinister in nature. Langan, Mike. Dark Horse Nicky Rigopoulos is a slick personal injury lawyer who sells out his clients to finance his campaign for state court judge in Syracuse, NY. When his law partner is murdered, Nicky finds himself the target of a police investigation.
Browse more Mysteries, visit the DeWitt Community Library or check the online catalog through our website: www.dewlib.org 5
Some Favorite Series Evanovich, Janet. One for the Money, Two for the Dough... Humor is certainly not lacking in the mis-adventures of unlikely bounty hunter Stephanie Plum. Stephanie stumbles onto mysteries in the New Jersey burg of her hometown in the numerically ordered series, whose latest title is Smokin’ Seventeen. Grafton, Sue. A is for Alibi, B is for Burglar, C is for Corpse… Kinsey Millhone is a private investigator in the fictitious Santa Teresa, California. Set in the 1980s— the first book in the series was published in 1984— Kinsey’s alphabetically titled mysteries continue to entertain readers. Due out in Nov. 2011, V is for Vengeance is the latest title in the series, expected to end with Z is for _____? Jance, J. A. Until Proven Guilty or Desert Heat Some authors have more than one series. Jance juggles four different detective series. Her most popular are Joanna Brady and J. P. Beaumont. Brady is a small-town Arizona sheriff (set in Jance’s hometown) and Beaumont is a former cop turned prosecutor in Seattle, WA. The latest Brady book is Damage Control; the latest Beaumont is Fire and Ice. James, P.D. Cover Her Face, A Mind to Murder... Featuring the intrepid Adam Dalgliesh, James’ British mysteries have been perennially popular... Latest book: The Private Patient.
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Robb, J.D. Naked in Death, Glory in Death... The ...In Death series (written by the prolific Nora Roberts) features Lieutenant Eve Dallas in a near future New York City, circa 2058. This blend of police drama and sci-fi lite also features the romance and marriage of Eve and her beau Roarke. Latest book: Treachery in Death. Parker, Robert B. The Godwulf Manuscript, God Save the Child... Boston P.I. Spencer has been a stable of the mystery genre for decades. With author Parker’s death earlier this year, it’s uncertain whether the series will continue though the character will certain live on. Last book: Sixkill. Reichs, Kathy. Deja Dead, Death du Jour… Reichs incorporated her own professional experiences into the character of forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan. Examining the remains of longdead corpses, Tempe solves cases in both North Carolina and Montreal, Quebec. The TV series Bones is based on the novels. Latest book: Flash and Bones. Todd, Charles. A Test of Wills, Wings of Fire... This mother and son team—from the U.S.—write the World War I era mysteries featuring Inspector Ian Rutledge. Rutledge is haunted by the ghost of a Scottish soldier he killed during the war who serves as a sort of conscience in the novels. Latest book: A Lonely Death. 7
International Flair The DCL’s mystery section includes several international authors whose works have been translated for eager American readers.
Camilleri, Andrea. ITALY In 1994, Camilleri published the first in his series of novels featuring Inspector Salvatore Montalbano. The Sicilian detective is known for his unorthodox methods, melancholy self-reflections, and love of good food. In the series’ 12th book, The Track of Sand, Montalbano navigates the underworld of horseracing and the Mafia.
Indriðason, Arnaldur. ICELAND The most popular author in Iceland, his books have been translated into 17 languages and have been published in 26 countries. His Detective Erlendur series began with Sons of Dust (1997). The latest title available in the U.S., Hypothermia, begins with the apparent suicide of a guiltridden woman. In an effort to understand, Erlendur begins to unravel an ingenious and sinister plot.
Fossum, Karin. NORWAY Considered the “Norwegian Queen of Crime,” Fossum writes the Inspector Konrad Sejer series, translated into 16 languages. The first book in the series, Eve’s Eye, is not yet available in English. The current title, The Water’s Edge, involves the death of a seven year-old boy. Witnesses report seeing a man limping away. Sejer embarks on an unsettling and unexpected investigation. Forthcoming: Bad Intentions. 8
Qiu, Xiaolong. CHINA This China born author, now living in St. Louis, Missouri, bases his six Inspector Chen Cao in 1990s Shanghai. In the latest novel, Red Mandarin Dress, a serial killer is stalking young women in Shanghai. Each victim is found wearing a red dress. Inspector Chen must unravel this politically sensitive case which has roots that date back to the country’s tumultuous past.
Zouroudi, Anne. GREECE This British born author has written four books featuring protagonist Hermes Diaktoros, known as “the fat man.” So far only two of these contemporary Greek Island mysteries is available stateside. In the current title, The Taint of Midas, a bee-keeper meets a violent death and the police think Diaktoros is the prime suspect! Diaktoros resolves to avenge his friend’s death and clear his good name, though his methods are unorthodox.
NONFICTION Talking About Mysteries James, P.D. Talking About Detective Fiction 823.8 JAM in Mysteries Mystery author P. D. James takes a personal look at the genre, exploring the human appetite for murder and mayhem, and highlights outstanding authors of the genre. Panek, Leroy Lad The American Police Novel 813.087 PAN in Mysteries A look at the police novel and how it has evolved from the 1930s and 1940s to today’s more forensic oriented works.
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NONFICTION Writing Mysteries Ephron, Hallie. Writing and Selling Your Mystery Novel: How to Knock ‘em Dead with Style 808.837 TOU in Information This book helps you plan, write, revise, and sell your mystery novel with an added bonus of resources for the mystery writer. Learn how to create compelling characters and plot, craft scenes, use point of view, and introduce characters to your story.
Anthologies Various. Manhattan Noir 2 Akashic Books, 2008. 810.8 BLO in Story Anthologies With a focus on classic stories by Langston Hughes, Cornell Woolrich, Edgar Allan Poe, Donald E. Westlake, and others, these noirish styled stories are set in New York City. Other city-themed titles in Akashic’s line of books include, Boston Noir, Lone Star Noir, Philadelphia Noir, and even foreign cities like Copenhagen Noir. Various. The Mammoth Book of Roaring Twenties Whodunnits Carroll & Graf, 2004. 813.087 ASH in Story Anthologies Presenting 23 stories set in the euphoric Roaring Twenties by authors past and present.
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Various. Death Dines at 8:30 Berkley Prime Crime, 2001. 813.087 in Story Anthologies 16 stories of crime and cuisine (with recipes!), featuring mysteries by Claudia Bishop, Tamar Myers, and more.
Recommended Movies The DCL also offers a selection of classic and current murder mysteries. Look for the Mystery sticker on the spine of DVDs in our collection. The DCL owns several titles in the acclaimed Poirot mystery series. Agatha Christie’s Belgium sleuth (as well as her dear Miss Marple) has been a staple of British TV movies for decades. Suggested Titles: After the Funeral Cards on the Table Cat Among the Pigeons Death in the Clouds Death on the Nile (1978), starring Peter Ustinov Murder in Mesopotamia Murder on the Orient Express (2010), starring David Suchet
Midsomer Murders Veteran DCI Tom Barnaby and his young sergeant investigate murders in the regional British community of Midsomer. Prime Suspect With an American version of the original British show to air this fall, revisit this gritty and compelling police procedural series starring Helen Mirren. Castle. The Complete Second Season Catch up on all the episodes of this buzz-worthy ABC show. Bestselling author Richard Castle tags along with NYPD Detective Kate Beckett and solves murders. Check out the series’ tie-in novels, Heat Wave and Naked Heat. Looking for other mystery titles on DVD? Ask us to reserve a copy for you. 11
Internet Resources Sites for Mystery Readers CrimeSpace http://crimespace.ning.com/ A place for readers and writers to meet and discuss all things mystery. Mystery Net.com http://www.mysterynet.com/ A place for online mysteries, mystery games and resources. For everyone who loves a mystery. The Mystery Reader http://www.themysteryreader.com/ For the very latest news and views of mystery novels. Mystery Writers of America http://www.mysterywriters.org/ Not just for writers, this site has news about upcoming titles and info about authors. Masterpiece Mystery http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/masterpiece/mystery/index.html Learn more about mysteries adapted from some of your favorite authors. Current series include: Inspector Lewis, Wallander and a new Sherlock Holmes. The Poisoned Martini http://thepoisonedmartini.com A blog about mysteries, writing, and more. Stop, You’re Killing Me! http://stopyourekillingme.com A resource for all things mystery with books, authors, awards, and more. Look for other Collection Guides, available at the DeWitt Library or online at www.dewlib.org 08/11 BJA