Library Buzz: Mysterious Circumstances

(Originally published in the Andover American 11/1/12. "Library Buzz" is written by Toria Hamilton.)

There's not a lot of mystery in real life. For example, I don't remember the last time I found a body... because that's never even happened. Most people don't find bodies in the normal course of their day. My biggest mystery is usually what I'm going to have for dinner. Depending on how recently I've done the grocery shopping, this particular mystery doesn't always have a happy ending. I find that to get my daily dose of Mystery I have to supplement my life with mystery books. If the most mysterious part of your day is wondering what you're going to read next, check out these mystery book suggestions from the library staff.

Cheri, who adores Nathan Fillion, suggests the new "Frozen Heat" by Richard Castle. Astute observers will know that Richard Castle is not a real person, so "Who actually wrote Richard Castle's books?" is a fun mystery on its own, but according to Cheri "Frozen Heat" is a quick and flirty whodunnit that will keep you guessing until the end.

Cathy, our children's librarian, recommends "Beekeeper's Apprentice" by Laurie R. King. This is the first book of the Mary Russell series, in which young Mary receives detective training from a retired Sherlock Holmes. The series, which currently stands at twelve books, will appeal to fans of historical fiction and classic mysteries.

Librarians Karyn and Carla both recommend anything by Gillian Flynn. While you await your turn on the hold list for her newest novel, "Gone Girl," consider some of her other books, such as "Dark Places" and "Sharp Objects." Karyn says, “If Gillian Flynn wrote a new novel every month, that might be enough.”

What do I recommend? As the Young Adult librarian, I’m all for pushing my YA collection. I suggest “Silverfin,” first book of Charlie Higson’s Young James Bond series, which takes place years before Bond  ever becomes the iconic 007, pitting him against a villain set on world domination. The upcoming Bond movie “Skyfall” may be rated PG-13, but “Silverfin” is appropriate for middle school and up.

While we’re on the topic of mysteries, let me solve a few library mysteries for you: the password for your account online is your last name in lowercase letters, patrons can check out fifty items at a time, including four DVDs per card, we do have computers available for public use, and yes, we check out cake pans. Have other questions? Check the FAQs page of our website at www.andoverlibrary.org.

Mystery solved.