Crime in Colder Climes

Mysteries and thrillers are great summer reading, and those set in cold climates make the thrills even more chilling. So as the mercury rises, check out one of these titles and keep cool by the pool!

	A Cold Day in Paradise by Steve Hamilton Retired Detroit cop Alex McKnight thought he had left his old life behind him when he moved to a cabin on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. He quickly discovers that old crimes follow him, in the form of gambling, murder, and mysterious communications from an impossible correspondent – a man he helped put away for life in prison. More about the book
	A Cold, Red Sunrise by Stuart Kaminsky At a remote Siberian weather station, a young woman has been killed – and so has the Comissar sent to investigate her death. While Inspector Porfiry Rostikov investigates this complex case, the reader is treated to a profile of Siberia, a desolate locale long the home of prisoners, dissidents, and now murderers. More about the book
	Forty Words for Sorrow by Giles Blunt In the middle of winter, a young Chippewa girl has gone missing in Algonquin Bay, a remote town in the farthest reaches of Ontario. Police detective John Cardinal is haunted by the case, and his obsession leads him to a grim discovery – a serial killer preying on young children. More about the book
	Ice Limit by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child Deep within the ice on a frigid island off the coast of Chile, a huge meteorite has been discovered. A billionaire collector has mounted a mission to bring the find up from the depths and back to a museum in U.S., but the closer the meteorite gets to the surface, the more dead bodies pile up. More about the book
	In the Bleak Midwinter by Julia Spencer–Fleming In the upstate New York town of Miller’s Kill, someone leaves a baby on the doorstep of the Episcopal church in the middle of winter. As the church’s new female rector and the town’s police chief investigate the mystery of the foundling child, they discover dark secrets long hidden, including a murder that will shock the congregation and the entire town. More about the book
	Under the Snow by Kerstin Ekman To investigate the death of a local artist and teacher, police constable Torsson must travel across a frozen lake to one of Sweden’s most remote villages. The locals are so tight-lipped and uncooperative that Torsson is about to rule the death accidental when a villager speaks up and opens a new door onto this death and possibly others. More about the book
	Whiteout by Greg Rucka U.S. Marshal Carrie Stetko’s beat is Antarctica, a cold, desolate place where she has found a peaceful existence…until someone kills a researcher at a weather station. As she tracks the killer across the continent, she discovers dark secrets, and more bodies, hidden deep in the ice. More about the book

Staff Pick: Happens Every Day

Happens Every Day: An All-Too-True Story by Isabel Gillies

This memoir is about Gillies's struggle when her husband, the father of her two small children, leaves her for another woman. Immersed in humor and a remarkable perspective, this book is part family history and part examination of a changing relationship. A great, in-depth read of a family that can withstand change, and of a woman who can write with hope, humor, and honesty.

-Sam, Adult Services

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Staff Pick: Buffalo Spirits

Buffalo Spirits by Elizabeth Black

An excellent novel alternating between two protagonists. Most of the story is told from the perspective of the author, a white woman living today. Several chapters are from the perspective of a Native American woman who survived the Trail of Tears, forced move to “Indian Territory” in Oklahoma. Anyone who likes Barbara Kingsolver will also enjoy this book; the authors’ styles are similar. This very intense novel fits into many different fiction categories: Kansas history, Kansas environment, Native American history, autobiography, and spirituality. Also, this book won the 2003 Three Oaks Prize. The author writes a regular column for the Lawrence Journal World. Here is a link to a website about the book: http://www.buffalospirits.com/.

-Shirley, Adult Services

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Summer Reading/Summer Viewing

Book adaptations on the big screen this summer:

	The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3 In theaters June 12 John Godey’s classic thriller from 1972 about four men who hold a subway train hostage. Previously adapted for film in 1974. Reserve the book Official movie site
	Chéri In theaters June 26 (limited initial release) Colette’s classic and once scandalous novel about the love between an older woman and younger man. Originally published in 1920. Reserve the book Official movie site
	My Sister’s Keeper In theaters June 26 A teenager sues her parents after being asked to donate a kidney to her sister in Jodi Picoult’s 2004 novel about genetic planning and the difficult choices made by families. Reserve the book Official movie site More about the book
	Public Enemies In theaters July 1 This nonfiction account of the birth of the FBI in the early 1930s tells the story of the agents who dealt with John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Floyd, Bonnie and Clyde, and other famous and infamous criminals. Reserve the book Official movie site More about the book
	I Love You, Beth Cooper In theaters July 10 Larry Doyle’s comic coming of age novel about a nerdy valedictorian who uses his graduation-day speech to declare his love for a cheerleader. Reserve the book Official movie site More about the book
	Harry Potter and the Half-blood Prince In theaters July 15 The second-to-last Harry Potter novel relates his sixth year at Hogwarts Academy. Reserve the book Official movie site More about the book
	Julie & Julia In theaters August 7 The true story of one woman’s attempt to cook every recipe in Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking and save herself in the process. Reserve the book Official movie site More about the book
	Taking Woodstock In theaters August 14 (limited initial release) The memoir of Elliot Tiber, a closeted gay man who split his time between managing a rundown hotel in the Catskills and Manhattan nightlife, who made Woodstock possible. Reserve the book Official movie site More about the book

Master the Art of Reading

Summer reading isn't just for kids. Adults who read or listen to four qualifying books and fill out an entry form will receive a packet of prizes and coupons from local businesses and the Friends of the Library. You can download an entry form or stop by the library to pick one up.

A qualifying book should either be about or include some kind of art or artist. Visual arts, decorative arts, architecture, music, dance, drama, film, literature, and everything in between. This year's theme is broad enough that nearly any book could fit, but here are some book lists for anyone needing a little extra inspiration.

On Exhibit: Great Reads About Art
Recommended nonfiction about historical art and artists from Library Journal.

overbooked.org: Art Booklist
Books about art and artists that received a starred reviews in one of the four major review publications.

Artful Reads
Recommended historical fiction about art and artists from NoveList. (library card needed for access)

Artistic Death
Recommended mysteries from NoveList involving art and the art world. (library card needed for access)

Every Picture Tells a Story: Novels on Historical Artists
More recommended historical fiction about art and artists from NoveList. (library card needed for access)

librarybooklists.org: The Arts and Entertainment
Almost thirty additional lists from libraries across the country.

The library is hosting several programs that tie into the adult summer reading program, including author talks, a poetry workshop, and a film series. Visit the library's website to learn more about these events and the summer reading programs for children and teens.