Monday, January 25, 2021

FOR FANS OF THE AGATHA RAISIN SERIES

Are you a fan of the Agatha Raisin series by M.C. Beaton?  If yes, then you've come to the right spot!  Agatha Raisin is a cozy mystery series consisting of over 30 books.  

The first book in the series, Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Death, introduces everyone to a protagonist who has retired early to the English countryside.  Agatha finds that she is having a hard time fitting in and decides to enter the local baking competition.  However, she has never baked anything before in her life, so she decides to submit a store-bought quiche as her own.  The judge from the contest ends up dead after eating a poisoned slice from Agatha's quiche.  Who poisoned the quiche?  Who was the intended target?  Can Agatha find out before any harm comes to her or someone else in the village?  

If you have already made your way through the Agatha Raisin series, you may be interested in some of the mystery series listed below.  Each title listed is the first book in the series.

Death of a Gossip by M.C. Beaton - This is a natural next step for fans of Agatha Raisin as it is written by the same author.  This series centers around the local police officer, Hamish MacBeth, and are set in Scotland.

The Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie - This book introduces the reader to Miss Jane Marple.  Over the series she acts as a consulting detective; she is often depicted as an elderly spinster and has been portrayed numerous times on the stage, in film, and on television.

The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gillman - This series follows Emily Pollifax as after she joins the CIA.  A mix-up leads her down a career path in espionage.  

Dead Man's Island by Carolyn G. Hart - The first book in the series will introduce you to a middle-aged former journalist and amateur detective, Henrietta O'Dwyer Collins.  

The Cat Who Could Read Backwards by Lillian Jackson Braun - This series follows a duo consisting of a reporter named Jim and a cat named Koko.

The No. Ladies's Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith - In this series, you will meet Precious Ramotswe.  The stories take place in Botswana, and the setting usually plays a key role in the stories too.  Precious sets up her detective agency using the inheritance she receives from her father.


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Monday, January 18, 2021

AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT: ALICE HOFFMAN

Alice Hoffman is an American author.  She grew up on Long Island and currently resides in Boston.  Over her career, she has written over 30 works including some for children and young adults.  Her work has been translated into other languages, appeared on notable books lists, and appeared on bestseller lists.  For more information on Alice Hoffman, visit her website at https://alicehoffman.com/.

Hoffman's latest novel is Magic Lessons.  This work is a prequel to Practical Magic.  It tells the story of Maria Owens who is accused of witchcraft in Salem.  Her descendants are featured in Hoffman's later works.

Whether you are new to Alice Hoffman or have read some of her work in the past, this blog post will help you find more to read by this prolific author.  Check out one of her books today!






Monday, January 11, 2021

THERE'S SNOW PLACE LIKE A GOOD BOOK


There's no denying it.  Snow has arrived and winter is here to stay.  What better way to enjoy this cold season than to curl up with a snowy read.  This week's post contains a list of books that take place in the winter and/or in snowy locations.  Get yourself a blanket and curl up in your favorite spot to enjoy one of these reads today!


The Snow Child by Eowyn Ivey
Girls Made of Snow and Glass by Melissa Bashardoust
Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett
Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah
Snow Falling on Cedars by David Guterson
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy
In the Midst of Winter by Isabel Allende
An Unwanted Guest by Shari Lapena
Winter Street by Elin Hilderbrand
The Winter Station by Jody Shields

Monday, January 4, 2021

NEW YEAR, NEW SKILLS

Happy New Year!  Are you someone who believes that a new year means learning new skills?  Are you someone that likes to set a resolution at the start of each new year?  The library is here to help you reach your goals by providing access to many databases that you can access from home.  All you need is your library card!  We have pulled out a few databases to highlight this week that may help you meet your goals for 2021.  Whether you are working toward your resolution or just interested in learning something new, the library has got you covered.  To access these resources, visit the library's website at als.lib.wi.us/EFPL and click on "Online Tools" in the top right corner.  

 



Gale Courses - This database offers a range of instructor led courses.  The next set of classes will begin on January 13 and run for six weeks.  Some upcoming classes include:

  • Where Does All My Money Go?
  • Introduction to Microsoft Word 2019/Office 365
  • Start and Operate Your Own Home-Based Business
  • Drawing for the Absolute Beginner
  • Beginning Conversational French
  • Lose Weight and Keep It Off
  • Start Your Own Edible Garden
Creativebug - This database provides access to thousands of art and craft video classes.  Some example projects include:
  • Sew a Pie Carrier
  • Basic Line Drawing
  • Beginning Watercolor
  • STEAM: Make Balloon Propelled Vehicles
  • Crochet a Donut Rattle
  • Colored Pencil Workshop: A Daily Practice
  • Patchwork Landscape Wall Hanging
Mango Languages - This database can help you learn over 70 languages.  Languages include:
  • Spanish (Latin American)
  • French
  • English
  • Japanese
  • German
  • Korean
  • Chinese (Mandarin)
  • Dutch
  • Swahili
BadgerLink - This database provides access to a wide variety of resources.  Some popular resources include:
  • Archive of Wisconsin Newspapers
  • Auto Repair Source
  • Consumer Reports Magazine
  • HeritageQuest Online
  • LearningExpress Library
  • Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary
  • PBS Wisconsin Education
  • Small Engine Repair Reference Center
AtoZ Food America & AtoZ World Food - These two databases provide information on different foods throughout the world as well as different recipes to try.  For example, if you look up Wisconsin, you can access recipes for dishes such as Apple Cranberry Walnut Salad, Fried Cheese Curds, Beef Lombardi, and Krumkake while also learning about state foods, the top agricultural products, and more.