The Frightened Man* launches a historical mystery series set in Jack-the-Ripper era London. Author Kenneth Cameron also writes military thrillers with his son under the name Gordon Kent.

Infamous American ex-lawman Denton now lives a solitary life in London, (we will discover his tragic past) sporadically turning out sensational novels of questionable quality. He is smitten with a two-timing mistress, well-served by his Jeeves-like Sergeant Atkins, and gets himself tangled up in the gruesome murder of a young prostitute. It all started with the visit of a frightened stranger who claims to have witnessed Jack the Ripper at work.

“A gripping page-turner, Cameron's novel combines a devilishly clever plot, enigmatic characters, a foreboding atmosphere, and a shocking finale. A top pick for all crime collections.” ~ Booklist

Fans of atmospheric historical mysteries set in London might also like C.S. Harris’s Where Serpents Sleep (2008), 4th in the Sebastian St. Cyr series featuring a Regency-era gentleman sleuth. Dust and Shadow: An account of the Ripper killings by Dr. John H. Watson (2009) by Lyndsay Faye is a fictionalized documentary of the most famous serial killer in history.

* = Starred review

Make a solar s'more oven using a cardboard pizza box, some aluminum foil, and a few other basic materials. If the weather permits, we will go outside, test the oven, then eat some delicious s'mores (no campfire required)! This is science at its most delicious.

Thursday July 2, 2009 | 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm | Pittsfield Branch | Grade 4 thru Adult

Bring your collected content from that memorable event, and we'll provide the paper and extras to pull it all together on the page.

Wednesday, July 1 | 2:00-3:00 PM | Pittsfield | Grades 4-8

Set in Belle Époque Paris, Chéri is the story of the love affair between the beautiful courtesan Léa and Chéri, the son of her old colleague and rival. When a marriage is secretly arranged for Cheri to another rich courtesan, they found out, too late, how much they meant to each other.

The sumptuous period drama with blinding star voltage (Michelle Pfeiffer, Kathy Bates) is based on a short novel by Colette, pen name for the flamboyant French novelist Sidonie-Gabrielle Colette. (Limited release - a chick pick)

The Hollywood adaptation of My Sister’s Keeper is based on popular novelist Jodi Picoult's 2004 bestseller.

Sisters Kate and Anna share a bond closer than most sisters. Throughout their young lives, the sisters endure various medical procedures and hospital stays. Kate has Leukemia, and Anna was conceived to save her sister's life. Anna, now 11 seeks medical emancipation, hires her own lawyer, and initiates a court case that would divide the family. (3 hankies)

Public Enemies is adapted from Bryan Burrough's Public Enemies : America's greatest crime wave and the birth of the FBI, 1933-34 - the true story of legendary Depression-era bank robber John Dillinger, the charismatic bank robber whose lightning raids made him the number one target of J. Edgar Hoover's fledgling FBI and its top agent, Melvin Purvis. Starring Johnny Depp, Christian Bale, and Academy Award winner Marion Cotillard, one would not be surprised to find this the action/thriller of the summer.

As Summer Festival winds down it’s time to put the spotlight on Coffeehouse. Here’s your chance to escape the heat, relax, and enjoy sharing poetry, monologues, or music. Sip on coffee, cocoa, or ice water. Come speak into the mike or sit back and listen.

AXIS Coffeehouse | Wednesday, July 1 | 6:00-8:30 PM | Malletts Creek

Move over, Mdm. Precious Ramotswe (of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency). Or at least make room for Vish Puri!

Tarquin Hall introduces India's "Most Private Investigator" in his The Case of the Missing Servant*. Portly, persistent, and unmistakably Punjabi, he cuts a determined swath through modern Delhi's swindlers, cheats, and murderers.

Pleased with a break from the usual screening of prospective marriage partners, Puri investigates the murder of a maidservant while keeping an eagle eye on his widowed "Mummy-ji" who is determined to sleuth alongside his team of colorful undercover operatives. Ingeniously combining modern investigative techniques with 2000 year-old Indian principles of detection, Puri is a welcome addition to the pantheon of exotic sleuths.

Strong local color, sly humor, endearing characterization and keen observation make this debut mystery a wild and deligthful ride. Future cases are to be expected.

* = Starred reviews

Join us to create fun jewelry accessories, like keychains and pet tags, using Shrinky Dink material, a "magic" plastic which shrinks down to 1/3 of its original size and becomes nine times thicker when heated briefly in the oven! Kids (grade 4+ please), Teens, and Adults are all welcome!

Wed, June 24 | 7:00-8:00pm | Mallett's Creek Program Room | Grade 4-Adult

Bring your ropes and rhymes to Jump Roping Blast for a jumpin' good time! We have Chinese, Double-Dutch and standard jump ropes to share. Rain? We'll jump inside. If you need some visuals to help inspire or check out some fancy footwork ahead of time, check out Jump In a movie that tells the story of a young boxer who discovers jump roping while training.

Tuesday, June 23 | 6:30-8:30 PM | Malletts Creek Parking Lot | Grades 4-12

Blend away the boredom and create delicious fruity concoctions at this hands-on workshop for grades 6 - 12! Join us on Tuesday, June 30, 7pm at the Pittsfield Branch.

Looking for a good book to read this summer? Check out Skyline High school's recommended reading list for grade 9 and 10. Just click the links. Skyline g9 2009 and Skyline g10 2009.