The case of the deadly desperados by Caroline Lawrence — The setting of this new historical fiction mystery is the Wild West, where desperados, gamblers and gunmen abound. In this western, P.K. Pinkerton is on the run from a ruthless gang, determined to hold on to his families last priceless possession. Relying on disguises, P.K. must outwit the outlaws in this fast-paced, fun adventure.

The perfect book for a book discussion is one that's not too easy, not too hard, that will hold the interest of a diverse group of readers and will also inspire a lively discussion. For additional book club resources try the Canton Public Library's Book Club in a Bag.
 

Do you enjoy historical fiction? Do you also enjoy reading a good picture book? The library has a variety of excellent picture books that take place in the past. Let the suggestions below transport you to another time and place with their moving storylines and wonderful illustrations.

Train to Somewhere by Eve Bunting; illustrated by Ronald Himler

Mind your manners, Alice Roosevelt! by written by Leslie Kimmelman and illustrated by Adam Gustavson

Masterpiece Mystery returns on May 6, 2012. Kicking off the new season will be Sherlock! Season 2 starring Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes. David Suchet returns as Hercule Poirot. It is the final season for Agatha Christie's Hercules Poirot. Zen, Inspector Lewis, Case Histories, and Inspector Morse are all returning.

Inspector Morse [videodisc]: The dead of Jericho by A Zenith Production for Central Independent Television

Sherlock. Season one [videodisc] by BBC

These historical fiction books span the centuries as well as the globe. Try them for an escape to another time and place.

The book thief by Markus Zusak

Girl in hyacinth blue by Susan Vreeland

City of dreams: a novel of Nieuw Amsterdam and early Manhattan by Beverly Swerling

10th anniversary by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro

Afraid of the dark [large print] by James Grippando

Heartwood [Large print]: a novel by Belva Plain

Love me if you dare [Large print] by Carly Phillips

A good man is hard to find and other stories by Flannery O'Connor

The house of the seven gables by Nathaniel Hawthorne; edited with an introduction by Milton R. Stern

A prayer for Owen Meany: a novel by John Irving

To the lighthouse by Woolf, Virginia, 1882-1941

Are you looking for something new? Short Story collections are the perfect way for Mystery fans to try new authors.

A study in Sherlock: stories inspired by the Holmes Canon edited by Laurie R. King and Leslie S. Klinger

The best American mystery stories 2011 edited and with an introduction by Harlan Coben

Hook, line & sinister edited by T. Jefferson Parker

Soldier bear by written by Bibi Dumon Tak — is a wonderful, heartwarming novel based on a true story about a bear, Voytek, and a group of Polish soldiers who adopt him as a cub during World War II. Voytek grows into one smart bear who learns to act as a spy and carry bombs and, thereby, earns the honor of being made an official soldier of the company. While the horrors of war are not minimized, this delightful story keeps the reader laughing as it relates the crazy antics and mischief Voytek gets into. He is helped by a monkey and some dogs who are also part of the troop. During very difficult times he boosts the morale of all those he comes in contact with. Reading this real-life adventure, you realize just how special and emotionally fulfilling human-animal relationships can be.

How did Valentine's Day originate? Who is this patron saint of lovers, of whom actually very little is known? According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, three different Valentines were actually martyred during the early days of the Christian Church, but very little is known about any of them. For more information, see this Catholic Online link. You can also view a list of Canton Library's books, programs and DVDs about valentines, like one with historic pictures of awesome valentines:

Greetings with love: the book of valentines by Michele Karl

Breaking Stalin's nose by Eugene Yelchin — a gripping story about a seldom covered historical era — Russia, or the then Soviet Union, under Stalin's rule. Ten-year-old Sasha begins a 24 hour period in a state of utter elation, the day has finally arrived for him to join the Young Pioneers. At last he will be able to serve the Communist Party and Comrade Stalin, just as his father does who works for the secret police in State Security. But poor, niave Sasha soon finds his whole world spiraling into an abyssmal black hole. His father is arrested in the middle of the night leaving him homeless. He accidentally breaks the nose off of a bust of Stalin at school and knows he could be arrested, too, if anyone reports him and he will never be able to join the Young Pioneers.

Daredevil by Mark Waid. Vol. 1

Electric barracuda [sound recording] by Tim Dorsey

The fault in our stars by John Green

The marriage plot [sound recording]: a novel by Jeffrey Eugenides

New authors you might want to try:

Washed up by Susan Koefod

1222: a Hanne Wilhelmsen novel by Anne Holt; translated by Marlaine Delargy

Cold cruel winter: a Richard Nottingham mystery by Chris Nickson

All cry chaos: an Henri Poincaré mystery by Leonard Rosen

Dead end in Norvelt by Jack Gantos — justly deserved winning the Newbery. It is an entertaining as well enriching read set in 1962 Norvelt, Pennsylvania — a real place. Indeed, the story is partly autobiographical which is why the main character's name is Jackie Gantos. Jackie is grounded for the summer for doing a couple dumb things. He ends up having to be the "hired hands" for an arthritic elderly neighbor, Miss Volker. As he transcribes the obituaries for the local paper, a sinister pattern begins to emerge — far too many of the town's elderly are dying in rapid succession by bizarre causes. Zany characters and wild escapades are intermixed with fascinating historical facts about not only Norvelt, but renowned figures in world history.

2011 North American Hammett Prize nominees have been announced by the International Crime Writers Association — North American Branch. The organization will name the Hammett Prize winner, during the Bloody Words Conference, in Toronto, June 1-3, 2012. The winner will receive a bronze trophy, designed by sculptor Peter Boiger.

Feast day of fools: a novel by James Lee Burke

Claire DeWitt and the city of the dead [sound recording]: [a mystery] by Sara Gran

The Orphan Master's Son: a novel by Adam Johnson — Author Adam Johnson will speak at Nicola's Books on Tuesday, January 24 at 7:00 PM in Ann Arbor.

The Mystery Writers of America have announced its nominees for the 2012 Edgar Awards for the best mystery writing in fiction, non-fiction, television, and production.

Set in an Edwardian country house in 1912, the popular PBS series Downton Abbey centers on the Crawley family, their servants and their life at their grand country home. However, the death of the Crawley heir aboard the Titanic, sets in motion a succession of changes for both the family and the servants. The second season — which began on PBS on January 8 — has moved forward to the years 1916-17 and portrays the effect that World War I has on all of their lives. This Emmy Award winning series is written by Julian Fellowes and stars Hugh Bonneville, Maggie Smith, and Elizabeth McGovern. If you enjoy this period of history try some of the following titles.

Books

The American heiress: a novel by Daisy Goodwin — Traveling abroad with her mother at the turn of the twentieth century to seek a titled husband, beautiful, vivacious Cora Cash suddenly finds herself Duchess of Wareham, married to Ivo, the most eligible bachelor in England.

Below Stairs — The Classic Kitchen Maid's Memoir That Inspired "Upstairs, Downstairs" and "Downton Abbey" by Powell, Margaret — The remarkable true story of a woman who served in one of the great houses of England as a kitchen maid.

Murder in the 11th house: a Starlight Detective Agency mystery by Mitchell Scott Lewis

All cry chaos: an Henri Poincaré mystery by Leonard Rosen

Ghouls, ghouls, ghouls by Victoria Laurie

Blood ties by Jane A.