Dark and Stormy Book Club

On today's episode, we selected libraries and librarians for our WWAR subject for this month. Misty reported on the book “Librarians and Larceny” (Book One in the Rebel Librarian Crime Fighter Mystery series by Cyndy Cypress LARCENY! KIDNAPPING! MURDER! OH MY!In the cozy college town of Kootenai Hills, Montana, a beloved librarian goes missing … right under the noses of Rebecca Fulton, the university's newest library coordinator, and Jenn Acosta, a mature grad student and aspiring librarian!And it happened in broad daylight … during homecoming weekend, no less!But that's not the only thing that's disappeared. An important historical manuscript tied to the missing librarian's past, leaves the women wondering just what Rebecca's boss and beloved mentor got himself into.What happened to Professor Clifford Smith?Rebecca and Jenn are determined to find out, but they have a few of their own challenges to work through first - a grumpy police captain being one of them.Do these two polar opposites have what it takes to break away from their quiet, campus-librarian lifestyles and make it as amateur sleuths? Can they save the professor, find the manuscript, and stop those responsible from getting away with the perfect crime? Or will their naivety and inexperience put their lives in danger and land Rebecca behind bars?There's only one way to find out.Welcome to Cascade University, where you’ll meet the latest budding female detectives, along with Jenn’s uncommonly intelligent canine sidekick, and an eccentric old man who lives in his motorhome.What could possibly go wrong?Enjoy this totally addictive cozy mystery. Tracey then reported on “The Librarian of Crooked Lane” (Book one in the Glass Library series) by C.J. Archer. Librarian Sylvia Ashe knows nothing about her past, having grown up without a father and a mother who refused to discuss him. When she stumbles upon a diary that suggests she’s descended from magicians, she’s skeptical. After all, magicians are special, and she’s just an ordinary girl who loves books. She seeks the truth from a member of the most prominent family of magicians, but she quickly learns that finding the truth won’t be easy, especially when he turns out to be as artless as her, and more compelling and dangerous than books.War hero Gabe is gifted with wealth, a loving family, and an incredible amount of luck that saw him survive four harrowing years of a brutal war without injury. But not all injuries are visible. Burying himself in his work as a consultant for Scotland Yard, Gabe is going through the motions as he investigates the theft of a magician-made painting. But his life changes when he unwittingly gets Sylvia dismissed from her job and places her in danger.After securing her new employment in a library housing the world’s greatest collection of books about magic, Gabe and Sylvia’s lives become intwined as they work together to find both the painting and the truth about Sylvia’s past before powerful people can stop them.But sometimes the past is better left buried… Ann then reported on “Checked Out” (Number one in the Village Library Mystery Series) by Elizabeth Spann Craig. There are no renewals when you’re permanently checked out. When librarian Ann Beckett finally reluctantly agrees to being set-up on a blind date by one of her over-eager patrons, she figures the worst that could happen would be the two of them wouldn’t hit it off. Little did she know that she’d be stood up...because her date was murdered. With help from her patrons, Ann tries to find out who might be responsible in the small town of Whitby before more residents are permanently checked out.

Agatha Christie, She Watched: One Woman's Plot to Watch 201 Christie Adaptations Without Murdering the Director, Screenwriter, Cast, or Her Husband by Teresa Peschel Care to match wits with Hercule Poirot? Share tea and gossip with Miss Marple? Chase spies with Tommy and Tuppence? “Agatha Christie, She Watched” will introduce you to must-see movies (and must-avoid dogs) that prove Agatha’s genius depicting the hopeful and dark sides of human nature. These movies will tantalize you, mystify you, and make you laugh at the folly of humanity. For more than a century, Agatha Christie has thrilled readers with her classic mysteries and dark dramas that explore evil such as “And Then There Were None” and “Endless Night.” with more than 200 adaptations made from her stories, Agatha has been a huge part of the world’s movie and television culture. Teresa Peschel watched and reviewed 201 adaptations, from the German silent movie “Adventures, Inc.” (1929) to “See How They Run” and “Why Didn’t They Ask Evans?” (2022). Each was rated for fidelity to the original material and its overall quality. Each review takes up two pages and comes with six cast photos, and a list of the major actors, and the known film locations. Foreign movies with English subtitles from India, France, Russia, China, Japan, and Germany are also reviewed. Finally, there are eight movies in which the fictional Agatha Christie solves murder mysteries, debate Hercule Poirot about killing him in “Curtain,” battle a space wasp with Doctor Who, and plot to kill her husband’s mistress. “Agatha Christie, She Watched” is the only comprehensive collection of reviews about Agatha Christie adaptations. Use it to find the movies made from the novels and stories you love, fill in your movie collection, or hold an Agatha Christie festival of your own. Learn why Christie’s stories of passion and pain still grip the imaginations of her readers.

The Campby Nancy BushKensington Books6/27/23There are always stories told around the fire at summer camp—tall tales about gruesome murders andunhinged killers, concocted to scare new arrivals and lend an extra jolt of excitement to those hormone-charged nights. At Camp Luft-Shawk, nicknamed Camp Love Shack, there are stories about a creeping fogthat brings death with it. But here, they’re not just campfire tales. Here, the stories are real.Twenty years ago, a girl’s body was found on a ledge above the lake, arms crossed over her heart. Some saidit was part of a suicide pact, connected to the nearby Haven Commune. Brooke, Rona, and Wendywereamong the teenagers at camp that summer, looking for fun and sun, sex and adventure. They’ve neverbreathed a word about what really happened—or about the night their friendship shattered.Now the camp, renamed Camp Fog Lake, has reopened for a new generation, and many of those who werethere on that long-ago night are returning for an alumni weekend. But something is stirring at the lake again.As the fog rolls in, evil comes with it. Those stories were a warning, and they didn’t listen. And the onlyquestion is, who will live long enough to regret it?

On this episode, we talk with bestselling true crime author John Glatt about his book “Tangled Vines Power,Privilege and the Murdaugh Family Murders.” The author did a masterful job reconstructing the rise of theprestigious Murdaugh family and the shocking double murder that led to the downfall of its patriarch, AlexMurdaugh.Among the lush, tree-lined waterways of South Carolina low country, the Murdaugh name means power. Acentury-old, multimillion-dollar law practice has catapulted the family into incredible wealth and localcelebrity―but it was an unimaginable tragedy that would thrust them into the national spotlight. On June 7th,2021, prominent attorney Alex Murdaugh discovered the bodies of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, on thegrounds of their thousand-acre hunting lodge. The mystery deepened only months later when Alex himselfwas discovered shot in the head on a local roadside.But as authorities scrambled for clues and the community reeled from the loss and media attention, darksecrets about this Southern legal dynasty came to light. The Murdaughs, it turned out, were feared as muchas they were loved. And they wouldn’t hesitate to wield their influence to protect one of their own; two yearsbefore he was killed, a highly intoxicated Paul Murdaugh was at the helm of a boat when it crashed and killeda teenage girl, and his light treatment by police led to speculation that privilege had come into play. Asbombshells of financial fraud were revealed and more suspicious deaths were linked to the Murdaughs, a newportrait of Alex Murdaugh emerged: a desperate man on the brink of ruin who would do anything, even planhis own death, to save his family’s reputation.

WWAR August 2023Show NotesIn our first episode together since vacation, we have 4 books that involve heat.Misty reviewed When She Gets Hot by Miriam Allenson. Tootsie Goldberg was never one to rockthe boat. Witnessing tragedy after a seemingly harmless protest taught the Jersey native tokeep her mouth shut, even when she's fuming. But when her elderly coworkers lose their radiostation jobs due to a shady business deal, this feisty fifty-year-old decides it's never too late touse her smart mouth for something other than talking in circles.Standing up for her friends lights a fire in her to confront injustice, starting with the questionablenew owners of the station. But being a sassy sleuth sometimes means tweaking the rules. Andas her fight for the little guy garners the delicious attention of a stoic and sexy cop, can Tootsietoe the line between what's right and what's legal?When She Gets Hot is the scorchingly witty first book in the Tootsie Goldberg amateur sleuthseBuy now to solve the mystery of what happens When She Gets Hot! fries. If you like strongJewish female leads, a dash of danger, and spicy heroines over fifty, then you'll love MiriamAllenson's later-in-life take on growing older and bolder.Tracey reviewed Hot Time by W. H. Flint. New York, August 1896. A “hot wave” has settled onthe city with no end in sight, leaving tempers short and the streets littered with dead horsesfelled by the heat. In this presidential election year, the gulf between rich and poor has politicalpassions flaring, while anti-immigrant sentiment has turned virulent. At Police Headquarters, thegruff, politically ambitious commissioner Theodore Roosevelt has been struggling to reform hisnotoriously corrupt department. Meanwhile, the yellow press is ready to pounce on thepeccadilloes of the Four Hundred, the city’s social elite—the better to sell papers with luridstories and gossip or perhaps profit from a little blackmail on the side. When the body of TownTopics publisher William d’Alton Mann is found at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, any number ofhis ink-spattered victims may have a motive.Hot Time is an immensely entertaining, deeply researched, and richly textured historical novelset in a period that reflects our own, with cameos by figures ranging from financier J. P. Morganto muckraking journalist Jacob Riis. Our guides through New York's torrid, bustling streets areOtto “Rafe” Raphael from the Lower East Side, one of the first Jewish officers in the heavily Irishforce, who finds as many enemies within the department as outside it; Minnie Kelly, thedepartment's first female stenographer; Theodore Roosevelt himself; and the plucky orphanDutch, one of the city's thousands of newsboys, who may have seen too much. lder and bolder.Ann reviewed Sun Damage by Sabine Durrant. The heat is intense. The secrets are stifling.And there is no escape.In a tiny village in Provence, nine guests arrive at a luxury holiday home.The visitors know each other well, or at least they think they do.The only stranger among them is Lulu, the young woman catering their stay. But Lulu is notexactly the woman on the video the guests thought they’d hired. Turns out Lulu has plenty tohide—and nowhere to run as the heat rises.In this seemingly idyllic getaway, under the scorching sun, loyalties will be tested, secretsexposed, and tensions pushed to the brink . . .Dripping in intrigue, Sun Damage is a glamorous, witty, and totally riveting story chock full ofsecrets, lies and . . . more lies.Finally, Ann reviewed a second book called Death In the Sunshine by Stef Broadribb.After a long career as a police officer, Moira hopes a move to a luxury retirement community willmean she can finally leave the detective work to the youngsters and focus on a quieter life. Butit turns out The Homestead is far from paradise. When she discovers the body of a youngwoman floating in one of the pools, surrounded by thousands of dollar bills, her crime-fightinginstinct kicks back in and she joins up with fellow ex-cops—and new neighbours—Philip, Lizzieand Rick to investigate the murder.With the case officers dropping ball after ball, Moira and the gang take matters into their ownhands, turning into undercover homicide investigators. But the killer is desperate to destroy allthe evidence and Moira, Philip, Lizzie and Rick soon find themselves getting in the way—of themurderer and the police.Just when they think they can finally relax, they discover that someone has infiltrated their ‘safe’community. Can they hunt down the murderer and get back to retiring in peace? And after all theexcitement, will they want to?TRIVIA:Last week's question was:Which beloved author of children's literature also wrote songs that made the Top 100 Hits List?a. Raold Dahlb. Judy Blumec. Shel Silversteind. Dr, SeussThe answer is c. Shel Silverstein.This week's question is:Which author did not attend school full time until the age of 12?a. Margaret Atwoodb. Robin Cookc. Mary Robert Reinhartd. Charles ToddTune in next week for the answer.

WWAR August 2023Show NotesIn our first episode together since vacation, we have 4 books that involve heat.Misty reviewed When She Gets Hot by Miriam Allenson. Tootsie Goldberg was never one to rockthe boat. Witnessing tragedy after a seemingly harmless protest taught the Jersey native tokeep her mouth shut, even when she's fuming. But when her elderly coworkers lose their radiostation jobs due to a shady business deal, this feisty fifty-year-old decides it's never too late touse her smart mouth for something other than talking in circles.Standing up for her friends lights a fire in her to confront injustice, starting with the questionablenew owners of the station. But being a sassy sleuth sometimes means tweaking the rules. Andas her fight for the little guy garners the delicious attention of a stoic and sexy cop, can Tootsietoe the line between what's right and what's legal?When She Gets Hot is the scorchingly witty first book in the Tootsie Goldberg amateur sleuthseBuy now to solve the mystery of what happens When She Gets Hot! fries. If you like strongJewish female leads, a dash of danger, and spicy heroines over fifty, then you'll love MiriamAllenson's later-in-life take on growing older and bolder.Tracey reviewed Hot Time by W. H. Flint. New York, August 1896. A “hot wave” has settled onthe city with no end in sight, leaving tempers short and the streets littered with dead horsesfelled by the heat. In this presidential election year, the gulf between rich and poor has politicalpassions flaring, while anti-immigrant sentiment has turned virulent. At Police Headquarters, thegruff, politically ambitious commissioner Theodore Roosevelt has been struggling to reform hisnotoriously corrupt department. Meanwhile, the yellow press is ready to pounce on thepeccadilloes of the Four Hundred, the city’s social elite—the better to sell papers with luridstories and gossip or perhaps profit from a little blackmail on the side. When the body of TownTopics publisher William d’Alton Mann is found at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge, any number ofhis ink-spattered victims may have a motive.Hot Time is an immensely entertaining, deeply researched, and richly textured historical novelset in a period that reflects our own, with cameos by figures ranging from financier J. P. Morganto muckraking journalist Jacob Riis. Our guides through New York's torrid, bustling streets areOtto “Rafe” Raphael from the Lower East Side, one of the first Jewish officers in the heavily Irishforce, who finds as many enemies within the department as outside it; Minnie Kelly, thedepartment's first female stenographer; Theodore Roosevelt himself; and the plucky orphanDutch, one of the city's thousands of newsboys, who may have seen too much. lder and bolder.Ann reviewed Sun Damage by Sabine Durrant. The heat is intense. The secrets are stifling.And there is no escape.In a tiny village in Provence, nine guests arrive at a luxury holiday home.The visitors know each other well, or at least they think they do.The only stranger among them is Lulu, the young woman catering their stay. But Lulu is notexactly the woman on the video the guests thought they’d hired. Turns out Lulu has plenty tohide—and nowhere to run as the heat rises.In this seemingly idyllic getaway, under the scorching sun, loyalties will be tested, secretsexposed, and tensions pushed to the brink . . .Dripping in intrigue, Sun Damage is a glamorous, witty, and totally riveting story chock full ofsecrets, lies and . . . more lies.Finally, Ann reviewed a second book called Death In the Sunshine by Stef Broadribb.After a long career as a police officer, Moira hopes a move to a luxury retirement community willmean she can finally leave the detective work to the youngsters and focus on a quieter life. Butit turns out The Homestead is far from paradise. When she discovers the body of a youngwoman floating in one of the pools, surrounded by thousands of dollar bills, her crime-fightinginstinct kicks back in and she joins up with fellow ex-cops—and new neighbours—Philip, Lizzieand Rick to investigate the murder.With the case officers dropping ball after ball, Moira and the gang take matters into their ownhands, turning into undercover homicide investigators. But the killer is desperate to destroy allthe evidence and Moira, Philip, Lizzie and Rick soon find themselves getting in the way—of themurderer and the police.Just when they think they can finally relax, they discover that someone has infiltrated their ‘safe’community. Can they hunt down the murderer and get back to retiring in peace? And after all theexcitement, will they want to?TRIVIA:Last week's question was:Which beloved author of children's literature also wrote songs that made the Top 100 Hits List?a. Raold Dahlb. Judy Blumec. Shel Silversteind. Dr, SeussThe answer is c. Shel Silverstein.This week's question is:Which author did not attend school full time until the age of 12?a. Margaret Atwoodb. Robin Cookc. Mary Robert Reinhartd. Charles ToddTune in next week for the answer.

Spy School - Can a normal kid become a secret agent? Ben Ripley may only be in middle school, but he’s already pegged his dream job: C.I.A. or bust. So he’s thrilled when he’s recruited to the C.I.A.’s top secret Academy of Espionage. Only, it turns out, Ben hasn’t been brought in because the C.I.A. expects him to succeed. Instead, he’s been brought in as bait to catch a dangerous enemy agent. Now, Ben needs to step up his game before he ends up dead. Can he solve the crime, get the girl and save the day? Maybe not, but it’ll be fun to watch him try! Stuart Gibbs is an American author who has written mostly mystery and humor books that are aimed for tweens and teens. Gibbs' books have been described as "fun, fast-paced" and "entertaining

The third vacation episode for the summer holiday features Misty Simon reading the first chapter of the book "All That Glitters Isn't Old" by her namesake Gabby Allan published by Kensington Publishing, which releases 7/25.Whit is up to her ears in this one with Goldy wanting a friend from the past cleared of a murder Whit isn't certain he didn't commit. Things are shady on Catalina Island right now and Whit has to figure out whodunnit before they do it again.

We interrupt your bright summer to bring you another ghost story by Mr. Charles Dickens, “The Trial for Murder.” It is, perhaps, the best known of his ghost stories, second only to “A Christmas Carol,” which, by the way, had far too many happy events and helpful supernatural beings to please our own taste for the macabre and un-wonderful. Here we have it plain and simple – the quiet terror that follows seeing what we know we should not be able to see.And now, turn down the lights, and join us for “The Trial for Murder” by Charles Dickens….

This episode is the first of our Vacation Short Stories. It is read by Ann Dark and the short story is "Sand Bar" by Ang Pompano. This story was first published in "Stone Cold: The Best New England Crime Stories"