Wednesday, May 15, 2013
[Book Review] Inside the Mind of BTK by John Douglas and Johnny Dodd
Marilyn reviews INSIDE THE MIND OF BTK:THE TRUE STORY BEHIND THIRTY YEARS OF HUNTING FOR THE WICHITA SERIAL KILLER by John Douglas and Johnny Dodd (Wiley & Sons, 2007)
How do you catch a shadow?
For thirty years the BTK killer (Bind, Torture, Kill) eluded capture, killing between 1974 and 1991. To John Douglas of the FBI and the police of Wichita, Kansas, BTK was a shadow: appearing, disappearing, and killing at will.
BTK, real name John Rader, was one of the most hunted serial killers of the 1970s. BTK also was a criminal who taunted police between 2000 and 2005 with letters and pictures of his crimes. He was so like a shadow that some of his killings were not credited to him until he claimed credit. John Rader created an image of himself to his family and friends that led to unbelief when he was captured. His true self was hidden in a secret world. The Wichita police had to use 21st century technology to capture him.
Inside the Mind of BTK, written by master retired FBI profiler John Douglas and Johnny Dodd, recounts the hunt for a killer and the setting of the trap to catch him by the Wichita Kansas Police. For thirty years, BTK was in the back of Agent Douglas's mind. Even after Dennis Rader was captured, the retired Douglas wanted to explore Rader's mind by interviewing him and examining his journals and photographs.
Together with Johnny Dodd, Douglas weaves an interesting and fascinating account of the hunt, profiling, and capture of Dennis Rader.
The book is divided into three parts: the hunt, Dennis Rader's life, and an interview done by Douglas. Each part held my attention for it revealed the master mind of a complex criminal.
Marilyn Umfress, Central Library
Labels: Biography, Crime and Criminals, Nonfiction, Reviews by Marilyn Umfress
Monday, May 13, 2013
[Awards] 2013 Edgar Awards
The Mystery Writers of America announced the 2013 winners of the Edgar Awards for Mystery on May 3, 2013.
Available copies of the winners' novels can be found via the library catalog by clicking each title.
2013 EDGAR AWARD WINNERS
BEST FACT CRIME
BEST CRITICAL/BIOGRAPHICAL
BEST SHORT STORY
Available copies of the winners' novels can be found via the library catalog by clicking each title.
2013 EDGAR AWARD WINNERS
BEST NOVEL
BEST PAPERBACK ORIGINAL
The Last Policeman: A Novel by Ben H. Winters
Midnight in Peking: How the Murder of a Young Englishwoman Haunted the Last Days of Old China by Paul French
BEST CRITICAL/BIOGRAPHICAL
BEST SHORT STORY
"The Unremarkable Heart" by Karin Slaughter in Mystery Writers of America Presents: Vengeance edited by Lee Child
Labels: Awards, News and Notes
Tuesday, May 07, 2013
[Book Review] Yes, Chef by Marcus Samuelsson
Nonfiction/MemoirDarletha reviews YES, CHEF: A MEMOIR by Marcus Samuelsson (Random House, 2012)
Grab your passport and pack your appetite for this globe-trotting memoir from Marcus Samuelsson. He is a recognizable face to anyone familiar with the food competition shows Chopped or season two of Top Chef Masters.
Marcus was born in Ethiopia where he and his sister became orphaned as children. They were adopted and raised in Sweden by the Samuelssons. His love of cooking developed from watching and helping his grandmother cook traditional Swedish dishes. Driven by strong ambition and a relentless work ethic, Marcus embarked on a culinary career by starting at the bottom of "brigade de cuisine" as "kitchen boy" to become an award-winning chef and entrepreneur.
This back-of-the-restaurant memoir never gets dull because each new city brings new culinary adventures, described by Marcus in mouth-watering detail. Anyone interested in becoming a chef will gain valuable insight from Samuelsson’s mistakes and his accomplishments.
Darletha Matthews, South Branch Library Labels: Memoir, Nonfiction, Reviews by Darletha Matthews
Thursday, May 02, 2013
[News and Notes] May 4th is Free Comic Book Day
Pick up a free comic book this Saturday during Free Comic Book Day. This event takes place annually on the first Saturday in May.Visit the Free Comic Book Day website to see which comic books will be given away by participating stores.
Use the Store Locator to find shops in the Memphis area.
Labels: News and Notes
[News and Notes] Memphis in May Honors Sweden
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| Flag of Sweden |
Sweden is the honored country for this year's Memphis in May International Festival.
Browse the library catalog to learn more about Sweden. We have travel guides, historical information, folk music recordings, and more.
Speaking of libraries, the Stockholm Public Library was considered to be one of many Cool Bookish Places by the blog BookRiot.
Swedish cook books are checking out quickly, but we also have Swedish language materials available.
Other suggestions:
Creating the Look: Swedish Style by Katrin Cargill
On My Swedish Island: Discovering the Secrets of Scandinavian Well-Being by Julie Catterson Lindahl
Labels: News and Notes
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
[Book Review] The Dinner by Herman Koch
Andrea reviews THE DINNER by Herman Koch (Hogarth, 2012).
I decided to read this after receiving a poster in the mail entitled, “What will you read after GONE, GIRL?” Like the aforementioned best-selling novel from Gillian Flynn, this novel by Herman Koch is one of shocking family drama.
Two affluent couples sit down to dinner at the local cafe’ to discuss what to do about their sons. Each couple has 15-year-old sons who are cousins, and both boys have been involved in a most heinous crime. Due to police investigations, each couple’s family dynamic will be tested to the limits of just how far the parents will go to protect their children.
Well-known older brother, Serge Lohman, is a Dutch politician who has almost secured his position as Holland’s prime minister. Younger brother Paul is a high school history teacher and has always been in Serge’s shadow. The wives, Babette and Claire, are supportive of their respective husbands even though both men are boorish bullies.
And, of course, both sets of parents want what is best for their children; no matter the consequence. (Even though it is apparent Serge is trying to save political face.)
Readers will be amused by the brothers’ not-so-friendly banter and shocked at the novel’s conclusion.
Andrea King, Poplar-White Station Library
Labels: Fiction, Reviews by Andrea King
Thursday, April 25, 2013
[Library Events and Programs] Libration Celebration This Weekend
Libration, the Memphis Public Library's three-night fundraising event begins tonight. With the purchase of a ticket, attendees will enjoy a private cocktail-style party and meet and greet with author Hampton Sides (Ghost Soldiers, Hellhound on His Trail).
Friday night's event at Central includes live music, dinner, a disco, a silent auction, games, and more. Tickets are $75 in advance.
On Saturday all are welcome to a free book signing and talk with Hampton Sides. This event starts at 1:00 p.m. at the Central Library.
All proceeds will go to the Memphis Public Library and Information Center.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call (901) 415-2844 or visit www.memphislibraryfoundation.org.
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| Hampton Sides |
Friday night's event at Central includes live music, dinner, a disco, a silent auction, games, and more. Tickets are $75 in advance.
All proceeds will go to the Memphis Public Library and Information Center.
For more information or to purchase tickets, call (901) 415-2844 or visit www.memphislibraryfoundation.org.
Labels: Library Events and Programs
Monday, April 22, 2013
[Library Events and Programs] April and May Book Sales
Second Editions is the place to find gently used books for sale at great bargain prices every day! Second Editions Bookstore Webpage
April and May 2013 Sales
Sci-Fi Sale April 20-26 (50% off marked price)
Mystery Sale April 27- May 3 (50% off marked
price)
Friends of the Library Spring Book Sale
Friday & Saturday
May 10th & 11th
10:00 am to 4:30 pm
Pre-Sale for Friends of the Library members will be Friday, May 10
from 8-10 am
Labels: Library Events and Programs
