Beginning its sixth year, this reading group meets on the first Monday of the month from September through June. (Because of Labor Day, the September meeting is always on Tuesday.) Members of the group, affectionately known as “the squad,” frequently help to compile a list of cases for the coming year. Maryanne Ward plays dual roles, as Chief Detective and Literary Critic, when necessary. We discuss not only the case, but also the structure and characterization used by the author. The group is open without charge to members of CSC. If you are interested in joining “the squad” and becoming one of the detectives/critics, just click on the Register button below.
This year’s theme is Mysteries and Gardening: Snake in the Grass, Murders in the Maze, Murders involving Plants, Gardeners as Detectives … Mysteries and Gardening — two of Maryanne’s favorite subjects. Members are not required to have floppy hats, gloves, or a spade. A sharp mind is your best tool!
Mystery Monday: Reading list 2024–25
September 3: Elizabeth George, Missing Joseph
October 7: J. J. Connington, Murder in the Maze
November 4: P. D. James, An Unsuitable Job for a Woman
December 2: Tony Hillerman, The Wailing Wind
January 6: Laurie R. King, Back to the Garden
(by the author of The Beekeeper’s Apprentice)
February 3: Ellis Peters, A Morbid Taste for Bones
March 3: Rosemary Harris, Pushing Up Daisies
April 7: Michelle Wan, Deadly Slipper
May 5: Susan Wittig Albert, The Darling Dahlias and the Cucumber Tree
June 2: Naomi Hirahara, Strawberry Yellow
Previous Cases