On the shelves - Aug. 27

The books listed below are now available for checkout at the Clovis-Carver Public Library. The library is open to the public, but patrons can still visit the online catalog at cloviscarverpl.booksys.net/opac/ccpl or call 575-769-7840 to request a specific item for curbside pickup.

“A Catered Doggie Wedding” by Isis Crawford. At A Little Taste of Heaven, Bernie and Libby Simmons cater all sorts of affairs. So when their counterman, Googie, asks them to cater a doggie wedding for his girlfriend Jenni’s eight-month-old golden retrievers, they jump on the opportunity. But all weddings come with some drama. Not everyone in town is excited about the upcoming pup-tials—or Jenni’s business. Someone is sending threatening messages to Bernie, Libby, and others in town, warning them to cancel the festivities. But when folks start dying under curious circumstances, Bernie and Libby know it’s up to them to untangle the leads and find the murderer before anyone else bites it.

“An Honest Man” by Michael Koryta. After discovering seven men murdered aboard their yacht – including two Senate rivals – Israel Pike is regarded as a prime suspect. A troubled man infamous on Salvation Point Island for killing his own father a decade before, Israel has few options, no friends, and a life-threatening secret. Elsewhere on the island, 12-year-old Lyman Rankin seeks shelter from his alcoholic father in an abandoned house only to discover that he is not alone. A mysterious woman greets him with a hatchet and a promise: “Make a sound and I’ll kill you.” As the investigation barrels forward, Lyman, Israel, and the fate of the case collide in immutable ways.

“This is Where It Ends” by Cindy K. Sproles. When Minerva Jane Jenkins was just 14 years old, she married a man who moved her to the mountains. He carried with him a small box, which he told her was filled with gold. And when he died 50 years later, he made her promise to keep his secret. Now 94, Minerva is nearing the end of what has sometimes been a lonely life. But she’s kept that secret. A reporter, Del Rankin, wants to know more of her story. As an unlikely friendship develops, Minerva is tempted to reveal her secret to Del. After all, how long is one bound by a promise? But the truth of what’s really buried in the box may be hidden even from her.

“An Open Secret: The Story of Deadwood’s Most Notorious Bordellos” by Chris Enss. The lack of affordable housing, the hostile environment, the high cost of travel, and the expense of living in Deadwood prevented many men from bringing their wives, girlfriends, and families to the growing town. Hordes of prostitutes and madams came to Deadwood to capitalize on the lack of women. In the summer of 2020, one of the brothels reopened for business, this time as a museum. The Deadwood Historic Preservation Commission, the Main Street Initiative Committee, and Deadwood History, Inc. (DHI) developed the idea of opening the only brothel tour in the Black Hills.

“Just As Deadly: The Psychology of Female Serial Killers” by Marissa A. Harrison. In this riveting account, Dr. Marissa A. Harrison draws on original scientific research, various psychological perspectives, and richly detailed case studies to illuminate the stark differences between female and male serial killers’ backgrounds, motives, and crimes.

“Campfire Cooking” by Jakob Nusbaum. Sharing a meal around a campfire is one of life’s purest pleasures. Whether you’ve come back to camp after a long day of hiking or you’re stepping out onto the patio to sit around the fire pit, there’s something special about the smell of smoke, the stories, the laughter, and the sound of food sizzling over the open flames. This book will take your campfire experiences up another level with incredible food and invaluable advice.

— Summaries provided by library staff