Crime Lover's Book Club kicks off the new year

HARRISBURG - It wasn't the literary trope of a "dark and stormy night," but instead, a rather warm evening for January that the Crime Lover's Book Club held its first meeting of the year at Harrisburg District Library.

Nevertheless, attendance was good and discussion was lively. Assistant librarian Ray Gorman led members in a talk about the series of books written jointly by authors Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child. Those include the "Agent Pendergast" series and the "Gideon Crew" series.

For the Crime Lover's Book Club, an author is usually chosen and a list made available of that author's works. The books generally revolve around mysteries, murders and related subject matter. The group then meets every two months to discuss likes, dislikes, recommendations and suggestions for new authors. Opinions are respected in discussion, whether they are positive or negative about the works up for discussion.

For example, at Monday's meeting, while several book club members enjoyed the Preston and Child books, others said the books were not to their liking for various reasons.

"That's what's great about this group. Everyone has either an idea or opinion that adds to discussion," Gorman said after the meeting.

He said at the group's next meeting, March 23, local artist and former police sketch artist Jesse Rouse will be the guest speaker. Rouse was a guest of the group in 2019, which saw nearly every seat full. Rouse spent his career working as an officer for the Elgin Police Department. He has been a self-taught artist since childhood, and eventually became a police sketch artist while working at Elgin. His work was used to solve a number of cases during that time.

Gorman also said members of law enforcement are always welcome at the club's meetings, and are encouraged to visit.

For more information, contact Harrisburg District Library at (618) 252-1239.