Mystery Puns That Will Sleigh You

Dark, cold winter evenings, the stress of holiday gatherings and the crowds of shoppers, it's no wonder that cozy mystery authors find murderous inspiration in the Christmas season.

Below find a list of recent mysteries with a Christmas pun twist:

 'Twas the Knife Before Christmas by Jacqueline Frost
The second book in the Christmas Tree Farm Mystery series. When a body turns up in the dumpster behind Caroline’s Cupcakes, Holly White is horrified to learn her best friend Caroline is the main suspect.

Murder With All the Trimmings by Shawn Simmons
The sixth book in the Red Carpet Catering Mysteries series. Penelope Sutherland is catering her first documentary, a history of the Vitrine Theater and the Big Apple Dancers, who put on the world-famous Christmas Extravaganza. When one of the dancers mysteriously disappears then turns up dead right before opening night, it looks like Christmas might be cancelled.

Six Cats a Slayin' by Miranda James
The tenth book in the Cat in the Stacks series. Charlie Harris and his Maine Coon cat, Diesel, are busy decking the halls for the holidays when an unexpected delivery and a shocking murder conspire to shake up the season.

A Cup of Holiday Fear by Ellie Alexander
The tenth book in the Bakeshop Mystery series. To cap off the merry season, Jules and Helen host their annual staff party at the historic Winchester Inn’s Dickens Feast. Just as the dessert course is about to be served the power goes out and Jules finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation. Her only wish this Christmas is to catch a killer.

Dachshund Through the Snow by David Rosenfelt
The twentieth book in the Andy Carpenter series. This Christmas, lawyer Andy Carpenter and his golden retriever, Tara, can't say no to helping young Danny and his dachshund, Murphy.

Owl Be Home for Christmas by Donna Andrews
The twenty-sixth book in the Meg Langslow series. It's a few days before Christmas, and Meg's grandfather is hosting a scientific conference on owls at the Caerphilly Inn. An unexpectedly severe snow storm traps the conference-goers in the hotel, and one of the visiting ornithologists is murdered.

Silent Knit, Deadly Knit by Peggy Erhart
The fourth book in A Knit & Nibble Mystery series. When murder silences the Christmas cheer in charming Arborville, New Jersey, Pamela and her Knit and Nibble pals must unravel the most bone-chilling mystery this side of the North Pole . . .

It's all Pun and Games (and murder too!)

If you're a fan of puns and puzzles, you might enjoy cozy mysteries. A cozy mystery novel features a less violent murder and generally includes quirky characters, humor, and sometimes a touch of romance. Not all cozy mysteries have puns in their titles, but my favorites do!

Here's a short list of recent mystery novels with particularly clever puns in their titles:

Deja Moo by Kirsten Weiss
The third book in the Proper Paranormal Museum series. A holiday tradition turns deadly, but is the paranormal museum to blame?

Buried in the Stacks by Allison Brook
the third book in the Haunted Library Mysteries series. Librarian Carrie Singleotn is building a haven, but one of her neighbors is misbehavin'. Can resident spirit Evelyn help Carrie catch the culprit who made her a ghost?

Sell Low, Sweet Harriet by Sherry Harris
The eighth book in the Sarah Winston Garage Sale Mystery series. Sarah Winston's garage sale business has a new client: the daughter of a couple who recently died in a tragic accident while away on a trip to Africa.

Hounds of the Basket Stitch by Anne Canadeo
The eleventh book in the Black Sheep Knitting Mysteries series. The Black Sheep Knitters come ot the aid of two sisters - one a victim and one a suspect...

Thread and Buried by Lea Wait
The ninth book in the Mainely Needlepoint series. Haven Harbor is an authentic coastal Maine town--which makes it the perfect location for a new film production. But now it's become the scene of a crime...

No Escape Claws by Sofie Ryan
The sixth book in the Second Chance Cat Mystery series. Haven Harbor is an authentic coastal Maine town--which makes it the perfect location for a new film production. But now it's become the scene of a crime . . .

Crewel and Unusual by Molly MacRae
The sixth book in the Haunted yarn Shop Mystery series. Yarn shop owner Kath Rutledge is looking forward to the grand opening of the Blue Plum Vault, a co-op of small shops on Main Street until rumors of an unpleasant rivalry start spreading...

Ruff Justice by Laurien Berenson
The twenty-second book in the Melanie Travis series. As owner of prize-winning Poodles, Melanie Travis knows how to handle fierce competition. But when a conformation show turns deadly, it’ll take every trick in the book to outsmart a murderer who refuses to lose...

Better Than Nun by Alice Loweecey
The sixth book in the Giulia Driscoll series. Giulia Driscoll used to say running a detective agency was the busiest job she’d ever had. Then the ghosts showed up, and she figured now she’s the busiest ever.

Staff Review: Cat Castles: 20 cardboard habitats you can build yourself by Carin Oliver

Gathering Materials

When I saw Cat Castles: 20 cardboard habitats you can build yourself by Carin Oliver on the cart of new books, I knew I needed to check it out immediately.


"Look at how happy that cat in an airplane is!" I thought. "Obviously my kitty Dexter needs a cat castle to be truly happy."

Dexter selects a box.

Luckily, my boyfriend was in agreement and had a stash of cardboard boxes waiting for recycling day. We looked through the projects in the book, which vary from fairly simple reinforced and decorated boxes for your cat to hide in to elaborate designs like trains and even the castle of the title. I asked Dexter for his opinion, but he was busy napping on a tote bag we'd left on a kitchen chair. Instead we decided to wait until we were babysitting my boyfriend's niece and asked for her help. She decided that we would make Dexter the largest cat castle we possibly could.

User Testing

The first step was to gather our supplies: cardboard boxes, hot glue gun and glue, box cutter, ruler, twine, and decorations. Unlike the designs in the book, we did not plan on elaborate painting or carefully applied craft paper. Dexter loves to destroy cardboard boxes, so we wanted the design to be something that he could enjoy chewing into little pieces. So we put our elementary student in charge of interior decorating and design elements, while the grown-ups took care of cutting and gluing. We found that the hot glue gun did not have enough power to hold the larger boxes together and ended up using non-toxic wood glue.


One of the best design elements are two cat toys attached from high points of the castle with twine for Dexter to attack (though my favorite is probably Dexter's name spelled out in felt letters on one of the towers). This gives us a way to interact with Dexter and the castle and has encouraged him to engage in active play in his new castle, rather than just napping (although he is definitely getting some good naps). Overall, this was a fun and easily customizable project that I can recommend as an entertaining weekend activity for cat lovers of all ages.

King of the Castle

~Sarah, Adult Services

Staff Review: Tiny Hats on Cats by Adam Ellis

Last summer I put together a blog post highlighting some of our quirkier books for cat lovers. I should've recognized it as a warning sign because in October, I adopted a cat. I am now an official cat-owning librarian cliché. But look at this sweet face!

How could I say no?

Dexter (yes, he is named after the fictional serial killer) is a wonderful cat, but you might've noticed the Cone of Shame in his picture. No one has been happy with the (temporary) necessity of the Cone of Shame. It's both annoying and unfashionable, but it did remind me of that cat lover book list and one particular title on the list: Tiny Hats on Cats by Adam Ellis

Yes! This book will guide you in the crafting of tiny paper hats for your feline friends. Obviously, Dexter and I had to get in on this. So we gathered our supplies and got to work!

We decided to start with a simple top hat design. A real classic. The book provides patterns and directions for several basic shapes that can be combined in different ways to make different styles of hats. There are even tips on sizing the tiny hats to better perch on your cat's head. In this, my first attempt, I made a hat slightly too large for Dexter's dainty noggin.

I recommend crafting your hat in a room without your cat. Both to maintain the surprise and joy your cat will feel when presented with your finished hat, and because cats are naturally curious about what it is you are doing, yet completely unable to understand phrases like "Please don't step on that! The glue is wet!"

In the end we crafted a hat and Dexter was willing to wear it long enough to pose for a picture in exchange for two extra kibbles and extra play time with his favorite catnip mouse.

Do I recommend this book to others? Um, yes. The world needs more pictures of cats (and dogs?) in hats.

~Sarah, Adult Services

Nine Unexpected Craft Books

Crafts can be an amazing way to relieve stress. The creativity, the focus, the repetitive actions -- the entire process can create a calming atmosphere that makes your daily cares seem miles away. Although, these are exactly the same reasons that you might find your typical craft projects unbearably boring. Never to fear! We've gathered a few of our newest (and quirkiest!) craft books together to help you find your crafting inspiration.

DIY, Dammit!: a practical guide to curse-free crafting by Joselyn Hughes
(745.5 HUG) A comedian-turned-crafter, and creator of the popular web series DIY, Dammit!, shares what she's learned the hard way, in a full-color illustrated guide to DIY crafting that includes 35 projects -- including a dog bed, "Cutie Pie" pillows, and a beer poncho -- as well as a helpful list of resources.

The Organic Artist: make your own paint, paper, pigments, prints, and more from nature by Nick Neddo
(702.84 NED) It's time to go back to basics! If you're interested in art, but find that it's becoming an increasingly expensive hobby, The Organic Artist is just the book for you! It encourages us all to return to those days when art was made with all-natural materials, such as charcoal and birch bark. Immersing you in the natural world, The Organic Artist seeks to inspire creativity by connecting you to your organic roots.

Little Felted Dogs: easy projects for making adorable pups by Saori Yamazaki
(745.5924 YAM) Whether they adore their pugs, or wish they had a Pomeranian, dog lovers of all stripes will fall in love with these miniature versions of two dozen beloved breeds. Simple needle-felting instructions require only a small amount of wool and are easy enough for crafters to customize an homage to their own adorable mutts.

Handmade Lampshades: beautiful designs to illuminate your home by Natalia Price-Cabrera
(745.5932 PRI) This book is bursting with inspirational images, tips and ideas. Sixteen contemporary projects are covered in useful step-by-step tutorials.

Animal Heads: trophy heads to crochet by Vanessa Mooncie
(746.434 MOO) A collection of trophy animal head patterns to crochet to add whimsy to any room in your home. Featured are 10 faux taxidermy projects and detailed hand-drawn charts for each, along with a comprehensive techniques section to help you learn all the skills necessary.

Ancient Worlds, Modern Beads: 30 stunning beadwork designs inspired by treasures from ancient civilizations by Mortira vanPelt
(745.5942 VAN) In Ancient Worlds, Modern Beads, ancient inspirations meld with contemporary styles to create stunning jewelry projects for today's beading enthusiast. Author vanPelt offers readers 30 craft projects that are just perfect for both novice and experienced beaders.


The Art of Paper Weaving: 46 Colorful, Dimensional Projects by Anna Schepper
(745.54 SCH) Originating in Germany and refined in nineteenth-century Denmark and Norway, the charming, time-honored craft of paper weaving has been transformed by virtuoso paper crafters Anna and Lene Schepper into a modern art form with an amazing array of creative possibilities.

Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 F*cking Clever Designs for Your Sassy Side by Julie Jackson
(746.443 JAC) Tired of cheerful little bears and angels on frilly bookmarks and samplers that just don't do your sense of self-expression justice? Jackson has just the solution with her in-your-face cross stitch designs.

Knit Your Own Dinosaur by Sally Muir
(746.432 MUI) Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne are back with a new title in the Best in Show series. This time they have turned back time and delved into the fascinating prehistoric world with a collection of new patterns for dinosaurs and other creatures.

Nine Cat Books for Cat Lovers

It's a bit of a cliche that librarians are cat people, but it's definitely true that cats and libraries are a great combination. So whether you're a cat fanatic or just someone who thinks they're cute, we've put together a list of nine books that we think are purrfect!

You Need More Sleep: Advice from Cats by Francesco Marciuliano

(818.602 MAR) Our feline friends have spent eons observing, napping, pondering, napping, and taking notes about the human condition. In between naps, they've realized that we humans could use some catlike guidance when it comes to handling the ups and downs of life. In this book they've condescended to share their invaluable wisdom in short advice columns.

Cat is Art Spelled Wrong

(818.602 CAT) Fifteen writers, all addressing not just our fascination with cat videos, but also how we decide what is good or bad art, or art at all; how taste develops, how it can change, and why we love or hate something. It's about people and technology and just what it is about cats that makes them the internet's cutest despots.

Cat Zodiac: An Astrological Guide to the Feline Mystique by Maeva Considine

(133.5 CON) Brand-new cat owners, or those who have lived with a feline companion or two for years, need only look to the stars to demystify cat behaviors. This zodiac collection delves into the inner lives of cats, exploring each sun sign and offering character traits, lifestyle insights, and relationship inclinations to help cat owners learn to live in harmony with their unique pets.

Junji Ito's Cat Diary: Yon & Mu by Junji Ito
(MANGA Ito) Master of Japanese horror manga Junji Ito presents a series of hissterical tales chronicling his own real-life trials and tribulations in becoming a cat owner. Junji Ito has recently built a new house and has invited his fiancée, A-ko, to live with him. Little did he know ... his blushing bride-to-be has some unexpected company in tow: Yon, a ghastly-looking family cat, and Mu, an adorable Norwegian forest cat.

Cats Galore: A Compendium of Cultured Cats by Susan Herbert
(759.2 HER) Susan Herbert's delightful feline reimaginings of famous scenes from art, theater, opera and film have won her a devoted following. This unprecedented new compilation of her paintings provides an irresistible introduction to her world of cats, featuring previously unpublished images as well as a wide selection of her best-loved pieces.

Tiny Hats on Cats: Because Every Cat Deserves to Feel Fancy by Adam Ellis
(745.54 ELL) A fun and creative book for cat lovers, crafters, and pop-culture devotees alike. Readers will learn how to craft colorful and creative feline headgear from the book's step-by-step instructions. And in case you can't get enough feline haberdashery, you should also check out Cats in Hats: 30 Knit and Crochet Patterns for Your Kitty by Sara Thomas.

Shake Cats by Carli Davidson
(636.8 DAV) The fur flies in this irresistible third installment in the bestselling Shake series by popular pet photographer Carli Davidson, featuring adorable and hysterical color photographs of more than sixty cats caught mid-shake.

Catify to Satisfy: Simple Design Solutions for Creating a Feline-Friendly Home by Jackson Galaxy & Kate Benjamin
(636.8 GAL) In this book, Jackson Galaxy and Kate Benjamin show cat guardians everywhere how to use home design tricks to address everyday cat care issues. Featuring the amazing projects cat guardians from around the world have shared with Jackson and Kate -- design strategies for solving even the most daunting kitty challenges -- this book is the ultimate guide to creating a happy home for cat guardian and cat alike.

Simon's Cat: Off to the Vet by Simon Tofield
(741.5 TOF) In this brand new book we see Simon’s Cat face any feline’s most dreaded scenario – he’s off to the vet. And he’s not at all happy about it.

Nine Books for Plant Lovers with Black Thumbs

It's the time of year that even the blackest of thumbs start thinking about gardening. We here at Carnegie-Stout are getting in the gardening spirit too with a Tin Can Planter workshop on Saturday, May 28. Attendees will decorate a recycled tin can into an attractive planter. Registration is required for this program. You can register online on our Program Calendar, or you can call the Reference Desk at 563-589-4225.

To help you brainstorm what you might grow in your tin can planter, we've put together a container gardening reading list in our catalog.

And for anyone who thinks they might prefer to put cut flowers or even artificial flowers in their tin can planter, or who would rather read about gardeners than garden themselves, we've put together a reading list of Nine Books for Plant Lovers with Black Thumbs:

The flower chef: a modern guide to do-it-yourself floral arrangements by Carly Cylinder
A modern, comprehensive guide to floral design that caters to all readers--from beginners who have never worked with flowers before and are looking for a new creative outlet, to decorators, party planners and photographers looking to liven up their spaces.

My first ladies: twenty-five years as the White House chief floral designer by Nancy Clarke
For six administrations, Clarke designed the flowers and decorations for state dinners and planned the floral arrangements for the first family's private living quarters and weddings. She describes the inside story of her remarkable life at the White House, working with each first lady to help her find her own personal style for state dinners and holiday festivities.

The flower workshop: lessons in arranging blooms, branches, fruits, and foraged materials by Ariella Chezar
A master floral designer who has appeared in numerous magazines and is known for her hands-on flower workshops at FlowerSchool New York presents this lavishly illustrated guide to creating a vast array of floral projects, for all skill levels, that will enhance any surrounding with abundant beauty.

Japanese fabric flowers: 65 decorative kanzashi flowers to make by Sylvie Blondeau
Sylvie Blondeau shows you how to make 65 of these simply stunning designs. The projects are so easy and fun to make that you will soon be making them for every occasion.

Origami ikebana: create lifelike floral sculptures from paper by Benjamin John Coleman

The Japanese art of flower arranging is an age-old practice that honors nature and creates beauty through harmony and balance. This brand new book, Origami Ikebana, shows you how to create unique ikebana-inspired paper flower arrangements any time of the year.

Bloom and Doom by Beverly Allen
As the co-owner of the Rose in Bloom, Audrey Bloom creates magnificent flower arrangements for brides to be. Though helping to plan a wedding can be stressful, it's nothing compared to the groom turning up dead.

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
A mesmerizing, moving, and elegantly written debut novel, The Language of Flowers beautifully weaves past and present, creating a vivid portrait of an unforgettable woman whose gift for flowers helps her change the lives of others even as she struggles to overcome her own troubled past.

Thyme of Death by Susan Wittig Albert
Eager to open up an herb shop and get closer to the earth, China Bayles leaves behind her career in corporate law and moves to Pecan Springs, Texas, but a close friend's tragic death could end her happy plans.

Backyard by Norman Draper
When a local nursery introduces a gardening contest, the gardeners of Livia jump into the competition with a vengeance, including a middle-aged couple who risk their retirement savings, a garden witch, and a self-styled gardening expert.