See the world, one murder at a time

Summer was made for vacations and road trips, but if, like me, you can't find the time to get away, you might enjoy exploring new lands in the pages of a good book! We've put together a list of international mysteries from every corner of the globe for you to enjoy. All titles link to the print edition, but several are available as audiobooks or eBooks too. If the list is overwhelming, be sure to stop by the Recommendations Desk on the 1st floor to pick up an International Mysteries bookmark!

Click to view larger

Turkey
Hotel Bosphorus by Esmahan Aykol

Israel

The Missing File by D.A. Mishani

Iraq
The Wreckage by Michael Robotham
Egypt
The Golden Scales by Parker Bilal
Saudi Arabia
Finding Nouf by Zoe Ferraris

Botswana

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

Kenya

Nairobi Heat by Mukoma Wa Ngugi

Ghana

Wife of the Gods by Kwei Quartey

Nigeria

Treachery in the Yard by Adimchinma Ibe

South Africa

Random Violence by Jassy Mackenzie

The October Killings by Wessel Ebersohn  

India

Witness the Night by Kishwar Desai

The Case of the Missing Servant by Tarquin Hall

Japan

Villain by Suichi Yoshida

The Devotion of Suspect X by Keigo Higashino

North Korea

A Corpse in the Koryo by James Church

Laos

The Coroner’s Lunch by Colin Cotterill

Singapore

A Most Peculiar Malaysian Murder by Shamini Flint

Australia

Kittyhawk Down by Garry Disher

Blood Junction by Caroline Carver

Canada

Still Life by Louise Penny

Mexico

Mexico City Noir by Various

Brazil

Hotel Brasil by Frei Betto

Sweden

Sun Storm by Asa Larsson 

Misterioso by Arne Dahl

Iceland

Jar City by Arnaldur Indridason

Norway

Don’t Look Back by Karin Fossum

The Redbreast by Jo Nesbo

Denmark

The Boy in the Suitcase by Lene Kaaberbol & Agnete Friis 

France

Murder in the Marais by Cara Black

Germany

Kismet by Jakob Arjouni

A Trace of Smoke by Rebecca Cantrell

March Violets by Philip Kerr

Slovakia

Siren of the Waters by Michael Genelin

Greece

The Messenger of Athens by Anne Zouroudi

Italy

Temporary Perfections by Gianrico Carofiglio

Northern Ireland

Mr. Dixon Disappears by Ian Sansom 

Staff Review: Vintage by Susan Gloss

Set against the trendy backdrop of a vintage boutique in Madison, Wisconsin, Susan Gloss’s charming novel revolves around 30-something store owner Violet and the female customers she befriends.

Each chapter begins with an introduction to one of the shop’s retro items. Readers then become acquainted with a cast of women who, like the clothing and accessories in the boutique, have unique stories to tell and are beautiful, despite their flaws. Each character has recently encountered a challenge in her life, whether it be divorce, adultery, or an unplanned pregnancy. Even the vintage shop, which is a character in its own right, is struggling to survive in the neighborhood’s changing landscape.

As the lives of the characters grow more entwined, they find ways to help one another overcome their problems. Vintage becomes a celebration of life and death and stresses the importance of friendship and following your heart. The book’s outcome may be a bit sappy for some, but the optimistic, feel-good ending suits the overall tone of the story.

Readers looking for tales of female friendship and a touch of romance should check out this book. Despite the hardships plaguing the novel’s characters, Vintage remains sweet and upbeat. This, coupled with the fact that the chapters are easy to fly through and don’t require a great deal of concentration, makes the book perfect for a summer read. Author Susan Gloss also goes out of her way to bring the downtown area of Madison to life, making this a fun read for anyone familiar with the city.

-Abbey, Technical Services

July Magazines of the Month: Smithsonian & The Sun

Our July magazines of the month celebrate the culture and history of this great nation. The Smithsonian is a national collection of museums, archives, and research centers covering everything from history to space exploration. The Sun is a literary and photography magazine that began publication in a North Carolina garage in 1974.

The Smithsonian magazine is available to read through our Zinio collection on your tablet, smart phone, or computer. The magazine began publication in the 1970s, and issues are released monthly. You can learn more about the Smithsonian Institution here: www.si.edu and the Smithsonian magazine here: www.smithsonianmag.com

Sy Safransky is the man behind The Sun, and is in many ways a reflection of his ideals, including its dedication to physical print and keeping its pages ad-free. You can learn more about The Sun on their website: thesunmagazine.org

Boating and NASCAR Illustrated are our June Magazines of the Month

June is a perfect time of year for outdoor activities, which has inspired our selection for the magazines of the month: Boating and NASCAR Illustrated. That Father's Day is June 15th, and many fathers (including mine) enjoy both boats and NASCAR is an additional bonus.

Boating is a magazine for powerboat enthusiasts and publishes ten issues every year, as well as a yearly boat buying guide. Each issue covers industry developments, reviews of boating gear and accessories, boating safety guides, fishing information, and DIY projects.

You can check out a copy from the library, or learn more on their website: www.boatingmag.com

NASCAR Illustrated is, as the title suggests, packed with full color photographs from NASCAR races. In addition to the pictures, there are profiles, interviews, and features to appeal to any NASCAR fan.

There are additional photos and videos available through their website: www.nascar-illustrated.com

Staff Review: Last Night at the Blue Angel by Rebecca Rotert

Last Night at the Blue Angel by Rebecca Rotert
This book will be published on July 1, 2014.

I had trouble putting this one down, perhaps in part because I struggled to know who the protagonist is - the best kind of story! The two alternating narrators manage to be simultaneously devastating, encouraging and inspiring. Rotert beautifully explores love, passion, desire and responsibility through relationships between complex (mostly female!) characters. Most of the book is set in 1960's Chicago and includes struggles with sexuality, sexism, coming of age and civil rights. The story has a fascinating historical aspect, but is so urgent and heart-wrenching, it is timeless. Read if you love music, US history or asking lots of questions.

~Rachel, Technical Services

Spotlight on Audiobooks

As the end of the school year quickly approaches, and warm weather shuffles its way here, we're quickly reaching prime audiobook season. Whether you're listening to a book you downloaded from our OverDrive or One Click Digital collections as you do yard work, or a CD or MP3 audiobook is keeping you company on a cross country drive, Carnegie-Stout is hear to help you find something good to read!

Our Adult audiobook collections are located on the second floor (YA titles are in the Teen Zone, and kids' titles are in the Children's Room), and library staff would be happy to help you find a great read any time you stop in. If you aren't able to stop by for a chat, you can always use the Personal Recommendations form to tell us what sort of books you're looking for, and we'll create a list of suggestions just for you!

To get you started, I've put together a list of suggestions for you to check out:

Heart and Soul by Maeve Binchy; narrated by Sile Bermingham

Irish author Maeve Binchy is a Dubuque favorite. The pace in her stories is often relaxed and the tone is typically heartwarming and homespun. Start with Heart and Soul, set in an underfunded Dublin heart clinic, this story features a colorful cast of characters that range beyond the shores of Ireland. Audiobook narrator Sile Bermingham’s accent warmly evokes the setting and characters.

The Professional by Robert B. Parker; narrated by Joe Mantegna

Parker was known for his fast-paced mysteries, especially his Spenser series which gave a fresh take on the hardboiled detective. Witty humor and a complex plot are paired with compelling characters. Try The Professional, a thrilling mix wealth, power, affairs, blackmail, and murder. Joe Mantegna (of Criminal Minds) narrates, which provides a crisp and distinctive voice throughout the series.

The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert; narrated by Juliet Stevenson

Though you probably recognize Elizabeth Gilbert from her famous memoir (Eat, Pray, Love), she’s also an accomplished novelist. The Signature of All Things is the story of Alma Whittaker, born to a life of privilege in 19th century Pennsylvania, science is her true passion. Juliet Stevenson provides a masterful narration of Alma’s journey through life and love that captures the setting.

Fuzzy Nation by John Scalzi; narrated by Wil Wheaton

Scalzi, known for his engaging and offbeat science fiction, updates a science fiction classic, Little Fuzzy by H. Beam Piper, for modern readers. Snarky, unreliable Jack Halloway works as a prospector on a distant planet owned by the wealthy ZaraCorp, but the find of Jack's career quickly turns out to be worth more than his life. Wil Wheaton's (yes, that Wil Wheaton) wry narration is a great match for Jack.

Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter; narrated by Edoardo Ballerini

In 1962, an Italian innkeeper falls for an American starlet, an affair that is rekindled 50 years later. An upbeat and engaging novel for fans of character-driven literary romances. Narrator Edoardo Ballerini’s Italian accent and crisp delivery clearly captures the magic of this story.

Society’s Child by Janis Ian; narrated by Janis Ian

(Biog Ian) Grammy winner Janis Ian narrates her autobiography, which borrows its title from her famous song, “Society’s Child.” A fascinating behind the scenes look at the music world from the 1960s to today that incorporates Ian’s music, bringing an additional depth to the recording. Some of Ian's music is available for download through our Freegal collection as well (though not "Society's Child").

The Son by Philipp Meyer; narrated by: Will Patton, Scott Shepherd, and Kate Mulgrew

An epic family saga tracing the sometimes violent fortunes of a Texas family from the 19th century through to the modern age. The multiple perspectives of this 150+ year history each receive own narrator: Will Patton, Scott Shepherd, and Dubuque native Kate Mulgrew. The narrators add to the novel’s strong sense of place.

The Chaperone by Laura Moriarty; narrated by Elizabeth McGovern

An engaging historical novel, The Chaperone tells the story of Cora, small town wife and mother, who accompanies ingénue Louise Brooks to New York City in her quest for stardom. Elizabeth McGovern’s (Downton Abbey) skilled narration creates distinct voices for the characters, bringing the Roaring Twenties to life for listeners.

Six Years by Harlan Coben; narrated by Scott Brick

A compelling and intricately plotted stand-alone from a master of suspense thrillers, Six Years is a story of lost love and shattered expectations. Jake is devastated when the woman he loves marries another man, but when her husband dies six years later, Jake is forced to realize he never really knew Natalie. Narrator Scott Brick’s gravelly voice is a perfect match for the sarcastic Jake.