If, like us, you’ve been hooked on Apple TV’s grubby new spy thriller with Gary Oldman and Kristin Scott Thomas; you’ll LOVE the Mystery Book Club Pick for May — Mick Herron’s “Slow Horses.”
It is one of many selections readers will be devouring in advance of in-person and Zoom book chats.
Copies are available at the library; reserve yours using Live-brary, or stop by the circulation desk Monday to Saturday from 9:30 AM to 7 PM (closes at 5:30 PM on Saturday).
All are welcome to join. To sign up for the chats, visit the library’s online calendar.
Here’s the lineup in order of appearance:
Shelter Island Book Club
“The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper” by Phaedra Patrick — Widower Arthur Pepper finds an exquisite gold charm bracelet among his late wife’s possessions. This discovery leads Arthur on an epic odyssey to London, Paris, and India to understand her life before they met. Along the way, Arthur meets unforgettable characters and finds a way to regain hope and heal.
Tuesday, May 10 at 5 PM in the library’s Community Room
Willa Cather Book Club
“One of Ours” — Set in the early 1900s, Cather’s novel won the Pulitzer Prize. It tells the life story of Claude Wheeler, a restless Nebraskan who chafes at the life his successful farmer father and pious mother want for him. A romantic bored with the drudgery of farm life and in an unhappy marriage, Claude ultimately finds meaning on the battlefields of World War I France.
Saturday, May 28 at 2 PM via Zoom
Mystery Book Club
“Slow Horses” by Mick Herron — Where do you put a washed-up spy? London’s MI5 organization sends disgraced agents (the so-called ‘Slow Horses’) to Slough House to finish their failed careers. One of the disgraced agents, River Cartwright, finds an opportunity to get his career back on track when a young man is kidnapped, and his captors threaten to broadcast the beheading live on the internet. Filled with an array of remarkable characters, “Slow Horses” is a satirical page-turner that stylishly skewers bureaucrats, politics, and the spy game.
Monday, May 23 at 5:30 PM in the lower level Community Room
Shakespeare in Community
“King Lear” — Considered one of Shakespeare’s most powerful tragedies, this play tells the story of the aged King Lear, who divides his kingdom among his three daughters. Unfortunately, two betray him, and Lear’s misjudgment leads to chaos, madness, and warfare. Join writer Becky Cole to dive deep into this masterful story of ignorance and deceit.
Saturday, May 28 at 12:30 PM via Zoom
