The Killing Way

The Killing Way by Tony Hays is a new Arthurian detective mystery. Lord Arthur is expected to be nominated by the retiring Rigatomus as his successor when a young servant girl is found murdered, apparently by Merlin. Arthur believes that Merlin was framed, but if he is perceived to be protecting a guilty friend he will be prevented from claiming the throne. To find the truth he turns to Malgwyn ap Cuneglas, a warrior whose cunning mind attracted Arthur’s attention while battling the Saxons.

This is not the traditional King Arthur story. Even a reader who goes into the book expecting a lack of fairy tales and magic will find that things have been changed, particularly the familial relationships and history of some of the characters. That reader will also find a historically authentic feeling result. Historical mystery fans and those who like well researched reimaginings of Arthurian legend will hope that we see more of Malgwyn soon.

-- Kristen, Main Library

The Dayton Metro Library Means Business!

Join the Main Library on Thursday, April 30 from 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. as we open our doors early for a look at the various resources the library offers businesses, professionals, and nonprofit groups. We will have refreshments, a short behind-the-scenes tour, and demonstrations of our free premium databases and other resources for businesses. Please RSVP to David Slivken at 937-496-8504.

Get Your Boov Groove On

If you ever find yourself wanting something really funny to read, as a pick me up, or simply because you are in the mood to laugh-out-loud, consider The True Meaning of Smekday. With parts that are reminiscent of both The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime, it is hard to keep a straight face. The protagonist, Tip, an eleven year old girl, is on a road trip to Florida, with the company of a cat named Pig, and an alien named J. Lo. Did I mention that the year is 2013, and aliens have invaded? While everyone in the United States is being herded towards a reservation in Florida, much hilarity ensues involving learning to drive, scavenging for food, and dealing with the alien overlord. Though this book is part of the children’s collection, adults will find it just as entertaining. Also check out the Smekday website.

The Work of J.G. Ballard

Author J.G. Ballard passed away on Sunday, April 19. You may be familiar with his novels Empire of the Sun and Crash, both of which also inspired film adaptations. You can find these (books and movies) at the library along with many of his other works, such as Super-Cannes, The Kindness of Women, and Concrete Island.

-- Kristen, Main Library

Author Appearance

The Dayton View branch library will be hosting a book signing and meet & greet with #1 Essence Bestselling Author Victoria Christopher Murray Friday, April 24 at 6:00 PM. Also appearing are Vanessa Miller & C. Kelly Robinson, writing as Xavier Knight. The library stocks many of Victoria Murray's titles, including these:

Go Green

Earth Day is in April and the Belmont branch library is celebrating with a Go Green Craft. We will be using recycled items to make crafts like book journals. Come learn ideas to help keep our Earth green at 6:30 this Monday, April 20.

Bargain Books

The Dayton Metro Library Booksale, hosted by the Friends of the Library, will be at Hara Arena again April 24-26. The hours will be Friday 4-8, Saturday 10-7, and Sunday (everything you can carry for $1 day) 1-3 or while supplies last. Come out for some great bargains and to help the Friends help the Library.