Supper Sleuths, a mystery discussion group, meets every second Tuesday evening of the month (except July & August) at 6:00 pm. You are encouraged to bring a brown bag snack to enjoy at the meeting. Each month focuses on a distinct theme. Participants share round-table reviews of titles they have read and learn about new titles to add to their reading lists. Drop ins welcome.

The next Supper Sleuths Discussion takes place October 8, 2019 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm in the Lecture Hall.

In 2019 we are exploring selections tracing the development of the mystery genre. This month we are exploring

Post War and Second Golden Age – Specialization

Last month we talked about inclusion by focusing on female PIs, but ethnic and racial representation improved during this second golden age period, as well.

An additional popular Post War development was the mystery that featured a specialization as an added appeal factor.

For this meeting read at least one mystery that features a diverse protagonist (Rabbi Small, Father Dowling, Virgil Tibbs), or

was written by a diverse author (Valerie Wilson Wesley, Eleanor Taylor Bland, Gar Anthony Harwood), or

features a specialization (Dick Francis horse racing; Diane Mott Davidson catering; Harlan Coben sports; Patricia Cornwell forensics) .

  • Plan your book discussion to last about 5 minutes, leaving time for comments and conversation.
  • Include title, author, and subgenre (cozy, thriller)

Potential discussion may include

  • Research on the author
  • Why the book was chosen
  • Anything that makes it unique
  • Setting
  • Character (s)
  • Mood (funny, dark)
  • Theme – central idea or life lesson
  • If the book offered anything surprising or new
  • A significant passage.
  • Positives and negatives

CAUTION: do no reveal too much! If you give away key components of the story, or the ending, it won’t be as much fun for others to read.

THIS IS A DROP IN BOOK GROUP. IT IS NOT NECESSARY TO HAVE READ A MYSTERY TO ATTEND – (but probably more fun…)

SCHEDULE for 2019 Supper Sleuths

  • January 8:  The beginning. (1841-1899)
  • February 12:  Pre-Golden Age (1900-20)
  • March 14 (note Thursday):  Golden Age (1920-40s)
  • April 11 (note Thursday):  Pulp Fiction; Hardboiled Private Eyes
  • May 14:  Post War and Second Golden Age – Regionalism
  • June 11: Free Read
  • September 10: Post War and Second Golden Age – Inclusion 1982: year of the female PI
  • October 8: Post War and Second Golden Age – Specialization
  • November 12:  Third Golden Age? – New authors
  • December 10: Free Read