Library Offers Murder, Most English

In honor of Halloween, we’re taking a look at some of the best and creepiest mystery series of the British TV invasion. Again, I need to thank our own Miss Marple, Karen Covey, for sleuthing out these great titles and adding her 2 pence about them.

“From Conan Doyle and Agatha Christie up to P.D. James and Ruth Rendell, the Brits have a knack for writing enthralling and complex mysteries,” Karen said. “These shows have the same level of ingenuity and atmosphere in addition to great acting. The library is a great way to get addicted to British mysteries.”

This is Karen’s list:

Inspector Morse: The great John Thaw in his best known role as cranky, opera loving Inspector Morse and Kevin Whatley as the much put upon Sergeant Lewis. With logic, dry wit and ale they solve an immeasurable number of murders that occur in Oxford, England

Prime Suspect: Award winning actress Helen Mirren potrays DCI Jane Tennyson. DCI Tennyson fights for a place in a male dominated profession as she faces many personal demons of her own while pursuing the scourge of London. Due to the disturbing story line, this gritty crime drama is not for the weak.

Cracker: Robbie Coletrane portrays criminal psychologist, Edward Fitzgerald, who by his own admission drinks and gambles to much. Fitz as he is known is able to alienate just about everyone he comes in contact with-criminal and detectives.

Dalziel and Pascoe: Detective Superintendent Andrew Dalziel is another robust, brash anti-hero crime solving genius. He partners with the well-educated but polar opposite Detective Sergeant Peter Pascoe to solve the crimes that plague Yorkshire, England.

Midsomer Murders is a favorite among British Mysteryophiles. DCI Tom Barnaby solves the grisly murders that overwhelm the fictional county of Midsomer. His clever and laidback manner in solving these crimes sometimes irks those who work under him.

In addition to these murderously good titles, Karen recommends these series for those who enjoy the traditional Golden Age cozy mysteries: Agatha Christie, Herucle Poirot, Lord Peter Wimsey, Inspector Roderick Alleyn, Inspector Lynley.

And these are “good, gritty mysteries,” according to Karen: Wire in the Blood, Touch of Evil, Rebus, Vice.

Next month, we’ll take a look at some of the best British miniseries. Til then, we’ll see you Sherlocks at the library.

Documentary Madness

To celebrate its 20^th year, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival has scheduled an amazing line-up of documentaries from all over the world. The historic Malco theater in downtown Hot Springs provides a great atmosphere for the yearly festival. The festival kicked off on opening night with a performance from ‘The Foul Play Cabaret’-Hot Springs’ own relatively new burlesque troupe. There have been numerous workshops, including film making tips and graffiti art appreciation. Never does Central Avenue get more crowded than when the marquee lights come on signifying the beginning of this fantastic display of talent from places in the universe that many of us will never get to see with our own eyes. Directors fly in from all directions to speak of the films they have devoted so much of their lives and time to. Dan Anderson, the film fest director and Jim Miller, the assistant director have lost more sleep in the last month then anyone may ever know. They have been tirelessly viewing final cuts, reading artists’ bios, making international phone calls, and tying up every lose end in sight. The Malco volunteers have cancelled their plans and nixed their social calendars in order to ensure that concession stands are being manned, seats are being found in the darkness of the theaters, and filmmakers are being treated like the celebrities they’ve become if only for this moment. The dedicated screening committee volunteers watched hundreds of hours of films and sat through heated debates to pick only the very best for this year’s festival. One film everyone agreed on was “All Me: The Life and Times of Winfred Rembert,” about an artist who shapes and dyes intricate leather pictures of moments from his past. This film is showing Friday, October 21^st at 6:00 pm and his art will be on display at The Taylor Gallery in downtown Hot Springs. Another must see film is the Arkansas premier of “Paradise Lost 3: Purgatory” about the recently freed West Memphis Three. This film will only be shown on Friday the 21^st at 8:35pm. And for a little comic relief, be sure to check out “The Vacuum Kid.”

The Garland County Library also has a huge selection of documentary films. Award winners like “The King of Kong,” biographical films like “Marwencol,” and just plain awesome documentaries like “Speedo: a Demolition Derby Love Story.” Come check out a film, take it home, and make your own popcorn.

Get more out of life… Go to a movie!

Library Staff Member Wins Video Award

Brook Olsen had the winning entry in the Arkansas Library Association's "Why I Love My Library" Video Contest. Congratulations to Brook! We can't wait for the sequel.