Preview Shelf -- Halloween Means Scary Books

A new Deborah Knott mystery at the Crawfordsville District Public Library is "Death's Half Acre" by Margaret Maron in which developers' shoddy mansions change a pretty North Carolina countryside and controversy arises over a suspicious murder. "Breathing the Out Ghost" by Kirk Curnutt is a "noir" thriller about problem solvers obsessed with their quests. "The Assassin" by Stephen Coonts begins with a dangerous Al Qaeda leader's escape and his group's desire to kill the complaining political leaders he had targeted. Requested fiction "Death Angel" by Linda Howard is a cat and mouse thriller. Two new large paperbacks for Civil War buffs are "Arms and Equipment of The Union" and "Arms and Equipment of The Confederacy", both from the Time-Life Books series called Echoes of Glory. Along with authenticated stories of war experiences, the small arms, personal effects, music, flags, and artillery are pictured bringing to life the realities of the period for both sides. "American Patriot" by Robert Coram is the story of the life and wars of Colonel Bud Day, through World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, the POW who was the roommate of John McCain , and later passionate advocate for veterans' rights. John McCain's own book is "Why Courage Matters". Bernard Goldberg offers political commentary in "Crazies to the Left of me, Wimps to the Right, How One Side Lost Its Mind and the Other Lost Its Nerve". Maria Shriver's "Just Who Will You Be?" is her personal story. The Journal Review's book "Essentials of Montgomery County: Things to See and Do 2008-2009" is full of useful updated information. Books about other places include "Havana: Autobiography of a City" by Alfredo Estrada, "The Unofficial Guide to Cruises" by Kay Showker, "Rome" from Dictionaries of Civilization emphasizing its artifacts and history as well as landmarks, "The Winter Camping Handbook" by Stephen Gorman, "The Hudson" by Frances Dunwell describing its history and all the places along its shores, and Fodor's "Colorado" with detailed coverage of the National Parks and a pullout map. Books about the kitchen are varied. One that is fun to read because it looks homemade (it isn't ) is "The Vegetable Dishes I Can't Live Without" by Mollie Katzen. "Pressure Cooker Recipes" by Vickie Smith is a big paperback explaining the method with hundreds of quick instructions. "Robin to the Rescue" is Robin Miller's collection of simple but delicious recipes. "The 4-Ingredient Diabetes Cookbook" of recipes using few ingredients is designed by Nancy Hughes. There's "The Kodak Guide to Digital Photography" by Rob Sheppard. "KISS - Keep it Short and Simple" is a short guide to better writing by Jacquie Ream. "The Braided Rug Book" shows how to make this American folk floor covering by Norma and Elizabeth Sturges. There's "The Ultimate Cheapskate's Road Map to True Riches", a practical guide to spending less by Jeff Yeager. "The Stark Reality of Stretching" by Steven Stark is "an informed approach for all activities and every sport". "Hi, Dad!" is a story about Frank Land who founded the fraternal organization for young men aged 13 to 21 called the Order of DeMolay. "The Andy Griffith Show Book" by Ken Beck and Jim Clark includes scripts, lists of characters, special remembrances, and instructions how to join the Rerun Watchers Club headquartered in Nashville. "Unbelievably Good Deals and Great Adventures That You Absolutely Can't Get Unless You're Over 50" by Joan Heilman features bargains on tours, classes, and products.