Book 'Em Mystery Readers Discussion Group

The history of Book 'Em

Book 'Em began in January of 1995 with the reading of the will of a fictional wealthy recluse and mystery buff, Orson W. Klingelmeyer. Our fictional benefactor, who enjoyed all types of mysteries  from the classics to the thrillers, to the hometown cozies, to the psychotics and exotics, to detective and police work in many different countries and lifestyles, wanted to bring together people who enjoyed reading and discussing mysteries. Mr. Klingelmeyer left us $1.37 to start a discussion group that would be called "Book 'Em," and entrusted us to pass on this legacy. 

20^th Year Celebration – 2015 -  We celebrated the completed writing of our own mystery book – Murder on Whiskey Row.  The book sales were a memorial fundraiser for the Friends of the Peoria Public Library in honor of our founder, Joyce Welsch. The book may be found at several local area libraries.

We are a fun mystery reader’s book club. It is not necessary to have read the book from the monthly selection to participate in the discussion, and have fun.

We meet

• 3rd Sunday of every month at Lakeview Branch Library at 1137 W. Lake Avenue, 61614, Peoria, (309) 497-2200.
• Time is from 2 - 4 p.m. If there is a special program, the time could be adjusted. You are always welcome to come a little earlier or stay a little later to chat.
• All changes - date, time, and location are determined at the end of the year with the book selection and printed on the Book ‘Em bookmark.
• If there are any changes that occur during the year, members are notified if possible, the month before, or by mail, or email.
• Our book discussions are led by different members each month. After the discussion, we rate how good a discussion the book generated (not how we liked the book).
• We read a Christmas mystery for December, have treats and socialize.

Book 'Em offers you the following:

• A chance to meet interesting people who share the love of mysteries.
• Suggestions for ideas for future books or authors to read.
• Information on mystery events, authors and books.
• Occasional guest speakers: authors, professionals related to subject matter
• Bookmarks printed just for our group.

Contact us

·         Book 'Em Mystery Readers Discussion Group
Peoria Public Library – Lakeview Branch
For information call: 309-697-2451 or 657-6450

January 20-  - The Late Show by Michael Connelly

Detective Renee Ballard-demoted to street officer for filing a sexual harassment complaint against a supervisor - is working the night shift in Hollywood when she catches two murder cases that she can’t let go of.

February 17 - - I’ve Got My Eyes On You by Mary Higgins Clark

Aline Dowling, older sister of murdered Kerry Dowling, puts her own life in danger trying to assist the Prosecutor’s Office in learning the truth.

March 17 - - The Cutting Edge by Jeffery Deaver

Lincoln Rhyme, and his new wife Amelia, who, along with NYPD, confront the Fiancé Killer who is targeting newly engaged couples.

April 28 -  - Look Alive twenty-Five by Janet Evanovich

Stephanie Plum takes over as manager at the Red River Deli in Trenton. The last three managers have vanished. The police are baffled. Lulu is convinced it is alien abductions. Stephanie will use the clues, one shoe left from each manager, to find a path through this mystery.

May 19 - Pgs 307 - A Is For Alibi by Sue Grafton

The first book of the alphabet series and the introduction of private investigator, Kensey Millhone. Millhone picks up the cold trail of the killer of her clients murdered husband.

June 16 -  - Y Is For Yesterday – read and compare1st & last ones

A dark and disturbing case of rape and murder from 1979. Ten years later, a missing tape to the rape and murder surfaces with a demand for ransom money. A sociopath with a grudge stalks Kensey Millhone as she is drawn into this family drama.

July 21 -  - Dance of the bones by J. A. Jance

Detectives J.P. Beaumont and Brandon Walker join forces to solve a four decades old cold case of a murdered prospector. Brandon’s involvement with the killer of recent multiple homicides may hold the key to the old case.

August 18 -  - IQ by Joe Ide

A resident of one of LA’s toughest neighborhoods uses his blistering intellect to solve the crimes the LAPD can’t, or won’t, solve. From murders to missing children he charges his clients only what they can afford. They call him IQ.

September 15 -  Dark Sacred Night by Michael Connelly

Renee Ballard helps Harry Bosh solve a cold case of a 15 year old runaway who was brutally murdered.

October 20 -- Twisted Prey by John Sanford – #1 in Prey Series

Lucas Davenport, now a Federal Marshall, confronts an old nemesis who is now a U.S. Senator. Never able to prove it, he is sure she is responsible for three murders; a psychopath who he is sure will commit murder, again.

November 17 - - The President Is Missing by Bill Clinton/James Patterson

A breathtaking story from the pinnacle of power. A president, confronting the world’s darkest threats with the highest stakes, vanishes – without a trace. The thriller of the decade – The President is missing!

December 15 -  - Still Life, Louise Penny

A Local resident of Three Pines, Canada, is found dead in the woods. Chief Inspector, Armand Gamache, is certain Jane Neal died at the hands of someone much more sinister than a careless bow hunter.