The third annual Lanier Library Mystery Festival is scheduled to take place on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 19-20.

“Each year, it gets a little more elaborate,” Keeran said. “This year, we introduce an original Lanier Library mystery, written by local author Mark Schweizer and featuring a bunch of local suspects. It will be the foundation for the hunt for clues in the library stacks by teams of amateur sleuths, with the team solving the murder first claiming the reward.” 

During the event, which takes place from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 19, the library will serve a banquet meal of bourbon marinated flank steak, two kinds of pork roast, au gratin potatoes, a variety of salads and cheeses, mixed berry trifle and pumpkin roll. For those who enjoy a beverage with their meal, there is the “Oxford Bar” made famous by Rebus, Ian Rankin’s famous Edinburgh detective.

“Each year, we offer a signature cocktail in addition to wine,” Keeran said. “This year, it was decided Bloody Mary’s fit the theme, so there will be a Bloody Mary bar with all the fixin’s. And, of course, there are nonalcoholic beverages as well.”

The event is limited to 50 people.

Also that evening, Tracy Revels, Wofford College History Chair and Sherlock Holmes scholar, will present “Historical Mysteries and Scandals,” where she promises to spill the beans on “all the fun, naughty stories you don’t ever get to hear,” she said. 

From 1 to 4 p.m. the next day, Edgar Award-winning playwright and author Phillip DePoy will lead a workshop on “Telling Your Story Through Dialogue.” 

“Dialogue is an essential element of both novels and plays, and lots of fun to write, workshop and read aloud,” DePoy said.

The workshop is limited to 15 participants.

Those interested in learning more may visit thelanierlibrary.org or call the library at 828-859-9535.

– Submitted by Clare O’Sheel