Our library is having an afternoon with the author for all library volunteers. The author this year is Laura Lippman. Though mystery is my genre, I've read none of hers. What are your suggestions? Are her books in a series or stand alones? What do you suggest for a first read? Thanks.   M'ann

How exciting!  I love to meet my favorite authors.

I've not read any Laura Lippman either but it looks as though she write a series as well as stand alones.  If you go here: http://www.stopyourekillingme.com/L_Authors/Lippman_Laura.html    you'll find all her books.  She seems to garner a lot of awards so I think you'll be safe with whatever you pick!

I think I might add some of her stuff to my WL/RL.

Laura Lippman (hometown girl) has written the Tess Monaghan series which is best read somewhat in order.  She has lost her job as a reporter and becomes a private detective.  She doesn't write "fluff"and most have good plots and interesting characters. Many of her books take place in the Baltimore area.  She also writes stand alone books based loosely on news events (murders, kidnappings, etc.) that happened in the Baltimore area over the past 30 years or so.  I enjoy her books very much.

FYI, she is married to David Simon, one of the creators/producers/writers of The Corner and The Wire, which were seen on HBO. 

Back in 2007, I read one of her stand-alones, What the Dead Know, and thought it was excellent. Among its honors were: 2008 Barry Award for Best Novel,  2008 Macavity Award for Best Novel, Finalist 2008 Anthony Award for Best Mystery Novel and Finalist 2008 Gold Dagger Award.

Thank all of you for your suggestions. Because of them, I have from the library her first of the Tess Monaghan series. I'll certainly want to see if the library has What the Dead Know. I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing her.    M'ann