“Reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated” – Mark Twain

You often see references to some famous person’s last words. On his deathbed, Oscar Wilde supposedly said “Either that wallpaper goes or I go.” No one can prove it happened but it makes a great story. Here are some recommendations of books with “death” in the title.

“Sentenced to Death” is part of a series by Lorna Barrett called Booktown Mysteries, set in the village of Stoneham, New Hampshire. Bookstore owner Tricia Miles is the main character, and the stories revolve around a small group of businesses on the town square. Quirky characters abound, giving the books a homey feeling. As you might guess, the Booktown series has several installments — fifteen the last time I checked — beginning with “Murder is Binding.”

One of my favorite southern writers is Susan Wittig Albert. “Chile Death” follows former Texas lawyer and current herb shop owner China Bales as she tries to figure out who killed one of the judges in a chili cook-off. Albert’s stories are as much about Texas history, folklore, and herbal medicine as about whatever murder China focuses on. They also touch on family — what it means in all its incarnations. The China Bales series begins with “Thyme of Death,” and believe it or not there are 27 more, each one packed with information on natural medicine and cooking with herbs.

If you’ve enjoyed legal thrillers by John Grisham and Scott Turow, you may want to try “Death Row” by William Bernhardt. The author is a former trial attorney who brings his own experience into his stories. This particular one follows Ben Kincaid, an Oklahoma attorney who tries to get a death sentence overturned after new evidence comes to light. He is working under a tight time restraint since the execution date is looming. This is a fast-moving, gritty and violent read with a lot of coarse language — and don’t get too attached to a character, good or bad! This book also debates the pros and cons of the death penalty.

On a lighter note, we go to “Glow of Death” by Jane Cleland. Josie Prescott is an antiques dealer and appraiser. Her job necessitates going into people’s homes to evaluate certain pieces, with the aim of selling or insuring them. Naturally, since large amounts of money are involved, there’s murder involved also! I find Cleland’s books to be a compendium of knowledge about what makes some old piece valuable and collectible. She definitely knows her stuff.

Former prosecutor Linda Fairstein has given us legal thrillers like “Entombed” and “The Bone Vault.” “Death Dance” takes place in the New York City theater district. It features assistant district attorney Alex Cooper and two NYPD officers who go undercover to investigate the disappearance of a world-famous prima ballerina. Theater people — some friends, some jealous rivals, some patrons of the arts — all come under scrutiny in this case. The fast-moving plot has the immediacy of a chase and a host of red herrings to keep you guessing up to the end.

“Downward Facing Death” by Michelle Kelly intrigued me because of my interest in yoga. Keely Carpenter returns to her hometown of Belfrey, England to open a health food café and give yoga classes. The building she chooses is her late father’s old butcher shop, but a townsperson is found murdered there a few days before opening. Various residents (who have their own reasons for not wanting Keely in town) come under suspicion. Besides the mystery element, you also get some of Keely’s healthful recipes, like tofu scrambles, vegetable moussaka, and spicy root vegetable curry.

Whether it’s treated seriously or lightly, we have to admit that death is THE big mystery. Maybe that’s why there are so many books with “death” in the title. Happy reading!

Kaye West retired from the Henry County Library System. She enjoys reading, taking daily walks, and spending time with friends.  She lives in McDonough with her husband.