Corpse of Discovery

From the author of "Murdermobile" Clear the streets, the magenta bookmobile is back, in another tale of mayhem, intrepid librarians and quirky bookmobile patrons in Oregon's slightly-off-kilter Rose City. This is pre-"Portlandia" Portland, with a mother lode of colorful characters, from has-been Rajneeshee cultists who let it all hang out (on a nude beach) to the practical joking great-great-great grandson (or something) of Sacajawea. Get cozy as fiery-haired librarian-on-wheels Hester Freelove McGarrigle and her pizza-eating Maine Coon cat follow the clues with dishy, trail-running, slightly OCD-ish Detective Nate Darrow. In the end, Hester and her history-loving colleagues paddle in the path of Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery -- in authentic dugout canoes -- on what becomes a desperate voyage down the Great River of the West. Literary laughs, librarian love and a little lunacy fill this fun weekend read. (Bonus in the back: a recipe from Hester's kitchen.)