Our January selections for Beyond the Bestseller List are an eclectic bunch, with something to please all of our patrons.

Humor fans, check out Secondhand Smoke by Karen E. Olson. It is a funny and fast-paced mystery set in New Haven, CT. This is Ms. Olson's second book featuring reporter Annie Seymour, and I hope we see more from her in the future.

Parting Shot is another mystery we recommend. A news reporter covers the story of sniper attacks while dealing with his failing marriage. The author, Jonathan Stone, is a New Canaan resident.

In non-fiction, Every Mother is a Daughter is a gem of a book written by a pair of gifted writers who just happen to be mother and daughter.

We seem to be having a home building boom here in town. One book we have recommended that has proven to be popular is What Not to Build. This book takes a look at architectural options for the facade of new houses. Written by two designers and an architect, it will help home builders and buyers apply good design principles.

Happy new year of reading from your library!