Mystery authors at public library

The Morgan County Public Library in Berkeley Springs will wrap up its summer reading program, "Get a Clue @ Your Library" with a visit by two authors on Saturday, August 18.

Carol (Pittman) Exline of Warfordsburg, Pa. will kick off the final day of the program with a book signing from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The first four books of her "Woodmont Mystery" series will be available. The four books — Screams in the Dark, Haunting Cries in the Mist, Secrets from the Grave and Never Alone use local landmarks and names.

The series is set in the fictional town of Woodmont, and Grandville Manor, featured in all of her books, is based on a house she passes to and from work every day. A castle, much like the one in Berkeley Springs, is also featured in her books. Her characters are based on a compilation of people who have passed by her.

For the last 13 years, Exline has worked at a weekly paper in Mercersburg, Pa. The paper has played a big part in inspiring her writing career. When not working on her mysteries, she reviews and edits short stories posted in an online writers group. She is also a member of the National Writers Association and Sisters in Crime.

At 11 a.m., John Douglas, editor of The Morgan Messenger, will be at the library to discuss mystery writing. He will be reading from his three mystery novels— Shawnee Alley Fire, Blind Spring Rambler and Haunts.

He is also the author of two books with regional interest — George Washington & Us and the soon-to-be-released Joltin' Jim, about the Country Music career of Jim McCoy.

On Saturday afternoon, the final event of the children's summer reading program will take place at 4 p.m. at the gazebo in Berkeley Springs State Park, with a drawing for the end-of-program prizes.