74°F
weather icon Clear

Great Summer Reads

Whether you will be spending time at home or away this summer, the season's longer days provide plentiful opportunities to get lost in a world other than your own. Here are five great book series to help you pass the time.

Matthew Reilly's Deadly Wonders

Soldiers from several small countries join together to stop rival groups of global superpowers from achieving world domination. According to Deanna Duffy, who orders books for the Boulder City Library's adult collection, the series is a "fun blast of action adventure" and ideal for anyone who enjoys over-the-top action movies. She cautions that the books need to be read in order. Some of the books in the series are available in audio versions.

Craig John's Longmire

These Western-mysteries follow Walt Longmire, a widower and sheriff, as he chases criminals across a large county in Wyoming. "These are perfect summer reads because they're set in the mountains of Wyoming," Duffy said, noting readers can picture themselves slogging through the snow along with Walt while they are melting in the desert heat. Although best read in order, "you can drop in anywhere," she said. The books are available in regular print, large print, audio, downloadable audio and ebooks. And the series was the basis for the Longmire television series; seasons one through three are available on DVD at the library, with season four to be released on Netflix in the fall.

Shelly Laurenston's Pride

Offering light-hearted fun and tales of paranormal/fantasy romance, this series is best known for its strong female characters and humor.

Donna Andrews' Meg Langslow

This series of mysteries is light-hearted and funny, according to Duffy. They do not need to be read in order, and early books in the series are available in regular print and ebooks, while newer additional can be found in all formats.

Jon Land's Caitlin Strong

Caitlin Strong is a fifth-generation Texas Ranger. The series of thrillers follows her adventures. Duffy said the series came about after a conversation between the author and his editor, who had been part of a conversation "bemoaning the fact with all the thrillers out there, bought predominantly by women, there wasn't a single female thriller series hero." They are best read in order.

MOST READ
THE LATEST
Soaring like an Eagle

By Abby Francis

Hall makes a musical journey from Charleston to BC

When the 2023 inductees to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame were announced last week, one newer resident of Boulder City had more of an emotional stake in the outcome than most.

Boulder City a popular spot for Hollywood shoots

Filming movies, television shows or commercials in Las Vegas is very common. But over the years, Boulder City has seen its fair share of moments on the both the big and small screen as well as the pages of many magazines.

Best Bets, March 9-15

1 READY TO ROCK: The Rock, Roll & Stroll fundraiser for the Senior Center of Boulder City’s Meals on Wheels program will be presented from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in Bicentennial Park, 999 Colorado St. The fifth annual event will include a car show, games, food and music by DJ Mike Pacini. For more information, call 702-293-3320.

Best Bets, March 2-8

1 MUSIC MAKER: Singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Ted Sablay will perform at the Boulder Dam Brewing Company from 7-10 Saturday night. A native of Wisconsin, Sablay now calls Las Vegas home. He has spent much of the past 20 years as a touring member and regular collaborator with The Killers. He debuted his first album as a solo artist in 2022. The Brewpub is at 453 Nevada Way. Call 702-243-2739 or visit www.boulderdambrewing.com for more information.

Best Bets, Feb. 23-March 1

1 FANTASTIC THEATER: The Young Hearts Theater Group, sponsored by Boulder City United Methodist Church, will present C.S. Lewis’ classic fantasy tale “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe” at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Elaine K. Smith Building, 700 Wyoming St. Admission is free.

Best Bets, Feb. 16-22

1 MORE MOVIES: The Dam Short Film Festival returns for its 19th incarnation and with in-person screenings, but at a new location. Scheduled Thursday through Monday at the Elaine K. Smith Building, 700 Wyoming St., the festival will screen 153 short films in about 30 programs. Tickets are $12.50 per program, $45 for a full-day pass and $150 for an event pass. Visit www.damshortfilm.org for more information.

Best Bets, Feb. 9-15

1 RED CARPET READY: Celebrity couples will be roaming the streets downtown Saturday as the Best Dam Wine Walk hosts its monthly event. Scheduled from 4-8 p.m., with check-in through 6:30 at My 4 Sons Comic Cards, 1308 Wyoming St., the wine walk provides an opportunity to visit local businesses, often after their regular hours. Admission is $25 per person, plus Eventbrite fees, in advance or $30 at check-in.