Fireworks and the 4th of July go hand in hand, so an easy choice for this post was Fireworks: the Science, the Art, and the Magic, by Susan Kuklin. Yes, it's a kid's book, but there's just enough information on how the fireworks are made (it's a family business here) to satisfy my curiosity. There are pictures on setting up a show, safety measures for the crew and audience, what factors they have to take into account (wind direction, cloud cover). There are many designs, too, each with a different display and there are some great pictures and descriptions of those. And, at the end, we learn a bit about the Grucci Family, who have been in this business since 1850.

Tinker's Cove has a problem ... the annual fireworks show has been canceled because of a lichen ... one that is on the Endangered list. Then nudists, make that naturists, show up at a local lake. Lucy's dog keeps escaping his kennel and chasing the neighbor's chickens. When the naturists express an interest in participating in the annual parade that is canceled. Local lobstermen find their traps have been poached. At the center of all this is Pru Pratt, who later is found dead. All in the week leading up to July 4th. Star Spangled Murder, by Leslie Meier is another of the Lucy Stone Mysteries. (One odd error, however, the last word of the last line of the Star Spangled Banner is 'brave' not 'free' .... on every verse).

Remember, this can be a scary holiday for animals, keep them safe.

Reading Hermit With Dog