Lucky Day

At Kitsap Regional Library a little green shamrock sticker denotes a “lucky day” book—one that’s reshelved right away instead of going to the next person on the hold list. Today I got lucky at KRL’s main branch. After all, what’s the expected shelf life of the latest Robert Crais novel in the new-book section during a rainy Saturday afternoon in February?

Today’s trip to the library was a “cupboard is bare” visit. None of my holds had come in, and I hadn’t browsed the catalog from home for ideas. Last night I started a couple of books by unknown (to me) authors, rejecting both after a few pages. Desperate for something to read, my plan was to browse the new-book shelves and hope for the best. And there, in plain sight, available to all, was The Sentry by bert Crais (“Ro” was shamrocked out). As casually as I could, I grabbed it with both hands, hugged it close, and scrambled to the checkout stand.

Crais’s novels are popular. The Sentry has 91 holds at KRL with 14 copies in circulation. After 2 months on the list I had worked my way up to 27 with probably another 8 weeks to go. When I took myself off the hold list, everyone advanced one spot. I moved up 27. That’s not like winning Powerball, but it’s still a long shot.

Crais’s books feature Elvis Cole, the world’s greatest detective, and Joe Pike, the world’s greatest bodyguard. Cole lets you know how good he is at his job. Pike doesn’t say much. Each character has his own series with the other appearing in a supporting role. I have a slight preference for the Elvis Cole books mainly because of the lower body count. The Sentry is a Joe Pike novel.

So how was the rest of my day? Let’s put it this way—I didn’t buy any lottery tickets. I got soaked on my bike ride, the Mud Cat isn’t feeling well, and there was no early valentine in the mail box. But at least I have something good to read even if it’s a Joe Pike instead of an Elvis Cole.