In a continued effort to encourage islanders to read, the Friends of the Pine Island Library will present another special program for residents.

On Tuesday, April 13, the Friends will host a special visit from award-winning author, Lisa Black. The public is invited to the Fishers of Men Lutheran Church beginning at noon to enjoy lunch and meet Black, a forensic scientist and crime novelist from Cape Coral. Learn about Black’s most recent release, Evidence of Murder, the second in a series which was recently released to readers. Drawing from her life experience in the lab, this book follows her main character, forensic investigator, Theresa MacLean, who takes on the challenge of a case that offers no clues. Readers also learn how losing her fiance in a bank robbery has impacted her abilities and how the character is able to recapture her focus.

MacLean’s case begins when a woman’s body is discovered in the woods and the police can’t determine how she died. Later, an autopsy reveals nothing suspicious which leads investigators to the conclusion that she simply wandered off into the woods and froze to death, however, MacLean believes there must be something more.

Black spent the onset of her scientific career working in a morgue as a secretary and later returned to school to get a degree in biology which then led her to a job as a forensic scientist in a county coroner’s office. This career move provided the opportunity to get hands-on experience analyzing gunshot residue found on the body of crime victims as well as analyzing DNA samples, and other forms of trace evidence. After moving to Cape Coral from Ohio, Black began working for the city as a latent print examiner and spent much of her time working with fingerprints at crime scenes. After launching her writing career, Black began lecturing at writer’s conventions and appeared on numerous panels.

In addition to Evidence of Murder, also available is her first novel, Takeover and in September of 2010 the third book in the series, Trail of Blood will arrive on bookshelves.

Lunch for the event will be provided from Little Lilly’s Island Deli, which will offer three menu choices. Attendees can select an Italian sub made with ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, lettuce, tomato, onion, black olives, mayo, mustard, hot cherry peppers and Italian dressing served with potato chips, pickle spear and a homemade oatmeal raisin cookie or the very veggie wrap made with avocado, lettuce, tomato, onions, peppers, olives, mushrooms, feta cheese, organic sunflower sprouts and low-cal Greek vinaigrette served with potato chips, pickle spear and an oatmeal cookie or a chicken Caesar salad with romaine lettuce, croutons, classic Caesar dressing, parmesan cheese, topped with grilled chicken served with crackers and an oatmeal cookie. Everyone is asked to reserve lunches no later than Saturday, April 10. Sharing and brown bagging will be permitted.

For more information and ticket and lunch reservations, call Linda at 223-0694 or e-mail to abram@comcast.net