As the countdown to Christmas begins, the literary thrills are starting to stack up.

One of the standout releases for November is the latest Jack Reacher novel by Lee Child. The new story, Past Tense, is sure to follow in the footsteps of the earlier novels and be a smash hit.

The action-packed adventures of the former military policeman have made a successful transfer to the big screen with Tom Cruise in the eponymous role.

The books have sold so many copies that it would be wrong to call them a guilty pleasure - there’s no reason to feel guilty about enjoying books that are so popular!

In fact, action thrillers are a big market and we have plenty that fill that category in the Mobile Family Library and the Family Library.

Jason Bourne is another action hero who has appeared in a series of books, as well as on the big screen. Created by Robert Ludlum, he first appears in The Bourne Identity when one of the biggest questions is exactly what is his role. It’s a tricky one for the character himself, who is suffering memory loss.

Tom Clancy is another author renowned for his action heroes, including Jack Ryan, who has also made a number of appearances on the big screen. The Hunt for Red October is one of many Jack Ryan novels that have topped the bestseller lists and transferred to the movies.

John Grisham is famed for his legal and crime thrillers and there is no shortage of action in any of them. From The Pelican Brief to The Client, you can guarantee you will be turning the pages.

There are also plenty of action adventure books for the younger reader. Make sure to ask our staff at the Family Library for suggestions.

We cannot write this month’s column, of course, without giving mention to Hop-tu-Naa. We hope you all have some spooky fun lined up and you remember to observe some of the special Isle of Man traditions.

We have plenty going on at the Family Library during half-term week to mark the season.

Tuesday, October 30, will see our Freak Out disco at the library, from 6.30pm-7.30pm. Tickets are £3, which includes refreshments.

Earlier that same day we have a drop-in Worry Doll workshop, between 11am to 4pm. It costs just £1 to take part.

On October 31 and November 2, we are having Slime Time sessions. Admission is £3, which includes your own ’tattoo’. The sessions will include storytelling.

On Thursday, November 1, we have a Spirit Kite workshop.

It is another drop-in event, from 1.30pm-4pm and again costs just £1.

We look forward to seeing you there!

The Family Library is next to the children’s playground in Westmoreland Road, Douglas. It operates as a charity and also runs the Mobile Family Library and a Schools Service. To keep up to date on events and to find out more about the services available, check out the Family Library page on Facebook or visit www.familylibrary.im or call the library on 640650.

by the Family Library

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