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Multiple Emmy winner, and investigative television reporter Hank Phillipi Ryan will celebrate the launch of her latest crime mystery, “All This Could Be Yours,” at a Book Love event at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., from 6 to 8 p.m., on Tuesday, Sept. 9. The book is her 16th thriller. Ryan said the experience of having been an investigative television reporter for 43 years gives her the perfect background for crime fiction writing.
“My life has been devoted to solving true crimes,” Ryan said. “And there could be no better ammunition for writing crime fiction than having been immersed in that world for so many years.”
She’s learned how to spot a lie and knows “how easy it is to incrementally cross a line, and wind up some place you never thought you’d be.”
Having been an on-air reporter also helped her with the process of writing.
“I learned how to tell a story – a fast-paced, cat-and-mouse story. I don’t want you to turn the channel.”
It’s the same with writing a thriller. She wants you to just have to read one more chapter (even if you miss your train stop).
In “All This Could Be Yours,” the protagonist, a wife and mother named Tessa Calloway, writes her debut novel, and it turns out to be a surprise bestseller. She embarks on a whirlwind book tour, receiving praise and attention, but realizes at some point she is being stalked. Tessa fears the stalker could ruin her career and destroy her family but feels guilty because of a Faustian bargain she made in the past.
“It turns into a coast-to-coast cat-and mouse chase, with the author running for her life,” said Ryan.
Tessa’s book has the same title as Ryan’s. Tessa is on a book tour – so is Ryan. Many of locations in the book are in independent bookstores or libraries, and that’s why Ryan finds it “so fitting that the launch of this novel takes place at the Plymouth Public Library in conjunction with Book Love.” She calls it a “love letter to libraries and bookstores.”
Ryan didn’t start writing thrillers until she was 55. She sees herself as the “poster child for following your dreams in mid-life,” and encourages others not to give up on their dreams at any age.
The library event will feature light refreshments, a meet-and-greet opportunity, and – of course – books available for purchase and signing. Ryan said you should expect some surprises, too.
“One of the prizes to go to one lucky attendee is to have their name as a character in my next book,” she said.
Registration for the event is required, and you can do so here.
Monday, September 1
“The Roses,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Olivia Coleman, and Alison Janney, will begin screening at Plimoth Cinema at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. This dark comedy remake of 1989’s “The War of the Roses” portrays how a seemingly happy married couple goes to “war” against each other, based on resentment and competition. “Relay” also will continue screening. Show times are 4:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $12.50, $11 with a club card, $10 for seniors or members, and $8.50 for seniors with a club card.
The Plymouth Zen Group invites the public to its 16th Anniversary Celebration, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 384 Court St. Zen teacher Matt Keeler, will give a talk about the practice and take questions from attendees. Keeler is a Ji Do Poep Sa Nim which means “Guide to the Way” or Dharma Master in the Kwan Um School of Zen. While light refreshments will be served after the talk, you’re asked to bring your own cup for tea to cut down on waste. You may also bring food to share. The event is open to all, whether you’re new to Zen or experienced. Donations are appreciated to help with rent and transportation costs for guest teachers. For more information about the Plymouth Zen Group, visit the website, call 781-910-2780, or email plymouthzen@gmail.com.
“Hometown Heroes Mondays” will begin at G Pub Plymouth, 101 Carver Road, with an event from 3 to 10 p.m. honoring community health care heroes – doctors, nurses, and medical staff. The event will take place on the first Monday of each month. In October, teachers will be honored. In November, it will be first responders. This month, health care workers with a valid badge or ID will receive 25 percent off the restaurant’s entrées.
Tuesday, September 2
High Limb Cider, 101 Carver Road (in the G Pub building), will hold a Bonsai Bar at 6:30 p.m. Learn how to pot, prune, and trim one of the tiny trees. It’s a beginner workshop, so no pressure, and you get to keep the tree. Arrive 15 minutes early and learn the fundamentals of bonsai with guidance and the right tools. Tickets are $85 and you can sign up here.
Wednesday, September 3
Join the Plymouth Public Library and author Hannah Nicole Maehrer for an online event titled “On Writing Darkly Charming Villainous Love,” at 7 p.m. Maehrer wrote the bestselling book “Assistant to the Villain,” which looks at villainy with a comedic bent. Register and submit questions for the author here.
The Seventh Annual Brain Aneurysm After Hours fundraising event will be held at Tavern on the Wharf, 6 Town Wharf, from 5 to 7 p.m. This year, the event will honor local brain aneurysm survivor Mary Langner. Attendees will enjoy music by the GinaMark Band, a cash bar, light refreshments, and a silent auction. All proceeds will be donated to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation, which focuses on awareness, advocacy and research. The event is sponsored through the generosity of the law firm Triffletti & Costa. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here or at the door.
Thursday, September 4
Today is the deadline to sign up for fall classes or workshops at the Plymouth Center for the Arts, 11 North St. Classes begin Monday, Sept. 8. Among the new offerings is a course called Graphic Design in Microsoft Word, which explores design and desktop publishing for business, volunteer work, personal projects, or just learning more about visual arts without having to conquer complex design software. Other classes include Linocut Printmaking, Beginner Portraits, Advanced Portraits, and Anime for Teens. Workshops include Mixed Media Torn Landscape, and Botanical Printmaking. Find all the art center’s offerings and register for classes here.
Friday, September 5
This month’s First Fridays Plymouth, from 5 to 8 p.m., will spotlight the Mercy Otis Warren building at North and Main streets in downtown Plymouth. All Good Art – a tenant in the building – will host a silent auction of Susan Ste. Marie’s paintings of Mercy Otis Warren and her husband, to raise money for the Mercy Otis Warren Society Scholarship. Along with the art auction, Edge Pizza – also in the building – will serve a special “Mercy Otis” pizza. It’s the final First Fridays event for the Art Shoppe, 84 Court St., where you can learn how to make an ornament using alcohol and ink, enjoy refreshments, and browse or buy Eddy Murray’s jewelry and Jessie Fries’s paintings. There will be free tours of the historic Hedge House – featuring its special exhibit of military uniforms – the Jabez Howland House, and the Mayflower Society House. At the Plymouth Center for the Arts, plein air artist Linda Scola will demonstrate her technique and C.J. Blackthorn will demonstrate printmaking. Pianist Erik Lindgren will play as people tour the center’s exhibits or browse the Artisan Shop. Find out more about First Fridays here.
The Sweet Remains will perform at the Spire at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7. The group has returned to touring since their recent release of its fifth album, “Embers,” which showcases their “acoustic-driven, three-part harmonies.” The band was formed by Rich Price, Greg Naughton, and Brian Chartrand. Tickets are $35.50 and $39, and you can buy them here.
“Twinless,” a dark, psychological comedy about two young men who meet in a support group for twinless twins, will begin screening at the Plimoth Cinema at Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. The film was written and directed by James Sweeney, who also stars along with Dylan O’Brien. The comedy about a “perfect” marriage gone awry, “Roses,” starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman, continues screening at the cinema. Both films are showing at 4:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $12.50, $11 with a club card, $10 for seniors or members, and $8.50 for seniors with a club card.
Saturday, September 6
The Father John Murphy Ancient Order of Hibernians invites Irish American women of Plymouth County who are “interested in Irish heritage, faith, and sisterhood” to attend an informational meeting about forming a Plymouth County Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians. The meeting will take place from 1 to 2:30 p.m. at the AOH Hall, 36 Cordage Park Circle, Unit 220A. State LAOH President Noreanne Duquette will give a presentation, and light refreshments will be served. The event is free, but register here or by emailing aohplymouth@gmail.com.
“Avian Amusement & Antics: A Humorous Author Talk with Rosemary Mosco” will be held in the Fehlow Meeting Room at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. It’s World Shorebirds Day. Manomet Conservation Sciences is hosting the event to “celebrate birds and the people who love them.” Registration is required, and you can do so here.
Join Dr. Anne Hill, curator of Pilgrim Hall Museum, at 1 p.m. for the Plymouth Antiquarian Society’s monthly one-hour, free walking tour of Burial Hill. The tour will examine the epitaphs on gravestones, and highlight commonly used ones as well as the unusual inscriptions from the 18th century. The tour will consider what these epitaphs say about the state of mind of Plymoutheans from the past. Meet at the top of the hill and wear appropriate shoes.
The Plymouth Aero Club will hold its third Props & Hops event at the Plymouth Airport, 246 South Meadow Road, from 2 to 6 p.m. You can view airplanes and helicopters, enjoy food and beer trucks, and groove to music by That 80s Band. Bring a lawn chair (but no coolers) and enjoy the show. Take a chance on a 50/50 raffle. Or, if you want to take off, airplane rides are $50 per person. The event aims to raise money for tuition for aspiring aviators and mechanics. Parking is free, entering from gates 2 or 3. Children under 10 get in for free; others pay $15 at the gate. You can also buy tickets here.
The Plymouth Lions Club will hold its 16th annual Thirsty Pilgrim Beer Festival, from 12 to 7 p.m. today, and Sunday, Sept. 7, from 12 to 6 p.m., at the Hedge House, 126 Water St. All the money raised will go to support local food pantries, soup kitchens, and the school children’s “snack pack” program. Tickets are $10, and $5 for children under 10. Adults over 21 are entitled to three beer samples with admission to the festival. Full beers, glasses of wine, and seltzers can also be purchased with a $7 “Thirsty Pilgrim” chip. Food options include burgers, hot dogs, and the famous “Thirsty Pilgrim” brats. Get in the Octoberfest mood early with live music by the traditional TubaFrau Hofbrau band beginning at 1 p.m. Enjoy face painting or take part in games and contests. A “Bud Light End Zone Tent” will feature Bud Light with two TVs for watching college football on Saturday, and the NFL on Sunday.
Sunday, September 7
The Spire’s Sunday Serenades Series presents the Greg Abate Quartet, at 3 p.m., with doors opening at 2 p.m. Along with Abate, the quartet features Chris Taylor on piano, Todd Baker on bass, and Gary Johnson on drums. Abate is a saxophonist, flutist, and composer, with a career that included playing lead alto for the Ray Charles Orchestra in the 1970s and tenor sax for the revived Artie Shaw Orchestra under the direction of Dick Johnson in the ‘80s. Tickets are $24 and are available here.
Tuesday, September 9
Come to a book talk with author and investigative journalist Hank Phillipi Ryan from 6 to 8 p.m.at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St. See the lead item in this column for more information.
Wednesday, September 10
The Plymouth Garden Club’s monthly meeting will be held at 1 p.m. at the Chiltonville Church, 6 River St. Susan Leigh Anthony, who has more than 45 years of professional gardening experience, will give a presentation on “Heirloom Plants and Medieval Gardens,” which will include some history, use, and the art associated with the plants. Anthony will share valuable insights from her career, including her roles at Doveflower Cottage and Kennedy Country Gardens. A traditional English tea will be served at the meeting. Guests are welcome to attend for a $5 fee.
“Meet the Maestro” and hear all about the Plymouth Philharmonic Orchestra’s coming season during a free presentation by conductor Steven Karidoyanes, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Plymouth Public Library, 132 South St., in the Fehlow Meeting Room. Karidoyanes will have recorded samples and anecdotes about the music and composers in a preview that has been a tradition since he became the orchestra’s conductor in 1994.
Friday, September 12
“Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” will begin screening at Plimoth Cinema in Plimoth Patuxet Museums, 137 Warren Ave. It’s the third and final film based on the television series, and features many of the actors from the original franchise or the first two films. The story follows the Crawley family and their staff, entering the 1930s, and Mary (Michelle Dockery) is the source of “scandal” because of her divorce. Hugh Bonneville is back as Robert Crawley, and Brendan Coyle returns as John Bates. Show times are 4:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets are $12.50, $11 with a club card, $10 for seniors or members, and $8.50 for seniors with a club card.
Greg Hawkes with Eddie Japan will be performing the music of The Cars at the Spire at8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Hawkes was the keyboardist for the Boston-based band The Cars and has recently collaborated with another Boston band, Eddie Japan. The show will include hits and deeper cuts from The Cars songbook, along with special selections from Hawkes’s career in music. Tickets are $41.80 and $46, and you can get them here.
Sunday, September 14
The Plymouth Antiquarian Society welcomes the public to a presentation by historian and educator Michele Gabrielson, titled “(Bitter)sweet History: 18th Century Chocolate and the American Revolution” at 1 p.m. at the Hedge Carriage House, 126 Water St. Gabrielson’s presentation will explore the role that chocolate played in the events leading up to the American Revolution, and guide you on a journey from “bean to beverage,” using authentic 18th century objects. The program also will celebrate Hannah Jackson, the first resident of the Spooner House, who brewed and sold chocolate from the home in the mid-18th century. Attendees will be offered a sampling of Colonial-style chocolate, much like the sweets that would have been enjoyed by Plymoutheans in Jackson’s time. Tickets are $20 and available here, or you can send a check made out to Plymouth Antiquarian Society or PAS to Plymouth Antiquarian Society, P.O. Box 3773, Plymouth, MA, 02361.