Authors John Searles & Dennis Lehane in Conversation at Santa Monica Public Library

SANTA MONICA, Calif. - Sept. 9, 2013 - PRLog -- Santa Monica, California – Santa Monica Public Library welcomes critically-acclaimed and best-selling authors John Searles and Dennis Lehane for the Southern California book launch event of Searles’ new novel, Help for the Haunted, on Saturday, September 21, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. in the Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.

It has been nine years since John Searles last gripped readers the world over with his thrillerStrange But True, and its predecessor Boy Still Missing, but the wait was worth it.  His new novel Help for the Haunted is the story of teenager Sylvie Mason, whose parents have an unusual occupation – helping “haunted souls” find peace. When her parents are murdered in a mysterious act of violence, Sylvie makes it her mission to unravel the truth.  John celebrates his novel’s release with this “in conversation” event with friend and writing colleague Dennis Lehane, the author of eleven novels including Mystic River, Shutter Island, The Given Day and the 2012 best-seller Live By Night.   A book sale and signing with both authors follows their onstage conversation.

This program is free and open to all. Seating is limited and on a first arrival basis.

The Santa Monica Public Library is wheelchair accessible.For special disabled services, call Library Administration at (310) 458-8606 at least one week prior to event. The Main Library is served by Big Blue Bus routes 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9 and 10. Ride your bike. Bicycle parking racks are available at the library.

For more information on Santa Monica Public Library programs, visit smpl.org or contact the Santa Monica Public Library at (310) 458-8600.