GOOD NEWS: New mystery has S.C. political connection from 200 years ago

Staff reports  |  A new mystery novel with political and historical connections to Hamiltonian days gone by will be available Nov. 1 when Charleston author Andra Watkins’ “Hard to Die” hits national bookstores.

Watkins, who is a New York Times bestselling author for a book chronicling her walk of the Natchez Trace, will offer remarks on the new novel at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 2 at the main library on Calhoun Street in Charleston.  She’ll make local history come alive by answering questions like:  Where did George Washington have a drink?  Did Aaron Burr visit a favorite haunt?

With people across American enthralled by the musical Hamilton, Charleston Currents readers might find the new mystery to be particularly gripping because it weaves the historical story of Theodosia Burr Alston, daughter of early Vice President Aaron Burr, who shot Hamilton on a famous duel.  Theodosia, who drowned when a ship sank, was married to an early S.C. governor (Joseph Alston).  Watkins’ tale blends elements of historical characters, the afterworld and Cold War – perfect for Halloween season.  Next week:  A review.

In other good news:

Magnolia to host 2016 Horticulture Symposium.  A fusion of food and ornamental plants will serve as the centerpiece for the 2016 Horticulture Symposium, “A showcase of Garden & Home” on Nov. 12 at Magnolia Plantation and Gardens.  The attraction has partnered with the Charleston Horticultural Society and the Charleston Tea Plantation to raise awareness of the unique history and importance of horticulture and food in the Lowcountry.

Award-winning chef and author Nathalie Dupree and Buddy Lee, inventor of Encore® Azaleas, are among a dozen horticulture and culinary experts who will gather at Magnolia Gardens from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 12 to demonstrate cooking and lead tours.  Click this link for tickets and other information.

Cookbook launch.  The Junior League of Charleston has a Little Red Cookbook Launch party set for 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Nov. 10 at the William Aiken House (456 King St.) to celebrate the republication of “Charleston Recipes,” a little red cookbook first published in 1949 that predates the famous “Charleston Receipts” cookbook.  The 1949 book was rediscovered in an attic by author Josephine Humphreys, daughter of original editor Martha Lynch Humphreys.  In a press release, Josephine Humphries said, ““The 1949 book seems spare and frugal, still in the shadow of the depression and wartime privations, while the 1950 book is exuberant, celebratory, even sometimes downright lavish. And yet there are tempting and delightful recipes to be found only in the red book.”  To buy tickets or the rediscovered cookbook, go to this site.

Ballots and Brunch.  If you want to extend the agony of the presidential contest season, you can attend a review of the presidential election and hear from experts on the future of American politics at this event from 10 a.m. to noon on Nov. 19  Ballots and Brunch will feature columnist and author Joe Klein and a bevy of political observers at the College of Charleston’s Stern Center Ballroom, 71 George St., Charleston.  Doors open at 9 a.m.  More (including how to get tickets.)

New foundation.  Mason Prep School has announced a new foundation to serve as its official fundraising arm to support the school in myriad ways.  The foundation’s first executive director is Lauren Hammond, who has 25 years of experience with raising money for schools and nonprofits.

Open government.  The City of Charleston announced last week that its council meetings will be live-streamed over its YouTube channel.  “We are excited to offer the option for our citizens to watch City Council meetings live online,” Mayor John Tecklenburg said of the open government initiative.  “We know how much our citizens want to be involved and informed, and we hope that this service increases both transparency and citizen engagement in our local proceedings.”