Unravel 'Masterpiece' mysteries this spring in Westlake

Wilkie Collins is credited with writing the first modern English detective novel. "The Moonstone" will be part of a book discussion group in Westlake beginning later this month.

Case Western Reserve University's Off-Campus Studies program is offering you the opportunity to become a sleuth, with "The Moonstone: A Masterpiece Mystery," March 22-May 20, 10:00-11:30 a.m., at Westlake United Methodist Church, 27650 Center Ridge Road. The leader-teacher is Cheryl Wires.

Wilkie Collins created the very first detective to appear in a novel-length mystery, Sergeant Cuff in "The Moonstone" (1868). Cuff is called to an English country house to investigate the disappearance of a sacred diamond. Charles Dickens began a rival tale with "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" (1870). Edwin is engaged to young, sheltered Rosa, but his devoted uncle, Jasper, loves her – in a mad, menacing manner. Both mysteries are built on dark secrets, double lives, and– how germane today – opium addictions. These classic mysteries are the subjects of intriguing "Masterpiece Theater" adaptations.

Cheryl Wires attended Harvard University, where she earned a master's degree from the Kennedy School of Government, a master's degree in political science from the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and the Levenson Award for Excellence and Dedication in teaching. Her teaching experience includes a decade of volunteering as a lecturer for the Institute for Learning in Retirement at Baldwin Wallace, as well as creating and teaching courses for the Case Off-Campus Studies program.

The Case Off-Campus Studies program is offered in collaboration with the Association for Continuing Education (ACE). These book-discussion courses are eight weeks long and meet for 1.5 hours per class. There are no written assignments or exams, but rather the classes provide an open environment for lively discussion based on meaningful examination of shared texts. Leader-teachers facilitate discussion and provide academic background and context. The fee for each course is $82 for members, $97 for non-members (details on the website).

For questions, call one of the co-coordinators: Sandra Berendt, 440-892-4931, or Joan Grace, 440-777-9381. Register online at case.edu/lifelonglearning, or call 216-368-2090.