On Writing a Brilliant, Dark, and Diabolical Thriller with Author Liann Zhang

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) --- Take part in a free, virtual author talk with Liann Zhang on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 to discuss her debut thriller Julie Chan Is Dead. The event begins at 7:00pm.

Julie Chan is a supermarket cashier with nothing to lose. Her estranged, identical twin sister Chloe VanHuusen is a popular influencer. When Julie discovers Chloe’s lifeless body under mysterious circumstances, she seizes the chance to live the life she has always wanted. Julie transforms into Chloe, haunted by her death and attempting to fit into the privileged influencer circle. Julie faces mounting challenges as events spiral out of control, uncovering the sinister forces that may have led to her sister’s demise and realizing she may be the next target.

Liann Zhang is a second-generation Chinese Canadian who splits her time between Vancouver and Toronto. After a short stint as a skincare content creator, she graduated from the University of Toronto with a degree in psychology and criminology. Julie Chan Is Dead is her first novel.

Registration is required for this free program. To register, or for more information, please visit tinyurl.com/ZhangOCL.

Julie Chan Is Dead is available for free for Ocean County Library cardholders though their catalog.

Ocean County Library turns 100 this year and you’re why they’re celebrating! See details on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Spotify, Pinterest and https://theoceancountylibrary.org.

EVENT PREVIEWS

Survive the World's Most Twisted RPG with Author and Literary Dungeon Master Matt Dinniman

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Matt Dinniman, New York Times bestselling author of the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, will chat about his latest book, A Parade of Horribles, during a virtual author talk on Thursday, June 11, 2026 presented by the Ocean County Library. The event begins at 7:00pm.

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Learn to Make Simple, Sustainable, Delicious Meals during Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy Virtual Author Talk on June 23rd

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- Join Sana Javeri Kadri and Asha Loupy as they talk about their new book, The Diaspora Spice Co. Cookbook, during a virtual discussion on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at 2:00pm. The event is presented by the Ocean County Library. Come celebrate beautiful, simple, and seasonal cooking with recipes adapted from India and Sri Lanka’s best family spice farms.