A book detailing the unsolved mass murder of six members of an Iowa family and two overnight guests in 1912 will be the subject of Oskaloosa Public Library’s “Mahaska County Reads, 2008,” now in its fifth year.

Library patrons beginning today can stop by the Oskaloosa Public Library and check out one of 25 copies of “Villisca: The true account of the unsolved mass murder that stunned the nation,” by Roy Marshall. Besides the book, other companion materials will also be available for checkout, said Oskaloosa Public Library Director Suzann Holland.

“Mahaska County Reads, 2008,” gives residents an opportunity to read the same book at the same time, join in a book discussion, and new this year, make a free day trip by chartered motor coach to visit the scene of the gritty and gruesome murder.

The day trip to Villisca to visit the house where eight people, six of whom were children, were bludgeoned to death leaves the Oskaloosa Public Library at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 14. The 53-seat bus will arrive back in Oskaloosa at 6 p.m. The trip is free, but those wanting to go must register for the trip by Oct. 10. Bring a sack lunch or enjoy a catered lunch in the old bank building of one of the murder victims for $15.

Then at 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18, the library will be the scene of a discussion on Marshall’s book. Registration for the book discussion will be taken up until the day of the event.

The final event planned for “Mahaska County Reads, 2008,” is a screening of the documentary film, “Villisca: Living with a Mystery,” directed and written by Kelly and Tammy Rundle, of Moline, Ill. The screening will take place in the library on the second floor at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25. Register before Oct. 22 to attend the screening.

The Rundles will introduce and host the screening, and foremost Villisca ax murder expert, author and film consultant, Dr. Edgar Epperly, will be on hand. Food and drink will be served.

Holland said The Book Vault is helping to promote the event and the Oskaloosa Library Foundation and The Friends of the Library were providing support.

“The events surrounding this one are just so exciting. I’ve never been this excited for one of our annual Mahaska County Reads programs,” Holland said. “And I really think that the story of the ax murders has a lot of appeal. True crime is always popular.”

For additional information about the documentary movie, “Villisca: Living with a Mystery,” go to villiscamovie.com.

Herald City Editor Michael Schaffer can be reached by email at mschaffer@oskyherald.com