Race 200 September Challenge: The Mitten! Books Set In or About Michigan
September’s Race 200 theme brings us home — literally. This month, we’re celebrating books set in Michigan or written about Michigan life, history, landscapes, mysteries, and culture. From Detroit noir to Upper Peninsula chills, from Great Lakes lore to small‑town charm, these stories capture the heart of the Mitten in all its moods.
Whether you’re exploring Michigan’s past, diving into a local mystery, or revisiting a beloved classic, every Michigan‑themed read counts toward your Race 200 progress. And as always, many of these titles are available instantly on Libby and Hoopla, making it easy to keep your reading streak going.
Featured Michigan Reads
- A Cold Day in Paradise by Steve Hamilton: A gripping, atmospheric mystery set in the Upper Peninsula.
- Edge of Dusk by Colleen Coble: A suspenseful, small‑town thriller with Michigan woods and waterways woven throughout.
- Beware the Woman by Megan Abbott: A tense, psychological novel rooted in Michigan’s isolated landscapes.
- The Detroit Electric Scheme by D.E. Johnson: A historical mystery set in early‑1900s Detroit’s electric car industry.
- El Dorado Drive by Megan Abbott: A sharp, character‑driven story steeped in Michigan’s suburban shadows.
- Michigan Beer: A Heady History by Patti F. Smith A lively look at Michigan’s craft beer culture and brewing history.
- You Know You’re in Michigan When by Colleen Burcar: A humorous, nostalgic celebration of Michigan quirks and traditions.
- Classic Michigan Food and Drinks by Jon Milan: A delicious dive into iconic Michigan dishes, beverages, and culinary history.
- Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder by V.M. Burns: A cozy mystery set in a Michigan lakeside town — sweet, funny, and full of charm.
- Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel: A haunting, beautifully written novel with key scenes set in Michigan.
- Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides: A sweeping, Pulitzer‑winning family saga rooted in Detroit and Grosse Pointe.
Blind Date Books
Looking for a surprise pick? Try one of our Blind Date Books this month.
Keep Your Race 200 Momentum Going
Explore Michigan’s stories, landscapes, mysteries, and history — and earn Race 200 points along the way. Browse these titles on Libby and Hoopla, check the shelves, or pick any Michigan‑themed book to join the fun.