Contributed Photo The murder mystery novel "Origin" by Diana Abu-Jaber is the topic for this spring's Title Wave program through the Coos County libraries.

Readers throughout Coos County have been flipping page after page of Diana Abu-Jaber’s first mystery novel, “Origin.” Abu-Jaber and her novel are the focus of this spring’s Title Wave book program, hosted by Coos County public libraries.

The program that began earlier this winter will culminate in a visit and discussion with the author. Abu-Jaber will be in Coos Bay and Bandon on Saturday, May 3, as part of the Coos County Reads program. In addition to speaking about her life and works, Abu-Jaber will talk with attendees and sign books.

Born in Syracuse, N.Y., to an American mother and a Jordanian father, Abu-Jaber lived in Jordan for two years as a child, and New York, Oregon and Florida since then. Many of the Miami resident’s books deal with issues she has experienced as an Arab-American.

“Origin” is a mystery novel about fingerprint-examiner Lena Dawson in Syracuse. Lena’s mundane life takes a turn when she is caught up in a murder investigation. Babies thought to have died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome may have been murdered, and Lena must help solve this case while dealing with her own childhood mysteries.

Copies of the book still are available at all Coos County libraries. In addition to traditional paper books, the Coastline libraries also have the book available in audiobook format, compact disc but not cassettes. Should the book not be available at your local library, you can purchase a copy at a discount at Books by the Bay, 1875 Sherman Ave. in North Bend; and at Colette’s, suites H and I at 3229 Broadway Ave., in North Bend. The book will be available in softcover in May.

Abu-Jaber is a National Public Radio commentator and teaches each fall at Portland State University, where she is a writer-in-residence and associate professor in the English Department. Though “Origin” is her only mystery novel so far, other books by Abu-Jaber include “Arabian Jazz,” the romance novel “Crescent” and “The Language of Baklava.” “The Language of Baklava” tells her story of growing up, and the others also incorporate the experiences of Arab-Americans.

Her awards include a 1994 Oregon Book Award for her first novel, “Arabian Jazz.”