Constantine's Sword: The Church and the Jews by James Carroll (Houghton Mifflin; $28). Part essay, part history, the author argues it's time for Roman Catholicism to return to a close relationship with the Judaism that was at its core. Mr. Caroll will speak at noon Wednesday , the Mercantile Library, 414 Walnut St., downtown (free for members, $5 for nonmembers, 621-0717); and 7:30 p.m. Wednesday , Cintas Center, Xavier University. His appearance is part of “Life After the Holocaust,” a series of Holocaust Awareness Weeks (April 16-30) events. Information: The Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education of Hebrew Union College at 221-1875, Ext. 355.

        Sticks and Scones by Diane Mott Davidson (Bantam Doubleday Dell; $23.95). It's the 11th adventure for caterer cum sleuth Goldy Schulz and, as usual, she's tripping over dead bodies. This time, murder crops up as she is getting ready to cater an Elizabethan meal at a real castle in Colorado. Bonus: The inclusion of some of Goldy's recipes such as Queen of Scots Shortbread, Shakespeare's Steak Pie and Castle Scones. Signing: 7 p.m. Wednesday, Books & Co., 350 E. Stroop Road, Kettering, (937) 298-6540.

        Far Appalachia: Following the New North River by Noah Adams (Delacorte Press; $23.95). A rich portrait of modern Appalachia by the co-host of National Public Radio's “All Things Considered,” who spent a year trekking through the region on land (both by foot and by mountain bike and Jeep) and water (via canoe and white-water craft). Signing: 7 p.m. Friday, Books & Co., 350 E. Stroop Road, Kettering, (937) 298-6540.

        Minnesota Crime Wave hits the Tristate for signings by a quartet of, yes, Minnesotan mystery writers. Included in the spree are William Kent “Iceman” Krueger, Ellen “Murder Most Fowl” Hart, Deborah “Kill 'em with Kindness” Woodworth and Carl “Sailor” Brookins. Between them, they've committed dozens of whodunnits. Track them down at 1 p.m. Monday at Follett's Bookstore, Oxford, (513) 523-4900; and 7 p.m. Monday 4/23 at Joseph-Beth Booksellers, Edwards and Madison roads, Norwood, 396-8960.

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