FARMINGTON – Bulldog Books, the book publishing imprint of the Farmington-based Daily Bulldog newspaper, has published its first book, “Sucker’s Bet,” the fifth mystery in Woody Hanstein’s critically acclaimed Pete Morris mystery series.

To celebrate the occasion, a book signing will take place from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Devaney, Doak and Garrett bookstore Friday, Dec. 7.

The four earlier books in the Pete Morris series are “Not Proven,” “Cold Snap,” “State’s Witness” and “Mistrial.” Like “Sucker’s Bet,” all of the mysteries are set in a small town in the foothills of western Maine where bad things sometimes do happen no matter how peaceful life looks.

Hanstein has practiced law in Farmington for many years and also teaches at the University of Maine at Farmington and coaches the college’s rugby team. Besides his Pete Morris series, he has written several published short stories, one of which, “The Spare,” was chosen as one of five finalists in 2005 for the Derringer Award given to the best mystery short story published in the United States.

“Sucker’s Bet” is available at bookstores or by mail from the publisher’s Web site at www.dailybulldog.com.

MEXICO – Stephen A. Cole, author of “The Rangeley and Its Region: The Famous Boat and Lakes of Western Maine,” will discuss and sign copies of his book from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, at Millview Books, 225 Main St.

“The Rangeley and Its Region” tells how entwined the boat, people, lakes, town and town became over a century. The story includes native voices and historical photographs and touches on sportfishing, rod-building, fly-tying, boatbuilding, guiding and the summer culture of a remote town.

Cole lives in Damariscotta. For more information on the book signing, call 364-4901.

NORWAY – Greg Zemlansky of Paris has self-published his first book of poetry, titled “Life and Love,” and Island Tree Publishing of Paris recently published his children’s book, “The Littlest Raindrop.”

He will be at Books N Things on Main Street for a book signing from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8.

Zemlansky, who began writing poetry at a young age, has won numerous awards, including the Outstanding Achievement in Poetry award. His poetry has been published in books and anthologies.