The mystery talent out there is awesome. You may like the forensic type or you may like the cozy mystery but there is something for everyone.
My picks for this month are as follows:
J. E. Irvin: This author has other books out, but this mystery line about upstate New York is one my favorites. The Adirondacks Series includes ‘Broken’ and ‘Betrayed’ and a third ‘Blinded’ to follow.
People in trouble go to the woods to hide and Wanakena is the place they end up. When they arrive in the north woods they usually have no travel gear and no plan. If the woman who runs the local store and Jesse the mayor trust you they will find you shelter and protect you.
This small town and the good people in it will keep you from all winter hazards and the bad guys who are following you. Northern exposure is explained in clear terms as these victims must run for their lives in blizzard weather. The author has also put a touch of romance in each book.
Olivia Matthews writes two lines for those gentler souls. Spice Island Bakery books starting with ‘Against the Current,’ ‘Hard Dough Homicide’ and her newest ‘Coconut Drop Dead.’ The owner of the bakery, Lyndsay Murray is looking to grow her family’s business but why do people keep dying at the events she cooks up? Very enjoyable reads.
Her Peach Coast Library series is a Hallmark series. Olivia is an accomplished writer under the pseudonym of Patricia Sargeant.
Pauwels, C. L., writes about Toledo Detective Veronica Jadzinski in the book ‘40 & Out.’ She tries to find the killer of women who celebrate their fortieth birthday with someone and never wake up the next day.
‘Burned Bridges’ is another Detective Jadzinski case file again in Toledo. I liked the area references. Her third and newest book is ‘Unwelcome Ties.’ This book is a prequel and Jadzinski is still only a deputy cop.
When a woman finds out her adopted father’s killer has sent her a repentance letter, she reads it to find out he can tell her who her real family was. She won’t be so lonely anymore but it’s a scam and she is in danger.
Now for those lovers of the true crime genre we have S. L. Yarbrough, her books ‘Psychology of…Horror Villains, Survivors, and Victims.’
This author has three books dealing with the forensic psychology of mental health extremes. She uses horror films and the villains in them to differentiate between the medical issues.
She also helps the reader by allowing them to recognize the above and become a survivor and not a victim. This author is known to give talks to police forces and help them recognize in the field what issue they might be rolling up on and how dangerous the situation can be for them and others on the scene.
As a horror movie watcher when I was younger, I remember all the Freddy Kruger, Jason, and Michael Myers movies.
My last author is Sara Kaushal. She has written true crime around the local area for Arcadia Historical Press. Her first book is ‘Dayton Ghosts & Legends’ and her second book is ‘Murder & Mayhem in Dayton and the Miami Valley.’
We always think we invented crime in our generation but people have been angry and desperate in prior times too. Think of Lizzie Borden and her forty whacks to her parents and Abraham Lincoln’s assassination at the Ford theater.
We are still fascinated with murder and crime history. In this March month of women’s history, we are focusing on the women who choose to kill or be killed. Enjoy a good mystery soon.
Reach New and Olde Pages Book Shoppe at (937) 832-3022. It is located at 856 Union Blvd., Englewood across the street from Kroger. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
