From Myth to Murder

On November 18, 2023November 18, 2023 By Susan HolmesIn Art, Authors You Might Like, Cats, Home page6 Comments

Virtual Book Tour

by Author Joy Ann Ribar November 13-24, 2023

As a retired college professor, I welcome new additions to the field of academic mysteries. This cozy mystery adds to the genre with a main character whose esoteric field of study offers a new aspect to sleuthing.

In contrast to the generic college professor often depicted in cozy mysteries, there’s an intriguing depth to the main character L.L. Browning, known to others as Bay. The author portrays Bay as professional, compassionate, and intelligent, traits reflected in the way Bay interacts with many of the characters, although less often with family.

An adversarial relationship between amateur sleuths and law enforcement is often seen in cozy mysteries; that communication pattern is first evident in early interactions, and most notably when Bay decides to willfully ignore the homicide detective’s strict instructions to not discuss details of the investigation with anyone. (Professors do seem to have a passion for charging ahead, right into the action!) As the plot progresses, the relationship between amateur and professional morphs into something more personal and cooperative. This bodes well for the next book in the series.

Family is a continuing thread woven through the plot. The drama appears based on unresolved conflict which influences current relationships and family dynamics. From the start, Bay’s father and sister seem to take it for granted that Bay will adapt her carefully ordered life to accommodate their own needs and desires. The father, Barrett, uses “family” as an emotional cudgel and convinces Bay to shoulder the obligations brought about by the unexpected arrival of her sister, Cass.

On his own, Barrett seems an incomplete, even vague character through the story, while in contrast, the character of Bay’s sister quickly caught my attention, along with her cat, Minerva. I’d like to have seen much more of Minerva; here, she seems more of a prop than a character. Despite that, the names themselves suggest a backstory not yet revealed. What we do learn is that Cass was recently released from prison after serving a three-year sentence for larceny and fraud. Now on parole, Cass moves in, uninvited, with Bay and secures a job in security–surely a surprising occupation for a felon. I hope future books in the series will include Cass and Minerva.

Bay’s unique studies in mythology, enhanced by a colleague’s knowledge of iconography, prove vital in unraveling the tangled web of art, literature, and family. If you enjoy an unusual mystery with an academic flair, this may be a good choice for your own bookshelf!

Praise for The Medusa Murders:

“This first-in-series held me captive on the edge of my seat where I frantically turned the pages of this intricately crafted story, desperate to solve the mystery. And, oh, what a revelation it is!” Laurie Buchanan, author of the Sean McPherson crime thriller novels

“A gritty and intense mystery that grabs you and won’t let go until the end. The personal relationships are complex, just like many in real life, and the familial drama pulls you in.” Kelly Young, author of A Travel Writer mystery series and Haunted and Harassed paranormal mystery series

“Ribar effectively wraps mythology, academia, archeology, and a touch of paranormal phenomena together to produce a more than satisfying read. Looking forward to spending more time with Bay.” Debra H. Goldstein, author of The Sarah Blair Mysteries

“A well-written, fast-paced and vibrant debut novel. A highly recommended new series.” Christine DeSmet, writing coach and author of The Fudge Shop Mystery series and Mischief in Moonstone series

Synopsis:

Professor Bay Browning has more snake problems than the Garden of Eden in this twisted mystery. The English Literature instructor is busy preparing for a new semester when a serial killer, known as Medusa, bites her quiet life in the behind. A wild ride ensues when Bay and her grifter sister, Cass, assist a perturbed Detective Downing with the investigation. What else can the sisters do, once they become Medusa’s targets? Will the slithering trail of mythology, art history, and family secrets help them catch a killer before she turns them to stone?

Book Details:
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Mystery, Crime Published by: Wine Glass Press Publication Date: November 2023 Number of Pages: 316 ISBN: 9781959078203 Series: Bay Browning Mysteries, #1 Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | BookBub | Goodreads

Read an excerpt:

Back at the parking space, Bay opened the passenger door and looked at the white particles in brighter light. They were sprinkled like powdered sugar over the right side of the back seat, directly underneath the bag of clothes Bay had gone through last night. She felt certain the particles must have come from the lululemon coat pocket. She remembered seeing Detective Harris turn the pocket inside out over one of the evidence bags. Had there been feathers in either of the pockets? The empty parking lot at Giorgio’s put a smile on Bay’s face when she parked the Subaru a few minutes later. She was impatient to get to the bottom of the dry-cleaning mix-up and anxious to shake some details out of Giorgio. She could see him standing behind the customer counter, grooming his dark slicked-back hair and straightening his blue and white polo shirt that matched the building. “Good morning, L.L. I see you have nothing in your hands, so what can I do for you today?” Giorgio’s velvety voice was smoother than grease. “Cut the crap, Giorgio. You know why I’m here. Obviously, you sent the police to see me about my lululemon. What’s the story?” Bay frowned and her dark eyes narrowed. Giorgio backed away as if Bay might punch him, marring his handsome face. He was Stasia’s youngest brother, probably around Bay’s age. Bay had learned more Andino family facts than she cared to after attending the mandatory gatherings at Stasia’s home the past year. He held up both hands, placatingly. “I’ll tell you what I know, which isn’t much. My niece, Aria, was working on the day of the mix-up. She’s in back. I’ll go get her.” “Get my lululemon, too, while you’re back there.” Might as well kill two birds as they say. Aria was short and pretty with wide dark eyes and thick black hair pulled into a neat bun on top of her head. She wore the same blue and white polo over hospital-style light blue pants. Bay guessed she was barely out of high school. What was that expression: fear or guilt on Aria’s face? “Good morning, Professor Browning. My uncle is looking for your raincoat.” Aria didn’t look Bay in the eyes. Dialing down from accusatory to neutral tone, Bay began her questions. “I understand you were working when my lululemon was switched with the one the police confiscated.” No point in lollygagging her way to the matter at hand. Aria looked down at her fingers, which were drumming methodically on the counter as if playing a tune on a piano. One hand stopped while the other slowed to a quiet tapping. “Yes. There were three other coats almost identical to yours when he brought in the one the police were after.” Bay registered the information. “Who is he that brought the coat in, please?” The girl seemed quite fragile, so kid gloves were in order for this interrogation. Bay was accustomed to communicating with students Aria’s age, and she knew the best methods for building trust and rapport. The finger tapping continued at a leisurely pace. Bay could almost pick out a rhumba beat. Aria continued to focus on her fingers, not looking up. “He said his name was Chance.” She closed her eyes, conjuring his image. “He was wearing a black hoodie but took the hood off to talk to me. He had short dreadlocks swept up to one side and had smart glasses on. You know, his glasses made him look smart.” She smiled, caught up in the memory. It was clear to Bay the boy had charmed Aria, and just maybe she would do anything for him. “Did Chance ask you for a favor, Aria?” She blushed, then turned a deep red. “He used me…” She choked back tears. “Yeah, boys are scum,” Bay empathized, glaring at Giorgio who had emerged from the back room empty-handed. The finger tapping quickened as the incident unfolded, from a waltz to a cha-cha, Aria’s eyes remained closed during the telling. “He asked me if people brought their expensive clothing here. Like could we be trusted with their stuff, you know. He said he had his mom’s lululemon, and he was kind of flirting with me.” She paused, thinking. “I told him we had three of those same coats in the back right now, and they were already cleaned and ready to pick up. I offered to show him, so he would know he could leave his mom’s coat here.” Aria stopped tapping and looked at Bay’s face where empathy greeted her like a warm embrace. “I didn’t know Chance wanted to swap coats until he asked if I could swap one of the clean coats for his mother’s dirty one.” I figured that he was responsible for getting it dirty, and he didn’t want her to know about it. “So, you randomly chose my coat and made the switch.” Bay wanted to sound helpful by filling in details, so Aria’s head shake surprised her. “No. That’s when things got weird. He asked me if we had L.L. Browning’s coat. He specifically wanted to trade his coat for yours.” Giorgio interrupted his niece, casting a warning look with shifty eyes. Bay couldn’t be fooled. “Why didn’t you call me Friday to let me know about the switch or the police? You knew they were coming to question me.” She darted daggers at Giorgio, who winced and backed away. “I didn’t think you were in danger, or I would have called you. How could I know that the lululemon was murder evidence? *** Excerpt from The Medusa Murders by Joy Ann Ribar. Copyright 2023 by Joy Ann Ribar. Reproduced with permission from Joy Ann Ribar. All rights reserved.

Author Bio:

Joy Ann Ribar is an RV author, writing on the road wherever her husband and their Winnebago View wanders. Joy’s cocktail of careers includes news reporter, paralegal, English educator, and aquaponics greenhouse technician, all of which prove useful in penning mysteries. She loves to bake, read, do wine research, and explore nature. Joy’s writing is inspired by Wisconsin’s four distinct seasons, natural beauty, and kind-hearted, but sometimes quirky, people. Joy holds a BA in Journalism from UW-Madison and an MS in Education from UW-Oshkosh. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Blackbird Writers, and Wisconsin Writers Association.

Catch Up With Joy Ann Ribar:

JoyRibar.com

Goodreads

BookBub – @ribarjoy

Instagram – @authorjoyribar

Facebook – @JoyRibarAuthor

Want to mention her on Twitter/X? Use #JoyAnnRibar and share the love!

Tour Participants:

Visit these other great hosts on this tour!

Get More Great Reads at Partners In Crime Tours

My thanks to Partners in Crime Tours for a complementary advance copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

Conversation With A Cat

On July 23, 2023 By Susan HolmesIn Cats, Home page, Humor, Writing4 Comments

Buddy The Wonder Cat here.

You’re probably wondering what I’m doing on a website that’s usually all about dogs. It was Mama’s idea; I was just sitting on our desk helping her work and she told me I was in the way. Now if you’ve ever lived with a cat, you know we never get in the way—we’re always right where we want to be. And where I wanted to be was in front of the computer, and she kept trying to see around me.

Anyway, that’s how I got here. Mama thinks readers—that means you, right?—should get to know me, on account of her adding a cat to the story we’re writing. Well, when she put it that way, how could I refuse? I know she’s mentioned me before, but since she sometimes leaves out the good stuff, I decided to help her out and answer a few questions.

Q: How did you get your name?

Well, Mama says I’m called Buddy The Wonder Cat because it’s a wonder I’m still alive. Between us, I’ve probably used up some of those nine lives I’m supposed to have. Like the time I went exploring and got tangled in the brambles and couldn’t get out. And once, I found myself on the wrong side of the fence in a yard with a big Pit Bull. The dog was way more scared than I was—that’s my story, and I’m sticking to it—but I admit I was happy when Mama showed up!

Q: What’s a typical day like for you?

Let’s see…my day starts about oh-dark-early, unless it’s raining with thunder. When that happens, I stay in bed with Mama so she doesn’t get scared. After breakfast, I let Mama toss Greenies for me to chase before I go outside. I consider it my solemn duty to stalk the birds in my forsythia bush and make sure critters aren’t lurking under the storage shed. Then it’s time to help Dad in the garden. (He seems to think eating vegetables is good for you. All I can say is yuck!) After that, I’ll squeeze in a short snooze—have to keep up my strength, you know—before I go help Mama work on our book. Between you and me, she’d never get anything written if I’m not there to keep her on track.

Q: Those critters you mentioned—are they a problem?

Not for me. I dig up the moles and carry them into the house to Mama. Once, I accidentally-on-purpose dropped one in the dog’s bed—that was fun! And now that Mama’s home all day, I can show her what a good critter-hunter I am. So far this summer I gave her five moles, seven snakes, and a whole bunch of lizards. (Did you know if you bite off a lizard’s tail they’ll just grow another one? That’s what Dad said. Mama wasn’t impressed.)

Q: Do you have any unique interests?

Has Mama ever mentioned my string collection? Doesn’t matter what kind of string it is; if I like it, I’ll add it to my collection. I hate to eat alone, so I keep them all in my kibble dish. I’m very particular about the way I eat and the way my strings are placed in the dish, by the way. It took some time but I think I’ve finally trained everyone in the house to leave my stuff alone (except of course when Mama washes my dishes).

Oh, and I have a dog of my own, but I let Mama think it’s hers. I know she’s told you all about Sasha, who’s actually pretty cool—for a dog.

When it’s TV time, I claim Mama’s lap to watch Midsomer Murders, Death in Paradise, and Brokenwood. Father Brown’s usually interesting, too. And definitely Wheel of Fortune; I can’t spell but I like watching that wheel go round. Not a big sports fan, unless it’s the World Cup or Westminster Kennel Club show. I watch that every year, even though my dog sleeps right through it.

Anything else you’d like to share?

Don’t tell Mama, but this writing stuff seems pretty easy. I’ve been working on a book of my own; it’s called The Secret World of Me. I can’t tell you about it because then it wouldn’t be a secret. But you can find a few tidbits about my story in the book Mama and I are writing now.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I hear a nap calling.

Keep Your Pets Safe!

On June 30, 2023 By Susan HolmesIn Cats, Dogs, Home page3 Comments

Here in the United States, July 4th celebrations are fast approaching. That means picnics, parades, and pyrotechnic displays in a non-stop celebration over the next four days. As a kid, I loved fireworks celebrations. Loved the colors, the artistry, and the music that often accompanied the big events. I still enjoy the celebrations, although my appreciation is now tempered by the effect fireworks have on our furry companions.

In our town, fireworks can be set off beginning at 10 am each day and continuing until late in the evening. In reality, it’s common to hear the fizz, swoosh, booms, and bangs far into the night. If your community is like mine, here are a few ideas that can help make the experience safer and less stressful for the pets in your family.

Be proactive. If you have a fenced yard or dog run, be sure the space is secure. Use locks to ensure your dog can’t escape through an open door or gate. Walk your dog early in the day, when it’s reasonably quiet. Skip the evening stroll and stay inside. If you must take the dog out after dark, use a short leash to keep them close. And remember–they pick up on your emotions; if you’re calm and relaxed, they may be less inclined to stress.

Create a safe space. Ideally, choose a location that’s away from windows and doors. If possible, close the blinds, drapes, and interior room doors to further mask the noise of fireworks. Add in familiar sounds such as music, movies, and television shows to enhance a sense of “normal.” Supply your dog with favorite treats or toys to keep them occupied and distract them from the noise of fireworks. (Works for cats, too!)

Have a plan. Make sure your dog is microchipped and wearing a collar with up-to-date ID tags. Take photos of your dog from different angles. Notify friends, neighbors, and officials if your dog is lost. Post photos and a short description on social media and local “lost and found” websites. Simple measures like these can increase the odds you’ll be reunited.

P.S. I was unable to identify the original source of the image used at the top of this post. It’s been included in myriad websites and social media posts–many of which appear when using the Google “Find image source” tool. If you know the source, please leave a comment and I’ll update the post!

Celebrate!

On March 6, 2023 By Susan HolmesIn Cats, Home page1 Comment

Happy 12th birthday to Buddy the Wonder Cat!

It’s been an adventure sharing a home with this cat, who wandered into our lives as a two-pound, 10-week-old kitten. In the years since he’s proven to be an easy-going companion, but every now and then he gets a bit wild, reminding me that all domestic cats likely share a common ancestor: Felis silvestris lybica (the North African/Southwest Asian wildcat).

His wild streak appeared when he suffered serious liver problems recently and was confronted with pills that had to be swallowed whole and could not be cut, crushed, or even hidden in food (what idiot thought that would work with cats?). It’s taken a near-Herculean effort to get the meds into him and convince him that the veterinarian is not the enemy, but I think our combined efforts are finally showing positive results. He’s regaining (albeit slowly) some of the weight he’s lost, and his energy level is approaching normal. I’m happy to say he’s on the mend and ready for new adventures with his best friend Sasha.

Happy Birthday Buddy!

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

A Different Kind of Mystery

On October 14, 2022October 14, 2022 By Susan HolmesIn Authors You Might Like, Cats, Home page, Writing5 Comments

Shifting and Shenanigans Virtual Book Tour October 10-21, 2022

Fiction—and mystery fiction in particular—opens the door to fascinating places where everyday life takes a backseat to adventure in a journey through the unknown. And when that journey includes talking cats, eccentric characters, and paranormal elements, the result is a spiced-up cozy mystery that delivers a storyline full of twists and turns before building to an unexpected conclusion. If this sounds like something you’d find entertaining, then the Magical Mystery Book Club might just be for you!

In Shifting and Shenanigans, the first of the three-book series, the internationally bestselling author Elizabeth Pantley introduces us to just-divorced Paige and her free-spirited Aunt Gloria. Together, the intrepid duo discover Paige’s great-grandmother Gee-Gee has bequeathed to them the Snapdragon Inn, a long-time favorite vacation spot in Cascade Valley, Colorado. And while inherited properties, family adventures, and book clubs are often found in cozy mysteries, this author takes a unique approach to these plot elements. The first big twist comes when Paige and Gloria venture down into the two-story library built beneath the inn—space that’s been locked and off-limits all their lives. Access to the library is limited to the eight book club characters, including Zell, a feisty octogenarian and a talking cat named Frank, who were part of Gee-Gee’s adventures in the past and who guide Paige and Gloria as they find others to join their club. Readers familiar with cozy mysteries will recognize some common themes, including the tradition of sharing food and drinks before settling into a discussion of the book the club has been reading. Those similarities carry over to this story, with each character contributing skills and supplies in addition to gathering meals in local restaurants. A shared passion for good food is just one of the multiple bonds developing between club members.

Similarities soon give way to the quirky and unexpected when the group explores the library, which is exclusively devoted to cozy mysteries. The discovery that each title is presented in a packaged set of eight books leads Zell and Frank to explain the more esoteric features of the book club—an explanation that is cut short when Paige impulsively grabs a copy and reads the first page aloud. In a flash, the phrase “let’s get into the book” turns to reality as the group—and the Snapdragon Inn—are magically drawn into the book and become characters in the story. Together, this eccentric group must find a way to work together and uncover the community’s secrets that led to murder before they can get out of the book and find their way home again. The suspense builds to an unexpected and totally satisfying ending, leaving the reader eager for more.

The author—who has written other paranormal books as well as popular non-fiction—combines the classic elements of a cozy mystery and paranormal fiction to create a unique series that’s an enjoyable read. I look forward to seeing how both characters and storylines develop in the second and third book of the series, which are now available for purchase.