Our history and experiences can define us, inspire our actions, and as writers impact our words and stories. Mine most definitely has. My father was a gangster. Really!

This is a story about my relationship with my father and how his profession affected me and my life. “He called me Sugar Plum. Both a blessing and a burden, I learned interesting lessons from my father: about generosity and determination, taking risks, and certainly finding the willingness to live life as an adventure.”

I visited my dad’s gambling hall, where a card room was hidden behind closed doors. But it was in our kitchen at home on many Sunday mornings where I saw my dad and his pals, a cast of interesting characters, counting “the take” from football, baseball, and other sports bets. There were those who showed a certain respect, a certain caution of who he was, and therefore, who I was in their world. I love writing mysteries, but I knew it was time to write this mystery…about my father and me.

So, I remember Papa, but not like the old heartwarming TV Show, I Remember Mama. My memory has a far different rhythm because he was more like a Walter Mitty character in real life, and because as a gangster he frequently lived outside society’s code of acceptable, approved behaviors.

None of us are innocent. We all keep secrets about who we are and things we know.

“The issue of my father’s dark side still hangs in the air for me. There are moments I still question, even here and now, “Do we own the shame of our parent’s actions? Do I?”

 

“I hope these stories entertain the readers and provide insight into a special man who lived an incredible life, had wonderful adventures, and—no matter what—always came home to his little girl.” Jory Rosen, Grandson

The proverb about March is “In like a lion, out like a lamb” and usually refers to how the weather behaves. But for us here at Artemesia Publishing March is “In like a lion” because of the new cozy mystery releasing this month Murder at the Zoo, the latest novel from Marcia Rosen (aka M. Glenda Rosen). In Murder at the Zoo senior veterinarian Miranda Scott is instantly drawn into a murder investigation when a dead body is discovered in the lion enclosure at the zoo where she works. Miranda works with Detective Bryan Anderson to solve the case but a scheming would-be boyfriend, her badly-behaved mother, her co-workers, and gangster friends of her father all keep getting in the way. Oh, and Miranda has the voices of Raymond Chandler, Agatha Christie, and Sherlock Holmes giving her advice throughout the investigation!

Murder at the Zoo is the first book in a new series from Marcia: An Agatha, Raymond, Sherlock, and Me Mystery and is already being described as “…hard to put down…” (Cat Harper, National Steinbeck Center), “A delightful and charming new series…” ( Elizabeth Cooke, award-winning author of 21 books.), and “…will keep you turning the pages…” (Terry Lucas, Director, Shelter Island Library).

Murder at the Zoo releases on March 14. Marcia will be at the Albuquerque Barnes & Noble (Coronado) on March 25 from 12 to 3.

New Mexico is a land of amazing sunrises and sunsets with a sky constantly changing color and forms, mountains framing the background, and a desert that stretches across the mesa often giving the land a mystical feeling. Known as the land of enchantment it still has its share of mysteries, ancient and new. As a mystery writer, I find it intriguing and exciting to involve this land as an important character in my new mystery. Place is often as important a character as the people in a novel.

But at a zoo? Well, yes, with much caution and caring for the animals. Please don’t worry about the animals in my stories. They are well-cared-for and loved. In Murder At The Zoo, two lion cubs are born: Imani (meaning faith) and Sabrina. They are “adorable and not the least bit camera shy.” Mom and Dad, Kamali and Kasi, are very proud and protective parents. A baby zebra is born and there is a contest to name him. In fact, after the two main characters in the book, the veterinarian and detective, watch the foal being born, she tells him with a grin, “We just had a baby.” The poor guy is a bit freaked at that comment. Miranda and Bryan alternate between flirting and fighting off romantic feelings. Murder keeps getting in their way.

The zoo veterinarian and the charming police detective become romantically involved as they work toward solving a series of murders. Their romance certainly has a hefty fair share of friction and interruptions, since her father is a gangster—even though he claims to be retired. What could possibly go wrong? Plenty! There are also a number of other interesting, crazy, and unusual characters, as well as a fair share of humor to encourage you to smile a bit.

Writing any murder mystery book is akin to putting together a puzzle with a thousand pieces. When the mystery begins with a murder at a popular zoo, there is bound to be a need to also add a lot of positive animal experiences. And I make sure to do that.

The good characters are interesting and appealing, so the question becomes how to present the bad guys and surprise the reader? A good mystery tries to lead the reader astray a bit by placing suspicion and blame on various suspects. It’s important to have the reader involved and interested in your story, so they attempt to solve the crimes along with you. Don’t make it too easy. Still, murders at a zoo?

 

Excerpt:

“Miranda, get to the zoo! Visitors are pointing at a human arm in the lions’ enclosure.”

“Hmmm. This is intriguing. A body in the lions’ den. What are the facts?”

“Agatha, Raymond, facts if you please,” Sherlock demanded.

 “All of you shut up!”

It was not the first time Miranda shouted to the voices in her head. Sometimes they seemed so real to her. She had read nearly every book of every famous mystery writer and had seen movies made from them many times. She was often absorbed and obsessed by the stories and the characters.

Miranda loved their ways of thinking, analyzing problems, finding solutions, and delving into the dark spaces hidden in humanity: Raymond Chandler’s tough Detective, Philip Marlowe, who always found a dame he could lust after and distrust and Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, and her Tommy and Tuppence. Their gossip and ways of finding clues and uncovering secrets swirled in her head, while the famous Sherlock Homes demanded facts and attention to the tiniest of details.

There were other geniuses of mysteries who stopped by to give Miranda their “two cents” at times, especially when Agatha, Raymond, and Sherlock were disagreeing with each other.

Miranda was sure they would have plenty to say about the murder at the zoo.

End of Excerpt

 

Again, why would I choose a zoo as a place for a murder mystery? Why would anyone? Well really, why murder anyone, anywhere for that matter? Even when the murders take place at a zoo, you eventually have to get the bad guys to talk or confess or have someone give them up. Along the way, you are also on the chase with your characters through conflict, danger, and mystery. In addition, this book provides an opportunity to give a positive voice to all the wonderful reasons for the existence of zoos.

In Agatha, Raymond, Sherlock & Me: Murder at the Zoo, these characters are often telling the veterinarian what to think or do. In Sherlock Holmes and the London Zoo Mystery (W. Lane; 1986), it is an entertaining story that recaptures the atmosphere of Arthur Conan Doyle’s original Sherlock Holmes’ tales and includes the familiar figures of Sherlock Holmes, Dr. Watson, and Inspector Lestrade. The book also features several real-life characters, including Abraham Bartlett (Superintendent of London Zoo, 1859-1897), the famous African elephant Jumbo, Matthew Scott (Jumbo’s keeper), and P.T. Barnum.

Ultimately, you want to be able to explain your characters’ motivations for their criminal behavior. Common sources are anger, hate, power, money and, of course, revenge. Revealing truths, secrets, and lies with stories of betrayal and vengeance and surprise endings can leave your readers wanting more. Your first sentence, your first paragraph, should grab your reader. . . maybe even by the throat, like a good murder!

Many years ago, we had a lassie collie who thought she was a lap dog, and my son and she adored each other. It’s good for children to grow up with pets and learn to care for them. It’s also wonderful for adults to have the love of an animal who doesn’t judge them. Right?

“Agatha, Raymond, Sherlock, and Me Mystery: Murder At The Zoo” will be published by Artemesia Publishing, March 2023.

 

Excerpt:

Bryan whispered to Isabella, walked out, and came back in with the most special gift of all. Handing Miranda the leash to an Australian Shepherd puppy he said, “Your new watch dog.” And giving her a big kiss, he whispered, “You know, I love you.”

The detective and the veterinarian were too busy to deal with the “I love you” issue for now but. . . eventually.

Of course, the voices had to have their say.

“Yes, you can trust him.” Agatha was such a romantic.

“Well, we agree!” chimed in Sherlock and Raymond.

“What are you going to name her?”

With a mischievous grin Miranda said, “Agatha.”

End of Excerpt

 

When she was a young girl, Miranda Scott read dozens of mystery books by authors such as Agatha Christie and Raymond Chandler, and she loved characters like Sherlock Holmes. Then she began hearing their voices in her head suggesting what she should and should not do. After a body is tossed into the lions’ habitat at the Zoo where she is the senior veterinarian, Miranda and Detective Bryan Anderson find themselves investigating several murders and dealing with a group of bad guys, while gangster friends of her father are trying to protect her. Plus, Miranda and Bryan alternate between flirting and fighting off romantic feelings. Murder seems to keep getting in their way! See Page 2 for longer summary!

 

Marcia Rosen (aka M. Glenda Rosen), award winning author of eleven books including The Senior Sleuths and Dying To Be Beautiful Mystery Series and The Gourmet Gangster: Mysteries and Menus (Menus by her son Jory Rosen). She is also author of The Woman’s Business Therapist and award winning My Memoir Workbook. For 25 years she was owner of a successful national marketing and public relations agency.

For Immediate Release:

Contact: Jory Rosen, joryla@gmail.com

 

A clever, intriguing and gripping new cozy mystery filled with exciting twists and turns, bizarre murders and fascinating characters including several dead authors.  Seeming to speak to the main character, Miranda Scott, Veterinarian, they are actually her thoughts, still they do seem real to her especially in helping to solve murders: “Agatha, Raymond, Sherlock, and Me Mystery: Murder At The Zoo” published by Artemesia Publishing in early 2023. www.apbooks.net)

When she was a young girl, Miranda Scott read dozens of mystery books by authors such as Agatha Christie and Raymond Chandler, and she loved characters like Sherlock Holmes. Then she began hearing their voices in her head suggesting what she should and should not do. After a body is tossed into the lions’ habitat at the Zoo where she is the senior veterinarian, Miranda and Detective Bryan Anderson find themselves investigating murders and dealing with a group of bad guys, while gangster friends of her father’s are trying to protect her. Plus, Miranda and Bryan alternate between flirting and fighting off romantic feelings.  Murder keeps getting in their way.

Marcia Rosen (aka M. Glenda Rosen), an award winning author of ten books including The Senior Sleuths, the Dying To Be Beautiful Mystery Series and The Gourmet Gangster: Mysteries and Menus. She is also the author of The Woman’s Business Therapist and award winning My Memoir Workbook(New Mexico-Arizona Book Awards winner). For 25 years she was owner of a successful national marketing and public relations agency and also facilitated numerous writing programs.  She is often invited to be a featured speaker and/or moderator. Some topics on which Ms. Rosen has presented include Encouraging the Writer Within You, Getting Published, Marketing for Authors, Writing Mysteries…Not A Mystery, and Writing Your Memoir.

A member of Sisters in Crime Albuquerque, Southwest Writers, Women Writing the West, New Mexico Book Association, Public Safety Writer’s Association, National Association, Independent Writers and Editors—for which she is also a board member and the Albuquerque Zoo (New Mexico BioPark Society). www.MarciaRosen.com

Awards:

Winner,  “My Memoir Workbook” New Mexico Book Co-op

Winner, “The Gourmet Gangster,”New Mexico Book Co-op (with Jory Rosen)

Honorable Mention, “Dead In THAT Beach House,” New Mexico Book Co-op

Honorable Mention, “Dead In Bed,” The Hollywood Book Festival

Honorable Mention, “Dead In Bed, ”Public Safety Writer’s Association

Winner, 2000, “Women of The Year,” East End Women’s Network (Hamptons)

Anatomy of A Murder Mystery

 

Dissecting a murder mystery and examining its components—from suspects and sleuths—intriguing plots, point of view, dialogue to character development. A good mystery is structured to create tension, involve the reader’s curiosity to keep them reading and end with an impact that both surprises and satisfies.

 

We will discuss some problems we’ve each encountered in writing a mystery series as well as a stand alone book… and what remedies we’ve come up with…this includes areas of writing, editing and publishing. But were they deadly problems? Join the authors who combined have written nearly twenty books.

 

Presented by Authors Claudia Riess and Marcia Rosen

www.claudiariessbooks.com

www.marciarosen.com