By day, Judy Penz Sheluk immerses herself in the world of antiques and architectural journalism as senior editor of “New England Antiques Journal” and editor of “Home BUILDER” magazine. But her talent for a turn of phrase and imaginative description doesn't stop there. With the release of her debut novel, “The Hanged Man's Noose: A Glass Dolphin Mystery,” Sheluk is making her mark as a formidable armchair sleuth and riveting storyteller, with a raft of positive reviews as reinforcement.
Published this year by Barking Rain Press, an imprint of the BRP Publishing Group (BRP), “The Hanged Man's Noose” unravels the small-town secrets and subterfuge that led to murder in a tale of high-stakes real estate wrangling gone awry.
The tale begins when journalist Emily Garland lands a plum assignment as the editor of a niche magazine based in Lount's Landing, a small town named after a colorful Canadian traitor. As she interviews local business owners for the magazine, Emily quickly learns that many people are unhappy with real estate mogul Garrett Stonehaven's plans to convert an old schoolhouse into a big-box store. At the top of that list is Arabella Carpenter, the outspoken owner of the Glass Dolphin antiques shop, who will do just about anything to preserve the integrity of the town's historic Main Street.
Another vocal dissenter at a town hall meeting about the proposed project dies, and a few days later another body is discovered. Although both deaths are ruled accidental, Emily's journalistic suspicions are aroused.
Putting her reporting skills to the ultimate test, Emily teams up with Arabella to discover the truth behind Stonehaven's latest scheme, before the murderer strikes again.
Early reviews and other kudos for Sheluk's debut novel have been consistent in their praise. Here is a sampling.
"In her first book, Toronto writer Judy Penz Sheluk probably scores a record for the most characters with skeletons in the closet. Even the sleuth figure, an investigative reporter, guards a personal mystery in a book whose author hits large in the business of concocting secrets." The Toronto Star, Oct. 31, 2015.
"A small town with a history that is pertinently addressed, numerous stories with backstories explored just enough for us to want to know more, and an antiques shop with the most exquisite candlesticks you'll never be able to purchase: what more do you want?" Canadian Antiques & Vintage, November 2015.
"In her first novel, Judy Penz Sheluk has written a well-crafted mystery in the classic tradition. A small town with a dark past, its inhabitants full of secrets, a ruthless developer, and an intrepid reporter with secrets of her own come together to create a can't-put-down-read." Vicki Delany/Eva Gates, bestselling author of the Constable Molly Smith and Lighthouse Library mystery series.
"A thoroughly engaging debut mystery ... well plotted, well paced and just plain well done!" Elizabeth J. Duncan, award-winning author of the Penny Brannigan mystery series and Shakespeare in the Catskills mysteries.
“The Hanged Man's Noose: A Glass Dolphin Mystery” (LCCN: 2015937582), is 178 pages, and available as a trade paperback or eBook.
To contact Judy Penz Sheluk, visit www.judypenzsheluk.com.