Foul Play at the PTA by Laura Alden

Yesterday, we talked about problems we have with mysteries. I have no problem with Laura  Alden's amateur sleuth in Foul Play at the PTA. Beth Kennedy gives amateur sleuths a good name. In fact, I have to admit, the mystery is almost secondary in this book. If you don't like Beth, the book is going to fall flat for you. But, for those of us who enjoy characters, and amateur sleuths who have a reason to investigate, Alden's series is a success.

Because Beth was having problems with an employee at her children's bookstore, she had to ask the PTA to change their meeting night one week. She was secretary, and knew she needed to be there. But, when she and the president found Sam Helmstetter dead in his SUV afterward, she blamed herself. Would have Sam been killed if it had been another night?

Even blaming herself, though, Beth didn't want to jump into a murder investigation, as her best friend, Marina, suggested. Since they'd successfully found one killer, everyone in town thought they would look for this one. And, poor Sam didn't seem to have any enemies. But, it wasn't until Beth's business was threatened that she buckled down to look for the killer. Because she had hired a new woman who had been acquitted of murder, others in town seemed to think she would kill again, and might have killed Sam.

Beth has two of the qualities I care about in an amateur sleuth. She's one of those mothers who doesn't forget she has children. In fact, that's why she hesitated so long before agreeing to look for Sam's
killer. Her children had been in danger before, and she didn't want to have it happen again. And, she has a reason to get involved in this case; her business is threatened, and in Beth's mind, that means her livelihood, and, by extension, her house, and then her children.

Laura Alden's Foul Play at the PTA works as a mystery with an amateur sleuth. For those of us who appreciate good characters, it's just as satisfying as her first book in the series, the Agatha award-nominated, Murder at the PTA.

Laura Alden's website is http://www.lauraalden.com/

Foul Play at the PTA by Laura Alden. Obsidian. ©2011. ISBN 9780451234087 (paperback), 312p.

*****
FTC Full Disclosure - The publisher sent me a copy of the book, hoping I would review it.

Laura Alden, Guest Blogger

Today, I'd like to welcome Laura Alden as guest blogger.  Laura's first mystery, Murder at the PTA debuts today!  That makes October 5th a special day for her, and, I hope, for us.  It's my pleasure to introduce you to a new mystery author.  Welcome, Laura, and good luck with Murder at the PTA!

Thanks so much, Lesa, for inviting me to guest post today. October 5 will forever be an honorary holiday in my house because today is the official release of my first book. Yes, a mere twelve years after taking the first step on the path to publication, I’ve finally achieved authorhood. My path was full of the typical speed bumps, detours, and road closures that so many authors encounter and the last obstacle was something for which I was completely unprepared: the dedication.

How I’d forgotten this part, I do not know. I’d made notes about who I wanted to thank in the acknowledgements -- don’t forget Julie, don’t forget about the sports stuff -- but somehow dedicating the book to someone hadn’t crossed my tiny little mind.

As I recall, I had 48 hours to make the decision. I frantically scribbled lists of possible suspects.

My husband. Though he’s not a reader (the last book he read cover to cover was in an English class) he’s been a staunch supporter of my writing. From making dinner when I was stretched too thin, to bringing me the occasional breakfast in bed when I was too exhausted to move, to rubbing my back when I got computer-neck, he’s been the best helpmeet possible.

Mrs. Haggard, my high school American and English Lit teacher. Even though she passed away years ago, her enthusiasm for her subjects lives on in my love of Shakespeare. And the A+ she gave me on a creative writing assignment was the spark that made me think I could actually, maybe, you know, write for real someday.

A former employer. If I hadn’t left my management job due to a growing dislike of the corporate environment, I might never have taken a less stressful position and might never have turned to writing to keep my mind occupied.

There were others to consider: Ms. Boettcher, my 4th grade teacher who caught me reading when I should have been doing math homework -- and said nothing. All the librarians I have ever known. All the booksellers I have ever known. All the people who love books. All the children who have ever begged to be told a story.

But even as I was scrawling down the possibilities, I realized there was only one good answer to the dedication question. As soon as I wrote it down, I saw how fitting it was:

To my parents, who gave me life, love, a college education, and a voracious appetite for reading. Thanks, Mom. Thanks, Dad.

The other day my dad called. We chatted for awhile, then I heard him ask my mom if she wanted to talk to me. “No,” she said. “I’m reading.”

Love you, too, Mom. Lots and lots and lots.

 
Thank you, Laura.  As a reader, all I can say is, I love your mom.  And, good luck with Murder at the PTA!
 
Laura Alden's website is http://www.lauraalden.com/
 
Murder at the PTA by Laura Alden.  Penguin Group (USA), ©2010. ISBN 9780451231093 (paperback), 320p.

Murder at the PTA by Laura Alden

It's always fun to introduce readers to a new author.  Today, I'm reviewing Murder at the PTA, the first book in a new cozy mystery series by Laura Alden.  Tomorrow, Laura is my guest blogger.   I'm very happy I discovered Alden's small town of Rynwood, Wisconsin, and the terrific cast of characters that live there.

Beth Kennedy has only been divorced a year, and she thought she had enough on her plate with her two children, Jenna and Oliver, and the children's bookstore she owns, Children's Bookshelf.  But, Beth's best friend, Marina, had other thoughts.  Before she knows it, Beth is the new secretary of the PTA at Tarver Elementary School.  And, her very first meeting ends in chaos when the controversial school principal, Agnes Mephisto, announces her plans for an ugly addition to the school.  The meeting grows contentious when everyone realizes Agnes doesn't need permission to build, since the money is coming from an anonymous donor.

After stirring up angry feelings all over town, Agnes is found murdered in her home.  Beth feels bad, but has no intention of investigating until Marina is threatened.  It seems Marina has been up to some mischief, and there's an angry killer out there.  And, Beth Kennedy is almost as protective of her best friend as she is of her children.

Welcome to Beth Kennedy's world.  It's a world that revolves around her children, her bookstore, and, now, a murder.  Alden has created an interesting community, and peppered it with entertaining characters.  And, she's given us Beth Kennedy, whose primary concern is for her children.  She's a woman who will overcome her fears to ensure her children are safe and secure.   Let's hope Murder at the PTA is only the first of many mysteries for Beth Kennedy.

Laura Alden's website is http://www.lauraalden.com/


Murder at the PTA by Laura Alden. Penguin Group (USA), ©2010. ISBN 9780451231093 (paperback), 320p.

*****
FTC Full Disclosure - Alden's publisher sent me a copy of the book, in hopes I would review it.