J.E. Irvin, a career educator and the award-winning author of five mystery novels, will visit Wanakena at 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 28, 2022, for a book talk about her latest novel – BROKEN – which is set in the hamlet. Irvin will speak about her writing process as well as the local activities and events that inspired the novel. Hosted by Ottos’ Abode, the presentation will take place in the gazebo (weather permitting) or inside the store. Books will be available for purchase and signing, and each attendee will receive a goody bag of book-related items.

Wanakena bills itself as the ‘Gateway to the Wilderness,” an appellation that served as the initial impetus for BROKEN. In the novel, Riley Finn is a young teacher who, jilted by her long-time boyfriend and jobless after budget reductions, runs away from the predictable Ohio town of Hopewell to an uncertain summer in the Adirondacks.

Josh Waylon is a ranger suspected of killing his ex-wife on Cat Mountain. When Riley gets lost, Josh rescues her and directs her to Wanakena, where she ends up a suspect in a second murder. Attracted to each other but wounded by the past, Riley and Josh must work together to solve the murders and clear their names.

The cover of J.E. Irvin’s latest novel, BROKEN.

With a cast of quirky small-town characters, plenty of suspense and surprise, and a romance to delight even the most hardened heart, BROKEN is a perfect summer read. Irvin’s stories, poems, and essays have appeared in a variety of print and online publications, including Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine, Hawaii Pacific Review, FLIGHTS, Literary Mama, and MockTurtleZine.

Retired after a long career as a high school teacher, Irvin leads classes on writing the novel and on short stories through the University of Dayton Osher Lifelong Learning Center. Long-time paddlers, she and her husband, their two crazy cats, and their 17-ft. Kevlar canoe reside in southwestern Ohio on the edge of a nature park. Their 1925 Old Town boat is in storage awaiting re-canvassing.

Those who wish to learn more about J.E. Irvin and her work should check out www.janetirvin.com, https://facebook.com/janeteirvin   or Twitter: JEIrvinauthor.

Photo at top: Award-winning mystery novelist, J.E. Irvin. All photos provided by J.E. Irvin.