Local author pens inspirational mystery
North Fort Myers resident Patricia L. Stebelton had been writing for about 15 years. Then, she was inspired to write an inspirational mystery, which has now been published.
“The book is a mystery of three young women, whose lives interconnect with one another,” she said. “One character is Samantha Westhoff, who is a senior in high school, the next is also a young woman, who together follow clues. The third character is a separate entity connected to them.”
The title of the book is “The Sleeping Matchbook.” It was recently published by OakTara Publishing, which calls itself, “The place for inspiration.”
Her clues? “A yellow Mustang. A maroon and gray jacket. A mysterious matchbook. They all lead to murder.”
She explained the term inspirational fiction. “Faith is interwoven in the story,” said Stebelton.
“We’ve owned a home in North Fort Myers for the last 15 years,” she continued. She and her husband Dick are both Michigan natives.
“I love mysteries,” she said. “I’ve loved them and followed them for years.”
Her favorite authors are Dorothy Saylers and Phyllis A. Whitney. “There are so many, including Agatha Christie.”
Stebelton said it took her a year to write the book. “Then re-writes go on forever.”
She then went through a writers and publishers Web site. “It was almost a year before something hit.”
Her book is available in paperback and on-line. Stebelton recently had a book signing at the Cape Coral Art League. “It was surprising and fun. There were more people than I expected. I had to send my husband back for more books.”
She said she was also thrilled with a recent “four-star” review on amazon.com.
While it has teen characters, she said she believes it appeals to a wide range of readers. “It is for teens and all ages. I have senior citizens who loved it.”
Stebelton is also a commissioned artist, a fine artist who works in oils, watercolors and pastels. In her spare time she also loves to read, and is involved with her church and loves playing dominos with friends. “We play a wicked game of Mexican Train.”
Her work is available on oaktara.com, amazon.com and more, and is available at national retail outlets. More information can be found on the OakTara site.