Occupation: Vista Beach Police Detective

Come in, have a seat. Martin Green. How can I help you? Do you want to report a crime? Oh, you want to interview me. I have a few minutes, but I can’t talk about any open cases.

I moved to the area and took this job as a detective with the Vista Beach police department about a year ago. I’d heard Vista Beach was a quiet town. When I came here, I expected to encounter identity theft, burglaries and the odd home invasion robbery. I didn’t expect so many…suspicious deaths. Goes to show you that bad things can happen anywhere.

On a typical day, I investigate whatever crime is on my radar. That means a lot of phone calls, looking at surveillance video if it exists, talking to witnesses and suspects, and coordination with other police departments if needed. I also like to get involved in local events. I get to know people in the community and they get to know me. Take the upcoming Love Run. I’ll be walking that this weekend with Rory Anderson and her friends. Yes, we’re dating, but I don’t let that interfere with my investigations.

If you’ve come about the Sweetheart Robber, I can’t tell you anymore than I told the press. Read the article in the Vista Beach View. That’ll tell you everything you need to know. Yes, I can confirm that the bank robber hands a red heart with his demands on it to the teller. If you come across any information that might help us catch the robber, let me know. I’m interested in anything no matter how small. You never know what will break a case wide open.

If there’s nothing else I need to get back to work. Nice to meet you. And remember, if you hear anything about a crime, don’t hesitate to report it.

Giveaway: Sybil has generously offered to give away one kindle copy of Brush Up On Murder. To enter, please leave a comment below. One entry per person. Giveaway ends October 16, 2023. Good luck everyone!

Brush Up On Murder, An Aurora Anderson Mystery Book #6
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: October 2023
Format: Print, Digital
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Kobo

Painted Love.

Love is in the air in the quiet Los Angeles County city of Vista Beach, home of computer programmer and decorative-painting enthusiast, Aurora (Rory) Anderson.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, residents are training for the annual Love Run and expressing their undying affection for each other by attaching love locks to the pier railings. But a string of bank robberies is ruining the romantic vibe.

While Rory helps friends prepare for a Valentine’s Day wedding, a body is found and the groom is implicated in the murder. Convinced of his innocence, Rory puts her heart into the investigation. Can she identify the killer before someone else encounters their own brush with death?

About the author
Sybil Johnson is the author of the Aurora Anderson Mysteries, craft-based cozies set in the world of decorative painting. Her short fiction has appeared in Mysterical-E and Spinetingler Magazine among others. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she yields pen and paint brush from her home in Southern California. Visit her at authorsybiljohnson.com.