Veronica Justice here, reporter for the Vista Beach View, the weekly newspaper here in town. You might know me from my blog, VB Confidential, where I give the latest scoop on what’s happening around the area. Or you might remember me from those two books that Johnson woman wrote about how Rory Anderson solved those murders. I didn’t have a starring role, but I dug out information vital to the investigation. She wouldn’t have solved either crimes without me.

It’s hot, hot, hot here along the California coast, way hotter than usual for August. Everyone’s doing everything they can to stay cool. The city’s got air-conditioned cooling centers where people can stay during the day. Residents without their own a/c (which is practically everyone) and the homeless are taking advantage of the centers. But everyone’s on their own at night. Lots of people are keeping their windows open while they sleep. Not the best idea when there’s been a string of burglaries in nearby towns. It’s only a matter of time before the perps make their way here. I’m on top of the story, as always. I’ll let you know everything I find out.

Hold on a sec. I’ve got to take this call. It’s one of my informants. I’ve got eyes and ears throughout the city. How else do you think I keep on top of things?

Yep, that was a hot scoop, all right. Police activity over on Seagull Lane. Why don’t you come with me and see how a real reporter works? It’s only a few minutes’ drive.

Look at the police tape and the crowd around that house. Something’s happening all right. And just a few doors down from Rory Anderson’s place. Hmmm. You stay here. I work better alone. I’ll see what I can find out.

You won’t believe it. It’s a body and guess who found it? That’s right. Rory Anderson. Coincidence? Seems like they’ve been dropping like flies ever since she moved to town. Makes you wonder.

It’s been nice talking to you, but I’ve gotta go. That’s Detective Green coming out from the back yard. Don’t worry. I’ll let you know what’s going on. Just follow my reports in the View or check my blog.

You can read more about Veronica in A PALETTE FOR MURDER, the third book in the Aurora Anderson mystery series.

A killer heat wave settles over Seagull Lane. . .

Summer’s sizzling in Vista Beach, the home of computer programmer and tole-painting enthusiast Aurora (Rory) Anderson. The abnormally high temperatures are hard on everyone in the quiet Los Angeles county beach community, especially the city’s homeless population. Residents are doing everything they can to stay cool, including leaving windows open to catch the faintest breeze. Not the best idea when a string of burglaries is plaguing nearby towns.

Still, Rory doesn’t expect to find her neighbor’s body just a few doors down. When suspicion falls on a friend and fellow painter, Rory must discover the truth before the police paint the wrong picture and send her friend away permanently.

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About the author
Sybil Johnson is the author of the Aurora Anderson Mystery Series set in the world of tole/decorative painting (Fatal Brushstroke, Paint The Town Dead and A Palette For Murder). A past president of the Los Angeles Chapter of Sisters in Crime and co-chair of the 2011 California Crime Writers Conference, Sybil wields pen and brush at her home in Southern California. Visit her online at www.authorsybiljohnson.com.

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