One of my past mystery writing classes was taught by Nicola Furlong, writer, artist, and currently podcaster for Radio Sidney’s “Around the Peninsula." Our homework was to begin a story and read it to our classmates the next week. I was panicking the night before while eating my fig newtons and got my “ah-ha” moment. I began a story about a detective I named Newton Figby, who became involved in a number of bizarre murders. My chocoholic homicide detective finally makes his published debut in “Death With Chocolate.” Why would a killer poison his victim, steal his ugly ornament, and leave a piece of decadent dark chocolate beside the body? Soon-to-be-retired Detective Newton Figby is hot on the trail because his last case is personal.
Joanna Vander Vlugt is the well-known author of “Spy Girls," “Dealer’s Child," and “The Unravelling." She also appeared in several anthologies, including “Farm to Foul Play” and “Dangerous Games.” Joanna’s short story, “Mr. Buffed and Buttered,” describes what would happen when the owner of a popular coffee/pastry bar at the top of the Malahat, is faced with an unrealistic conversion to a health spa.
Joanna’s second story, “The Lady in Pink” was inspired by a dream. Joanna remembered, “My mom had passed, and I saw her dressed all in pink. This became a story about three young women in 1988, with Joan Jett in their hearts, who became suspects in the fate of a politician’s son. Years later, an elderly lady in pink could reveal the truth.
Winona Kent is the creator of the Jason Davey series, a jazz musician who is a reluctant sleuth helping close friends and family. A longtime member and past chair of CWC, Winona remains an active member who has mentored and encouraged many new writers. One of Winona’s stories, “Between Stations,” tells of a 17-year-old naïve writer, desperate for actual experiences in London, England. Late one night, aboard a train, Lucy thinks she may have witnessed something terrible. Fifty years later, returning as a famous writer, a cold case unlocks a memory she had unknowingly suppressed. Winona crafted a second original story, “Angostura Bitters,” a tantalizing cocktail for happy hour for “Murder on the Menu.”
Debra Henry thrives on challenging triathlons, when she’s not creating homicidal mayhem with her award-winning short stories. A retired anthropologist, Debra has a keen interest in keeping our environment safe for future generations. Debra began writing children’s stories first but found she enjoyed writing crime stories best. “I like to write about social justice to give me a focal point.” Her short stories are entertaining cozies with a message and served with a smile. Debra’s tale, “Winging It”, illustrates her theme for social justice. Who would have believed a food truck vendor serving chicken wings would encounter foul play?
C.J. Papoutsis is well-known for her short stories and flash fiction, depicting quirky humans and their evil side. In a 2014 Times-Colonist interview, C.J. commented, “I love “cozy” mysteries, family sagas, and stories with humour. Like Oscar Wilde, I believe that life is too important to be taken seriously.”
“Murder at the Acropolis" introduces Nick the Bookie, who owns the sleazy Acropolis Cafe. Nick is accused of murdering a dead-beat client, found in the alley behind his café. C.J. explains her second contribution. “My mother kept a gun in her underwear drawer. I never thought much about it until I learned that none of my friends’ moms had guns in their underwear drawers.” This inspired C.J. to write “Mother Always Kept a Gun.”
In this anthology, Joanna gathered a group of criminally minded women, who enthusiastically embraced “Murder on the Menu” with their clever usage of dives, food trucks, and devilish kills.
“Murder on the Menu” dishes up a selection of short stories that will entertain, make you laugh, and make you hungry. The Second-Act Sleuths know how to beckon you across the threshold of the café or to the order window of the chicken wing food truck. Just be careful not to stumble over any bodies.
“Murder on the Menu” was released on Amazon on October 6, 2026. It is available as an e-book, a hard copy and later will be available as an audiobook.
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photo by ldyck
