The latest mystery novel from a local author has now been released.
“The Diary of Death” is the latest book from Amherstburg resident John Schlarbaum, with the novel being released last week.
The book launch was last Thursday evening at the Marsh Historical Collection where Schlarbaum signed copies of his new book.
“We had people waiting in line at 6:30 p.m. to get the book, which is fantastic,” said Schlarbaum.
The event’s scheduled start time was 7 p.m.
This is the 13th book for Schlarbaum and fifth featuring the lead character Steve Cassidy (the fourth where he is with his girlfriend Dawn). The number of books includes children’s books and a self-help book but Schlarbaum is predominantly a mystery writer.
Much like his last book “The Groom Wore Red,” the book is adapted from a murder mystery play that Schlarbaum had previously written and features several locations that Amherstburg residents will be familiar with.
“The Diary of Death” is a sequel to “The Groom Wore Red.”
“It started from a play we did 11 years ago for the AMG (Amherstburg’s Museums and Galleries),” said Schlarbaum. “Originally, it was an interactive murder mystery play done as a fundraiser in 2013.”
Schlarbaum explained that he expanded on the story and converted it into book form.
“When I started doing this one, it probably took me three months because I already had the bones of the story from the play script,” he said.
Previous novels have taken approximately one year, Schlarbaum pointed out.
Schlarbaum has been an Amherstburg resident for 17 years and has always lived in the downtown area, stating he has been within walking distance of the Rotary clock in the Navy Yard Park parkette in the four places he has lived. He wanted many of the town’s locations in the new book.
“To me, Amherstburg is still a small town because I walk every part of the downtown core every single day,” he said. “I really tried to expand the number of locations Steve and Dawn visited as part of their investigation.”
“The Diary of Death” involves historical locations and facts, with Schlarbaum stating residents and visitors alike will be able to learn a lot about the community simply by reading the book.
“Even I found out things about Amherstburg thanks to the Marsh Collection and (collections co-ordinator) Meg Reiner,” he said. “Even if you’ve never visited Amherstburg, I think it’s a fun, small town mystery.”
Readers are excited for the new mystery novel, he said, and have become attached to the Steve and Dawn characters.
Schlarbaum will be at Art by the River this weekend selling the book and copies are also available at River Bookshop, book stores in Windsor, the Bondy House Bed and Breakfast, the Marsh Historical Collection and through his website at www.johnschlarbaum.com. The cost is $15.
Local author pens new mystery novel "The Diary of Death"
By Ron Giofu
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