The newest book by Seacoast resident J. Tracksler is a fine example of how confusing the publishing world has become. Major publishers no longer read unsolicited manuscripts, and many contract presses are little more than a swindle (and those that are honest offer little in the way of editing or design help). If you do get published, publicity and critical notice in a world of relentless media assault is next to impossible without a six figure marketing campaign. So what’s an author to do? If you’re as talented and no-nonsense as Tracksler, you simply move forward on your own terms.  Worse Than A Thief is her sixth book, published by Llumina Press, a contract press (often called Print-On-Demand) that seems to provide a decent level of editorial help and design input (the cover was chosen by the author). The author promotes herself locally, and works hard to put the book into hands of people who will enjoy it, and seems content to live within the limitations of the format.

Like Hitchcock or even Shirley Jackson, one of the winning aspects of Thief is that it so clearly depicts a normal life that we can all relate to and get wrapped up in. In this case, that’s even easier to do because the book takes place in and around Kittery, and includes local places and local people that the reader is sure to recognize. 

Regina (Reggie) Fornier has been a housewife for a very long time.  When her husband unexpectedly leaves her for a much younger woman she is dumped unceremoniously into a new and challenging world. She must find a place to live, she must find work, and she must begin to create a new social network unrelated to her old life with her husband.  This struggle to become a new, independent spirit in middle age is very engagingly portrayed by Tracksler.  We are lulled into believing the book is simply a domestic comedy, despite the fact that the book begins with a newspaper clipping about a brutal, unsolved double murder that took place in a small cottage (Reggie’s new house, of course!).

These kinds of mysteries, sometimes called “Cozies” for their domestic settings, rarely win prizes or receive much critical acclaim. However, when done well they can be not only entertaining, but they can use the mystery novel format to examine how a person like Reggie relates to a life of sudden and inordinate change. This type of book can give time and attention to issues of aging and personal growth that is seldom found in mainstream movies or magazines.

Oh, and it’s a good mystery too!

"Worse Than A Thief" is available at Riverrun bookstore 603 431-2100