Iowa native Shirley Damsgaard, author of the “Ophelia and Abby” mystery series, will be featured at Central’s Writers Reading Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the Geisler Library Reading Room.
Damsgaard will read from two of her novels: “The Seventh Witch” and “Love Lies Bleeding.” The former is the seventh book from her “Ophelia and Abby” series, which traces the exploits of a psychic and her witch grandmother. Published under the pen name Jess McConkey, the latter follows protagonist Samantha Moore and the strange changes she experiences while recovering from a violent attack.
The author will hold a book signing following the reading.
A full-time postmaster for the U.S. Postal Service, Damsgaard is a short story writer as well as a novelist. She started writing at age 48, inspired by her late aunt, who was an avid writer. Her “Ophelia and Abby” series features seven paranormal mystery novels. “Love Lies Bleeding,” is her only novel under the pen name.
Damsgaard’s writing has been well-received in the mystery genre. In 2001, she earned first-place recognition for short fiction at the John Tigges Writing Contest. “Witch Way to Murder,” her debut novel, was nominated for a 2006 Agatha Award in the Best First Novel category.
The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Natalie Hutchinson, library director, at hutchinsonn@central.edu or 641-628-5220.