Three local authors who write mystery stories under the pen name of Mary Fulk Larson spoke at the New Market Area Library on Sunday, January 21, 2024. The books are set in “Custer’s Mill” which was once the name of Broadway, VA, and has many things in it that are like Broadway!
The authors revealed that two of them (Cullers and Finnegan) are branching out to author books on their own. The actual names of the authors who write under Mary Fulk Larson are:
Mary M. Smith, Ed.D., who enjoyed a thirty-year career as a public school teacher, university professor, and curriculum developer, and now volunteers for community and church organizations. Tammy Fulk Cullers, M.A. Ed., who publishes a small newspaper, enjoys acting in community theatre, and teaches middle school English Barbara Larson Finnegan, M.B.A., master gardener, neophyte pharmer, and small business owner.
Setting for the books is Custer’s Mill, Virginia, which is a cozy town where you can relax and enjoy a cup of tea with the library ladies. These include Nanette Steele, local sheep and alpaca farmer; Marguerite White, retired CIA codebreaker; and Jane Allman, former high school science teacher.
No matter what mysteries and romances are brewing in Custer’s Mill, the three intrepid Village Library ladies are in the middle of them. In fact, they’re in the middle of everything, whether it’s volunteering at the library, researching town history, or striking out together on a new business venture. You can depend on them to know what’s happening in the town of Custer’s Mill.
Custer’s Mill is a farming community nestled in the lovely Shenandoah Valley. It offers residents a variety of small-town charms including the Bard’s Nest Bookstore, Serendipity; Tea Shop, Andes Bakery, Village Library, and, of course, great fishing along the North Fork of the Shenandoah River. The library ladies often join an eclectic group of characters who enjoy catching up on the latest gossip at church on Sundays and over breakfasts at the Spare Change Diner.
Despite the peaceful atmosphere, sinister deeds in Custer’s Mill require sleuthing to protect the citizens and to shine light on dark secrets from the past.
To date, Mary Fulk Larson has produced a three book series, including:
Murder on Rosemary Street, The Mountain’s Secret, and Revenge Comes Twice.
