Three authors from St. Paul, along with one from West St. Paul, are launching their new books this week, showcasing a mix of genres that includes thrillers, short stories, and a unique novel focusing on typography. This week marks a significant moment for these writers, particularly for Rebecca Kanner, whose debut psychological thriller, “Last One Seen,” captures the complexities of mental health and the gripping nature of mystery.
Kanner celebrated her recent participation in the Bouchercon World Mystery Convention in New Orleans, where she shared insights on writing thrillers. “It was fun to go to Bouchercon and fun to return,” she said during a phone call from her home in Highland Park. Kanner, previously known for her novels “Esther” and “Sinners and the Sea,” ventured into new territory with “Last One Seen,” which took her a decade to complete.
Shifting genres posed challenges, as Kanner noted, “It’s hard to genre jump. Publishers are conservative. They want you to say the same things over and over.” Drawing from her experiences in an MFA program and her own journey with a mood disorder, Kanner found that writing a thriller felt like a natural fit.
The novel introduces readers to **Hannah**, a graduate student at Washington University in St. Louis. Hannah grapples with bipolar disorder, a condition that Kanner portrays as both a challenge and a source of creative energy. “Hannah struggles,” Kanner explains. “But for an artist, it is kind of powerful.” The narrative follows Hannah as she navigates a web of mystery surrounding the death of her friend, Justine, and her own unreliable memories.
Kanner’s characters reflect the diverse personalities she encountered during her studies, highlighting the competitive nature of academia and the emotional vulnerabilities of young writers.
The journey to publish “Last One Seen” was not without its obstacles. Kanner recalled, “I was writing a novel about two women who were slaves in Egypt when my apartment was broken into, and my laptop was stolen.” After this setback, she pivoted to mystery writing, a genre she has always admired for its escapism.
When Kanner is not writing, she enjoys spending time with her partner, John Weber, who operates a breeding business for Labradors in Prior Lake. Recently, she witnessed the birth of nine puppies, a joyful experience that provided a refreshing contrast to her writing process.
Kanner will officially launch “Last One Seen” at Once Upon a Crime in Minneapolis at 18:30 on October 3, 2023.
Another St. Paul author, Susan Koefod, is releasing “Escapes and Other Stories,” a collection of 15 stories exploring themes of escape and identity. Two stories in the collection are set in St. Paul, including one featuring a mysterious guest at a historic event. Koefod, who previously published a memoir, is also known for her crime novels featuring detective Arno Thorson. She will host her book launch at Amore Coffee in West St. Paul on October 7, 2023, at 15:00.
In the realm of young adult literature, Mary E. Roach presents “Seven for a Secret,” a thriller centered around Nev, a girl who escapes a traumatic past in a group home. The story intricately weaves themes of female rage and the quest for justice, as Nev seeks answers about her missing sisters. Roach’s book launch was scheduled for this week at Red Balloon Bookshop in St. Paul, but has been postponed. She is expected to read from her work at various events later in October.
Lastly, Kevin Fenton introduces “Cyan Magenta Yellow Black,” a novel set in the advertising world of 1993. The protagonist, Duane, reflects on life in St. Paul as he navigates personal and professional challenges in a rapidly changing industry. Fenton will present his book at Next Chapter Booksellers on October 5, 2023, at 18:00.
These authors are set to make a significant impact on the literary scene, offering diverse narratives that resonate with a wide range of readers. Each launch event presents an opportunity for the community to engage with these new works and support local talent.
