My Mt.Olivia Story

The Dirt on the Author

I grew up on the prairie, where we had to drive fifteen miles to find a small hill for sledding. We lived on the outer edges of town. Across the street from us was a cornfield. And at the end of the block was a mound of dirt in a field left behind after a road construction project. It fascinated me the way the dirt began to blossom with weeds, dandelions, and wild grasses. I thought it was a miracle—a real mountain down the street. I made up stories about it, created roads, and sifted the dirt. I called it Mt. Olivia.

My mother was less fascinated, especially when I came home after playing on Mt. Olivia looking worse than a Victorian street urchin. She put a stop to the trips to my mountain. If the fields were watching, they must have enjoyed her reaction. The city finally came and hauled Mt. Olivia away, but it will always have a special place in my inner child’s heart.

Just Released:What the Fields Saw

In the next Sheriff Red mystery, the fields were watching something very different sixty years ago when a high school graduate died in a supposed hit-and-run. No, Mt. Olivia, no little urchin covered in dirt. Instead, a drama that had been held secret until a sixty-year high school reunion brought it all back.

Booklist says of What the Fields Saw:

It’s comforting to return to this world and catch up with Red and her friends, and Norlander’s ability to create twisted, engrossing mysteries is on full display here. Even seasoned mystery readers will have a tough time guessing how the story ends. Perfect for fans of Louise Penny and Ann Cleeves.

What the Fields Saw is now available in print, audio, and e-book ☺

On Amazon

The Secret of Ravens Valley (COVER Reveal) Available in April!

Liza and Mrs. Wilkens travel to a small Southern Minnesota town when their friend, the county librarian, is found dead along a lonely rural road. What they discover is a town cloaked in fear and secrecy. Soon to be available for pre-order.

To My Readers
For my Washington State readers, I look forward to meeting some of you at Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park, Washington, on Monday, June 1st. I will be joined by Carol Williams, who is debuting her first novel in a historical trilogy, Dispatches from Moscow. We will be talking about “History and Mystery” and the value of the writer’s group we participated in.

For my Minnesota readers, I will be holding my annual book signing at Lake Country Books in White Bear Lake, Minnesota, on Friday, July 17th.

Thank you all for your support and feedback. As always, reviews are appreciated. They are one of the best ways to get word out on books.

Enjoy the spring!
Linda