30 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY september 7-13, 2023 www.montereycountyweekly.com LIT It started as a private project that entertained a mother and a daughter during a trying time. Nina Simon has written two nonfiction books as a museum industry expert, but she never aspired to become a murder mystery writer. That said, like her mom Sarina Simon, who introduced her to the genre, Simon has been devouring murder mysteries all her life. “It has always been my go-to for comfort,” she says. “It’s kind of funny to think of warmth and murder together, but I like murder mysteries that have warmth and humanity to them.” Mother-Daughter Murder Night started as a comfort project, after Simon’s mom was diagnosed with cancer in 2020. While rereading some favorite books, Simon asked: “What if I try to write a murder mystery with someone like you as the lead detective?” They both got excited about it. Like Simon’s own mom, the book’s main character, Lana Rubicon, is a fiercely independent woman from Los Angeles. Unlike Simon’s mom, she has a difficult relationship with her daughter and can sometimes be harsh, but “novels need conflict,” Simon points out. The story is set in Elkhorn Slough, where Lana is convalescing, hoping that boredom won’t kill her before the cancer does. She is accompanied by her adult daughter Beth and her teenage granddaughter Jack. When Jack finds a dead body and becomes a suspect in the subsequent homicide investigation, the Rubicon women are thrown into chaos. “My mom was very involved in all the brainstorming,” Simon says. “I would write some, she would read it, and then we could think what should happen next. While it was me and my daughter who did the paddling and the onsite research, she would call from the hospital: ‘Nina, there’s this poisonous frog. Maybe we could use it.’” Now the book is out in the world and getting a positive response— it was recently chosen for Reese Witherspoon’s book club. Simon lives in the Santa Cruz Mountains, but is drawn to North Monterey County as a setting for her stories. “That area, from Salinas to Moss Landing, is such an interesting interaction of the rural and the natural, urban and man-made,” Simon says. “Where people and nature collide against each other, there’s friction and conflict. And that can lead to crime.” Mother-Daughter Murder Night by Nina Simon is available in local bookstores. COURTESY OF NINA SIMON Cozy Murder How a private mother-daughter project became a popular murder mystery novel. By Agata Pop˛eda Curator-turned-writer Nina Simon (right, with her mother) is working on her second murder mystery. “I’m stepping into the artist phase of my life,” Simon says. 10% off your order with this ad Valid until 9/30/2023 sweet & savory crepes • paninis • bagels • tea • 11th Hour coffee Smoked Salmon Bagel smoked salmon, cream cheese, tomato, onion, optional: add egg THE CRÉPERIE CAFÉ THE CRÉPERIE CAFÉ THE CRÉPERIE CAFÉ THE CRÉPERIE CAFÉ THE CRÉPERIE CAFÉ @ @ @ @ @ 1123 Fremont Blvd, Seaside 831-901-3900 Mon–Fri 7am–4pm (Sat & Sun 8am–4pm) The Sweet and Savory Spot We will be covering a short intro to restorative justice and focus on victim offender dialog in a mediation process. This training is designed for community members who are interested in becoming volunteer mediators with us. However, we welcome anyone who would like to take the training for educational purposes. If you are a student, please ask for scholarship opportunities. students: Free 3 case volunteer commitment: $15 no volunteer commitment: $300 For more information, Jocelyn Mendoza, Victim Offender Reconciliation Coordinator rjp.vorp@gmail.com • restorativejusticepartners.org Training Dates and Location Monterey area: Saturday, Sept. 9th,2023 South County: Saturday, Sept. 30th,2023 RJP, Inc. volunteers are restoring communities one relationship at a time! Scan for more information and registration Yamaha YDX Moro eMTBs In-Stock ON SALE NOW OPEN TUESDAY THROUGH SATURDAY In Downtown Santa Cruz – 585 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz See website or phone for details • 831-621-2309 • www.currentebikes.com EVERY BIKE INCLUDES: • FREE LIFETIME TUNE-UPS • PROFESSIONAL ASSEMBLY • ASSISTANCE WITH SIZING & ADJUSTMENTS • DISCOUNTS ON ACCESSORIES, RACKS, ETC. • COMPLETE POST SALE SERVICE MENTION THIS AD FOR AN ADDITIONAL $50 OFF ANY BIKE IN STOCK ELECTRIC BICYCLES
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