This author draws inspiration from a rural Michigan upbringing and a Lithuanian heritage that unexpectedly permeates her work. Her writing often explores complex characters grappling with a desire for black-and-white clarity in a nuanced world, frequently set within the context of libraries, which she values as vital public spaces. Her fascination with forgery, stemming from childhood escapades, also fuels a distinct series, alongside contributions to young adult literature.
The story follows Raymond Fibbey, a troublemaker who teams up with the eccentric Wicker Bugle and former foes Bort and Merrily. Their quest centers on uncovering the truth behind the legendary Glom Gloom and the mythical Weeuns, creatures thought to be mere folklore. As they embark on this adventure, the characters navigate their differences and confront the possibility that the old tales might hold more truth than they imagined.
A most unusual death has landed Helma Zukas right in the middle of another murder scene. Stanley Plummer had been cataloguing a collection of Native American books for Bellehaven's new Cultural Center when his body was found in the Center's ladies room - stabbed through the heart, and clutching a Barbie doll. Miss Zukas is asked by the library to finish the cataloging. Now she's been asked by the victim - in a letter dated the day he died - to get to the bottom of the mystery.
The story features a unique friendship between a meticulous librarian and a bold avant-garde artist who team up to solve a mystery. When two of the artist's provocative paintings, portraying ex-lovers who met mysterious fates, are stolen, the duo embarks on an adventurous investigation. Their contrasting personalities—one orderly and the other unpredictable—create a dynamic partnership as they navigate the complexities of art and crime, showcasing their resourcefulness and ingenuity in uncovering the truth.
Set against the backdrop of a snowstorm, the story follows Miss Helma Zukas, a dedicated librarian in Bellehaven, as she navigates the chaos brought on by the weather. With the town immobilized, she takes charge by providing information, managing her staff, and entertaining a group of stranded gamblers. The construction of a new library, funded by the wealthy Franklin Harrington, adds to the community's hopes, but the storm tests the resilience of both the town and its inhabitants.