Mystery writer has local ties
By SHEILA RHOADES
Friday, April 6, 2007 9:43 PM EDT
She began her life in Argentina, but came to the U.S. at the age of 4 when she became a resident.
Today, Marta Stephens is celebrating the release of her new book, “Silenced Cry,” which is set to hit bookshelves April 23.
Her husband, Rick “Rickey” Stephens, is a 1965 graduate of Wabash High School. They have two children and currently live in Muncie.
Marta Stephens had always felt the need to write down her thoughts, but she couldn't have known that journaling would give birth to Sam Harper.
“Silenced Cry” is her debut novel and Sam Harper is a homicide detective in her first-of-four series called the Sam Harper Crime Mystery Series.
An infant's murder shatters old vows of silence and leads Harper, a second generation homicide detective, down the road of betrayal, suspicion and misplaced loyalties.
Published by BeWrite Books, “Silenced Cry” has already made quite an impression on fans and critics alike.
S.W. Vaughn, author of “Broken Angel,” said: “‘Silenced Cry' leads you by the hairs on the back of your neck through a chilling case, fraught with twists and long-buried secrets, and finishes you off with a sucker-punch to the gut. Stephens' debut novel is a strong start to a series worth watching.”
Author Anne K. Edwards, “Death on Delivery,” said: A tale that could be taken from the news, this is a book you will remember and look for other tales by this author.”
One reader kept it simple: “The first page starts the goose bumps.”
Stephens has had several short stories and flash fiction published online through BeWrite. She has a degree in journalism/public relations from Ball State University. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, Deadly Prose Critique Group, and the Midwest Writer's Workshop.
Stephens' creativity continues from her writing. She has earned several awards for her oil paintings. She also enjoys gardening, antique collecting and graphic design.
Her second book in the Sam Harper Crime Mystery Series is expected to be out late 2008.
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