About
Author of mystery stories featuring a female amateur sleuth, diverse characters, and a dash of romance. Barbara Howard is the author of two cozy mystery series; Finding Home and The Clover City Files. Her stories feature a female amateur sleuth, diverse characters, and a dash of romance. She is a first generation tech geek turned master gardener. She returned to her Midwestern hometown after an extensive career as a Department of Defense Project Manager at the Pentagon and spends most of her time treasure hunting, spoiling her fur-babies, growing veggies, and plotting whodunits.
President, Great Lakes Fiction Writers
Memberships/Affiliations: Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Sisters in Crime (SinC), Great Lakes Fiction Writers (GLFW), Crime Writers of Color (CWoC), Gamma Xi Phi (GXP)
She has also published a collection of books on food-related topics, food safety, and heirloom recipe cookbooks under the pen name, Arlene Lee.
Featured Work
Finding Home Mystery Series
In the captivating debut of the "Finding Home Mystery Series," Traci Simmons faces yet another career setback, forcing her to confront the possibility of leaving her home behind for a fresh start in a new town. However, when her elderly neighbor dies under mysterious circumstances, Traci is thrust into an unexpected role leading a crusade to save the neighbor's urban farm and uncover the truth behind the enigmatic death. Against the backdrop of homelessness, anxiety, food insecurity, and gentrification, Traci forms profound connections with those society often overlooks, challenging her own insecurities and redefining the concept of home. In "Charlotte's Revenge," the sequel, we revisit Traci's life two years later, where her relationship with Officer Randall Wells takes center stage. As their connection deepens, a malevolent force from their past, Charlotte Carter, orchestrates a scheme that jeopardizes their lives, tests their love, and almost destroys Randall's career. In "Milo's Journey," the third installment, two years have passed, and with Traci by his side, Milo has overcome numerous challenges to become a rising star in Faucier County. Yet, when a cold case resurfaces, Milo's self-perception unravels, threatening his relationships and newfound success. The "Finding Home Mystery Series" masterfully weaves suspenseful mysteries with poignant explorations of societal issues, making it a must-read for fans of gripping and socially resonant storytelling.