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Author focuses on crime

Novelist will visit Spotsylvania for book signing and discussion on crime

By OSASU AIRHIAVBERE

Date published: 6/18/2003

p.m. terrell raises money for crime solvers

Novelist p.m. terrell does not just write books about crime.

As the president of the Crime Solvers program in Chesterfield County and Colonial Heights, she helps to put real criminals behind bars.

"[Crime Solvers] is comprised of average citizens who want to make a difference in their locality by cleaning up crime and putting away criminals," she wrote in an e-mailed response to questions.

On June 28, terrell will return to Spotsylvania for her second discussion, "Blue Collar Crime in a White Collar World," at the Salem Church branch of the Central Rappahannock Regional Library. A book signing will follow the discussion.

Terrell's discussions stem from the running theme in her novels--the changing face of criminal activity. In an age like ours, where the capabilities of technology are nearly boundless, many crimes are being conducted by people working in office buildings, she said.

"Blue-collar crime has gone high-tech," she said.

Lynn Jarnecki, secretary of the Crime Solvers program in Spotsylvania County, said some 20 people came to terrell's discussion and book signing last September.

"We didn't get the publicity that we had hoped for, and most of the people who showed up just luckily stumbled into the library and found us sitting there," Jarnecki said.

Jarnecki said she hopes the discussion will help call attention to the Spotsylvania Crime Solvers program. She also pointed out that terrell writes statements in her book about her support for the Crime Solvers program.

"We want to get the word out, and by making statements in her book about Crime Solvers, she helps people to know our mission," Jarnecki said.

When terrell attends events sponsored by Crime Solvers, she said her publisher--Drake Valley Press--donates 40 percent of the gross sales of books sold during the events to the local Crime Solvers organizations. The money goes toward rewards for people who help police solve crimes.

Terrell's two novels are noted for their strong female characters, who are not romanticized and play an important role in the plots.

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Date published: 6/18/2003