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Sybil Johnson’s love affair with reading began in kindergarten with “The Three Little Pigs.” Visits to the library introduced her to Encyclopedia Brown, Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle and a host of other characters. Fast forward to college where she continued reading while studying Computer Science. After a rewarding career in the computer industry, Sybil decided to try her hand at writing mysteries. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in Southern California where she enjoys tole painting, studying ancient languages and spending time with friends and family.

sybil

JOHNSON

FATAL BRUSHSTROKE (#1)

amateur sleuths, coastal, cozy, craft mysteries women sleuths

Aurora Anderson Mysteries

Computer programmer and tole painting enthusiast Rory Anderson doesn’t envision finding either when she steps outside to investigate the frenzied yipping coming from her own backyard. After all, she lives in Vista Beach, a quiet California beach community where violent crime is rare and murder even rarer. Suspicion falls on Rory when the body buried in her flowerbed turns out to be someone she knows—her tole painting teacher, Hester Bouquet. As evidence piles up against Rory, she embarks on a quest to identify the killer and clear her name. Can Rory unearth the truth before she encounters her own brush with death?

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

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“Johnson paints characters with a folksy charm that makes them feel like family…Color me a fan!” – Diane Vallere, National Bestselling Author of Pillow Stalk

PAINT THE TOWN DEAD (#2)

It’s June in the quiet city of Vista Beach, the place computer programmer and tole-painting enthusiast Rory Anderson calls home. Decorative painters are flocking to the newly built Akaw hotel to attend the Ocean Painting Society’s inaugural convention. During the weeklong event, Rory plans on shopping the trade show floor, working in her mother’s booth, taking classes, and connecting with other decorative painting fans. She doesn’t expect to witness her childhood friend collapse in class and die. When the police find no evidence of foul play, Rory embarks on her own investigation. Can she brush aside the lies to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice?

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

“A cleverly crafted mystery full of secrets and intrigues that kept me guessing till the end.” – Connie Archer, National Bestselling Author of Ladle to the Grave

A PALETTE FOR MURDER (#3)

Summer’s sizzling in Vista Beach, the home of computer programmer and tole-painting enthusiast Rory Anderson. The abnormally high temperatures are hard on everyone in the quiet Los Angeles county beach community, especially the city’s homeless population. Residents are doing everything they can to stay cool, including leaving windows open to catch the faintest breeze. Not the best idea when a string of burglaries is plaguing nearby towns. Still, Rory doesn’t expect to find her neighbor’s body just a few doors down. When suspicion falls on a friend and fellow painter, Rory must discover the truth before the police paint the wrong picture and send her friend away permanently.

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

“With a smart, sympathetic protagonist, lots of colorful details, and even tips on creating trompe l’oeil paintings, A Palette for Murder is a work of art.” – Ellen Byron, USA Today Bestselling Author of Body on the Bayou

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DESIGNED FOR HAUNTING (#4)

Halloween is fast approaching in quiet Vista Beach, home of computer programmer and tole-painting enthusiast Rory Anderson. While her painting chapter prepares to open its annual boutique house, Rory receives an unexpected email from Beyond The Grave. “I think I have a stalker,” the message reads. “If you’re reading this I’m either missing or dead. My life may depend on what you do. Please find out what happened to me.” Haunted by her friend’s disappearance and possible death, Rory begins her search with the help of best friend and fellow painter. Can they discover who has designs on the missing woman before one of them becomes the next victim?

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

”Engaging sleuth Rory Anderson finds herself caught up in another perplexing mystery...A clever, satisfying plot with plentiful twists will keep you happily guessing until the very end.” – Cynthia Kuhn, Agatha Award-Winning Author of The Spirit in Question

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GHOSTS OF PAINTING PAST (#5)

It’s Christmastime in the quiet Los Angeles County city of Vista Beach, home of computer programmer and tole-painting enthusiast Aurora (Rory) Anderson. The magic of the season fills the air as residents enjoy school concerts, a pier lighting ceremony and the annual sand-snowman contest. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Rory plans on painting ornaments to sell at the local craft fair and joining in on the holiday fun. But she finds the season anything but jolly after the house across the street is torn down, revealing a decades old crime. Past meets present when her father is implicated in the murder. Fearing for her father’s future, Rory launches her own investigation, intent on discovering the truth and clearing his name.

USA TODAY BESTSELLER

”Engaging sleuth Rory Anderson finds herself caught up in another perplexing mystery...A clever, satisfying plot with plentiful twists will keep you happily guessing until the very end.” – Cynthia Kuhn, Agatha Award-Winning Author of The Spirit in Question

Award Mention Here