Amazon Kindle Bestseller! Twenty-Five Years Ago Today is available in trade paperback and in multiple e-book formats. Please scroll down to find retail links, a synopsis, excerpts, book trailer, reviews and Reader’s Guide. Visit the Store tab to access buy links for all of Stacy’s books.
Trade paperback version available from your local bookseller and the following on-line retailers:
Amazon
Mainly Murder Press – 25 percent discount
Barnes&Noble
$3.99 e-book versions available from:
Amazon Kindle
Barnes&Noble (Nook)
Smashwords
iTunes
Sony Reader Store
Should we dig for the truth when Pandora’s Box is a coffin of buried secrets?
Kris Langley has always been obsessed with murder. She blames herself for the violent death of her cousin when they were kids and has let guilt invade every corner of her existence. Now an editorial assistant and obit writer, Kris stumbles across an unsolved murder while compiling “25 Years Ago Today” items from the microfilm. Determined to solve the case and atone for the death of her cousin, Kris immerses herself in the mystery of what happened to Diana Ferguson, a talented artist who expressed herself through haunting paintings of Greek mythology.
Not only does Kris face resistance from her family and her managing editor, she also clashes with Diana’s suspicious nephew, Eric Soares – until neither she nor Eric can deny the chemistry flaring between them. She soon learns that old news never leaves the morgue and that yesterday’s headline is tomorrow’s danger, for finding out the truth about that night twenty-five years ago may shatter Kris’s present, costing her love, her career, and ultimately, her life.
Read an excerpt from Chapter 1 of the book.
ggg
Reviews:
“Stacy Juba has written a well-paced story that will keep readers guessing about who actually committed the crime and whether or not Kris will figure it out before something bad happens to her. There are enough twists, and possible suspects, in this story to make it entertaining and keep readers turning the pages all the way to its very satisfying end.”
5 Heart review from - The Romance Studio
“Some secrets are best left covered. Twenty-Five Years Ago Today follows Kris Langley as she tries to advance her career by looking deeper into a long forgotten case. But she soon finds that maybe it was unsolved for a reason, as beneath the surface the case is not what it seems. Even submerged for decades, those behind the case show why it has remained unsolved. Twenty-Five Years Ago Today is an intriguing mystery that should not be overlooked.”
- Midwest Book Review
“This was a very intriguing and captivating book. I found myself carrying it with me whenever I thought I may have a few minutes to read while waiting on something. On top of that, this book stayed in my head even when I was not reading it. I loved the characters that Ms. Juba has so clearly laid out for her readers. The subplots of the book were also quite fascinating. Kris Langley is a character that you will remember long after you have completed reading this book. With just the right blend of mystery, romance, and danger, Twenty-Five Years Ago Today will be thoroughly enjoyed by anyone who is smart enough to pick up a copy of it. Ms. Juba takes control and leads her readers the direction she WANTS them to move in and you won’t be able to figure out the ending until she is READY for you to. All in all, this is a wonderful book. It was my first book by this author but I will be watching for more of them in the future.”
- Lynn Cunningham, Fresh Fiction
“Stacy Juba has written a page-turner! This has to be one of my favorite mystery books that I’ve read this year. The characters are well written and have so much depth that it feels like this has actually happened… Book club groups will enjoy this book because there is so much that happens between its pages. The murder took place 25 years ago and to recall those facts has brought up a lot for the characters. If you enjoy a good mystery book, then do not pass this by.”
- Book-Club-Queen
“A satisfying mystery with a layered plot. The characters are believable and memorable. They are so well crafted that the villains also leave you wondering where their off-page story may lead them. Using her characters, Ms Juba builds a suspenseful mystery that also manages to delve deeply into the complexities of family dynamics, grief, guilt and forgiveness. She also paints a wonderfully realistic portrait of small town life and the activity of a small town newsroom.”
- Veronica Marie Beaumont, The Romance Reviews
“I absolutely loved this book. I cannot remember how long it has been since I have read a book where the ending and the “whodunnit” remained a mystery to me. I am very good at predicting the ending of books after reading the first chapter, but this book was written so well, that I was caught by surprise – and you will be too.”
- My Life, One Story At a Time
“Stacy Juba evokes a wide range of emotions in this poignant tale. The mystery itself is well done while the structure of the novel itself makes the reading flow smoothly. The tidbits starting each chapter add a nice touch as Twenty-Five Years Ago Today is one of those books you pick up and don’t want to put down till the very end!”
- Debbie Wiley Book Reviews
“I enjoyed this mystery very much. It is well written and well put together with clues dropped so skillfully, I didn’t pick up on them. There is tension and conflict in Kris’s job, in her family, and most of all as she deals with the people who knew Diana twenty-five years ago. Edgy suspense and sweet romance make for an enjoyable read. I’ll be looking for another book by this first time mystery writer soon.”
- Pat Elliott, BookLoons
“They say writers should write what they know, and as a long-time newspaper reporter, Stacy Juba has done just that. Her depiction of a small town newspaper feels real, and even her minor characters are well-developed. The story flows smoothly to its surprise ending, and only then does the reader recognize the hidden clues that have been there all along. She has created an interesting main character with a rich background that could easily carry another book. This is Juba’s first adult novel, and I found it to be an impressive effort, definitely an enjoyable read.”
- Marlene Pyle, The GenReview.com
“Even when I’m interested in a premise or story concept, I can be disappointed in how the author handles it. Not so with Stacy Juba. She did a great job with the story. The writing was top-notch, the plotting and pacing excellent, the characters – especially the protagonist – carefully and wonderfully drawn. I can’t imagine a reader who won’t cheer for Kris.”
- Diana Vickery, Cozy Library
“What do Diana’s studying and painting of Greek and Roman mythology have to do with the surprise ending? You will have to read this well crafted, well-researched and outstanding first novel of the newest mystery writer on the block, Stacy Juba. To the great mystery writers of the 21st century, make room for the author of this great book.”
- Fran Lewis, Bookpleasures.com
“Stacy Juba has drawn a believable character and settings. The newspaper scenes are so real I could almost smell the ink—and feel the animosity between Kris and Bruce, the pushy crime reporter who’d like to see Kris on a date but not nosing into his territory. Kris manages to get herself fired, but after she figures things out, she gets back her job, and we can assume (and maybe hope?) she’s ready for another crime-laden reporting adventure.”
- Patricia Nordyke Pando, Story Circle Book Reviews
“25 Years Ago Today is a murder mystery with a splash of romance and a surprise ending. Stacy Juba does a wonderful job giving you just enough details through the book to keep you guessing all the way to the end.”
- Once Upon A Twilight
“Stacy Juba weaves a wonderful story and mystery. She shows us who Diana Ferguson really was and not just what people read in the newspaper article. This is a great book and anyone who is looking to get lost in a good mystery will definitely enjoy this one.”
- Beck’s Book Picks
“I really enjoyed this mystery. I liked the writing style, I liked the character development, and I liked the twist at the end, which I was not at all expected. The pacing made for a fast read and kept me reading long past when I meant to stop reading!”
- I’d So Rather Be Reading
“Twenty-Five Years Ago Today is a gripping murder mystery with a touch of romance. I loved that I was guessing who the killer is till the end. This is a page turner you will not want to put down once you are sucked into the story.”
- Tifferz Book Review
“Twenty-Five Years Ago Today is a well written story with a well written plot and wonderful imagery. Stacy Juba was able to write a fascinating story that was easy to fall into and become consumed with.”
- Reading Through Life…One Page At A Time
“Twenty-Five Years Ago Today delivers mystery, intrigue, and will hound you like a Greek Fury after you’re finished with it to read more from this fantastic author.”
- Surrounded By Books Reviews
“This is a wonderful story! Well written, great personality in the lead character and a mystery that doesn’t let up. The scenarios have you thinking someone did it, but he really didn’t. Someone else did, though and the end is a total surprise. My favorite kind!”
- Cheryl’s Book Nook
“This is a story of murder, but also the story of hope. Well written, the drama and the story flow is excellent. I love a good whodunit, and this story does not disappoint. The characters are wonderful, people you would meet anywhere. Kris is bold and intuitive, and yet she still has a vulnerability that draws you in. And what good is a great mystery without a love story. This book has it all.”
- Tic Toc Book Reviews
“The supporting characters were easily as intriguing as the lead, particularly those in Diana’s family. Juba does a very good job of creating believable characters. The conclusion made the story for me. It was so unexpected for me and I absolutely love the element of surprise in a genre that all too often can be too formulaic. A great read that should NOT be overlooked!”
- The Caffeinated Diva Reads
“I had a great time reading this book. It is a perfectly balanced novel, that has it all: action, unsolved crime, thrilling twists, interesting mythology facts, romance, family drama and more! I can’t imagine anyone who wouldn’t enjoy it!”
- Bookish
“Twenty-Five Years Ago Today has everything I look for in a romantic suspense; a mystery that keeps me guessing, a romance storyline that ends well, and characters that I like enough to care about what happens to them.”
- Big Al’s Books and Pals
“The plot is solid, with the conclusion a striking twist.”
- book’d out
“Stacy Juba has established herself as a first class mystery writer. In Twenty-Five Years Ago Today, Juba skillfully unfolds present-day drama as it relates to the seminal event—the unsolved murder—of twenty-five years before. You will be wondering and guessing right to the end, and the well-drawn characters will make you care about how each is affected.”
- Jim Ciullo, Author of Maracaibo and Orinoco
“The scenes in the newsroom are fabulous and so true. The newsroom staff and their attitudes, trials, tribulations and challenges are as true today as they were twenty-five years ago. The machines are the only things that have changed. Each character has their own story that meshes with all the other characters. I guarantee to all mystery fans that once you pick this book up you will not put it down and will praise the author, who tells me that this is her first mystery novel. Keep up the good work, Stacy. The reading public needs good mystery writers.”
- Mary Lignor, Bookpleasures.com
“The suspense held my interest during the entire book. It was well written with relateable characters. However, my thoughts throughout the book was how believable could the story line be with an editorial assistant cracking a 25 year old cold case that seasoned professionals couldn’t? My question was answered with the explosive ending of the book. When I thought that the killer was finally exposed, and the story was winding down there was much more to come! Surprising! Well done!”
- CMash Loves to Read
“Twenty-Five Years Ago Today is an enjoyable, quick read for the mystery lover who likes a little romance and family drama tossed in. Juba has a great talent for setting up a good intrigue, and I look forward to reading more of her work.”
- Hide and Read
“I liked the mythology inserts; they add to the moral thread that Stacy weaves through, then snaps in all of her brilliant books. Jealousy, adultery, lying, cheating all have consequences in a Juba book. I guess that’s why I like them. OK, it’s entertainment, but I loved it.”
- Paul Kendall, k3 Books
“For anyone building a collection of news-related mysteries, this will be a pleasant addition to the shelf. It also fits nicely into a New England collection, particularly Massachusetts .”
- Beth Kanell, co-owner of Kingdom Books in Vermont and author of The Darkness Under the Water
“Stacy Juba’s book will certainly leave an impression on readers that will last long after the final pages are finished. If you enjoy mystery books with a splash of romance, this may be the book for you. I am certainly glad I read it and would happily recommend it to others.”
- Musings of Mistress of the Dark Path
“I started to figure out the person who did it about halfway through, but then, in the end, I was thrown an unexpected curve. The kind of mystery I enjoy, Twenty-Five Years Ago Today was definitely a 4.5 read.”
- Laurel-Rain Snow, Author
Advance Quotes for Twenty-Five Years Ago Today:
“It isn’t often you find a true depiction of a small town newsroom in a novel. This one is authentic. As to the story itself, when you finish this mystery, you realize there was plenty throughout the book to let you discern who done it, but you didn’t. It’s a fun trip.”
- John Hourihan, award-winning columnist, Connecticut Post; author of Play Fair and Win and Parables for a New Age
“As she threads a perilous path through seedy dives and wolves in sheep’s clothing, Kris Langley never loses her commitment to the truth or her own sense of innocence. Part Jimmy Olsen, part Victoria Warshawski, she embodies the newspaper business’s perennial tension between the cold, hard facts and the complex dramas of people caught in the act of living their lives.”
- Russ Olivo, Assistant Editor, Woonsocket Call
“This is not just a murder mystery – it is also a poignant story about the complexity of family relationships, the search for closure and the importance of forgiveness. Each character, and in particular, the heroine Kris, is truly three dimensional and believable, flaws and all. The author also does a great job in capturing the essence of a newsroom, the personalities of staff and the challenges of reporting news in today’s world. Once you start this book, it will be hard to put down. There are no loose ends – each character and scenario flows seamlessly into the overall story. Not only will you be surprised at the ending, you will be filled with admiration at how every piece has fallen into its perfect spot.”
- Bonnie Adams, freelance reporter, The Worcester Telegram and Gazette, and the Town Crier Publications
Reader’s Guide:
1. Guilt over her role in her cousin Nicole’s death dominates Kris in her adult life. Do you think she is being too hard on herself, or do you feel her self-punishment is deserved? In what ways does the tragedy she feels responsible for as a child affect Kris’s personality? What other examples can you find in the book of characters dealing with guilt?
2. Kris feels that fate ended the lives of Diana and Nicole and that fate guided her to the microfilm. What are your thoughts on fate? How much control do you believe we all have over our destinies? Do Kris’s beliefs about “fate’s hit list” mesh with her intense guilt over Nicole’s murder?
3. Even though they’re dead when the book starts, Nicole and Diana act as catalysts for the current events. Based on the details that the author shared, how did you like each of their characters? Did they come across as real people, or could they have been fleshed out more? How effective was the flashback scene that showed Kris and Nicole walking home from school?
4. How did you like the references to Greek and Roman mythology? How much did you know about these subjects before reading this book? Why do you think Diana Ferguson identified with the Diana of myth?
5. The author draws upon her journalism background to sprinkle newspaper articles and “25 Years Ago Today” blurbs throughout the book. How did you like this technique? Did you find the segments interesting or distracting? What clues did you find?
6. Kris starts her job at the Fremont Daily News during a time of transition, in which Jacqueline will soon replace Dex at the helm of the paper. Who do you believe is the more effective leader, Dex or Jacqueline? What are each of their strengths and flaws? How does this transition at the newspaper mirror the transitional period in Kris’s own life?
7. Who was your favorite character in the story? Least favorite character? Why?
8. Fremont, where the majority of Twenty-Five Years Ago Today takes place, is a fictional town in Massachusetts. Why do you think the author created a fictitious community rather than using a real Massachusetts town? Does it matter to you whether the setting of a book is real or fictional? Did you like that the author set a few scenes in real places, such as Boston, Cape Cod and Hyde Park, NY?
9. How do you feel about Kris’s relationship with her parents? Was her relationship with her father any healthier than her relationship with her mother? Compare and contrast the mothers in the book – Kris’s mother, Irene, Cheryl and Aunt Susan. Which of these characters did you like best? Least?
10. What are the similarities and differences between the two sets of sisters in the novel – Holly and Kris, and Diana and Cheryl? Did you like Holly or dislike her, and why? Did it bother you that Kris’s conflict with her sister and mother wasn’t neatly tied up at the end?
11. Kris tells several lies during the course of her investigation. For example, she lies to Cheryl about the reason for their first interview. What other instances can you find of Kris “fudging the truth?” Did her lying bother you, or did her good intentions make up for her mistruths? Was it ethical for Dex and Kris to go behind their coworkers’ backs and publish a rewritten version of the Diana Ferguson story?
12. How did the author use setting to evoke the mood of the book? Would setting the story in the summer, rather than winter, be as effective? Why do you think the epilogue took place in May?
13. What did you think of the romance between Kris and Eric? Do you think the relationship can last?
14. What were the clues that led to the discovery of the killer’s identity? Did you figure out the puzzle, or did the identity of Diana’s killer come as a surprise? Did the author play fair, showing enough clues for the reader to solve the crime alongside the protagonist?
15. How plausible did you find the killer’s motive? Who would you classify as the villain of the book?
16. The last line of the book indicates that maybe Pandora’s Box wasn’t empty after all and that maybe they had replaced the lid just in time. How has Kris changed by the end of the book? Do you think she has found her niche with journalism?
