Mystery/Romantic Suspense
Twenty-Five Years Ago Today
A romantic murder mystery about a decades-old cold case and secrets that refuse to stay buried.
For 25 years, Diana Ferguson's killer has gotten away with murder. When obit writer Kris Langley investigates the cold case of a young artist obsessed with Greek mythology, not only does she fall in love with Diana's sexy nephew, but she must also fight to stay off the obituary page herself...
Get in on the secret and join thousands of readers in discovering who killed Diana Ferguson.
A suspenseful GalleyCat Mystery & Thriller Bestseller, Barnes & Noble Mystery Bestseller, and Amazon Bestseller.
Twenty-Five Years Ago Today is also available in the three-book Young Ladies of Mystery Boxed Set.
Buy Now
An Old Murder. A New Romance.
Read an Excerpt
After dessert, Cheryl insisted on clearing the table herself. Eric and Kris fetched their coats from the closet at the same time. Convenient. Kris raised her chin a notch. Eric Soares wouldn't scare her off this case.
Kris caught his gaze riding up her nylons, to the skirt that hugged her waist and to her soft sweater. She thrust on her jacket and buttoned it to her neck.
"You'll have to come over to my apartment for tea," Irene told her. "I'll show you my photo albums."
"I'd love to see them," Kris said.
"Thank you for helping my daughter."
"Remember there's no guarantee, Gram," Eric interjected. "Kris means well, but she's not a miracle worker."
"She can do her best."
Kris thanked Cheryl for the lovely dinner and said goodnight. She followed Eric into the frigid night. Moonlight shone over the snow-blanketed lawn. She rooted in her purse for her car keys, goosebumps popping out under her nylons.
"Look, your grandmother knows it's a longshot."
Shadows marked the hollows of Eric's cheeks and the sharp ridge of his nose. "It's easy for her to forget with you asking a hundred questions."
"I'm doing my job. How do you expect me to find Diana's killer if I don't ask questions?"
"Stop kidding yourself. Once you can't get your big headline, you'll walk away."
"Don't tell me what I will and won't do. You don't know anything about me."
Eric opened the door of his Camaro, his black leather jacket creaking. "I know your kind. Tuesday. Three o'clock."
"I know your kind, too. Pigheaded." Kris stalked to her car.
He didn't trust her. It shouldn't matter.
But it did.
What Reviewers are Saying
“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.”
- The Romance Studio
“This ending had my head spinning. I still can’t keep reliving it, picking up on subtle clues I missed before. This author is definitely on my must-read list from now on, and she should be on yours too, if you enjoy a surprising mystery.”
- Ariesgrl Book Reviews
“Stacy Juba is sure to catch suspense readers’ attention with Twenty-Five Years Ago Today. It’s a well-written storyline with just the right amount of intrigue and a hint of romance to keep the pages turning … This was definitely a book worth reading and a great introduction to Ms. Juba’s work.”
- Romance Junkies
“Twenty-Five Years Ago Today is an intriguing mystery that should not be overlooked.”
- Midwest Book Review
“This has to be one of my favorite mystery books that I’ve read this year.”
- Book-Club-Queen
“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 of The Romance Reviews
“If you’re looking for a quick read that hints at romance, flirts with danger, and keeps you guessing, Stacy Juba’s Twenty-Five Years Ago Today is the novel for you.”
- The Masquerade Crew
“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
“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
“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 of BookLoons
“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 of Cozy Library
“To the great mystery writers of the 21st century, make room for the author of this great book.”
- Fran Lewis of 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 of Story Circle Book Reviews
“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
“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
“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
“A great read that should NOT be overlooked!”
- The Caffeinated Diva Reads
“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
“If you like sleuth books, then Twenty-Five Years Ago Today by Stacy Juba is an enthralling murder mystery that will keep your interest until the very last page. The plot has an interesting twist, and it kept me guessing until the very end.”
- Readers' Favorite
“Juba is a new-to-me author, and she delivered a story that held my interest and made me analyze the evidence to try to figure out who did it. The ending blindsided me, and I love it when an author can catch me off-guard like that!”
“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.”
“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.”
“Well written, great personality in the lead character, and a mystery that doesn’t let up!”
“This is a story of murder, but also the story of hope. Well written, the drama and the story flow are excellent. I love a good whodunit, and this story does not disappoint!”
“I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading intriguing, character-driven mysteries with fast-paced plots. I give this book an A+!”
“I listened to the audio book, and it was fantastic. The narrator did an excellent job. Very easy to listen to!”
“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.”
Want More Mystery and Suspense?
Discover Twenty-Five Years Ago Today, Sink or Swim, and Dark Before Dawn together in the Young Ladies of Mystery Boxed Set—three gripping novels filled with mystery, suspense, danger, and unexpected twists.
Read the Companion Anthology
Curious about the inspiration behind Twenty-Five Years Ago Today?
In 25 Years in the Rearview Mirror, Stacy Juba and her author colleagues look back at where they were 25 years earlier in a collection of poignant, uplifting, and sometimes surprising personal essays.
Fans of Twenty-Five Years Ago Today will also find a special bonus—the story of what happened to Diana Ferguson on the last day of her life.
This collection is free at many retailers.
