Local author Cathy Baker
publishes first mystery novel

By Thomas Clapper
Reporter
Local author Cathy Baker has written in her spare time since third grade and recently has her first book “Wrenville” published, with a book signing set for Saturday, March 11, 10 a.m.-12 p.m. at the Carroll County District Library in Carrollton.
The Carrollton native graduated from Carrollton High School in 2014. She is the daughter of Travis and Heather Weyand. She graduated from Malone University in 2018 with a degree in public relations.
“Throughout the years I have written a bunch of short stories and some books that were unpublished and I always wanted to have one published,” said Baker.
“Wrenville” was written while she was in college, and it was polished up more recently for a Jan. 12 release. According to Baker it took approximately two to three years to write, with one year of editing.
“Wrenville” is a suspense novel. The synopsis reads: “Jack Thomas, a private investigator on the run from one of his past cases, found Wrenville in an effort to hide. Is he safe here, or has his past caught up with him?”
“I just naturally tend to write mysteries,” said Baker. “I usually let the characters do what they want and have no idea where the stories will go. “Wrenville” was pretty much done like this.”
A lot of characters are based on people Baker knew throughout her life.
“All ages could probably read it, but it does involve assassins, and there is a murder in it,” said Baker. “There are no cuss words and profanity. I don’t really like to write those words and it limits the audience.”
Both of her grandmothers read it and really loved the book. One even got five copies for a book club.
The book was self-published on Amazon, in paperback and ebook. The cover was done on Canva. It has 238 pages.
Baker has a blog at https://theintroverteddetective.blogspot.com linked to her website https://cathybakerauthor.zyrosite.com. Updates on projects will appear on the website.
“The blog built an audience over the years and the website increased that audience when the book came out,” said Baker.
Baker can be found at social media on Twitter at Catherine Baker, Instagram and Facebook at Cathy Baker and TikTok as The Introverted Detective.
At the book signing March 11, books will be $15 at the table and it includes a crocheted bookmark with every book at the signing table.
“I would like to thank my parents and family for their support,” said Baker. “They were very supportive throughout the whole process.”