Once in a while, something happens and you just know there’s a bit of magic-making. Little things and big things, things we forget tomorrow, and things we remember for years. When I received an offer to publish my first book, My Music Man with Bedazzled Ink Publishing, I knew. No, they were not one of the big publishing companies, but they saw my work for what it is. For how I see it. I knew from the start we shared a common quest regarding the books they selected to publish with book themes and stories I value. In the nine years since signing that first contract, adding four more, I have gotten to know many Bedazzled Ink authors. I’ve read their work and still stand firm in knowing that Bedazzled was the right publisher for me. I’m grateful for my loyalty to them and theirs to me.

As A Map of Her Own neared its release, I noticed the simultaneous announcement of the release of The Disease Detective by author Elyse Fritschel. And, oh my goodness! How often might you have two novels authored by two public health professionals and published the same month by a non-science publisher? How cool is that? Yes, those who know me may not be surprised to hear I was compelled to reach out to Elyse Fritschel (after first reviewing her profile on LinkedIn only to find – no surprise – we have mutual connections). My only regret is that my little grand guy is not quite old enough to sit and listen to this one. But, as I read my own copy, I’m quick to recognize how The Disease Detective is a book I would have adored as a book loving child.

And while I don’t often review books on this blog, I have done it a few times, including recently regarding my friend Jay Schauer’s book (see: Exploring Books That Delight Kids and Adults Alike). So let’s add another!

My new friend Elyse is the Infection Prevention Director at Tufts Medical Center. Yes, I can imagine the challenges of her work days. And the importance of what she does. Elyse and I both have Masters Degrees in Public Health: she an MPH in epidemiology, mine a long ago MS in Environmental Health Sciences. And yes, both published authors in works beyond scientific journals.

I appreciate being able to connect with Elyse to learn a bit more about why she wrote Disease Detectives.

“I wrote The Disease Detective as the contemporary mystery novel I wished was available when I was younger. I hope this book inspires and empowers readers to become more engaged in public health matters within their communities.”

Oh yes, how important this is now, I say! And I already know of at least one neighbor to buy this for as a holiday gift!

Elyse went on to add, “Based on the interest that children and adults have expressed regarding epidemiological concepts, especially during the pandemic, I crafted a story to lift the veil on outbreak investigation process details while also telling a fun, compelling story with endearing characters.”

In our challenges today, when so many misunderstand or seem less interested in science and true public health, I’m thrilled this book has landed. I encourage you to learn more about Elyse and her book on her website.

Yes, while we may have “day jobs” we authors do use what we know as we develop our fictional stories. First and foremost, A Map of Her Own is a story about two women and their view of their place in the world and the relationships that come along with it. But too, my own public health profession fed into my writing, specifically my background in occupational safety and health. Yes, those years visiting workplaces and providing safety and health education to workers from all walks of life. Regarding crab fishing and dangers; yes, for a period of time I technically reviewed investigative reports of fatalities in Oregon workplaces through the Oregon Fatality and Evaluation Program – a nationally funded program through NIOSH/CDC now threatened with defunding. Tragically, yes, in that time I reviewed several reports about fishing boat accidents. Like other safety and health professionals, I too understand how our U.S. workplace occupational safety and health protections would never be what they are without union protections, and have worked with many unions, including those supporting work in paper mills. Finally, regarding the workplace fatality within the pages of A Map of Her Own; yes, I too (again like many safety professionals) have taught classes, emphasizing the importance of logout tag out and machine guarding. Laws that were non-existent in Emma’s days.

So what’s to do in these moments of October 2025? In addition to paying attention to what’s happening in our world and supporting efforts for positive change? Read some good books. LIke The Disease Detective and A Map of Her Own! And please share what you think about the books with your friends and as reviews. We authors appreciate you!