A Devon author of murder mysteries will be at Otter Garden Centres in Ottery St Mary on Tuesday, December 12, to sign copies of her latest novel.

Stephanie Austin has just published the seventh book in her Devon Mysteries series, A Devon Midwinter Murder.

The novels all feature ‘domestic goddess’ and amateur sleuth, Juno Browne, who lives in Ashburton.

The series was inspired by Stephanie’s own experiences from her varied career, which has ranged from teacher to artist, astrologer and dabbler in antiques.

In the latest story, Juno is helping to organise a Christmas Fair to raise funds for a local animal sanctuary. But even as Santa is handing out presents in the fairy-lit grotto, a murder is being committed in a dark corner of the garden. Juno discovers the body of Bob the Blacksmith, found clutching a horseshoe decorated with a sprig of elder.

Suspicion falls on Bob’s longsuffering wife, Jackie, and on Don Drummond, with whom Bob violently quarrelled in the past. From this cloud of suspicion, Juno begins to make connections between Bob’s murder and previous ‘accidental’ deaths, but her course is obstructed by those who insist on links to ancient folklore. Determined to take the evidence with a generous pinch of salt, Juno navigates pagan ceremonies and astrological connections that turn up yet more bodies on the path to the truth.

Otter Garden Centres' Marketing Manager Chris Amphlett said: “We’re very excited to be welcoming Stephanie to the garden centre; a signed hardback would make a great Christmas present for keen readers!”

Stephanie will be at the garden centre on Tuesday December 12 between 2pm and 4pm, where her books will be available to purchase. She said: '’I'm really looking forward to visiting Otter and having the chance to chat to readers and talk about my latest book.”