Casco Bay Islands

I grew up on a hill overlooking the mouth of the Royal River in Yarmouth. The whole area was our playground. When I started writing, I set my story on an imaginary island in Casco Bay across from the city of Portland, Maine. It's a small island called Deanes Island and is connected to the mainland by a bridge.

In my first book, Murder Is Always Evil, I write about a company looking for land on which to build a power plant. It never happened on my island but it did happen on a real Casco Bay island called Cousins Island. This occurred sometime in the 1950's and a bridge was built from the island to Yarmouth to facilitate the building of the plant. Before I was married and still living at home in Yarmouth, I would drive to Cousins Island on my days off and spend time at the beach. It was beautiful and peaceful and I can understand why Noah, the main character of my books, liked to go to the beach to relax and enjoy the calming effect of the waves.

My first job was at a branch of Portland Public Library. The Children's Librarian of the main branch on Congress St., Mrs. Rowe, lived on Peaks Island, another Casco Bay island, and traveled back and forth to work on the ferry. I could never imagine how she did it. During my first year or two, when we used to have a crazy schedule at my Branch, I spent a half day a week in the PPL Children's Department. I enjoyed it, and I learned enough to carry back to my Branch, and put to good use. I preferred my Branch however, because we served all ages from cradle to grave, and we often received requests from grieving relatives for books showing best ways to cope with death.

I'm hoping in my second book, the Mayor will be convinced to find a way to have a PPL Branch on my Island. If he does, I will make good use of it.