Fort Collins author publishes debut book: The Novel Killings

Kate Shelton, a longtime Fort Collins resident, fourth-generation Coloradan, and Colorado State University employee, will soon publish her first book. The novel Murders, on June 25, 2024.

“Publishing a thriller novel has been my dream for years,” says Kate Shelton. “When one of my best friends died of cancer at a young age, I knew I had to live for her. I wrote The Novel Murders and started querying. Working with Korza Books has been a fantastic experience and I am delighted that my first book will soon be out in the world.”

The book is perfect for readers looking for a dark, twisted and gripping read. One reviewer writes, “Shelton’s debut book is a must-read for anyone who loves a good whodunit story. The characters are well-developed and identifiable, making it easy to get caught up in their story.”

“As an independent publisher, we are always looking for exciting new voices with compelling ideas that know how to appeal to a wide readership. We found that in Kate Shelton’s The novel Murders”, says Michael Schepps, publisher of Korza Books. “By tackling contemporary issues such as the exploitative nature of true crime podcasts and the responsibilities novelists have to their audiences, Shelton’s work has resonated with early readers, garnering rave reviews and considerable interest.”

“The Novel Killings” is set in Colorado and is about true crime podcaster and self-publishing author Ana Adams. Struggling to achieve the success her co-host sister Bex believes they both deserve, she’s stuck in a comfortable (if bleak) loop of isolation, social media, medication, and instability. But when an email arrives with details of a grisly murder that follows the plot of Ana’s first book, she’s thrust into the spotlight. Sudden fame, overnight bestsellers, and a national profile are every author’s dream, but it soon turns into a nightmare when the killer strikes again. And again. As Bex and Ana try to catch the killer, they must navigate their newfound fame, the unwanted attention of obsessed fans, and the suspicions of the FBI.

As bodies pile up and investigations mount, Ana knows she must publish another story to catch the killer and clear her name. Along the way, she discovers unexpected connections, hidden secrets, and the fact that even real criminals read true crime stories.

Kate Shelton plans to publish more books in the future. She enjoys the challenge of art and the connection with readers. “I’m just so excited to be able to put the title of author behind my name. This is what I’ve wanted since I was a child,” adds Kate.

The book will be published by Korza Books, an independent trade publisher based in Portland, Oregon, founded in 2021 by Michael Schepps. After publication The Novel Murders will be available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Powell’s Books in Portland, and through Ingram to independent booksellers and other retailers under ISBN 978-1-957024-07-3.

“When I first encountered Kate’s work, I was intrigued by the unique sisterly dynamic and themes of true crime, social media, Denver’s hip modern scene, and a twist-filled murder mystery told in fast-paced and driving prose. We worked to build the sisterly relationship at the heart of the story and keep the tension high, while also using Kate’s own background in social media advertising to give readers a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the ‘Bookstagram’ phenomenon. I think our hard work paid off – this book is a perfect thriller for the beach,” says Michael.

Kate celebrates the release of The Novel Murders with a release party on July 20, 2024 at the Wolverine Farm Publick House, an event open to the public. She will also be signing books at Old Firehouse Books on August 24, 2024.

Learn more about the book and Kate Shelton at www.kateshltonauthor.com.