Kate Shelton, former clinical sciences associate, publishes her first book

Kate Shelton, a CSU graduate and communications expert in the CSU Department of Clinical Sciences, publishes her first book, The Novel Murdersthis week.

“Publishing a thriller novel has been my dream for years,” said 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.”

Shelton said the book is perfect for readers looking for a dark, twisted and gripping read. One reviewer wrote, “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,” said 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 Murders Set in Colorado, it follows true crime podcaster and self-published author Ana Adams as she struggles to achieve the success her co-host, her sister Bex, believes is possible for them both, and finds herself 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 is thrust into the spotlight. Sudden fame, overnight bestsellers, and a national reputation 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. The bodies and attention pile up, and 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 true criminals read true crime stories.

Shelton said she has plans to publish more books in the future. She enjoys the challenge of art and the connection with readers. “I’m just so thrilled to be able to put the title author behind my name. That’s what I’ve wanted since I was a little girl,” she said.

Shelton holds a double major in history and sociology from CSU and a master’s degree in creative writing from the University of Denver.

Korza Books is an independent trade publisher headquartered in Portland, Oregon, founded in 2021 by Michael Schepps. The Novel Killings 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 drawn to 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 propulsive prose,” said Schepps. “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 beach thriller.”

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

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