St. Johns-based author Stacey Horan has received a distinguished honor, as her novel, “A Place for Good and Evil,” has been recognized as a finalist for the 27th annual Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards.
“A Place for Good and Evil” has been shortlisted in the mystery genre. Winners in each genre will be announced in June.
“A Place for Good and Evil” is the first book in Horan’s Old City Mystery series, set in historic St. Augustine.
Here’s a look at the plot: Three years ago, Sidney Stone’s life changed forever. She had been a wife and mother one minute; the next, she was not. Now, in an effort to rebuild her life, she has set up shop as a private investigator. Sid reluctantly teams up with Leo Roberts, a teenager with the gift of communicating with the dead. When a big case is delivered to Sid by the county sheriff, the pair find themselves embroiled in a mystery that hits very close to home — the mystery of what really happened to Sid’s husband and daughter.
Horan is an award-winning author who writes about things that scare her, and her goal is to keep writing until nothing scares her anymore. In addition to her Old City Mystery series, she has penned seven young adult novels, including two paranormal thrillers and an adventure/mystery series. Horan also hosts The Bookshop at the End of the Internet podcast, which is dedicated to helping book lovers discover new authors and has more than 200 episodes available on most major podcast platforms.
“This recognition is especially meaningful because ‘A Place for Good and Evil’ is my debut adult mystery,” said Horan. “It has been a joy to write the books in this new series and to set them in such a unique place like St. Augustine."
As part of its mission to discover, review and share the best books from university and independent publishers, Foreword Magazine, Inc. hosts an annual awards program each year. Finalists represent the best books published in 2024.
“This year’s submissions have truly impressed me with their depth and diversity,” said Christopher Nesbit, INDIES Award director. “Each finalist stands as a testament to the remarkable talent and vision within the independent publishing world. The INDIES not only celebrates these exceptional literary works but also plays a pivotal role in connecting them with librarians and booksellers, ensuring that a rich variety of voices continues to thrive in the world.”
