Barbara Chamberlain conceived the Jaden Steele Carmel Mystery Series when she was a reference librarian at Harrison Memorial Library in Carmel, California. She has always loved mysteries and loved to write. Her first book in the series is A Slice of Carmel. Her previous published books young adult historicals The Prisoner’s Sword and Ride the West Wind, the story of Quakers coming to America. She has published many short stories. In 2009 her young adult short story won first place in the Writer’s Digest Competition. Her short story, Mall Santa, is included in "A Miracle Under the Christmas Tree" edited by Jennifer Sanders, released October, 2012, by Harlequin. Barbara graduated from the University of California at Santa Cruz and received her masters in Library and Information Science at San Jose State University. She loves storytelling and performs at Tellebrations and other events. She has also taught storytelling and creative writing. She is currently the president of the Northern California section of the National League of American Pen Women. Barbara lives with her husband Dave in Aptos, California. They are both active in their local Cabrillo Host Lions Club because they believe in community service. Barbara is the first vice district governor of District 4C6.