bonnie c. monte

• Mysteries remain wildly popular: 57% of women read books in the mystery/thriller/crime category, along with 39% of men, in 2016. • 46% of readers of romance/romantic suspense read one novel a week. In comparison, the typical American reads eight books a year. • 74 percent of all US households participated in lawn and garden activities in 2016, and DIY gardening is now a $36.9 billion industry, according to the 2016 National Gardening Survey. AUDIENCE: • Women who like traditional mysteries with contemporary flair • Garden aficionados (the sleuth is an avid gardener) • Residents of the San Francisco Bay Area, who will appreciate the local setting • Cozy mystery readers • Readers who enjoy mysteries with female sleuths