A new murder mystery-style fiction novel has just been released based in Mexico and uses landmarks and historic figures for its base.

Ellen Withers, a Mexico native now living in Conway AR, was in Mexico last week to meet fans and to talk about the book that is the first in a three-part series. The first book’s plot takes place around the A.P. Green House. Withers said she was inspired by the Mortimer murders for this particular book but doesn’t expect future books’ plots to be centered around crime. However, there will be mystery involved.

“The mystery is a genre that I read all the time and I love history too,” Withers told the Ledger. “So I’ve been able to mix the two in the book.”

Withers is already working on the second book which will be released in May 2024 and her first deadline is coming up in November. Withers was able to not only land a deal to publish her book but has a deal in place for the next two and was able to land that deal simply by showing the publisher some photos.

“I was able to talk my publisher into a three-book series because of the wonderful structures that we have here in Mexico,” Withers said. “I just knew these structures lent themselves to wonderful mysteries and how to weave a story around these is fun.”

Familiarity with the A.P. Green House was not a problem for Withers because she grew up caddy corner from the house. The second book will be featured around the Clark House which currently houses the historical society and the third book will feature Simmons Stables.

History will also be incorporated into the books. The Clark House will be set around the time of the Civil War. Withers didn’t reveal the plot but did bring up former President Ulysses Grant and his connection to Mexico.

“People don’t realize Grant was here in 1861 for about six weeks and did some cool things,” Withers said. “I want to feature the interesting history of Mexico.”

Withers also brought up famous horse trainer Tom Bass and noted the horse bit he invented but never patented because he wanted people to afford it.

“He was a wonderful person,” Withers said. “It won’t be specifically about Tom Bass but he’ll kind of walk through.”

When Withers sat down to begin writing the first book and like a lot of writers she didn’t have the entire story mapped out in her head. Withers said she certainly knew where she wanted to start and then let the creativity flow from there.

“I’m what they call a prancer and not a plotter,” Withers said.

The characters in the book are much like the settings and scenes. 

“I’m more inspired by real folks,” Withers said. “I start typing and developing them and they do things that make them their people.”

Withers, an accomplished non-fiction writer before publishing her first book, is also working on another project that will feature three Christmas theme stories also in Mexico, centered around the civil war era. She also has an idea for a fourth mystery book and would like to use the Missouri Military Academy as her setting. If the school is okay with her doing it expect it to happen.

“If people are excited about it, yes,” Withers said.