Inspired by her life experiences, which include substitute teaching, directing plays for 10 years at Conestoga Christian School and 35 years of leading Bible studies, Lisa Betz, president of the board of trustees for the Village Library of Morgantown, recently announced she has published her first book, "Death and a Crocodile."

Betz describes the book as a light-hearted mystery, which is set in Rome AD 46. "I have been leading Bible studies, so I set (the book) in the time of the New Testament," she said. "I have spent a lot of time researching that period because of teaching Bible (studies) and learning about the culture. That's where the interest came from."

The book tells the story of Livia, whose father dies under suspicious circumstances. With the help of her maidservant, Livia sets out to find the killer before her innocent brother is convicted of the murder. In addition to the courageous women, the book also includes eccentric characters and a sausage-stealing cat.

When announcing the publishing of the book, Betz stated, "By combining historical detail, faith and humor in a fast-paced mystery, I hope to provide readers with a story that both entertains and encourages."

Betz said that she never set out to become an author of a book. "I was an engineering major so writing was not on my mind back in school. But I always love reading stories and making up stories in my head," she shared. "I actually took a creative writing course on a whim when my kids were in school, which hooked my interest in writing. My love of writing slowly grew and developed until I eventually thought I wanted to write a book."

After her youngest son went to college about 10 years ago, Betz began researching book writing and how to find a publisher by attending various conferences and workshops. "I wrote several manuscripts before this one. It was sort of a learning process," she said. "This one I started probably three years ago."

Betz's manuscript was a finalist in a competition for unpublished writers presented by the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) in the category for mystery/suspense thriller. "That let me know that I had a good product. Shortly after that, I got an offer from a publisher," she said.

She said the writing process included creating an outline of the story. "I knew the crime and a general outline of how the book would go," said Betz. "As you go through, there are bits and pieces you have not thought about yet but have to figure out. Plus, you have to keep the characters consistent."

In addition to volunteering at the library and experimenting with ancient Roman cooking methods, Betz is working on her second book. "I am hoping this will be a series and I am working on book two," she stated. "I'm hoping to get it to my content editor this spring and we will see about trying to get it published."

"Death and a Crocodile" may be purchased at the Village Library, online and in bookstores. Betz noted that she is available to speak at virtual book clubs and to groups of people who have an interest in writing. For more information, readers may visit http://www.facebook.com/LisaEBetzWriter or http://www.lisaebetz.com.