Professor Bay Browning has more snake problems than the Garden of Eden in this twisted mystery. The English Literature instructor is busy preparing for a new semester when a serial killer, known as Medusa, bites her quiet life in the behind. A wild ride ensues when Bay and her grifter sister, Cass, assist a perturbed Detective Downing with the investigation. What else can the sisters do, once they become Medusa's targets? Will the slithering trail of mythology, art history, and family secrets help them catch a killer before she turns them to stone? The first book in the Bay Browning mystery series, The Medusa Murders, introduces Bay Browning ("L.L." to her friends and colleagues at the university), whose expertise as the head of the literature department and authority on mythology is tapped to help solve a puzzling series of murders. The last thing Bay considered from her opportunities was that she could become a detective or participant in solving crime. However, she can be relentless. This personality trait serves her well as she pursues myths and truths in a captivating pairing of possibilities that leads her from a set course in her career down a dangerous path of discovery. The process involves developing relationships with all kinds of people, which are outlined in a story replete with satisfying characters that contribute to Bay's own development with dialogues that feel both realistic and involving: "Downing took a swig of beer. 'I didn't figure you for a beer person. I sort of expected something lofty - wine at the very least.' Bay shifted awkwardly in her chair; she didn't appreciate being pegged. 'Shouldn't we discuss the case, Detective?' Downing relaxed a notch. 'Nope. We should discuss the menu. Almost everything on it includes pork, so I hope you're not a vegan.'" As pursuit of the Medusa Murderer brings Bay into contact with a diverse cast of characters, readers will realize that the complexity and allure of these situations represent psychological building blocks of realization and action that move Bay and others far from their comfort zones of predictability. Joy Ann Ribar cultivates an atmosphere of growth as Bay exhibits defiance, stubbornness, and admits her failings as an investigator while maintaining her determination to contribute her expertise to a case that relies on her strengths for resolution. As events lead to an inevitable face-off and a confrontation with not only Medusa, but the mercurial menace of Bay's own special brand of savvy, readers will relish the progression of a story that sizzles with thriller elements, draws with mystery steeped in myth, and eventually takes a course that many won't see coming. Mystery enthusiasts looking for more complexity and challenge than the cozy mystery genre offers will appreciate the tension and compulsion of a story that grows relationships, individuals, and careers during a careening course towards disaster and discovery. The Medusa Murders should be in any library collection strong in murder mysteries that reside a cut above the ordinary. Diana Donovan, Senior Reviewer, Midwest Book Review Reviewed by Luwi Nyakansaila for Readers' Favorite The Medusa Murders by Joy Ann Ribar is a murder mystery investigation drama that follows Professor Bay Browning, an English Literature instructor. Her life is turned upside down when detectives arrive at her door to search for evidence related to a murder case involving a serial killer called Medusa. To complicate matters further, her sister returns home from jail, claiming she has changed and wants to live with Bay while she sorts herself out. Due to her knowledge of art, mythology, and history, Bay joins the investigation and works with Detective Bryce Downing and her sister to catch the killer, who soon targets them. Will they solve the case before the killer gets to them? The Medusa Murders is an intriguing and captivating story that will take you on a wild journey. Joy Ann Ribar beautifully combines mystery, mythology, and psychic elements to present a thrilling serial murder drama. In addition to the murder plot, there is also a family secret storyline and some romantic vibes between Bay and Detective Downing. Everything fits perfectly into the plot, making it entertaining and unique. The story is memorable because of its outstanding cast of characters. The dynamics between Bay and her family, colleagues, and Downing were interesting and built the core of the story. This is one of those murder mysteries that will have you on the edge of your seat because you can sense that the murderer is close by, but you have no clue who it is, making everyone seem suspicious. I enjoyed reading this book and recommend it to anyone who loves murder mysteries with a dose of mythology and family drama.