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# A Local Mystery Writer Shares Her First Novel
L.T. Reed knew that writing was her passion from a very young age. And after watching the first episode of Murder She Wrote, she was hooked on mystery. She just wasn't sure if she could allow those dreams of mystery that filled her head to be released. But last year, she published her own mystery/thriller novel, and she realized those fears of becoming an author were gone; it really could be a reality.
She joins us this August to share her book and a bit of her personal journey to first-time authorship.
Lit Chat Author Talk
Get to know local author L.T. Reed and her book, Unfamiliar Blood, from 7 - 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 7, at Highlands Regional Library. A book signing will follow the presentation, with a limited number books available for purchase on-site by the author.
Growing up in Jacksonville, Florida, as the youngest of nine children, L.T. Reed was always surrounded by family and love. However, losing her father at the age of sixteen made her no stranger to heartache as well. During this time, she turned to writing stories and plays. After many trials and tribulations, she managed to attend Jones College and Florida State College at Jacksonville to pursue different degrees in accounting and computer programming. She knew writing was what was in her heart, though. So, one day she doubled down and decided it was the time to put pen to pad. Unfamiliar Blood is her debut novel.
Reminder: Reading any book by a Lit Chat author in 2025 counts toward your Jax Stacks Reading Challenge completion. Find out what authors we're hosting and join in on the fun!
A Writing Community
Local book lovers may recognize L.T. Reed from Jax Book Fest 2024, where she first shared her book with library-goers. It's now officially a part of the Local Author Collection!
Reed is also part of Women Writing for (a) Change - Jacksonville, which has also been a part of Jax Book Fest. The group offers regular writing circles, art exhibits featuring women artists, and an annual anthology of women writers and artists. On Tuesday, August 19, one of their certified facilitators will present a Writer's Lab on Writing as Inspiration and Self-Care at Murray Hill Branch Library.
# Read-Alikes and Other Recommendations
L.T. Reed Recommends
My recommendation would be Happy Medium Books Café. It offers new and gently used adult and children's books. It’s a Barista Café in Historic Riverside, Jacksonville, FL. that provides a nice and quaint area to enjoy reading, pastries and/or a delicious coffee.
The Library Recommends
- Blacktop Wasteland, by S. A. Cosby
- Guide Me Home, by Attica Locke
- All Her Little Secrets, by Wanda M. Morris
- When No One Is Watching, by Alyssa Cole
- And Now She’s Gone, by Rachel Howzell Hall
- The Other Black Girl, by Zakiya Dalila Harris
- Jackal, by Erin E. Adams
- The Reformatory, by Tananarive Due
- Dead Dead Girls, by Nekesa Afia
- Lakewood, by Megan Giddings
# Jax Book Fest 2025
Save the Dates
Held annually at the Main Library in downtown Jacksonville, Jax Book Fest is our biggest, boldest celebration of authors, authorship, and the written word. It's also a great opportunity for Jax readers to find and support local authors.
This year, the event takes place over two Saturdays, starting with Jax Book Fest: Writer's Day from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on September 13. That first weekend will focus on workshops for local writers; the second Saturday will be devoted to young readers and connecting them with books they'll love. If you've got kids and teens who love books and want to know more about the people who make them: Join us at Jax Book Fest: Youth Readers' Day from 9:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 20.
Open Call for Local Authors
We are looking for local authors who have published books for children and/or teen readers. As one of our Jax Book Fest local authors, you'll meet new readers and have the opportunity sell and sign copies of your book(s) alongside New York Times bestselling author and U.S. National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, Mac Barnett, and other authors of regional and national acclaim. If interested, please apply by Friday, August 8.
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