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Almanac writer writes mystery

Marie Wagner Krenz, who has written occasional "Woodside Memories" features for the Almanac over many years, has published a mystery novel, "Fear at Phantom Ship Lake."

Set in Lassen National Park in northeastern California, the novel tells the story of Carolyn Walker's frightening experience at a small writers' conference, where an attendee is found dead in Phantom Ship Lake. Then the murderer strikes again.

Ms. Krenz says her love for the natural beauty of Woodside is reflected in her appreciation for the "spectacular glory of Lassen Park, which inspired the writing of this book."

Since 1918, members of the Krenz and Wagner families have spent summers and weekends at their Woodside home.

Born in San Francisco, she attended Stanford University, and as a graduate, taught Spanish to veterans returning from World War II.

After teaching high school for a few years, she married and later discovered the pleasures of freelance writing. Since then she has contributed numerous columns to San Francisco and Bay Area newspapers, including the Almanac.

"Fear at Phantom Ship Lake" is available at Kepler's in Menlo Park, Orinda Books in Orinda, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or XLibris.