NORWICH – Embellishing on the local success of their novel, “Murder in McDonough,” authors and sisters Bonnie Sherman and Betty Murray will host a book signing at the First Edition Bookstore on North Broad Street Saturday.
The book signing will be from noon to 2 p.m. The book has already sold out at First Edition twice since its release in October, forcing First Edition owner Lisa Mody to restock shelves. The book has also struck a chord of success in McDonough and surrounding areas, selling out at the local libraries.
Mody said the bookstore has sold between 40 and 45 copies of the book so far, making it one of the most successful local publications the store has ever had.
The book examines the area’s most infamous murder, the 1903 bloody slaying of local resident Tracy Barrows, a topic to which the sisters can claim a certain expertise: their grandfather, Frank Gale, was Tracy Barrow’s murderer.
“There’s a lot of local interest in the book ... we always do well with local stories – local history especially seems to grab people’s attention,” said Mody.
Murray and Sherman recognize their good fortune in the book’s success. The two are excited about the praise and recognition the book has received from the community and more so excited about words of encouragement from film producer, director and childhood actor, Tony Dow.
The sisters sent Dow a copy of their book and Dow – who is best known for playing Wally Cleaver in the sitcom “Leave it to Beaver” – called the sisters with an interest in possibly adapting the book to be a Lifetime movie in the future.
Sherman and Murray both say they are happy with the path their book has taken them.
“We are thrilled,” said Sherman. “Selling out of a book is one of the greatest honors a writer can have.”
More information regarding the book signing is available at the First Edition Book Store, 13 South Broad St., or calling 334 - 6293.