Jan Snyder Pens Mystery Based on Mackinac Island

The mystery begins and ends on Mackinac Island, but the plot of Jan Snyder’s first book, “Labyrinth,” takes her characters to Chicago and back and the intrigue extends all the way to the White House. The story really takes place next year, so there is still time to read the book and get a jump on what this author, and several of her villainous characters, have in mind.

Mrs. Snyder, the wife of former Grand Hotel Music Director Bob Snyder, published the novel under the pen name A.V. Adler and uses Mackinac Island landmarks and names that will be familiar to Island readers.

“I thought it was kind of fun, because I used family names that had been around Mackinac for years, but not for anyone specific,” she said. “I developed my own characters.”

The plot includes a mother and her daughter who operate Stonecliffe Hotel, a hotel hospitality captain named Charlie, and a scheme to alter the outcome of a presidential election with a terrorist attack on Chicago. The terrorists are American citizens with political motives, following a Labryinth-like path, but to a terrible end.

“The plot kind of evolved,” said Mrs. Snyder from her home in Graceville, Florida.

Facilitating the plot are bombs brought in from Canada, a stolen vintage amphibious aircraft to deliver them to Chicago, and an escape plan designed to foil the best detective. It is complicated and compromised by an unexpected murder.

“She amazed me with that book,” said Bob Snyder, who is trying to convince his wife to write a sequel.

Jan Snyder said she has made some notes for a sequel, but mostly is happy enough for the first book.

“It’s something I wanted to do more for myself,” she said. “I hope others enjoy it.”

She has sent copies to friends, but is shy about promoting it.

Shyness is also the reason for her pen name, which combines the Snyders’ interests in music and in Sherlock Holmes. “It was fun putting it together,” Mrs. Snyder said.

A.V. Adler’s initials, A.V.A., are for Ava Shaw, the wife of Bob Snyder’s favorite clarinet player, Artie Shaw, and, therefore, Jan’s nickname in one of Mr. Snyder’s early bands. Adler is for Irene Adler, the only woman to get the best of Sherlock Holmes, said Mrs. Snyder.

“Labyrinth” is available at The Island Bookstore on Mackinac Island and in Mackinaw City. It is also available from the publisher, Hats Off Books.