WATSONVILLE—Two months before the pandemic, a friend of author Linda Gunther died. She had known the man, Bill Mowatt, through the classes she taught on self-publishing at Cabrillo College. He was a fan of her work and expressed interest in writing his own mystery novel.
Gunther said that Mowatt came up with a name for his main character (and the character’s dog), and a title: “Death is a Great Disguiser,” which is taken from William Shakespeare’s play “Measure for Measure.”
After he died, Gunther had the idea to continue the story in his honor.
“I called up his wife,” Gunther said. “I asked, would you like me to take his basic concept and write a novel? And she said, ‘sure.’”
“Death is a Great Disguiser” follows Brian McCallam, an ex-police detective turned English literature professor who discovers a woman’s dead body on a muddy beach bluff in Santa Cruz. Brian’s life turns upside down after it is discovered that he knew the woman and in fact, had strong feelings for her.
When his ex-partner suspects him of committing a crime of passion, Brian sets out to prove his innocence.
The mystery-romance novel was a pandemic-era project for Gunther, who has written five other suspense novels and some children’s books. As such, she decided to set the story during the Covid-19 era. This led her to expand on Brian’s character and motivations.
“Brian had closed up his emotions, which had made it hard for him to make true connections with others,” Gunther explained. “But as we all know … Covid kind of cut us off from the world, we were all so alone. Through the crisis and losing his friend … Brian realizes he needs people, commitment, and to open his heart.”
The novel weaves together two separate storylines; the present in Santa Cruz and past scenes in Mexico, where the victim had lived for a time. Gunther said this gave the book a unique structure—especially combined with the William Shakespeare quotes that introduce each chapter.
“I’m honestly really happy with how it turned out,” she said.
Gunther is still teaching and has started submitting essays and short stories to various literary journals. She has also been dabbling in film. When discussing her book with people at the Dolphin Cafe in Santa Cruz, she was approached by a man who said he was writing a screenplay.
The opportunity has been perfect for Gunther, who says her biggest dream is to have one of her novels be made into a film.
“I’m really happy about it,” she said. “I’ve been helping write scenes for their movie, shooting scenes at the [Santa Cruz Municipal] Wharf… I’m doing some acting too. I’ve been in a couple scenes.”
The romantic fantasy movie is called “Aqua Moon,” and follows the story of a mermaid who falls in love with a mortal man. It also touches on the impact of global warming and how the oil industry threatens ocean shores.
“Death is a Great Disguiser” is now available on Amazon, including Kindle. Gunther hopes to have the book available at local bookstores soon, including Kelly’s Books in Watsonville, which already carries Gunther’s other works.
Gunther said that Mowatt’s widow, Gail Mowatt, was glad when she saw the dedication Gunther had written at the front of the book, and looks forward to reading it.
“I even made Bill and his wife Gail, cameo characters in one scene in the book,” she said.
For information visit lindasgunther.com.
