Library guest wrote the book on seniors

The Mullica Hill library has invited Swedesboro author Gwen Florio to discuss her latest book, “A Senior Citizen’s Guide to Life on the Run,” and her inspirations for writing on Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m.

The book tells the story of senior citizen Alice Sanders, who lives in the fictional retirement community of Timeless Pastures on the edge of the Pine Barrens. Just when it seems she can enjoy the rest of her days in peace, Sanders’ past slowly begins to creep back into her life, forcing her to deal with potentially fatal consequences.

The book is Florio’s 13th, according to the library, and the first in the humor category.

“Gwen grew up on a wildlife refuge in Delaware and spent decades in journalism,” said librarian Beth DeGeorge, “including at the Philadelphia Inquirer, in a career that took her across the country and overseas, including to conflict zones such as Afghanistan and Iraq. The last 20 years of her journalism career were in Colorado and Montana, and many of her mystery novels are set in the West.”

Florio primarily writes mystery novels and used her experiences in Afghanistan to write “Silent Hearts,” which is set in that country and is about the relationship formed between two women – an American aid worker and a local interpreter – in a country facing a major crisis.

Florio is retired from journalism and now lives with her husband, Scott Crichton, near where she covered Gloucester County for the Philadelphia Bulletin, according to DeGeorge. “Her first novel, “Montana,” was published in 2013 and won the High Plains Book Award and the Pinkley Prize for crime fiction by women.

Four more novels in that series, featuring reporter Lola Wicks, followed. “Best Laid Plans” launched a four-book series whose protagonist is amateur sleuth Nora Best.

Florio will sell and autograph copies of her latest book at the library. The event is free but requires registration in advance on the GCLS website.