Between the Pages: Mitchell’s Latest Updates

Abbey’s Road

I want to begin by thanking you for your interest in the Abbey Rhodes Mystery Series.

This is the first of my monthly newsletters keeping my readers and friends up to date on the world of Abbey Rhodes. I am a Christian and have served in the ministry as a Youth Minister, Minister of Education, Minister to Children and Young Adults, Associate Pastor, and Pastor. When I was not  working in the ministry, I taught English and Creative Writing in the middle and high schools. I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, a Master’s of Christian Education, a Master’s of Education, and a Master of Arts degree in Counseling. I love learning.

My mantra is, “The day I stop learning is the day I die.”

Enough of that. I love writing; I have since the sixth grade. I fell in love with it when I read Graham Diamond’s The Haven. Something in that book set afire a creative side in me that incessantly imagined characters and stories. In fact, I have a three-door filing cabinet full of story ideas that will one day see the light of day.

I’ve published three short stories, a one-act play, a myriad of Bible studies, and seven novels. In January of 2025, I launched a new series featuring Nashville Homicide Detective Abbey Rhodes. This is her journey. I hope you will pick up a copy of Water Grave and invest not only in the mystery but in Abbey as well.

There’s so much more to her story than finding the murderer.

Monthly Highlights

Tuesday, September 2, 2025, I had the privilege of meeting the Rarity Bay  Women’s Club (a gated community near Knoxville, TN). I shared my story, including my two-time battle with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Then I took time to share the origin of Abbey Rhodes and what went into the creation of this strong but emotionally fragile detective whose six-book story arc will bring her redemption with her past, the church, and ultimately with God.

The women were wonderful and asked deep and prodding questions during our Q & A time. Some wanted to know why and how I wrote from a female’s perspective and voice. Others wanted to know how I researched the role of a homicide detective. At the end of the luncheon, I signed and sold copies of Water Grave and The Least of These (book two in the

series). It was a great experience, and I welcome an invitation to meet with any other groups and book clubs.

On the Horizon

I keep busy with the weekly podcast thanks to my promotional guru Neil Haley. On Saturday, October 25, from 12:00-1:00 PM, I will be meeting people and selling books in conjunction with Landmark Booksellers during Pumpkinfest in Franklin, TN.

November 13, from 6:30-8:30 PM, I will be meeting with the Nancy Story Book Club of Johnson City, TN.

I’m in the third edit stage of book three, The Cleansing, which is set to release in January of 2026.

Abbey’s Fun Fact

This month’s fun fact about Abbey Rhodes the character:

She was born in Nashville, TN, when her missionary father was in the states for a fundraising tour.