11/1/96

ATHENS, Ohio -- Athens resident Pat Westfall, an associate professor of journalism at Ohio University's E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, has written a murder mystery titled Fowl Play set in Southeastern Ohio.

Poisoned Pen, a reviewer of mystery books, describes the book as "an absolutely fascinating book about Appalachian culture and history set in Southern Ohio where the folkways combine with the modern technology of computers and cellular phones. Great characters, highly recommended."

"The most fun about writing this was creating the characters," said Westfall. "Since Southeast Ohio is such a low population area I figured none of my friends would believe that any resemblance disclaimer. So I did the opposite, told friends I was putting everyone in I knew.

"I got some of my best character ideas from other people's fantasies. It was great fun."

Westfall is the author of b Painting Odyssey, a book of essays, and Real Farm, an autobiographical account of life on an Iowa farm.

Westfall will give a reading from her book at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 at Ohio University's Alden Library in the Friends of the Library Room (Room 319). She will sign books afterwards.