Part 1: CUTV News Radio Spotlights Author Susan P. Baker

Galveston, TX – Susan P. Baker, a retired Texas judge, is the award-winning author of eight novels and two nonfiction books, all related to the law.

Baker is the author of My First Murder, The Sweet Scent of Murder, Death of a Prince, Suggestion of Death, Ledbetter Street, UNAWARE, Texas Style Justice. Her most recent book, Murder and Madness, was published last year.

“I always liked to read mysteries when I was little,” says Baker. “I guess because my father did criminal defense work. It's just fascinating to me.”

Baker was the first woman to run for judge in Galveston County and the first to be elected. As a judge, Baker dealt with a wide range of cases in family court including juvenile murder.

Baker’s father was also a judge, and though she would follow in his footsteps, Baker says deep down she always wanted to be a writer.

Baker’s first book My First Murder was actually published while she was practicing law. Published by St. Martin's Press, Baker used the book as a political tool during her first campaign in 1989, donating copies on the campaign trail.

But Baker really started focusing on getting published again after she left the bench. She found a small press in Texas that published her two nonfiction books (Murdered Judges of the 20th Century and Heart of Divorce, Advice from a Judge) and got to work.

And with murder mystery novels Baker doesn’t just get to be the judge; she’s the jury and the executioner.

For more information on Susan P. Baker, visit www.susanpbaker.com