All Girl Publishing Debuts Cozy Mystery 'Overdue for Murder'

New independent publisher launches first title blending small-town intrigue and social commentary

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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All Girl Publishing, a new independent publishing house, has announced the upcoming release and launch of its inaugural title, 'Overdue for Murder' by author Suzanne Lay. The cozy mystery novel follows the experiences of a school librarian who gets drawn into a murder investigation in her small Southern town, exploring themes of power dynamics, social hierarchy, and community tensions.

Why it matters

The launch of 'Overdue for Murder' marks the debut of All Girl Publishing, an independent publisher focused on providing a platform for diverse and compelling stories. The selection of this cozy mystery title reflects the company's mission to deliver narratives that combine high-quality storytelling with insightful observations of contemporary life.

The details

The narrative of 'Overdue for Murder' follows the protagonist, Anna Kilner, a dedicated school librarian at Parker High School. When Kilner discovers a deceased prominent local figure on the high school football field, she uses her research skills and attention to detail to navigate the complex web of school politics and local secrets in her small Southern town. The investigation leads her through various layers of the town's social hierarchy, involving interactions with school administrators, local law enforcement, and a group of influential women known as the 'Iron Azaleas.' Through these interactions, the book explores the tension between long-term residents and newcomers, as well as the underlying power dynamics that define life in Parker.

  • The official public launch event for 'Overdue for Murder' is scheduled for February 7, 2026 at the Middle Georgia LitFest in Warner Robins, Georgia.
  • The book was published on February 4, 2026.

The players

All Girl Publishing

A new independent publishing entity founded on the principle of highlighting diverse and compelling stories. The company focuses on providing personalized attention to its authors and ensuring that each publication meets rigorous standards of literary quality.

Margaret South

The founder of All Girl Publishing, who has expressed the organization's commitment to providing a platform for voices that explore meaningful themes within accessible genres.

Suzanne Lay

The author of 'Overdue for Murder,' the debut publication from All Girl Publishing. Lay brings a specific focus on regional authenticity to her writing, with a background that informs the detailed setting of Parker, Georgia, and the nuances of the 'cozy' genre.

Anna Kilner

The protagonist of 'Overdue for Murder,' a dedicated school librarian at Parker High School who uses her professional research skills and attention to detail to navigate a complex web of school politics and local secrets in her small Southern town.

The 'Iron Azaleas'

A group of influential women in the town of Parker, Georgia, who play a role in the events of 'Overdue for Murder' and the exploration of power dynamics within the community.

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What’s next

The launch event on February 7 will include a formal presentation of the book, opportunities for the public to obtain copies, and a dialogue regarding the themes of justice and community presented in the text.

The takeaway

The debut of 'Overdue for Murder' from All Girl Publishing showcases the company's commitment to delivering narratives that blend high-quality storytelling with insightful observations on contemporary social issues, offering readers a compelling cozy mystery that transcends the genre's typical boundaries.