Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth series, also known as the Dr Pimms novels, is a series of books written
by Queanbeyan-based[1] author L.J.M. Owen.

Owen has a similar background to the main character, sharing studies in archaeology and librarianship, and
received her Doctor of Philosophy in paleogenetics from the Australian National University in 2003.[2] Her
goal in writing the series is to promote women's roles throughout history.[3] Since publishing the first two
books in the series, Owen has been interviewed by Lish Fejer about the publication process.[4] Owen was
interviewed by Lizzie Howe of ACT Writers' Centre about the series.[5]

Contents
1 Series focus and settings
2 Plots
3 Awards
3.1 Writing
3.2 Book cover
4 Reviews
4.1 Olmec Obituary
4.2 Mayan Mendacity
5 The Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth series (novels)
6 References
6.1 External links

Series focus and settings

The series focuses on Dr Elizabeth Pimms, who works at the National Library of Australia (Canberra), and also
investigates archaeological mysteries. The setting is a semi-fictional version of Canberra, as the version of the
National Library includes the fictional Mahoney Griffin Library.[6] Each book contrasts Dr Pimms' Canberra
setting, with that of the featured archaeological investigation.

The first book, Olmec Obituary, was successfully funded through a Kickstarter campaign.[7] Several days
after the crowdfunding campaign, Owen was contacted by Angela Meyer, a commissioning editor of
Echo Publishing for a book deal.[8][9] This resulted in multiple editions of Olmec Obituary: a limited
edition run (May 2015), and an Echo version (November 2015).[10]
The second book, Mayan Mendacity, was published in 2016.[11] It features local landmarks including
Queanbeyan's Benedict House, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, and Canty's Bookshop in
Fyshwick.[12]
The third book, Egyptian Enigma, is due to be released in March 2018.[13]

Plots
Olmec Obituary focuses on the discovery of a royal Olmec cemetery, and how Dr Elizabeth Pimms investigates
the related skeletons and artefacts.

Mayan Mendacity focuses on the reign of Lady Six Sky in the Mayan Empire, and again contrasts with present-
day Canberra, where Dr Pimms studies the case.[14]
Awards
Writing

Olmec Obituary was longlisted in the Davitt Award[15] (Best Adult Crime Novel, 2016). It was also
shortlisted[16] (and later, highly commended[17]) in the ACT Writing and Publishing Awards (Fiction, 2016).

Mayan Mendacity was also longlisted in the Davitt Award (Best Adult Crime Novel, 2017).[18]

Book cover

There have been two different covers for Olmec Obituary: the Kickstarter edition, and a later version through
Echo Publishing, designed by Josh Durham.[19] Durham has also designed the cover for Mayan Mendacity in
the same style. Durham's cover design[20] for Olmec Obituary was shortlisted (but did not win[21]) in the
Australian Book Designers Association (ABDA) Book Design Awards (Best Designed Commercial Fiction
Book, 2017).[22][23]

Reviews
Olmec Obituary

Olmec Obituary has been reviewed by book critics:

Book review of Olmec Obituary by Erich Mayer on Artshub[24]

Book review of Olmec Obituary by Fiona Hardy on Books + Publishing[25]
Book review of Olmec Obituary by Karen on Austcrime[26]
Book review of Olmec Obituary by Hente Corinne in The Daily Telegraph[27]
Book review of Olmec Obituary by Shirley Stephenson in The West Australian[28]
Book review of Olmec Obituary by Clive Hodges in Good Reading[29]

Mayan Mendacity

Mayan Mendacity has been reviewed by book critics:

Book review of Mayan Mendacity by Linda Morris in The Sun Herald[30]

Book review of Mayan Mendacity by Shari Tagliabue in Cairns Post[31]

The Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth series (novels)

# Title Publisher Release
1 Olmec Obituary Kickstarter edition (later: Echo Publishing) 2015
2 Mayan Mendacity Echo Publishing 2016
3 Egyptian Enigma Echo Publishing Expected: March 2018

References
1. Lievre, Kimberley Le (2016-02-12)."Local author to share her story"(http://www.queanbeyanagechronicle.com.au/stor
y/3724307/local-author-to-share-her-story/?cs=1025). The Queanbeyan Age. Retrieved 2017-01-14.
 2. Martin, Letresha (2003).On the biological affinity between the populations of Ir on Age and Roman central southern
England, using dental non-metrics as evidence(https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/handle/1885/109305). Thesis
(PhD): Australian National University.
3. "Forgotten Womens History | Sisters in CrimeAustralia" (https://www.sistersincrime.org.au/forgotten-womens-
history/). www.sistersincrime.org.au. Retrieved 2017-05-14.
4. Who is Dr Pimms? Meet her creator LJM Owen (http://www.abc.net.au/radio/canberra/programs/sundaybrunch/who-is-
dr-pimms-meet-her-creator-ljm-owen/7998828), Australian Broadcasting Corporation, 2016-1 1-07, retrieved
2017-01-14
5. "L.J.M. Owen on Dr Elizabeth Pimms & Her New Release Mayan Mendacity" (https://actwritersblog.com/2016/10/29/l-
j-m-owen-on-writing-dr-elizabeth-pimms-her-new-release-mayan-mendacity/). CAPITAL LETTERS. 2016-10-28.
Retrieved 2017-05-14.
6. Hogan, Jil (2016-10-26)."Canberra author L. J. M. Owen releases second novel Mayan Mendacity" (http://www.canberr
atimes.com.au/act-news/canberra-life/canberra-author -l-j-m-owen-releases-second-novel-mayan-mendacity-20161026-g
sb7kg.html). Canberra Times. Retrieved 2017-01-14.
7. "A New Archaeological Mystery Series. Book 1: Olmec Obituary ." (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ljmowen/a-ne
w-archaeological-mystery-series-book-1-olmec-o) . Kickstarter. Retrieved 2016-12-22.
8. Reading, Better. "Weekend Read: Mayan Mendacity by L.J.M.Owen Better Reading"(http://www.betterreading.com.
au/news/weekend-read-mayan-mendacity-by-l-j-m-owen/) . www.betterreading.com.au. Retrieved 2017-05-14.
9. Back, Alexandra (2015-11-13). "The novel story behind the creation of Dr Elizabeth Pimms"(http://www.canberratime
s.com.au/act-news/canberra-life/from-kickstarter -to-book-deal-the-story-of-dr-elizabeth-pimms-20151109-
gkuwec.html). Canberra Times. Retrieved 2016-12-22.
10. Le Lievre, Kimberley (16 February 2016)."Familiarity breeds writer's content"(http://queanbeyanchronicle.realviewdig
ital.com/default.aspx?iid=137074&startpage=page0000008#folio=8) . The Chronicle (Canberra). p. 8.
11. Media, Australian Community Media - Fairfax (2016-1 1-03). "A quiet place to write"(http://www.queanbeyanagechroni
cle.com.au/story/4270253/a-quiet-place-to-write/) . The Queanbeyan Age. Retrieved 2017-01-14.
12. "Canberra with a novel twist".The Canberra Times. 27 October 2016. p.A013.
13. Mason, Sarah. "Publishing success in two day publicity bootcamp, 8 9 April-The RiotACT" (https://the-riotact.com/
publishing-success-in-two-day-publicity-bootcamp-8-9-april/200128) . The RiotACT. Retrieved 2017-05-07.
14. [1] (http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/books/canberra-writer -ljm-owen-devises-intermillennial-forensic-crime-serie
s-20161027-gscp9m.html)
15. "Booktopia to sponsor the 16th Davitt A wards for best crime books | Sisters in Crime Austra lia" (http://www.sistersincri
me.org.au/booktopia-to-sponsor-the-16th-davitt-awards-for-best-crime-books/). www.sistersincrime.org.au. Retrieved
2017-05-14.
16. Austlit. "Olmec Obituary" (http://www.austlit.edu.au/austlit/page/9210442?mainT abTemplate=workAwards).
www.austlit.edu.au. Retrieved 2017-01-14.
17. actwriterscentre (2017-01-19)."2016 ACT Writing and Publishing Award Winners" (https://actwritersblog.com/2017/0
1/19/2016-act-writing-and-publishing-award-winners/) . CAPITAL LETTERS. Retrieved 2017-05-07.
18. "99 books of murderous intent in contention for Sisters in Crime s 17th Davitt Awards | Sisters in Crime Australia"(http
s://www.sistersincrime.org.au/99-books-of-murderous-intent-in-contention-for -sisters-in-crimes-17th-davitt-awards/).
www.sistersincrime.org.au. Retrieved 2017-07-04.
19. "Josh Durham - Australian Book Designers Association"(https://abda.com.au/member/josh-durham/).Australian Book
Designers Association. Retrieved 2017-05-14.
20. "Olmec Obituary - Design by Committee"(http://designbycommittee.com.au/Olmec-Obituary) .
designbycommittee.com.au. Retrieved 2017-05-14.
21. "Australian Book Design Awards Winners 2017 - Australian Book Designers Association"(https://abda.com.au/the-awa
rds-page/australian-book-design-awards-winners-2017/) . Australian Book Designers Association. Retrieved 2017-05-31.
22. "ABDA Book Design Awards 2017 shortlists announced | Books+Publishing"(https://www.booksandpublishing.com.a
u/articles/2017/04/18/89205/abda-book-design-awards-2017-shortlists-announced/) . www.booksandpublishing.com.au.
Retrieved 2017-05-14.
23. Australian Book Designers Association."The 65th Australian Book Design A wards 2017: Shortlist"(https://abdacdn-wp
engine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/ABDA-Short-List-.pdf) (PDF). Retrieved 15 May 2017.
24. Mayer, Erich. "Olmec Obituary" (http://publishing.artshub.com.au/news-article/reviews/writing-and-publishing/erich-m
ayer/olmec-obituary-250034). ArtsHub Australia. Retrieved 2017-05-14.
25. "Olmec Obituary: Dr Pimms, Intermillennial Sleuth Book One (L J M Owen, Echo) | Books+Publishing" (https://www.b
ooksandpublishing.com.au/articles/2015/08/21/33825/olmec-obituary-dr -pimms-intermillennial-sleuth-book-one-l-j-m-o
wen-echo/). www.booksandpublishing.com.au. Retrieved 2017-05-14.
26. "Review - OLMEC OBITUARY, L.J.M. Owen" (http://www.austcrimefiction.org/review/review-olmec-obituary-ljm-ow
en). AustCrimeFiction. 2015-11-17. Retrieved 2017-01-14.
27. Corinne, H. (2016, January 9). OLMEC OBITUAR Y - READ 2NITE. Daily Telegraph, The (Sydney). p. 14.
28. Stephenson, Shirley (12 January 2016). "Quirky crime time".The West Australian. p. 7.
 29. (https://www.informit.org/researchers/who-is-informit), Informit - RMIT Training PTY LTD (2017-02-01). "Crime /
thriller [Book Review]"(https://search.informit.com.au/documentSummary;dn=5741 17554633255;res=IELLCC). Good
Reading (Feb 2017).
30. Linda, M. (2016, November 27). Academic slant to sleuthing.Sun-Herald, The (Sydney). p. 10.
31. Tagliabue, Shari (21 January 2017). "Books".Cairns Post. p. 32. |section= ignored (help)

External links
Official website
Author profile on Echo Publishing website

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?

title=Dr_Pimms,_Intermillennial_Sleuth&oldid=788922980"

Categories: Australian crime novels

This page was last edited on 4 July 2017, at 08:46.

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