By Phil Devlin
(October 28, 2025) — Editor’s Note: Phil Devlin is a retired English, Latin, and history teacher and baseball and swim coach who lives in Higganum. He frequently writes columns for HK Now. John Karas, editor of three north central Connecticut newspapers, recently interviewed Phil regarding the publication of Katie (Devlin) Tietjen’s second book. That interview appears below and is reproduced with John’s permission.
John Karas: Phil, I understand that your daughter, Katie, has written a second novel.
Phil: Yes, that is true. It is a work of historical fiction and mystery that is set in Vermont and in Boston in the immediate aftermath of World War II. The main character is a young woman whose husband has just been killed in the war. Her name is Maple Bishop. She now has the problem of going forward with her life and making a living. Though trained as a lawyer, she can’t get anyone to hire her in that field. She has a strong commitment to justice, an incredible eye for detail, and a strong work ethic.
John: So how does she put those attributes to work?
Phil: Well, after her invaluable help in solving the murder of Elijah Wallace in the first book, local law enforcement brings Maple Bishop in to help solve the suspicious death of an aspiring local firefighter, who burned to death in a cabin. Katie is inspired by the work of Frances Glessner Lee, often called the “Mother of forensic science.” Her plots often evolve from Glessner Lee’s miniature recreations of crime scenes. Incidentally, these miniature recreations have been on display at the Smithsonian. If Alfred Hitchcock were still alive, he would be interested in this book!
John: What is the title of the book and when is it becoming available?
Phil: The title is Murder in Miniature. Crooked Lane Books, a subsidiary of Random House and Penguin Books, is the publisher. It is now available on numerous venues.
John: I understand that the book has already received very positive reviews. Could you elaborate on that?
Phil: Yes, for example, she recently got a nice review from Kirkus. The Kirkus Reviews publication is one of the most respected review publications in the world. Recently, the following review appeared there: “Aesthetically and morally complex…A compelling account of how the toll of war extends far beyond the battlefield.” Best selling author Ann Garvin said the following in USA Today: “Part true crime, part historical fiction…a propulsive page-turner filled with twists and turns.”
John: What can you tell us about your daughter?
Phil: Well, her mother and I are retired English teachers, and we have always had many books around our house. She is a 1999 HKHS grad and is currently a librarian at East Hampton High School. Katie has been a voracious reader since childhood and has always been interested in writing. She had the good fortune of encountering numerous district teachers who have helped to cultivate her talent along the way. She was recognized for her skills both in high school and in college at UCONN. As an adult, she has won a couple of statewide prizes for her writing, so in a way, this publication should come as no surprise. Her first novel, Death in the Details, was also a finalist for the very prestigious Edgar Award, named after Poe! She did not win, but it is important to realize that she was the only first-time novelist who was a finalist. We are very happy for her because she is not only a good writer but also a very kind and thoughtful person to everyone.
John: That’s great, Phil. I wish her continued success.
Katie Tietjen will be at Brainerd Memorial Library in Haddam on December 3, 2025 for a talk and book signing for “Murder in Miniature.”
Photo provided by Phil Devlin
