Pat Arneson will be reading from her latest mystery, The Empty Dark, and leading a rousing discussion about writing, mysteries, and equine-assisted therapy.

Pat Arneson is an author, a storyteller, a licensed clinical therapist with decades of experience in high-trauma settings, a certified equine-assisted therapist, and an adventurer who advocates living great stories, big and small.

The Empty Dark is the second book in the Maguire Mystery Series.

She made it out alive. But is she out of the woods?

Desperate for a change of pace, therapist Abby Maguire took a short assignment at an equine-assisted therapy ranch. After decades spent in the trenches of other people’s trauma, she wanted to find some calm. When dead bodies started turning up, foul play evident, it seemed she couldn’t catch a break - but, she did catch a killer.

Investigation complete and assignment extended, Abby wants nothing more than to immerse herself in doing what she does best: helping people heal. Summer turns to autumn, and the days grow short in the woods of central Minnesota. But darkness grows as the seasons change, and death is once again close at hand. Abby’s surroundings may be beautiful, serene - but not everything that is quiet is safe.