As the holiday season gets underway, Minnesota authors are out in force promoting their books. Mystery writer Alan Miller of Eagan, author of “A Reluctant Madonna,” had a reading followed by a question-and-answer session at the Minneapolis Jewish Community Center (JCC),on November 17th.  It was his second signing event of the month. On Nov. 10, he appeared at the 45th Parallel Distillery in New Richmond, Wisconsin.
   “A Reluctant Madonna,” begins as a young Washington Post reporter named Alison Powers is investigating what appears to be an orchestrated plot by the Chinese to buy up land in North Dakota. When she gets too close to the truth, she nearly loses her life.
   After her editor, Mort Ahrens, learns what has happened, he takes over the investigation, leaving his new wife to continue their honeymoon cruise without him. While still on the ship, Danni Rose stumbles onto a mystery of her own involving a famous artist who has taken a liking to her.
   In addition to “A Reluctant Madonna,” Miller is also the author of “Holding Court,” which is the story of a Supreme Court Justice who gets kidnapped while on his way to work. Police have few clues to go on, but lucky for Justice J.J. Richter, his girlfriend’s daughter, Danni Rose, happens to be dating an investigative reporter for the Washington Post. Thanks to a little luck and his intuition, Mort Ahrens figures out who may be behind the disappearance.
   Miller has also authored two nonfiction books, “You Can Make A Difference” and “My Name is Toby.”
   In addition to his work as a writer, Miller also has TV interviewing experience. In 1999, he and his wife, Sharon, founded “Access to Democracy,” a show on Eagan TV that will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2024. Miller used to host the show, but recently transitioned to the role of Co-Producer Emeritus.
   Earlier this year he began producing a new show, "Writers Corner," featuring some of Minnesota's best-known writers.  The October show featured retired Minnesota Supreme Court Justice Paul Anderson, and was directed on the threat of book banning.