As a journalist, Betty Webb interviewed U.S. presidents, astronauts who walked on the moon, and Nobel Prize-winners, as well as the homeless, the dying, and polygamy runaways. The dark Lena Jones mysteries, based on stories she covered as a reporter, include "Desert Lost" ("One of the Top Five Mysteries of 2009, Library Journal), "Desert Noir" ("A mystery with a social conscience," Publishers Weekly) and "Desert Wives," ("Eye-popping," New York Times). Her seventh Lena Jones novel, "Desert Wind," will be released in February 2012. Betty’s humorous Gunn Zoo series debuted with the critically-acclaimed "The Anteater of Death," followed by "The Koala of Death." All her books are published by Poisoned Pen Press. A long-time book reviewer at Mystery Scene Magazine, Betty is a member of National Federation of Press Women, Mystery Writers of America, and the National Organization of Zoo Keepers

Silver Medal, Willa Awards, for "Desert Wives. 2003 Glyph First Prize for "Desert Noir," and the 2009 Glyph First Prize for "The Anteater of Death."