I love a mystery

"It wouldn't be any fun," said Hornsby, an award-winning writer and Cal State Long Beach alumna.

She received the Edgar Allan Poe Award in 1992 for her short story "Nine Son's," which appeared in "Sisters in Crime IV." Since then, Hornsby has been cranking out mystery novels, and has published seven in addition to numerous short stories.

Hornsby said she lives vicariously through her series character Maggie MacGowen, who shows up in five of her seven mystery novels. Through her character, Hornsby fulfills her dreams of documentary filmmaking, she said.

Hornsby, who earned a bachelor's degree from CSULB in 1973,  became a professor on campus soon after she received her master's degree in 1975. She now teaches a critical thinking class and a western civilization course in the history department. Hornsby said she especially enjoys ancient medieval history.

"I truly enjoy standing in front of the class in the bunker and having the students look up at you," said Hornsby, referring to the Liberal Arts Building 2 classroom where she often teaches.

One of the most memorable moments on campus, Hornsby said, was when she gave the valedictorian speech at her graduation. However, the friends and the friendships she made on campus were what she loved the most, Hornsby said.

"I was able to make friends with a huge variety of people you wouldn't expect to become your friends and are my friends still," she said.

When starting teaching on campus as a CSULB alumna, Hornsby said she liked the new relationships she developed with her colleagues after previously been one of their students.

Hornsby's works are on display in the mystery collection room on the third floor of the University Library. Hornsby's original manuscripts are in the special collections room on the fifth floor of the library..