Get to Know Janet 

I was born in Washington, DC, and grew up in Prince George’s County at a time when that county’s main
crop was tobacco. Although I lived in the same home until I left for college, I attended private, parochial,
and public schools—which I suppose is why I have no problem talking with strangers! I attended Saint
Mary’s College of Maryland and then received my B.A. from the University of Maryland.

In 1972, I became one of three women accepted in the Prince George’s County Police Department and
was the first and only female patrol officer at the Oxon Hill, MD, station. It was an exciting time for me
and of my many careers, this was the one I was most passionate about.

However, time moved on, and I eventually found employment with the federal government at Fort George
G. Meade, MD. Initially, I was hired as an illustrator—another job I truly enjoyed—but became restless
and missed catching the “bad guys”. I transitioned over to the 902d Military Intelligence Group and
became a military intelligence analyst. Now I could catch bad guys worldwide.

As time continued to move on, retirement soon approached and I felt it was time for me to leave the
workforce and enjoy some much-deserved “me time”. I still live in Maryland, along with my husband,
Ron Stout, a retired Fairfax County, VA police officer, in a beautiful agricultural setting.

Some of my hobbies and interests over the years have been: flying; owning an herb business (legal!);
Civil War reenacting; horseback riding; dancing in a Middle Eastern troupe; flipping houses; and now
writing mystery novels. I have done stained glass, basket weaving, rug making, soap making, gardening,
pottery, and of course, reading!

I am active in my church and also am involved in the Princess Pillowcase Dress Project, where we sew
dresses and other clothing items for boys and girls in third-world countries who have nothing to call their
own and they treasure our little creations.

I try my best to live by my faith and treat others the way I would like to be treated. I’ve never met a
stranger (ask the customers and cashiers at my local Walmart) and other than coffee and chocolate, I have
no (real) vices.