2018 National Indie Excellence Awards Winner in Humor 2017 USA Best Book Awards in Fiction: Cross-Genre 2017 Mystery an Mayhem Book Awards Shortlist “ Intriguing and full of twists, it’s hard to find fault with the author’s theme of communal empowerment, her love of food, and her frequent instructional asides. A highly educated foodie’s dream, this tale delivers a unique take on both the campus and mystery genres.”
—Kirkus

“It has been said that the comic campus novel is no more (things in higher ed are verging on the tragic), but Oink proves otherwise. A witty combination of a campus novel, a murder mystery, a debate about GMOs, and a recipe book, Oink is a celebration of community connected to the joy of food and fellowship. At a time when collegiality is on the decline because of the corporatization of higher education, Newton’s light-hearted novel makes the serious point that collegiality is important not only personally but also politically.”
—Maggie Berg and Barbara K. Seeber, authors of The Slow Professor: Challenging the Culture of Speed in the Academy

“Fans of the cozy mystery will love a plot that keeps on twisting until the end and the bonus of recipes for good things eaten in this novel. But what distinguishes Oink is its insightful and often beautiful creation of the academic characters and settings at a formerly agricultural California university. Amid vivid, evocative glimpses of an agrarian Central Valley built-scape nonhuman living things loom and fly [overhead] as humans pursue and are pursued by each other. Oink satisfies in multiple ways.”
—Elizabeth Harris, author of Mayhem: Three Lives of a Woman

“This entertaining GMO mystery novel aptly describes the laid back atmosphere of a small town ag university. Newton, a former professor, captures the distinct traits of academics from both the sciences and humanities. A good read that is both humorous and thoughtful.”
—Pamela C. Ronald, co-author of Tomorrow’s Table: Organic Farming, Genetics, and The Future of Food

“Oink takes readers on a lively romp through campus politics and interpersonal intrigue. Food themes abound in this engaging and well-crafted mystery which combines concerns about genetic engineering and pesticides with reflections upon the satisfactions of building community through sharing food and food stories. Recipes are included.”
—Janet A. Flammang, author of Table Talk: Building Democracy One Meal at a Time

“A fabulous fictional voyage through the new landscape of contemporary food culture in the Academy with the intrigue of mystery to boot. It's rich in surprises and recipes (you don't want to miss the blini or the cupcakes!)”
—Michael W. Twitty, author of The Cooking Gene: A Journey Through African-American Culinary History in the Old South

“Oink is a page-turnin' who-done-it set in a university town in the 1990s. Newton highlights the political turmoil of the times as reflected in the role of women's and ethnic studies within the campus hierarchy and the ethics and risks of corporate-agriculture-funded research into the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Newton, an adept storyteller, deftly weaves her way between town and gown, knowing well the annual rhythm of the beloved local farmers market. Throughout it all, she provides delicious recipes based on corn, cornbread in particular, about which I can only say cornbread plays a Best Supporting Role in the mystery.”
—Ann M. Evans, author of Davis Farmers Market Cookbook/i>, former Mayor, City of Davis.