Jana Bommersbach, a well-respected Arizona journalist and author, discusses her latest novel, “thedeadgirlinthevacantlot,” 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 16 at Changing Hands–Phoenix, 300 W. Camelback Road.

This is Bommersbach’s second book based on the character Joya Bonner, a Phoenix investigative reporter. Bonner knew nothing about the world of sex-trafficking—or the ugly status her city held in this filthy underground. And then it smacked her in the face, just as the Super Bowl was coming to town in 2008. Scared, repulsed, frantic, but determined, she risks her life trying to save girls forced into sex slavery.

Bommersbach will speak about her research and agony in writing this novel at this, the official launch of “thedeadgirlinthevacantlot.” The event is free and open to the public. Books will be available for purchase ($20.00 plus tax).

Bommersbach has been the state’s “Journalist of the Year” and has been honored with two lifetime achievement awards as an “inspiration to the state’s media community.” Her inaugural book, The Trunk Murderess: Winnie Ruth Judd, was lauded as one of the nation’s best non-fiction books. Her historical novel, Cattle Kate, won a similar accolade.