A Reader's Interview with Cozy Up With Kathy

During my Welcome to Winter Online Book Party I offered an opportunity to interview me. Reader Hilary Flanagan took up the challenge.

Hilary: For those of us who are not as familiar with your origin story, what first drew you to cozy mysteries and how did that evolve into Cozy Up with Kathy?

Kathy: I've always been a reader, probably inevitable as an only child with parents who loved to read! My dad collected Hardy Boys mysteries, so I was introduced to them...it didn't hurt when the Hardy Boys TV series came out in the 1970s! I was a huge fan of Alfred Hitchcock so was thrilled to discover Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators, yes Hitch was originally in those books! Fast forward several decades in which I never stopped reading. I was living in Austin, Texas and working as a police officer when I learned about Sisters in Crime. I joined the local chapter and the rest is history. I started the Cozy Up With Kathy blog and corresponding Facebook after I moved back to Western New York. I knew some authors and wanted to work on my writing. The rest, as they say, is history.

 

Hilary: What types of discussions or events in the group have generated the most excitement and participation? How do you see that/those evolving in the new year?

Kathy: The Cozy Up With Kathy Party Page is a bit different than other groups. Several years ago Facebook started to target live events on pages, people who commented "too much" were placed in Facebook jail and were banned from posting or commenting for a while. This was destroying parties. I had the idea to hold parties on a group page, rather than a regular page, as I noticed lots of posts from people in groups weren't being targeted. Si I created the Cozy Up With Kathy Party Page. My idea worked! That being said, I never intended the group page to be a big thing, it was just a location to host the few parties I held each year. I also offer it to the authors with whom I work to use for their own promotions. If I had more time in the day I would expand it, but for now I have the 2 big parties: My Halloween Spooktacular and my Welcome to Winter. If I have time I will sometimes host small parties in the spring and summer.
 

Hilary: What do you value most about the Cozy up with Kathy group, and what do you think makes the group uniquely special?

Kathy: I think The Party Page is special in that it's focus is just parties. It is not active at other times so members aren't inundated with posts. We also have the direct interaction with a variety of authors.


Hilary: Are there any specific themes or subgenres you see on the rise for cozy mysteries and any recent releases in those subgenres you encourage readers to check out to test those waters?

Kathy: In general certain subgenres remain prevalent, the Culinary Cozy and the Paranormal. Culinary mysteries are probably the most common and even books that I wouldn't classify as cozies sometimes include recipes! I appreciate that some books are adding more mature themes. I'm not talking mature as it comes to increased sex or violence, but mature as in thoughtful, pertinent to today's world, more thought provoking.

Hilary: Any emerging authors or hidden gems from the community that are worth highlighting to readers with all levels of cozy experience and all heights of TBR piles?

Kathy: Most of the authors I read are considered mid-listers. They may be popular in the cozy community and their books sell well-but they're not well known to the casual reader. In fact, although I real a lot of mysteries, the books I read are rarely even nominated for awards. I don't think I read one that was nominated in Bouchercon. I do slightly better with Malice Domestic and the Lefties, but not much. This is one of the main goals of Cozy Up With Kathy-getting the word out about great books by wonderful authors. That being said, here are some authors I love who may not be as well known as others: Maureen Klovers, Jeanne Quigley, Kate Parker, L. A. Chandlar, Lissa Redmond, and Eleanor Kuhns.
 

Hilary: What feedback do you think matters most to writers, and what is the best way for us readers to offer it?

Kathy: I think the best feedback for writers is to leave reviews and talk up their books. Recommend them to friends, family, and co-workers. Buy their books, check them out at libraries and request them if libraries don't offer them already!

Hilary: If you could host one live cozy event (virtual or in person) - what would it look like and who would be on your surprise panel/guest list?

Kathy: I would love to host a live cozy event. But as a former President of Murder on Ice I know that is no easy task. So I would love for someone else to organize a huge mystery party in Western New York! I would happily moderate a panel or two. There would be food and goodie bags for all-including me! What's more likely would be a virtual panel, especially as friends and favorite authors live all over...including in Tasmania! It would be hard to choose authors, so I'd have to invite via panel. I'd love a historical panel with L. A. Chandlar, Kate Parker, Clara McKenna, Erica Ruth Neubauer, Colleen Cambridge, Eleanor Kuhns, Mary Winters. Heather Redmond...uh oh, that panel is getting big. Can you tell I love historicals? I'd love a humorous group with Ellen Byron, Vivien Chien, A. J. Devlin, and Michele Pariza Wacek, I couldn't forget the authors who are my actual friends in real life, Lissa Redmond and L. J. M. Owen. And I'd hate to forget favorite authors such as Cleo Coyle, Gigi Pandian, Daryl Wood Gerber, Maureen Klovers. Oh there are so many. It would have to be a multiday event at a hugs place!

Hilary: Is there any particular group tradition or engagement pathway that you would love to see every member participate in at least once?

Kathy: I would love to have readers leave comments on my blog: https://cozyupwithkathy.blogspot.com/. It would also be nice to have more interaction on my Cozy Up With Kathy page, not the Party Page, but the regular page: https://www.facebook.com/CozyUpWithKathy.
 

Hilary: Is there a book or series you wish more cozy readers talked about and why?

Kathy: There are a lot of fantastic series out there and I'd love to get the word spread about a few of them. I'll start with the Rita Calabresa Mystery series by Maureen Klovers, the Ella Shane Mystery series by Kathleen Marple Kalb, two series by Jeanne Quigley- the Veronica Walsh Mysteries and the Robyn Cavanagh Mystery series, and the Deadly Series by Kate Parker...for starters! These are all fantastic mysteries that don't get a lot of promotion and a lot of people are simply unaware that they exist!


Hilary: What 2026 releases are you most excited about for the cozy community?

Kathy: So many! I'll start with Vivien Chien's CRIME RANGOON, the next Mrs. Claus Mystery by Liz Ireland, VENGEANCE IN VENICE by Erica Ruth Neubauer, the next books in multiple series by Daryl Wood Gerber, and the same with Cleo Coyle. I could go on, but you get the idea.


Hilary: If you could wave a magic wand and change any one thing about the cozy mystery community, what would it be and why?

Kathy: That we'd have time to read all of the wonderful books out there!

Marie Conner, A Leading Lady - Cover Reveal & Excerpt

 

Marie Conner, A Leading Lady: Her Life and Civic Leadership in a Bygone Era by Elle Mott

COMING IN MARCH!

About Marie Conner, A Leading Lady

Marie was born a girl. That was only her first mistake, according to her father.

In an era when daughters and wives are not supposed to be concerned with matters outside the home, Marie is determined to prove him wrong. To do this, she must break down barriers placed on women in society, overcome difficulties that befall her, surpass hardships from the Great Depression, and then face an inevitable relocation.

Marie steps into her community and into the hearts of many people to give her time and help with their needs. She wants nothing in return other than her father's acceptance as a worthy woman and yet, she gains much in return, even if it is not her father's praise. This is Marie’s story—of a rise from her girlhood angsts to become a leading lady—and much more.

COVER REVEAL

An Excerpt:

Marie’s documented written words from December 1952 are shared in

Chapter 15

“Love”

Pages 207 – 208

I opened the shop at 10:30. The first thing of course is building a fire in a wood heater. The wood is rather wet, no kindling and no axe. But we always get it started. By this time, we have quite a group of people in the shop. They are there for various reasons. Saturday, 89 people came to the shop. Some came for help, some out of curiosity, and some to buy. Today the first thing I must do is drive nearly to Berline to aid a lovely old couple. It is nearly 1 p.m. when I arrive back in Lebanon.

            We prepare a hasty lunch in our little kitchen and as I try to eat a few bites I receive the most wonderful gift that could have come to the shop. Our telephone had arrived. Nothing was ever needed more. The number is 7042. I felt my day had been full. Also, during this time, I interviewed three people while I was at a cup of tea and a sandwich, trying to get a bite in now and then. I was able to help all three people due to those who had made purchases during the morning. You see, the shop is a place to help one another. The one who pays helps the one who needs and the one who gives the articles helps the other two and I am sure the giver is repaid by the joy she brings. 

            Since the opening of the shop, I have had a dream of a sewing room, but we have never had time to get the room cleaned out because it was the room where things needing repair or cleaning was kept. Now the barn that is directly behind the shop has been almost completed so that we were able to remove these things to there. With one helper and so many to wait on it seemed an impossible task. But again, a wonderful thing happened. A mother and daughter who are old friends of mine walked in and offered to help. We certainly could use them, and they worked all afternoon. Several old people without transportation wanted boxes of things delivered so my trusty pick-up and I were out in the rain off and on all afternoon, so you can imagine how time flies when we are that busy. My closing time came only too soon. We had not completed the renovation of the room needed for sewing. I went to the home of a helper who had to stay home all day with two grandchildren. Her daughter relieved her of this job in the evening, so she and I went back down after a bite to eat, and at 12 midnight, we had the room in apple pie order and now my dream has come true. Anyone who has an hour or so to spare and wants to drop in and do some mending or tie quilts will now be able to do so.. Of course, all I need now is a sewing machine and ironing board for this room. I purchased a nice machine from a woman who needed money, but someone needed the machine so badly and of course I now do not have one.

            Saturday, a beautifully dressed person came in and looked around and asked, “What is this place?”

            She understood what I meant when I answered her. “It is the heart of Lebanon.”

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About Elle Mott

Elle Mott writes creative nonfiction. This is her third book. She is the author of “Out of Chaos: A Memoir” and “People Helping People.” Her other writing pieces have been featured in literary journals, news magazines, and anthologies. She has a background working in libraries, both at the college level and, for more than ten years, at the public library in downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. While library work is her livelihood, writing is her passion. Elle grew up in Oregon and now makes her home in the suburbs of northern Kentucky with two cats and several pet birds.

Author Links:

Website: https://ellemottauthor.com  

AllAuthor: https://allauthor.com/author/ellemott  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elle-mott-author  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ellemott.author  

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/elle_mott  

Kofi: https://ko-fi.com/ellemott  

Purchase Links - Coming Soon

A Spy in Saigon - A Guest Post & Giveaway

I'm pleased to allow Nancy Cole Silverman to take over Cozy Up With Kathy today. Nancy writes the Kat Lawson Mystery series. A Spy in Saigon is the fourth book in the series.

Why I Love Female Protagonists 
By Nancy Cole Silverman 

I grew up during the era of black-and-white TV. There were only three networks, with limited programming, and they all signed off at midnight. I remember waking up on Saturday mornings, racing downstairs in my cowboy hat and footed pajamas to watch the early morning kids’ shows like The Lone Ranger, The Rifleman, and Fury while eating a bowl of Cheerios in front of the TV. In case you hadn’t guessed, I was an adventurous child, and when it came to reading, I preferred books like Walter Farley’s Black Stallion over Nancy Drew—despite her very clever sleuthing.

It wasn’t until I retired from a career in talk radio—where I had broken the glass ceiling and was one of the only women in the country to run a sports talk radio station—that I decided it was time to go home and write mysteries. But after twenty-five years working in a predominantly old-boys’ club, I wasn’t about to write a mystery with a male lead. Despite being a big fan of Lee Child’s books about Jack Reacher and Jeffery Deaver’s Colter Shaw series, where were the women? Couldn’t there be a lone, female protagonist who could save the day?

I’m not talking about a female superhero with a black belt in Karate who can take down five burly men in an alley fight–I didn’t want to write about a cartoon character, but about a real woman. A strong, single, intelligent female lead with more brains than brawn. A woman with enough real-life experience to know how to sidestep a bad situation, who isn’t shy about using her feminine wiles to navigate complex social situations and come out on top. Someone as flawed as she was driven. I’ve met such women in business—and Kat Lawson embodies them all—mid-forties, attractive, widowed, and divorced. A disgraced investigative reporter, fired from her last job due to an inappropriate workplace relationship. I’ll spare the details—heavy sex happens best off page and in the mind of the reader—but suffice to say, Kat’s boss was promoted, while she was fired and forced to find other employment. This left her desperate for a job, working as a feature reporter for Journey International, a cover operation for the FBI, where, on assignment, Kat is asked to make an occasional delivery.

Things, of course, never go as planned, and every protagonist needs a sidekick to help move the plot along. The Lone Ranger had Tonto, the Rifleman had his son, and if we go far enough back to Gunsmoke, Matt Dillon, in addition to Doc and Chester, had Miss Kitty. Alas, a woman! But even she was a woman behind the man, and not the lead. So, while I wanted to create a strong female character, I also needed to craft a sidekick who would be enough like Kat and yet different enough to be a constant source of entertainment and struggle. Enter Sophie Brill, Kat’s handler; sixty-five, a retired art historian, member of the FBI’s Art Crime Team, and publisher of Journey International. Kat is Sophie’s eyes and ears on the ground, while Sophie is Kat’s sole contact while abroad, and fortunately, or unfortunately, as the case may be, only a phone call away.

Each of Kat’s adventures takes place in a different country, one I’ve visited, and as a former journalist, I have spent a lot of time researching. A Spy in Saigon is set in Vietnam, and the country is much more than just a backdrop for a good story. The area became as much of a character as Kat was on the page, with mysteries of its own and a history that would haunt me. Little did I know, when I first started writing, just how much of my own history was about to unfold.

Writing a spy novel set in a foreign country linked to a historical period required digging into the archives, studying the customs and daily life of Vietnam, and understanding the complexities of espionage during both the war and much later. It enabled me to create a cast of characters that reflected the moral ambiguity and shifting allegiances of that era and today. When I finished writing and rewriting, I set the book aside. Did I truly want to share this story? Things I knew and researched were no longer front-page news. Was the past sometimes better left undisturbed? I didn’t have clear answers. However, I wanted my readers to think about history, politics, and the nature of truth, and to consider the real sacrifices and dilemmas faced by those living through extraordinary times.

Thank you for reading A Spy in Saigon. It was a story inspired by faith, forgiveness, and love.

***********************************************************************

A Spy in Saigon: A Kat Lawson Mystery by Nancy Cole Silverman 

About A Spy in Saigon

 

A Spy in Saigon: A Kat Lawson Mystery
Mystery 4th in Series
Setting - Vietnam
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Level Best Books
Publication Date: ‎ November 25, 2025
Paperback Print Length: ‎ 230 pages

The truth will set you free – or it will kill you.

Kat Lawson’s new undercover assignment has turned deadly. A trip to Vietnam to write a travel feature for Journey International while making a drop to deliver cash and passports for a top-secret operation has gone awry. Kat has a choice to make and a target on her back. She can live with a secret, or she can reveal a truth that puts her in the crosshairs of an enemy sworn to kill her. With the lives of trafficked children at stake in a country where agents and double agents trade secrets, Kat must choose between the acceptance of a truth that will forever change her life or living a lie that will save the lives of others.

About Nancy Cole Silverman

 

After 25 years in news and talk radio, Nancy Cole Silverman retired to write fiction. Her crime-focused novels have attracted readers throughout America, and her short stories have appeared in numerous anthologies. Silverman writes the Carol Childs and Misty Dawn Mysteries (Henry Press) and the Kat Lawson Mysteries (Level Best Books). For more detailed information, visit www.nancycolesilverman.com  

Author Links: 

Website www.nancycolesilverman.com  

Facebook www.facebook.com/nancy.cole.silverman.2025  

Purchase Link - Amazon

The Hindenburg Spy - An Interview & Review

I'm happy to welcome L.A. Chandlar back to Cozy Up With Kathy. Laurie writes the Lane Sanders Mystery series. THE HINDENBURG SPY is the fourth book in the series and was released last month.

 

Kathy: In THE HINDENBURG SPY Lane visits several jazz clubs and is treated to the music of people who are now legends of the jazz scene. With a musician father and love of Ken Burns I am quite familiar with several of these jazz artists, including Chick Web. If you could only see one of these performers live who would it be, Billie Holliday, Josephine Baker, or Ella Fitzgerald.

LAC: Only one?!? Haha, like choosing your favorite child. Well, I’d have to say Josephine Baker. I love her vitality, her kindness, and her power. She led a fascinating life and backed up her strong beliefs with strong actions. So seeing her in real life would be amazing. I know I’d be just as happily rattled as Lane was when she met her! 

Kathy: Lane enjoyed a lot of historic experiences in the fourth Lane Sanders Mystery. Tell me, would you rather go dancing at the Savoy, take a trip on the Hindenburg (not THAT trip), have lunch at the Algonquin Round Table, or infiltrate the Cloud Club? 

LAC: Though I love to dance and the Savoy would be dreamy, I’d take the ride on the Hindenburg. I don’t think we have anything today that can compare. When Lane takes that ride, she knows that airplane travel will be happening soon —Pan Am already had clipper service possible to Europe, but the US was waiting for England’s approval. England was trying to catch up to America’s air service beforehand. And she realizes that speed always eclipses the experience. Especially in America. Lane is already certain that the experience of lightly floating above Europe, able to ascend and descend at the captain’s will to see the famous sights below, was something that would not last long. Then you add on the romance and the elegance of that floating airship…I’d love to have experienced it. 

Kathy: I was intrigued to read about the "creation" of chicken and waffles. Researching The Hindenburg Spy were there any interesting facts that surprised you? 

LAC: So many! That’s why I love research so much. I am always learning something. With that particular scene —chicken and waffles— I was delighted to learn that it came out of the jazz culture and mixing late night / early morning dining. I love it when I come across tiny details that end up being something ordinary that becomes extraordinary. Or when you put facts together and you find a surprising understanding. For instance, I knew that on Roosevelt Island (a slip of land between Manhattan and Queens – used to be called Welfare Island), there was what used to be called a “lunatic asylum.” I knew I wanted to feature it in my books and I do. But after I’d researched it for a while, I learned that it was the place that a hero of mine, journalist Nellie Bly, did a huge investigative journalism piece by getting committed to infiltrate. It was her gusty work revealing the horrible treatment of the mentally impaired (and sometimes not impaired – it was grossly easy for men to commit any woman who didn’t cooperate) within those doors.

I was also surprised by some of the social justice and early civil rights movements that were happening in the Thirties. The Savoy itself was an influential, integrated dance hall and the stories and images that come from those days are hypnotic. The art of dance and music brought people together whether they were uptown or downtown, Black or White, Protestant or Catholic… What mattered was if you could dance. I love highlighting women and men who did big things but didn’t get all the glory in the history books. I give a cameo in The Pearl Dagger to Jane Bolin whom Fiorello appoints as the first Black woman judge and then in Hindenburg Spy the fantastic Eunice Carter. She was the first Black woman prosecutor and it was her work that took down the infamous Lucky Luciano. The DA Thomas Dewey got more fame from it than she did. But I have to say, the prosecutors today definitely know all about her! There’s a plaque in 100 Center Street of her and a current ADA told me all about her. And I loved writing about Dead Shot Mary. She is highlighted in earlier books – one of the first women detectives. She made over 1000 arrests in her career and headed up the pick pocket squad. She was a better shot than most of the men which was fabulous to discover. 

Kathy: Was there a specific inspiration for this story? 

LAC: Well I knew that this book would feature the actual Hindenburg disaster because it happened right in the timeline of this book. But as I read and appreciated the high concept novels of Susan Elia Macneal in Winston Churchill’s Secretary and Mariah Fredericks’s The Lindbergh Nanny, I decided why the heck not place Lane right on it? The Hindenburg crash actually had more survivors than deaths. It was shocking that such a wildly violent disaster could have anyone survive let alone the majority. This theme is part of the heart of Lane’s stories. I always write about beauty out of adversity and I felt that it was an important message of survival. 


Kathy: Are you able to share any future plans for Lane? 

LAC: I am currently developing a draft for her next adventure at Coney Island! In real life, Fiorello’s first wife (and this is mentioned in earlier books) died at a young age. He was certain that it was the doing of a fortune teller influencing her – a kind of self-fulfilled prophecy. He harbored a lot of grief and ill will for fortune tellers and created a law that their shops could not be on the street level. To this day palm readers and fortune tellers are mostly in basements or upper floors off the street. So I’m going to mess with this whole thing and I think I’ll call it The Fortune Killer. We’ll see – I’ll keep you posted. 


Kathy: When it comes to writing I understand there are 2 general camps-plotters, who diligently plot their stories, and pantsers, who fly by the seat of their pants. Are you a plotter, a pantser, or do you fall somewhere in between? 

LAC:  I cannot fully plot out a book to save my life. So I’m mostly in the pantser category. However, I tend to follow a timeline then circle back to pantsing, then add more to a timeline, then circle back again. I tried plotting but for me, the soul of the novel completely dies. I believe it’s because my own creativity is in tune with flow and on-the-scene character creation. What I mean is, I get the best ideas and dialog when I’m in the moment with the characters. They continually “surprise” me because as I’m writing, I’ll get great ideas or even pivot major points because a character comes up with a sentence that changes EVERYTHING.

But I am also a student of studying what brings me joy in reading and writing, which is more in tune with plotting. For instance, in the middle of writing Hindenburg, I had this fantastic plot, wild action, surprising scenes…and there was a big part of me that was bored! I couldn’t figure out why. I started to chat about it with my husband and it dawned on me that I was missing the teamwork that Lane has with her colleagues and family. But she was on the Hindenburg thousands of feet in the air, I couldn’t just add them all to the airship. So I came up with the idea of using the radiograms between them and then having scenes that go back and forth with them at home in NYC and her on the ship.

It did two things: One, I was instantly so much happier and interested. I realized I deeply feel the connection between my characters and when it’s missing, I’m personally BORED even in the middle of the most actiony action scenes. Secondly, it gave me the idea of how unhappy Lane must feel working on her own. I ended up making that a major character arc of hers. She learns about herself in that she’s just not happy when she’s not being her true self and though Lane’s never taken her team for granted, she learns to love them all even more profoundly. I also enjoyed writing the POV chapters from some of her friend’s perspectives. I love that they knew Lane really well and were even making bets with each other about her actions. LOL 


Kathy: Authors are required to do a lot of their own marketing, especially for a new release. What's your favorite part of marketing your work? What do you dislike about marketing? 

LAC: I love the people part of marketing. Like this interview, going to conferences, etc. The part I dislike the most is trying to figure out algorithms and what works / what doesn’t. Sometimes that is truly disheartening. So I focus on the things that bring me life and I keep on writing. I also enjoy speaking and I have several lectures and workshops that I give on a variety of topics including history (I have one on jazz, Josephine Baker, and the Hindenburg; the history of holiday traditions; and several on the psychology of creativity and creative writing). 


Kathy: Will you share any other upcoming books? 

LAC: Yes! I have a great new book coming out at Thanksgiving this year: THE LOST STORIES. “Based on true holiday events that changed the course of history.” I adore this book. It’s a modern day novel about an investigative journalist —Lara Smith— who is tasked with what she thinks will be a fluff assignment to write about the hidden holiday stories behind the traditions. She struggles with celebrating holidays because she’s been through a lot of hardship and as a journalist has seen the worst of the worst. So just how do you “do” a fluffy holiday? But as Lara meets with historians and ancestors of the people behind famous hymns, events, and even poems, she learns that holidays have some grit even in the midst of the lights, the candy, and the frou frou. So in the midst of the novel, the reader is taken back in time to be an eyewitness to these events like the WWI Christmas Truce, the first Rockefeller Christmas tree during the Depression, the first radio transmission in 1906, the Korean war hero who became known as the Jewish Santa Claus, and how the end of the Civil War and Lincoln’s assassination happen over Passover and everything weaves together to create one of the most beloved of all time hymns. Lara learns that her editor was right: this just might be the most important story of her life.

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Review

THE HINDENBURG SPY by L. A. Chandlar
The Fourth Lane Sanders Mystery 

Lane Sanders' boss, Mayor Fiorello La Guardia, is on the warpath when he hears two young boys are being held in jail after witnessing a murder. While the boys finger a well known mob boss as the trigger man, Lane and her compatriots aren't so sure. A hit in broad daylight is not his style and he would never do the dirty work himself. Lane can think of one person who would love to take the man down and take over his turf, her nemesis Daphne Franco. While visiting various jazz clubs to get the word on the street Lane finds that other gangs are antsy and everyone feels something big is brewing. Then she hears words that fill her with dread, Hindenburg hit. While she has an extraordinary team in New York City, everyone realizes that this a mission for Lane and only Lane. Heading to Europe to board the Hindenburg Lane knows it's up to her to stop the death and destruction that Daphne is surely planning.

Excitement abounds in the fourth Lane Sanders Mystery! While a general sense of unease occupies the first part of the book (Who's trying to frame Uncle Louie? What's going on with Valerie?) danger soon increases exponentially until the heart stopping climax aboard the Hindenburg!

I love how Lane's team are more than friends, they're family. They easily work together playing to each other's strengths. Even when apart they rely on each other.

One of the things I love most about THE HINDENBURG SPY, indeed this whole series, is the historical detail. Small details or a tiny historical footnote are given their moment in the spotlight. The Lane Sanders Mystery series brings history to life and I love feeling as if I'm a part of it!

Captivating, jaw dropping, and ultimately satisfying THE HINDENBURG SPY is a fast paced time bomb of a mystery. 

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 BIO: L.A. Chandlar is the award-winning author of the Lane Sanders MYSTERY SERIES. She’s been nominated for the Agatha, Lefty, Macavity and Anthony Awards; and winner of Suspense Magazine’s Crimson Scribe and GANYC Apple Award. She’s been living and writing in New York City for over 24 years and has been speaking for a wide variety of audiences including a women’s group with the United Nations. Laurie has also worked in PR for General Motors, is the mother of two boys, and has toured the nation managing a rock band. She is a fierce advocate for women’s rights. She loves coffee and wine; and hates thwarted love and raisins.


 

 

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Currently Reading...

I just finished reading Asylum Murders by Michael G. Colburn. This is the second book in the Lady Black Mystery series and was released last month.

Lady Edith Black made the mistake of intimating that she was bored. She soon gets wrapped up in an investigation that's exciting, dangerous, and deadly. The theft of the Parliamentary Mace, body parts being found around the city, and a woman beaten nearly to death and unlikely to regain consciousness has Detective McElroy feeling the pressure, especially as  most of the force wishes he'd stayed in London. Calling on his friend, Edie Black, to help him with the interviews he at least has a friendly face he can trust. Though she doesn't know it, people from Edie's London past are also residing in Melbourne. The dangerous and duplicitous Henderson, the tricky Rohwedder, now with a new persona and trade, and her good friend Britina. Britina, forced to enter the novitiate in London, has been transferred to Australia where she's been assigned to work at the Kew Asylum. Britina soon discovers that horrible things are happening at the asylum. Will she be able to help, or will she be the one needing help?

Victoria Hamilton Interviews Cozy Up With Kathy

I've you've been reading this blog for a while, you know that I often interview authors. The tables are turned today as author Victoria Hamilton interviews me, the Kathy behind Cozy Up With Kathy! The idea came about during my welcome to winter party. Today I share my interview with Victoria and next Tuesday you can check out another perspective when I'm interviewed by a reader! But now, take it away Victoria!

Hi Kathy! Thanks for agreeing to be interviewed by an author. You’re very brave! (Just kidding, I’ll be gentle.) So let’s get started!

Victoria: A little about you and your interest in books: why did you start reviewing cozy mysteries in particular? Follow-up; when and why did you start posting your reviews online? 

Kathy: There was never a moment in time when I wasn't reading or being read to. I was reading Kazantzakis in grammar school. Steinbeck, Mishima, and Shakespeare were constants though high school and college. As a young adult romances were my genre of choice. I think I slowly made the switch to mysteries when I went to a book faire in Austin Texas and was introduced to Sisters in Crime. I was a police officer at the time and joined the group, excited to meet many published authors who were all so nice. Wanting to become a better writer myself, I followed the fictional Qwilleran's advice and started a blog where I would write on various subjects, just to write. Eventually I decided to create a mystery blog only intending 3 posts a week. I started the Cozy Up With Kathy blog in 2012 and posting reviews then.

Victoria: You read for entertainment, I assume, but as a professional reviewer, does it ever become work? 

Kathy: It does become work as I can't always read what I want when I want. If I don't make specific space on my reading schedule a book I want to read may languish for months...or even years.

Victoria: To expand on that ‘reading for entertainment’ notion, does it ever become a bit of a chore? You make commitments, and have to read so many books in so much time; does it ever get a little too much? 

Kathy: Definitely. While reading is never a chore, writing reviews certainly can be. Especially when I'm pressed for time. I work full time and then have to come home and work on or finish a review...and when the words don't come easily...well, it can be difficult. I also tend to over commit. There are just too many interesting books coming out and I want to read them all. No wonder my housework never gets done.

Victoria: Have you ever wished you hadn’t agreed to review a certain book? (No need to give titles, just in a general way.) 

Kathy: Not often, but every once in a while. This generally happens when I don't like the book. Or when I overbook myself and run out of time.

Victoria: Does your friendship with authors ever get in the way of your reviewing? So many of us value our relationship; you’re a great advocate for authors. But let’s be honest; not every book we write is golden and quality varies. How do you review a book by an author you like when it isn’t their best work? 

Kathy: I keep praying my friends write good books!  I try to focus on the good things in the book. I will mention obvious poor things, but will counteract with mentioning the good. And I always try to end on a high note. This goes for all books I review, not just those written by friends. When an author I know and like starts writing poorly, in my opinion, I do my best not to read or review any more of their books. 

Victoria: How does real life interfere in reviewing? Things like workload, illness, family commitments can get in the way. I know that’s true because it certainly is for writers! How do you balance it all when that happens?

Kathy: Scream into the void and wish I was getting paid! lol I do my best to limit reviews, difficult when there are so many good books out there. Worst case scenario I back out of doing things. This happened recently. The main tour company I work with takes a break around Christmas and New Years. This gives me time to read other books I want to read. I put them on my calendar, but just wasn't able to do it...so I pushed the reviews back. 

 

Victoria: To follow up on that, you have a stressful (at times) job. Do you find reading and reviewing are escapes from that, or is it more difficult to do when your work is at its most stressful? 

Kathy: Reading is definitely an escape-from not only my job, but the world itself. As for reviewing, oftentimes I read my drafts to patients in my Creative Writing Group at work. I can get feedback, which I may or may not listen to, but I can also gauge reactions. So that's helpful. It's only more difficult when I'm running out of time.

Victoria: I’m gonna be honest here; as an author I don’t generally read reviews of my books. It can be hard to keep writing past a bad or even an unenthusiastic review. I’ve had reviewers tag me in online reviews and have gone to read it and wondered afterward, what made them think I’d want to read that? So other people (my wonderful editor) pull review quotes for me. It’s a sensitive area among writers and reviewers. I do want reviewers to be honest, and I’ll admit, reviewers can teach writers who are willing to learn, but it’s not always easy. Ultimately, book reviews are for readers!

So, all that being said… do you write a review wanting the writer to read it, or are your reviews strictly for readers? (I’ll understand either way!) 

Kathy: I write my reviews for everyone. If it's an especially well written one I love when the author reads it. If it's not my best work, I don't mind if they don't! One thing I always do is try to get at least one sentence or phrase that publishers can pull as a quote or blurb.

Victoria:  Do you ever read books that you don’t review? Do you read books outside of your main interest area? 

Kathy: I do my best to review them all. If I don't finish, I won't review. I have several nonfiction books I've been wanting to read...or have started, but just haven't have time to finish. One I have currently is RAJNEESHPURAM: INSIDE THE CULT OF BHAGWAN AND ITS FAILED AMERICAN UTOPIA by Russell King. I've checked it out from the library twice, but haven't gotten far due to my mystery deadlines!

Victoria: What would you say to people just starting to review online? What are the best and worst things about it? 

Kathy: Don't overextend yourself. Try to come up with a formula to writing your reviews. That's helped me a lot. The best things about reviewing online: when people say you've inspired them to read the book. The worst thing: wondering if anyone is even reading them!
 

Victoria: Do you talk about your reviewing/blogging work with co-workers? 

Kathy: Every once in a while, but most are not interested.

Victoria: Do you ever recommend books to friends/family/co-workers? Follow-up: do they ever get back to you about a book you recommend? 

Kathy: I do recommend books, but don't get much feedback. The exception is my mom. I lend her all the "real" books (not e-books) I get and she lets me know how she liked them.

Victoria: I have to say, I admire the consistency and dedication book bloggers in general devote to their craft. It’s an important part of their lives for writers, in particular. You generously give us a place to talk about our books. What keeps you going when it gets hard? (Because everything gets difficult once in a while.)

Kathy: I'm stubborn? I almost canceled my last online book party and the future is a little dim on that. I put a lot of work in and a ton of time and I'm uncertain what I really get out of it. That's why I quit the leadership of a local mystery group a while back. But I love reading and will always continue that. Things that keep me motivated are kind words and praise from authors and publicists, readers thanking me for introducing them to a new author they love, and seeing my name in print with quotes from my reviews. 

Victoria: As a writer, I’m deeply curious about everyone, but as someone who is a little reticent myself, I’m reluctant to push or prod too much into people’s lives. Have you ever been asked a question online that you didn’t want to answer? Alternately, what’s the weirdest question you’ve ever received from a writer or reader? 

Kathy: I generally don't get asked questions online, so no. I've had an odd run in with an author or two, but it wasn't a question. One telling me I had the wrong person when she posted on my page and the other was a bizarre guest post when that author pretended she was me asking her questions. The tour leader and I both shook our heads at that one and I rewrote the post.

Thanks Kathy, for your insight! It is much appreciated.

Best,

Victoria Hamilton