Review
No Mallets Intended by Victoria Hamilton
The Fourth Vintage Kitchen Mystery
Jaymie Leighton and the Queensville Heritage Society are restoring Dumpe
Manor to serve as a museum and office space for the group. While
working on her contribution-turning the kitchen into a Depression era
version of itself-Jaymie hears something. She tries to ignore it-but it
turns out to be a person, a person who hits Jaymie with a vintage
kitchen mallet and knocks her out cold! That's just the start of the
problems surrounding Dumpe Manor. An egotistical writer (who appears to
be out to smear the Dumpe family in the pamphlet he's writing for the
society), a woman scorned, and angry Dumpe descendants combine with the
threat that the Manor will be taken from the society lead to murder. The
body... a victim of yet another vintage kitchen mallet.
If you've ever looked at vintage kitchen utensils you know they can do some serious damage. Take the kitchen mallet, generally used for pounding meat, but you could certainly pound other things, including people. Someone does just that in No Mallets Intended, the latest Vintage Kitchen Mystery by Victoria Hamilton. First Jaymie is coshed on the head by a kitchen mallet, then an obnoxious author is murdered; the weapon-a meat mallet!
While Jaymie is restoring a Depression era kitchen in Dumpe Manor she also has to deal with the pressure being asserted by her boyfriend, Daniel, to commit more fully to their relationship. But can she deal with his highhanded manner, no matter how well intentioned? Should she have to? After being the victim of an assault she finds yet another dead body. Can she look into the murder without putting herself in danger?
Victoria Hamilton brings us a few puzzles in her fourth Vintage Kitchen mystery. Murder may not be the only criminal activity plaguing Queensville, Michigan. In addition, there are romantic puzzles faced by several characters. A complicated mystery, secrets revealed, and plenty of vintage kitchenalia serve up a great story. No Mallets Intended is a welcome addition to the Vintage Kitchen Mystery series that leaves me anticipating the next adventure.
Recipe included.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Currently Reading...
I'm currently reading Spell Booked by Joyce and Jim Lavene. This book is the first in the new Retired Witches Mystery series and will be released December 2nd.
The magical powers of Molly, Elsie, and Olivia are fading and they need to find witches to replace them so that they may pass down their spell book and retire to Boca Raton. They have their eye on recruiting Dorothy, a young librarian who doesn't even know she's a witch when tragedy hits. Olivia is murdered and their spell book stolen. Could another witch be killing witches to get their powers? Will Molly and Elsie be able to stop a powerful witch? Will they be able to retire to Boca with their family none the wiser of their magical abilities? Will they solve the murder of Olivia? Or die trying?
The magical powers of Molly, Elsie, and Olivia are fading and they need to find witches to replace them so that they may pass down their spell book and retire to Boca Raton. They have their eye on recruiting Dorothy, a young librarian who doesn't even know she's a witch when tragedy hits. Olivia is murdered and their spell book stolen. Could another witch be killing witches to get their powers? Will Molly and Elsie be able to stop a powerful witch? Will they be able to retire to Boca with their family none the wiser of their magical abilities? Will they solve the murder of Olivia? Or die trying?
Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Once Upon a Crime
I'd like to welcome Evelyn Cullet to the blog today. The third book in Evelyn's series, Once Upon a Crime, was released September 1st.
Kathy: I love the name of the town in Once Upon a Crime: Raven's Caw, Michigan. How did you come up with the name and why choose Michigan for your location?
EC: I chose Michigan for my location, because I have a friend who has a summer cottage on Swan Lake there, and I needed an isolated area for the story to work. I used Swan Lake as one of the locations also, but when I was looking for a mysterious name for the small town near the lake, I couldn't come up with anything until I happened to be reading an Edgar Allen Poe story, and thought of: "Quoth the raven…"
Kathy: They say that no one ever forgets their first love. Charlotte has to deal with seeing her first love in Once Upon a Crime. Do you remember your first love? Did you ever meet up again later?
EC: I will always remember my first love. But I have never met up with him again. And it's been so many years now that I doubt if we'd even recognize each other.
Kathy: You write "mysteries with light romance and a little humor". Do you consider your mysteries cozies?
EC: I consider my mysteries to be a blend of cozy mystery, humor and light romantic suspense.
Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?
EC: I love to write mysteries, because I love to read them. I've read all of Agatha Christie's Dorothy L. Sayres and of course, Sherlock Holmes, along with so many contemporary authors, too numerous to mention. As I'm sure everyone reading this has too, for the obvious reason: the who done it or the puzzle aspect. But when I write a mystery, I like to add an the element of romance to my stories. I think it gives the story heart, and adds to the readers enjoyment even well after the puzzle is solved.
Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?
EC: No, I only write mystery.
Kathy: Tell us about your series.
EC: This series about two capricious friends who's misadventures induce them to become amateur sleuths is the only series I have at the moment. The first in this series is titled: Love, Lies and Murder, followed by Masterpiece of Murder. And the next in the series is my current novel, Once Upon a Crime.
Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?
EC: That's like asking me if I have a favorite child. My answer is…I love all my characters, equally and for many different reasons.
Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?
EC: I don't have a specific inspiration for the series, but one of the main characters is named for my sister, Jane, who is and always has been a fun-loving and outspoken person.
Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?
EC: I think my stories are great light entertainment. And what author doesn't want to see their stories in print? I submitted my first manuscript to several online publishers. But after getting rejection after rejection, I decided to rewrite it and resubmit. One morning I got an email from my current publisher, Wings ePress, saying they wanted to offer me a contract for my manuscript. I was overjoyed.
Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?
EC: I would invite: Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Arthur Conan Doyle and Jane Austen.
Kathy: What are you currently reading?
EC: I’m currently reading Home of the Braised. A White House Chef Mystery by Julie Hyzy.
Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?
EC: I play the piano, I'm an amateur lapidary, which means I make cabochons out of semi-precious stone to place into jewelry settings, and I'm an organic gardener.
Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.
EC: The 4 items I always have on hand are homemade almond milk, tahini, garbanzo beans and freshly made coconut cream. As you can see, I'm somewhat of a health nut.
Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?
EC: Right now I'm working on the final novel in this series. The next and final novel is titled, Ever After. In it, I hope to tie up all the lose ends and bring the series to a satisfactory conclusion. I have a few ideas for stand-alone mysteries, but I haven't decided whether or not to begin another series.
Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?
EC: My favorite part of being an author is creating interesting characters, plotting the story and after the manuscript is finished, seeing my work in print.
****************************************************************************
Once Upon a Crime is available at:
Amazon - http://tinyurl.com/l4lhxxb
Barnes and Noble : http://tinyurl.com/lcpl5d9
Wings ePress: http://www.wings-press.com/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/evelyncullet
To learn more about Evelyn Cullet, check out these links:
Website and blog: http://evelyncullet.com/
Facebook Author's page: https://www.facebook.com/EvculletsAuthorPage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EvelynCullet
Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3425303.Evelyn_Cullet
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ecullet/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
EC: I chose Michigan for my location, because I have a friend who has a summer cottage on Swan Lake there, and I needed an isolated area for the story to work. I used Swan Lake as one of the locations also, but when I was looking for a mysterious name for the small town near the lake, I couldn't come up with anything until I happened to be reading an Edgar Allen Poe story, and thought of: "Quoth the raven…"
Kathy: They say that no one ever forgets their first love. Charlotte has to deal with seeing her first love in Once Upon a Crime. Do you remember your first love? Did you ever meet up again later?
EC: I will always remember my first love. But I have never met up with him again. And it's been so many years now that I doubt if we'd even recognize each other.
Kathy: You write "mysteries with light romance and a little humor". Do you consider your mysteries cozies?
EC: I consider my mysteries to be a blend of cozy mystery, humor and light romantic suspense.
Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?
EC: I love to write mysteries, because I love to read them. I've read all of Agatha Christie's Dorothy L. Sayres and of course, Sherlock Holmes, along with so many contemporary authors, too numerous to mention. As I'm sure everyone reading this has too, for the obvious reason: the who done it or the puzzle aspect. But when I write a mystery, I like to add an the element of romance to my stories. I think it gives the story heart, and adds to the readers enjoyment even well after the puzzle is solved.
Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?
EC: No, I only write mystery.
Kathy: Tell us about your series.
EC: This series about two capricious friends who's misadventures induce them to become amateur sleuths is the only series I have at the moment. The first in this series is titled: Love, Lies and Murder, followed by Masterpiece of Murder. And the next in the series is my current novel, Once Upon a Crime.
Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?
EC: That's like asking me if I have a favorite child. My answer is…I love all my characters, equally and for many different reasons.
Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?
EC: I don't have a specific inspiration for the series, but one of the main characters is named for my sister, Jane, who is and always has been a fun-loving and outspoken person.
Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?
EC: I think my stories are great light entertainment. And what author doesn't want to see their stories in print? I submitted my first manuscript to several online publishers. But after getting rejection after rejection, I decided to rewrite it and resubmit. One morning I got an email from my current publisher, Wings ePress, saying they wanted to offer me a contract for my manuscript. I was overjoyed.
Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?
EC: I would invite: Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, Arthur Conan Doyle and Jane Austen.
Kathy: What are you currently reading?
EC: I’m currently reading Home of the Braised. A White House Chef Mystery by Julie Hyzy.
Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?
EC: I play the piano, I'm an amateur lapidary, which means I make cabochons out of semi-precious stone to place into jewelry settings, and I'm an organic gardener.
Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.
EC: The 4 items I always have on hand are homemade almond milk, tahini, garbanzo beans and freshly made coconut cream. As you can see, I'm somewhat of a health nut.
Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?
EC: Right now I'm working on the final novel in this series. The next and final novel is titled, Ever After. In it, I hope to tie up all the lose ends and bring the series to a satisfactory conclusion. I have a few ideas for stand-alone mysteries, but I haven't decided whether or not to begin another series.
Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?
EC: My favorite part of being an author is creating interesting characters, plotting the story and after the manuscript is finished, seeing my work in print.
****************************************************************************
Once Upon a Crime is available at:
Amazon - http://tinyurl.com/l4lhxxb
Barnes and Noble : http://tinyurl.com/lcpl5d9
Wings ePress: http://www.wings-press.com/
Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/evelyncullet
To learn more about Evelyn Cullet, check out these links:
Website and blog: http://evelyncullet.com/
Facebook Author's page: https://www.facebook.com/EvculletsAuthorPage
Twitter: https://twitter.com/EvelynCullet
Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3425303.Evelyn_Cullet
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ecullet/
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Review - Murder with Ganache
Review
Murder with Ganache by Lucy Burdette
The Fourth Key West Food Critic Mystery
Murder with Ganache, the fourth in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series by Lucy Burdette, finds Hayley making cupcakes for her friend Connie's wedding. The cupcakes meet an untimely end thanks to Evinrude, Sparky, and their new neighbor, Schnootie, and unfortunately, their destruction marks the beginning of a series of unpleasant events. Hayley's family, who happen to be Connie's surrogate family, arrive bringing a last minute addition, Hayley's step-brother, Rory. When the surly teenager is given some freedom he leaves the wedding shower, but doesn't return as scheduled. Wedding plans are put on hold as everyone searches for the missing teenager. What trouble could a 15 year old boy get into in Key West during Spring Break? A lot!
Connie has lost her mother and is accepted as part of Hayley's family. But when Connie's biological father shows up at the pre-wedding dinner, problems arise. Is blood thicker than water? Or is the bond of family you've chosen and who chooses you even stronger?
At the heart of it, Murder with Ganache is all about family, the biological family you're given, the family that's chosen for you, and the family you choose for yourself. Hayley has been dealing with both her mother and stepmother for some time; now her stepbrother is added to the mix. No longer the sweet toddler, Rory has become a sullen teenager-one who manages to land himself in a great deal of trouble. Although the relationship between Hayley and Lieutenant Torrrence has cooled...dare we say died...romance is blooming with the looming wedding of Connie and Ray.
Author Lucy Burdette brings some of the harsh realities of Key West to light in this edition of the Key West Food Critic Mystery series; survival methods of the street kids who flock to the islands running to or away from something. My review thus far could be describing a very sombre book-but that's truly not the case. Issues of homeless youths, miscommunication, and family give the book depth but there's also an intriguing mystery (complicated by all of the above) and lightness. The opening scene still has me giggling-key lime cupcakes, an unsocialized dog, and two cats-need I say more? I thoroughly enjoyed my recent visit to Key West and I urge you to pick up this book and enjoy life in Key West.
Recipes included.
Murder with Ganache by Lucy Burdette
The Fourth Key West Food Critic Mystery
Murder with Ganache, the fourth in the Key West Food Critic Mystery series by Lucy Burdette, finds Hayley making cupcakes for her friend Connie's wedding. The cupcakes meet an untimely end thanks to Evinrude, Sparky, and their new neighbor, Schnootie, and unfortunately, their destruction marks the beginning of a series of unpleasant events. Hayley's family, who happen to be Connie's surrogate family, arrive bringing a last minute addition, Hayley's step-brother, Rory. When the surly teenager is given some freedom he leaves the wedding shower, but doesn't return as scheduled. Wedding plans are put on hold as everyone searches for the missing teenager. What trouble could a 15 year old boy get into in Key West during Spring Break? A lot!
Connie has lost her mother and is accepted as part of Hayley's family. But when Connie's biological father shows up at the pre-wedding dinner, problems arise. Is blood thicker than water? Or is the bond of family you've chosen and who chooses you even stronger?
At the heart of it, Murder with Ganache is all about family, the biological family you're given, the family that's chosen for you, and the family you choose for yourself. Hayley has been dealing with both her mother and stepmother for some time; now her stepbrother is added to the mix. No longer the sweet toddler, Rory has become a sullen teenager-one who manages to land himself in a great deal of trouble. Although the relationship between Hayley and Lieutenant Torrrence has cooled...dare we say died...romance is blooming with the looming wedding of Connie and Ray.
Author Lucy Burdette brings some of the harsh realities of Key West to light in this edition of the Key West Food Critic Mystery series; survival methods of the street kids who flock to the islands running to or away from something. My review thus far could be describing a very sombre book-but that's truly not the case. Issues of homeless youths, miscommunication, and family give the book depth but there's also an intriguing mystery (complicated by all of the above) and lightness. The opening scene still has me giggling-key lime cupcakes, an unsocialized dog, and two cats-need I say more? I thoroughly enjoyed my recent visit to Key West and I urge you to pick up this book and enjoy life in Key West.
Recipes included.
Friday, October 31, 2014
Review - Nightmares Can Be Murder
Review
Nightmares Can Be Murder by Mary Kennedy
The First Dream Club Mystery
In Nightmares Can Be Murder by Mary Kennedy, Taylor Black has returned to Savannah to help her sister, Ali, and Ali's struggling business, Oldies but Goodies, a candy store that specializes in old fashioned candies. It's not all sister bonding or marketing though. Ali, always intrigued by the unconscious mind, has created a dream club. Taylor, who doesn't believe in dream interpretation, is nonetheless persuaded to join Ali and her friends as they discuss each others dreams and their possible meanings. While enjoying Ali's homemade treats, Persia tells the group that she dreamt a man was murdered and described the scene. Imagine everyone's shock when the local Lothario (who Ali once dated) if found dead-just as the man in Persia's dream.
Are the answers to the mysteries of the universe simply locked in your subconscious mind? Do dreams hold the key? I've always been fascinated by dreams and dream interpretation. I may not be a pure Freudian, or Jungian, for that matter, but their takes on the subject are simply fascinating.
In Nightmares Can Be Murder, dreams seem to be supplying clues as well as insight into the recent murder. Members of the dream club have been asked to think about the victim in order to hopefully dream of him and reveal clues to his murder. Sure enough, the group members dreams reveal many details-some of which certain members wish were left undiscovered.
Mary Kennedy is off to a great start with her Dream Club Mystery series. A cast of unique characters with hidden, and not so hidden depth, cute cats, a burgeoning re-romance, and above all, a well crafted mystery make Nightmares Can Be Murder a mystery lovers dream!
Nightmares Can Be Murder by Mary Kennedy
The First Dream Club Mystery
In Nightmares Can Be Murder by Mary Kennedy, Taylor Black has returned to Savannah to help her sister, Ali, and Ali's struggling business, Oldies but Goodies, a candy store that specializes in old fashioned candies. It's not all sister bonding or marketing though. Ali, always intrigued by the unconscious mind, has created a dream club. Taylor, who doesn't believe in dream interpretation, is nonetheless persuaded to join Ali and her friends as they discuss each others dreams and their possible meanings. While enjoying Ali's homemade treats, Persia tells the group that she dreamt a man was murdered and described the scene. Imagine everyone's shock when the local Lothario (who Ali once dated) if found dead-just as the man in Persia's dream.
Are the answers to the mysteries of the universe simply locked in your subconscious mind? Do dreams hold the key? I've always been fascinated by dreams and dream interpretation. I may not be a pure Freudian, or Jungian, for that matter, but their takes on the subject are simply fascinating.
In Nightmares Can Be Murder, dreams seem to be supplying clues as well as insight into the recent murder. Members of the dream club have been asked to think about the victim in order to hopefully dream of him and reveal clues to his murder. Sure enough, the group members dreams reveal many details-some of which certain members wish were left undiscovered.
Mary Kennedy is off to a great start with her Dream Club Mystery series. A cast of unique characters with hidden, and not so hidden depth, cute cats, a burgeoning re-romance, and above all, a well crafted mystery make Nightmares Can Be Murder a mystery lovers dream!
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
Currently Reading...
Recipe included.
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Dust Bunnies and Dead Bodies & Giveaway
Please welcome Janis Thornton to Cozy Up With Kathy. Janis writes the Elmwood Confidential Cozy Mystery series. The first, Dust Bunnies and Dead Bodies, was just released October 15th.
Kathy: Crystal Cropper is a woman of mature years. I, for one, am happy to see protagonists older than the usual 20 and 30 year olds. Why choose an older protagonist? What makes writing about older women fun? Or doesn't age make a difference?
JT: Great questions, Kathy. I chose a “woman of mature years” because I wanted to present a strong, fun, female protagonist that fellow Baby Boomers could identify with and root for.
As a writer, I am used to writing from the perspective of a variety of characters—male and female at any stage of life and background. But who’s more qualified to understand how a “woman of mature years” thinks, acts, feels, and responds to people and situations than another “woman of mature years”?
Kathy: Who better to dig up the dirt on people than their cleaning lady? Have you ever had a cleaning lady? Do you think that most cleaners are discreet or dying to spill your secrets?
JT: I must confess that I do not have, nor have I ever had a cleaning lady, and I’ve got the dust bunnies to prove it. However, I have friends who hire cleaning services, and they tell me they always pre-clean their house before the housekeeper arrives. Generally speaking, reliable cleaning services are discreet, but if they find dead bodies swept under the bed, they’re probably going to be compelled to spill it.
Kathy: In Dust Bunnies and Dead Bodies Crystal Cropper looks to solve a decades-old murder and the disappearance of a high school boy. How does working to solve a mystery from the past help and/or impede a current investigation?
JT: In the real world, I can imagine that a newspaper editor who’s trying to solve an old, unsolved crime might be viewed as meddlesome and annoying, particularly if the unsolved crime is related to a current investigation. But in the Elmwoodian world I created, because Crystal’s local informants trump those of the sheriff (in both number and quality), he welcomes her meddling with open arms.
Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?
JT: I read my first Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books about a hundred years ago and loved them. Decades later, “Murder She Wrote” came along, and I never missed an episode. I have a special affinity for cozies because of the small-town setting and the colorful characters that are a staple of the genre. Besides that, living in a town with a population of 6,000 provides me great insight on its people and its behind-the-scenes comings and goings.
Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?
JT: I wrote two local historical nonfiction books (for Arcadia Publishing) prior to Dust Bunnies and Dead Bodies. I also have written lots of romance and mystery short stories, and a paranormal romantic-mystery, none of which have been published. But I’m not ruling anything out.
Kathy: Tell us about your series.
JT: Dust Bunnies and Dead Bodies is the first book in what I intend as the Elmwood Confidential series. All will be set in the small, Indiana town of Elmwood, where Boomer-aged newspaper editor Crystal Cropper never takes “no” for an answer, vigorously rejects her “senior citizen” label, and uses the power of her pen to expose corruption erupting around her.
Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?
JT: As an author, I love all of my characters—the good, the bad, and the redeemable. They’re sort of like children to me, and as their literary “parent,” I can’t favor one over the other. However, there is one I poured more of myself into than any of the others. Crystal Cropper is more than just a one-dimensional character to me. She is, in many ways, the person I would like to be. At times, she exemplifies a facet of my actual life experience; other times she portrays attitudes, actions, courage, and skills that I’m too shy to exhibit.
Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?
JT: Mainly, the story is a product of my imagination, but I would be remiss not to acknowledge the influence of my environment. As previously noted, I live in a small community. In addition, at the time I started writing Dust Bunnies and Dead Bodies, I was deeply embedded in another small community as editor and reporter of its daily newspaper. Both scenarios helped add flavor to the story because of the seemingly limitless inspiration they provided for story building and character creation.
Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?
JT: Getting published hasn’t been a do-or-die goal for me, but it was something that was always rolling around in my head. After I finished the Dust Bunnies and Dead Bodies manuscript, it did nothing but take up space on my hard drive for the next four years. In late 2013, I vowed that I would polish it, write my query letter and synopsis, and start submitting it to publishers. I gave myself a year. Lucky for me, PageSpring Publishing picked it up last spring, and I will be forever grateful for their faith in me.
Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?
JT: There are so many wonderful authors who I would love to meet, but the following seems like a good mix: Edgar Allan Poe (I mean … who wouldn’t like to dine with Poe?); Louisa May Alcott (not only was she a trailblazer for women writers, she could tell me about her Transcendentalist contemporaries—Emerson, Hawthorne, and Thoreau); Sue Grafton (my favorite mystery author and creator of my favorite series character, Kinsey Millhone); and William Kent Krueger (who not only is an amazing writer, he’s an awesome gentleman who would be a fabulous guest at any dinner party). I hope they don’t mind carry-out.
Kathy: What are you currently reading?
JT: I currently am finishing “December Dread” by Jess Lourey, who I met this summer at the Midwest Writers Conference. Next up are Terence Faherty’s “The Quiet Woman” and D.E. Johnson’s “Detroit Shuffle.”
Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?
JT: My number one hobby is writing. (You know you’re a lucky girl when your hobby and your work are inseparable.) I am also interested in local history, genealogy, old movies, and art.
Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.
JT: I’m embarrassed to admit that you won’t find anything exotic or nutritious in my fridge or pantry—just your basic jar of peanut butter (crunchy), a box of Ritz crackers, Diet Coke, and a good supply of Milk Bones (for my dog!).
Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?
JT: There are always lots of story ideas bubbling in my head. At the moment, I am working out the next story in the Elmwood Confidential series, as well as a collection of sensational historic crimes that rocked Central Indiana between 1880 and 1965.
Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?
JT: This … being invited to chat with fellow writers and readers about writing after the writing is done. And truly, it’s wonderful to kick back for a minute to absorb how good it feels being called “author.”
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Kathy: Crystal Cropper is a woman of mature years. I, for one, am happy to see protagonists older than the usual 20 and 30 year olds. Why choose an older protagonist? What makes writing about older women fun? Or doesn't age make a difference?
JT: Great questions, Kathy. I chose a “woman of mature years” because I wanted to present a strong, fun, female protagonist that fellow Baby Boomers could identify with and root for.
As a writer, I am used to writing from the perspective of a variety of characters—male and female at any stage of life and background. But who’s more qualified to understand how a “woman of mature years” thinks, acts, feels, and responds to people and situations than another “woman of mature years”?
Kathy: Who better to dig up the dirt on people than their cleaning lady? Have you ever had a cleaning lady? Do you think that most cleaners are discreet or dying to spill your secrets?
JT: I must confess that I do not have, nor have I ever had a cleaning lady, and I’ve got the dust bunnies to prove it. However, I have friends who hire cleaning services, and they tell me they always pre-clean their house before the housekeeper arrives. Generally speaking, reliable cleaning services are discreet, but if they find dead bodies swept under the bed, they’re probably going to be compelled to spill it.
Kathy: In Dust Bunnies and Dead Bodies Crystal Cropper looks to solve a decades-old murder and the disappearance of a high school boy. How does working to solve a mystery from the past help and/or impede a current investigation?
JT: In the real world, I can imagine that a newspaper editor who’s trying to solve an old, unsolved crime might be viewed as meddlesome and annoying, particularly if the unsolved crime is related to a current investigation. But in the Elmwoodian world I created, because Crystal’s local informants trump those of the sheriff (in both number and quality), he welcomes her meddling with open arms.
Kathy: What first drew you to cozy mysteries?
JT: I read my first Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books about a hundred years ago and loved them. Decades later, “Murder She Wrote” came along, and I never missed an episode. I have a special affinity for cozies because of the small-town setting and the colorful characters that are a staple of the genre. Besides that, living in a town with a population of 6,000 provides me great insight on its people and its behind-the-scenes comings and goings.
Kathy: Do you write in any other genres?
JT: I wrote two local historical nonfiction books (for Arcadia Publishing) prior to Dust Bunnies and Dead Bodies. I also have written lots of romance and mystery short stories, and a paranormal romantic-mystery, none of which have been published. But I’m not ruling anything out.
Kathy: Tell us about your series.
JT: Dust Bunnies and Dead Bodies is the first book in what I intend as the Elmwood Confidential series. All will be set in the small, Indiana town of Elmwood, where Boomer-aged newspaper editor Crystal Cropper never takes “no” for an answer, vigorously rejects her “senior citizen” label, and uses the power of her pen to expose corruption erupting around her.
Kathy: Do you have a favorite character? If so, who and why?
JT: As an author, I love all of my characters—the good, the bad, and the redeemable. They’re sort of like children to me, and as their literary “parent,” I can’t favor one over the other. However, there is one I poured more of myself into than any of the others. Crystal Cropper is more than just a one-dimensional character to me. She is, in many ways, the person I would like to be. At times, she exemplifies a facet of my actual life experience; other times she portrays attitudes, actions, courage, and skills that I’m too shy to exhibit.
Kathy: Did you have a specific inspiration for your series?
JT: Mainly, the story is a product of my imagination, but I would be remiss not to acknowledge the influence of my environment. As previously noted, I live in a small community. In addition, at the time I started writing Dust Bunnies and Dead Bodies, I was deeply embedded in another small community as editor and reporter of its daily newspaper. Both scenarios helped add flavor to the story because of the seemingly limitless inspiration they provided for story building and character creation.
Kathy: What made you decide to publish your work?
JT: Getting published hasn’t been a do-or-die goal for me, but it was something that was always rolling around in my head. After I finished the Dust Bunnies and Dead Bodies manuscript, it did nothing but take up space on my hard drive for the next four years. In late 2013, I vowed that I would polish it, write my query letter and synopsis, and start submitting it to publishers. I gave myself a year. Lucky for me, PageSpring Publishing picked it up last spring, and I will be forever grateful for their faith in me.
Kathy: If you could have a dinner party and invite 4 authors, living or dead, in any genre, who would you invite?
JT: There are so many wonderful authors who I would love to meet, but the following seems like a good mix: Edgar Allan Poe (I mean … who wouldn’t like to dine with Poe?); Louisa May Alcott (not only was she a trailblazer for women writers, she could tell me about her Transcendentalist contemporaries—Emerson, Hawthorne, and Thoreau); Sue Grafton (my favorite mystery author and creator of my favorite series character, Kinsey Millhone); and William Kent Krueger (who not only is an amazing writer, he’s an awesome gentleman who would be a fabulous guest at any dinner party). I hope they don’t mind carry-out.
Kathy: What are you currently reading?
JT: I currently am finishing “December Dread” by Jess Lourey, who I met this summer at the Midwest Writers Conference. Next up are Terence Faherty’s “The Quiet Woman” and D.E. Johnson’s “Detroit Shuffle.”
Kathy: Will you share any of your hobbies or interests with us?
JT: My number one hobby is writing. (You know you’re a lucky girl when your hobby and your work are inseparable.) I am also interested in local history, genealogy, old movies, and art.
Kathy: Name 4 items you always have in your fridge or pantry.
JT: I’m embarrassed to admit that you won’t find anything exotic or nutritious in my fridge or pantry—just your basic jar of peanut butter (crunchy), a box of Ritz crackers, Diet Coke, and a good supply of Milk Bones (for my dog!).
Kathy: Do you have plans for future books either in your current series or a new series?
JT: There are always lots of story ideas bubbling in my head. At the moment, I am working out the next story in the Elmwood Confidential series, as well as a collection of sensational historic crimes that rocked Central Indiana between 1880 and 1965.
Kathy: What's your favorite thing about being an author?
JT: This … being invited to chat with fellow writers and readers about writing after the writing is done. And truly, it’s wonderful to kick back for a minute to absorb how good it feels being called “author.”
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)