Beth Groundwater's Blog, page 16

Today's Mystery Author Guest: Chrystle Fiedler

As promised yesterday, fellow mystery author Chrystle Fiedler is visiting my blog today. To read her bio and see her photo, please page down to yesterday's post. Also, Chrystle is running a contest for a free autographed copy of her latest release, Scent to Kill , the cover art for which appears above. Chrystle will select the winner tomorrow evening from among those who leave a comment today or tomorrow.

Below is Chrystle's guest article.

Why I Write Cozy Mysteries
Reality is over rated. At least I think so. Instead, I find comfort escaping into the world of a cozy mystery. Before I wrote cozy mysteries, I read them – Agatha Christie’s tales of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, Sherlock Holmes and Dashiell Hammett, and watched them – Midsomer Murders, Inspector Morse, and Murder, She Wrote which I’ve recently rediscovered on Hallmark TV.

Whether it’s in these pages or by watching these shows, I escape, like you do, to the coziness of quaint country villages, dappled country lanes, inviting stores on the high street, and of course, lovely rose-covered cottages; inside, a cup of tea waiting.


Of course, the world of the cozy is in stark contrast to the murderous crimes committed there that shatter the peace and serenity. But we also know the detective will figure out the puzzle, catch the killer and put things back in their proper place. That’s incredibly satisfying to me as a writer as well, to have the power to put things back into balance.

My natural remedies mysteries are also set in a classic cozy setting, in this case, a real, idyllic fishing village on the East End of Long Island in NY called Greenport. When I was growing up, the area was somewhat depressed, but within the past two decades, Greenport has come into its own as a tourist destination with upscale eateries and boutiques sandwiched between Mom and Pop hardware stores, diners and retro stores.  Forbes Magazine has even named Greenport one of the prettiest villages in the U.S.

I’ve always had an interest in natural medicine so I made my cozy protagonist, Willow McQuade, a naturopathic doctor who takes over a health food store – Nature’s Way Market and Café  – after her Aunt Claire meets an untimely end. The store is located in a lovely 3-story yellow Victorian house with a water view. Inside, it’s cozy too, with a homey feel, yummy cooking smells and the scent of essential oils, herbs and flower essences.

To complete my cozy universe, I gave Willow a hunky ex-cop love interest named Jackson Spade, an adorable rescued dog and two rescued cats, loyal friends and workers and the spirit of her Aunt Claire to guide her.

Writing the natural remedies mysteries also gives me a wonderful chance to share what I’ve learned about natural cures with readers. It’s amazing what you can find in your kitchen and garden that can soothe and heal you. That’s a cozy feeling too.

In Scent to Kill, my latest natural remedies mystery cozy, I focus on the practice of aromatherapy, the use of essential oils to improve health and well-being. As I’m writing I can smell the lavender, jasmine and roses.

Whether I am writing my cozies, reading or watching them, I experience the same comfortable, homey, and safe feeling, knowing that no matter what happens, that all will be well in the end. Where else can you get that guarantee? Cozy mysteries are one of the best antidotes to reality I’ve found. How about you?

For a chance to win a copy of Scent to Kill: A Natural Remedies Mystery just leave a comment here!

Here’s the scoop on Scent to Kill: A Natural Remedies Mystery:

“Scent to Kill is a well-crafted mystery…Devotees of natural medicine and aromatherapy will enjoy the tips that appear at the beginning of each chapter and scattered throughout the text.”
– Publisher’s Weekly

Willow McQuade, naturopathic doctor, along with her hunky ex-cop boyfriend Jackson Spade, attend a party for a psychic TV show that is filming on Long Island’s idyllic East End. However, Willow is much more interested in visiting the estate’s lavender farm, seeking inspiration for the new aromatherapy workshops she'll be holding at her store, Nature’s Way Market and Café.

Before the party is over, Roger Bixby one of the producers, is dead and the police suspect murder. Roger was working on the show, MJ’s Mind, with Carly Bixby, his ex-wife and the new girlfriend of Willow's ex from L.A., TV writer/producer Simon Lewis.

After Willow leaves the party, she gets a frantic text from Simon asking for her help. Since Simon had a fight with Roger earlier in the evening, and because of his death is now the primary shareholder in Galaxy films, Willow's ex becomes the prime suspect. Simon begs her to crack the case and clear him of the murder. MJ McClellan, the psychic and star of the show also asks Willow for help. She hires Willow to provide natural remedies, including aromatherapy, massage, acupuncture and yoga to soothe the agitated crew of her show.

To find the killer, Willow has to deal with ghosts in a haunted mansion, a truly dysfunctional family, death threats and “accidents,” while trying to untangle a homicide identical to one committed during prohibition. Thankfully, Jackson has been hired to provide security and is there to watch her back and help Willow solve this spooky mystery.

As a bonus, you’ll find dozens of natural aromatherapy cures throughout the book that can improve your health. I think you’ll be surprised as how much they can help you feel better in mind, body and spirit!

Thanks, Chrystle! Now, who has a comment or question for Chrystle Fiedler? Good luck in the contest!    

As promised yesterday, fellow mystery author Chrystle Fie...

As promised yesterday, fellow mystery author Chrystle Fiedler is visiting my blog today. To read her bio and see her photo, please page down to yesterday's post. Also, Chrystle is running a contest for a free autographed copy of her latest release, Scent to Kill , the cover art for which appears above. Chrystle will select the winner tomorrow evening from among those who leave a comment today or tomorrow.

Below is Chrystle's guest article.

Why I Write Cozy Mysteries
Reality is over rated. At least I think so. Instead, I find comfort escaping into the world of a cozy mystery. Before I wrote cozy mysteries, I read them – Agatha Christie’s tales of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple, Sherlock Holmes and Dashiell Hammett, and watched them – Midsomer Murders, Inspector Morse, and Murder, She Wrote which I’ve recently rediscovered on Hallmark TV.

Whether it’s in these pages or by watching these shows, I escape, like you do, to the coziness of quaint country villages, dappled country lanes, inviting stores on the high street, and of course, lovely rose-covered cottages; inside, a cup of tea waiting.


Of course, the world of the cozy is in stark contrast to the murderous crimes committed there that shatter the peace and serenity. But we also know the detective will figure out the puzzle, catch the killer and put things back in their proper place. That’s incredibly satisfying to me as a writer as well, to have the power to put things back into balance.

My natural remedies mysteries are also set in a classic cozy setting, in this case, a real, idyllic fishing village on the East End of Long Island in NY called Greenport. When I was growing up, the area was somewhat depressed, but within the past two decades, Greenport has come into its own as a tourist destination with upscale eateries and boutiques sandwiched between Mom and Pop hardware stores, diners and retro stores.  Forbes Magazine has even named Greenport one of the prettiest villages in the U.S.

I’ve always had an interest in natural medicine so I made my cozy protagonist, Willow McQuade, a naturopathic doctor who takes over a health food store – Nature’s Way Market and Café  – after her Aunt Claire meets an untimely end. The store is located in a lovely 3-story yellow Victorian house with a water view. Inside, it’s cozy too, with a homey feel, yummy cooking smells and the scent of essential oils, herbs and flower essences.

To complete my cozy universe, I gave Willow a hunky ex-cop love interest named Jackson Spade, an adorable rescued dog and two rescued cats, loyal friends and workers and the spirit of her Aunt Claire to guide her.

Writing the natural remedies mysteries also gives me a wonderful chance to share what I’ve learned about natural cures with readers. It’s amazing what you can find in your kitchen and garden that can soothe and heal you. That’s a cozy feeling too.

In Scent to Kill, my latest natural remedies mystery cozy, I focus on the practice of aromatherapy, the use of essential oils to improve health and well-being. As I’m writing I can smell the lavender, jasmine and roses.

Whether I am writing my cozies, reading or watching them, I experience the same comfortable, homey, and safe feeling, knowing that no matter what happens, that all will be well in the end. Where else can you get that guarantee? Cozy mysteries are one of the best antidotes to reality I’ve found. How about you?

For a chance to win a copy of Scent to Kill: A Natural Remedies Mystery just leave a comment here!

Here’s the scoop on Scent to Kill: A Natural Remedies Mystery:

“Scent to Kill is a well-crafted mystery…Devotees of natural medicine and aromatherapy will enjoy the tips that appear at the beginning of each chapter and scattered throughout the text.”
– Publisher’s Weekly

Willow McQuade, naturopathic doctor, along with her hunky ex-cop boyfriend Jackson Spade, attend a party for a psychic TV show that is filming on Long Island’s idyllic East End. However, Willow is much more interested in visiting the estate’s lavender farm, seeking inspiration for the new aromatherapy workshops she'll be holding at her store, Nature’s Way Market and Café.

Before the party is over, Roger Bixby one of the producers, is dead and the police suspect murder. Roger was working on the show, MJ’s Mind, with Carly Bixby, his ex-wife and the new girlfriend of Willow's ex from L.A., TV writer/producer Simon Lewis.

After Willow leaves the party, she gets a frantic text from Simon asking for her help. Since Simon had a fight with Roger earlier in the evening, and because of his death is now the primary shareholder in Galaxy films, Willow's ex becomes the prime suspect. Simon begs her to crack the case and clear him of the murder. MJ McClellan, the psychic and star of the show also asks Willow for help. She hires Willow to provide natural remedies, including aromatherapy, massage, acupuncture and yoga to soothe the agitated crew of her show.

To find the killer, Willow has to deal with ghosts in a haunted mansion, a truly dysfunctional family, death threats and “accidents,” while trying to untangle a homicide identical to one committed during prohibition. Thankfully, Jackson has been hired to provide security and is there to watch her back and help Willow solve this spooky mystery.

As a bonus, you’ll find dozens of natural aromatherapy cures throughout the book that can improve your health. I think you’ll be surprised as how much they can help you feel better in mind, body and spirit!

Thanks, Chrystle! Now, who has a comment or question for Chrystle Fiedler? Good luck in the contest!    

Tomorrow's Guest: Chrystle Fiedler

Tomorrow, fellow mystery author Chrystle Fiedler will guest on my blog. Also, Chrystle will run a contest for a free autographed copy of her latest release, Scent to Kill .  She will choose the winner from among those who leave a comment.

Chrystle Fiedler is the author of Scent to Kill, (Gallery Books/Simon & Schuster) the second in the NATURAL REMEDIES MYSTERY series, Death Drops: A Natural Remedies Mystery, the non-fiction title The Complete Idiot's Guide to Natural Remedies (Alpha, 2009), co-author of Beat Sugar Addiction Now! (Fairwinds Press, 2010), currently in its fourth printing, the Beat Sugar Addiction Now! Cookbook (Fairwinds Press, 2012) and The Country Almanac of Home Remedies (Fairwinds, 2011). Chrystle’s magazine articles featuring natural remedies have appeared in many national publications including Natural Health, Vegetarian Times, Better Homes & Gardens and Remedy.

In her guest post tomorrow, Chrystle talks about why she writes cozy mysteries, and I'm sure you'll be intrigued by her article. Then, please make a comment or ask a question in the comments, and good luck in the contest!

Mystery Book Clubs on Goodreads

On Wednesday, I posted a list of Facebook mystery book clubs that I participate in. Today, I'm turning my attention to Goodreads. For my blog readers who are members of Goodreads, you may be interested in joining one or more of the following mystery book clubs on the site where I hang out:

Cozy Mysteries

Cozy Mystery Corner

The Mystery, Crime, and Thriller Group

mystery lovers

And, here's my Q and A group, where you can ask me any question you like and commune with fellow readers of my books!

Q and A with Beth Groundwater

If you participate in a Goodreads mystery book club that is NOT in my list, please give me the name and a link to it in a comment, and I'll join it!

Mystery Book Clubs on Facebook

For my blog readers who are members of Facebook, you may be interested in joining one or more of the following mystery book clubs on the site that I participate in:

Mystery Most Cozy

DorothyL     (an extension of the long-running well-known discussion listserv)

The Mystery Reader

Murder and Mayhem Cozy Mysteries

Make Mine Mystery

BOOKED - The Crime Fiction Club

Mystery Readers' Corner   (no author promotion allowed)

If you participate in a Facebook mystery book club that is NOT in my list, please give me the name and a link to it in a comment, and I'll join it!

Sustaining Colorado Watersheds Conference Coming in October

The Colorado Watershed Assembly, Colorado Riparian Association, and Colorado Foundation for Water Education have joined forces to put on the eighth annual Sustaining Colorado Watersheds conference this fall, October 8 - 10, at the Westin Riverfront Resort in Avon, Colorado. The theme for this year's conference is "Water: What is the New Normal?" and workshops will explore how baseline shifts in demographics, climate and precipitation, technology, use of water and land, and public perceptions are affecting Colorado watersheds...as well as how we who care about Colorado watersheds are or should be responding.

Since I write the RM Outdoor Adventures series that is set in Salida, Colorado on the Arkansas River, I have an ongoing interest in seeing not only the Arkansas River, but ALL of Colorado's watersheds (including the Blue River watershed that includes Breckenridge, Colorado, where I live) are kept clean and healthy and flowing at a sustainable level. I hope if you, too, are interested in preserving Colorado watersheds, you will consider attending this conference!

Swiftwater Rescue Conference Coming in October

The American Canoe Association has made plans for a Swiftwater Rescue Conference this October on the Tuckaseege River in Dillsboro, NC. These conferences and swiftwater rescue classes are training grounds for river rangers such as Mandy Tanner, the protagonist in my RM Outdoor Adventures mystery series. I observed a swiftwater rescue class before writing Deadly Currents , the first book in the series.

The ACA conference will include sessions on the future of swiftwater rescue, cinching systems, steep creek rescue, safety trends, boat unpinning, and other fascinating (to me!) topics. I wish I could attend, soak up all the knowledge, and interview river rangers there, but unless a sugar daddy comes up with funding for me, I'll have to sit by the sidelines for now and dream. If any of my blog readers is going, take notes and photos for me, please!!

One Month to Launch for FATAL DESCENT!

In one short month, Fatal Descent, the third book in my RM Outdoor Adventures series starring whitewater river ranger and rafting guide Mandy Tanner will be released by Midnight Ink. Here's the blurb:

"A fast-paced locked-room mystery in Utah’s awe-inspiring canyon lands

River guide Mandy Tanner and her fiancé Rob Juarez, owners of RM Outdoor Adventures, are leading an off-season rafting and climbing trip on the Colorado River. The unfamiliar topography and a lecherous local climbing guide have Mandy on edge — but that’s nothing compared to the trouble the clients bring. When a young man is found dead, everyone on the trip is a suspect. Since there’s no way out of the Colorado River’s steep canyons, it’s up to Mandy and Rob to solve the mystery before the murderer strikes again."

The book has already received some great reviews (see below), and both Amazon and Barnes and Noble have a special preorder price for the trade paperback of only $8.51 (save 43% off list)!

"The tension runs high in Groundwater’s absorbing third RM Outdoor Adventures mystery … Scenic descriptions and folklore add atmosphere to a suspenseful tale." -- Publishers Weekly (for full review, go HERE)

"Groundwater’s books keep getting better. The mystery is well written, but the scenery takes pride of place in this exciting story." -- Cayocosa72 - Book Reviews (for full review, go HERE)


I'm busy making plans to promote the launch, writing articles for mystery magazines and blogs, setting up signing events, organizing contests, etc. I hope some of my blog readers will be able to join in the fun! Stay tuned here and to my website and sign up for my email newsletter, if you aren't already, to be privvy to the plans!

Storytelling in Anoher Medium

I am blogging today at Inkspot, the blog for Midnight Ink authors, about reviewing films for the Breckenridge Festival of Film, applying my storytelling skills to another medium. Have you ever attended a film festival? If so, which one? What did you think of it? Please share in a comment there!

The Ark Sharks

Since I write a mystery series featuring a whitewater river ranger and rafting guide, the RM Outdoor Adventures series, I am interested in all things related to whitewater rafting and competitions in the sport. Recently my local newspaper, the Summit Daily News, ran a feature article on the Ark Sharks, a local world-class competitive whitewater rafting team based right here in my hometown of Breckenridge, Colorado. All the members of the team work as river guides in Colorado, with most of their time spent working the Arkansas River, thus the name Ark Sharks. When they aren't working, they like to play on the river with kayaks, canoes, or any conveyance that is river-related. Here's their Facebook page, an interview with them, and a video of them in action.