Edith Maxwell's Blog, page 63

Filling the Well

Jessie: Back in NH after a wonderful time at Bouchercon in MN!

As I believe I have mentioned on the blog recently, I have had a few deadlines stacking up over the last few months and as a result, there are any number of things in my life that have fallen by the wayside. For instance, I usually visit my hairdresser every 6-7 weeks. Instead, twice that long had elapsed. When my kids are home I make sit-down meals to keep everyone nourished and cheerful. Lately, I’ve suggested takeout or popcorn on the regular. I would be uncomfortable if you asked me about the state of my email inbox or even my physical post office box.

It isn’t just chores and daily maintenance that is neglected when deadlines loom though. The fun stuff, the fill-the-well stuff languishes too. My fountain pens all need filling. I have a pair of socks on the needles that simply haven’t come any closer to being ready to wear. The same partially completed painting has sat on my easel in the kitchen, staring at me with a disappointed look as I wash up the dishes since sometime in May. There are three partially read novels next to my reading chair and another two on my e-reader.

So, this week I plan to steep myself in fun. I wish to slip a new pair of wooly socks, fresh from my knitting needles, onto my feet by Sunday night. I want to finish reading at least one of the books. I plan to fill all of my pens with juicy, colorful inks and look forward to doodling with each of them. If all goes well, I may even add a layer or two to that recriminating oil painting! If I am really lucky, my well will be filled to the brim before long, and before long I will be itching to start in on my next novel!

Readers, do you find that things, fun and necessary fall to the wayside when obligations loom? Writers, do you need a bit of a break between writing projects or do you jump right on to the next one without pause?

Welcome Author Traci Wilton and a #giveaway

We’re hosting author Traci Wilton, who is really two people, co-authors Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton. This is their fourth visit to the Wickeds blog. Do you think we should have a Five-Timers Club like Saturday Night Live and give out jackets?

Today, we’re celebrating the release of the sixth book in their Salem B and B series, Mrs. Morris and the Pot of Gold, which was released on August 23rd. One lucky commenter below will receive an autographed copy.

Here’s the blurb

Salem, Massachusetts, B&B owner Charlene Morris will need the luck of the Irish—and the help of a ghost—to unveil a hooded killer . . .

Charlene has hired a van to ferry her B&B guests to an all-you-can-eat corned beef and cabbage dinner hosted by Salem’s Irish community at the Ancient Order of Hibernians club—but she should have booked a hearse. It’s never a good sign when the family black sheep drunkenly crashes a party by punching the guy dressed as a leprechaun. But things go from troublesome to fatal when Charlene stumbles upon a second brawl in an upper room—and this fight Connor Gallagher loses, his anonymous assailant rushing past Charlene, hidden by a hoodie.

Now Detective Sam Holden has another homicide on his hands, with Charlene as the only eyewitness. Even if she can’t give the police sketch artist much to go on, Charlene is determined to ID the murderer, with the help of Dr. Jack Strathmore, the charming ghost who haunts her B&B. The answer lies in the motive, and to uncover that sleuth and spook will need to shine a light on Connor’s shady past—before the killer pulls another Irish goodbye . . .

Take it away, Traci and Patrice!

Traci: Special shout out to Barb, our host!

We would love to chat about…traveling to the location that you are writing about.

Travel, travel, travel! This might seem like a no-brainer, but we actually didn’t go to Salem until after we’d turned in our first book, Mrs. Morris and the Ghost. We both love to travel—in fact, Patrice was a flight attendant before she became a writer.

Thanks to the internet and Google Earth, you can “see” a place now right down to the cars parked on the side streets. There were things we were able to add in Mrs. Morris and the Witch because we had visited by book 2 and understood the scent from the bay, the cobblestone streets, and the love that Salem has for its tourists. I mean, how cool is a city to acknowledge that hey, those girls that were hung weren’t actually witches, but let’s educate you on what really happened! Salem is full of amazing history. We have tried to include a tidbit in each book.

Traci and Patrice at Salem Wharf

During the research for Mrs. Morris and the Pot of Gold, we discovered that Salem had a lot of Irish immigrants. I don’t know that they were part of a gold heist though, haha. That was definitely our imagination

Besides Salem, we have traveled to Maine for research, to Islamorada several times, to Greece, and we will be in Ormand Beach together in October.

I’ve hogged the word count lol, so let me turn you over to Patrice so she can share what she loves best about visiting a destination!!

Patrice: Hi There! No matter how much online research you’ve done there is nothing like visiting the place with your best friend and writing partner. The world you’re writing about takes on a new dimension, a new flavor is added, and the location becomes brighter, more real, and the more you associate with the locals, the more inspired you become. 

Traci and I not only share our passion for writing and entertaining, but we are now Partners in Crime!

Traci: So true, lol. One last thing that really impressed me about Salem was how friendly the locals were and so welcoming. I can’t wait to go back and check out any new restaurants, or maybe get some more lobster at the Hawthorne Hotel! It was yummy and the bar there was gorgeous. We stayed there for two nights, and it was the scene of the crime in Mrs. Morris and the Vampire.

Readers: Has reading a book ever made you want to visit a real place, and if so, where would you like to travel? Answer in the comments or just say “hi” to win an autographed copy of Mrs. Morris and the Pot of Gold.

BioTraci Hall and Patrice Wilton

Traci Wilton is a pseudonym of Traci Hall and Patrice Wilton. Patrice Wilton is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of more than forty books, some indie-published and some published by Amazon/Montlake. Traci Hall is a hybrid USA Today bestselling author of more than sixty books. Visit them online at www.TraciWilton.com.

Follow us here: https://www.facebook.com/Traciwiltonauthor

Shifts

by Julie, having fun at Bouchercon

l love this month’s theme of paradigm shifts. When I was in grad school (many years ago) a professor used Swiss watchmakers as an example of a paradigm shift. For many years, Swiss watchmakers were the best of the best, and people flocked to buy their timepieces. Then technology changed, and the Japanese came up with a watch that kept perfect time and didn’t need to be wound. The business shifted in that direction. Does that mean the Swiss timepieces were no longer wonderful? No, of course not. But it does mean a shift in expectations changed what people wanted.

I found an old Blockbuster card while purging a junk drawer. Another paradigm shift. Not that long ago (relatively speaking) a trip to the video store was necessary to rent a VHS tape for weekend entertainment. DVDs and Netflix caused some changes, but stores held on. Then streaming took over, and the chain closed. People can still rent videos online, or borrow them from the library. But what was once a viable business concept ceased.

Books are another matter. Though audio books and ebooks have come on the scene, paper book sales have not stopped. For bookstores, there are fluctuations but stores persist. And independent bookstores seem to be having a resurgence.

Dear readers, I do not need to exclaim the wonders of reading. You all “get” it. While surveys proclaim that fewer people read, I have found anecdotally that those who do read are reading more. The pandemic has caused some people to lose focus, but not enough for a paradigm shift. I suspect there never will be that paradigm shift away from reading. Stories are too important. Delivery systems will continue to evolve, but books themselves? They’re here to stay.

This isn’t to say that there may not be paradigm shifts in the publishing industry. But what they’ll be? That’s a great topic of conversation.

Many of the Wickeds are at Bouchercon this week. This huge fan conference is a celebration of the mystery genre, and a wonderful way for us to meet readers, catch up with other writers, and celebrate all things book. This afternoon I’ll be on a panel, and on Friday we’ll be signing books. I’ll be signing Wreathing Havoc, though I’m preparing for The Plot Thickets release on October 25.

Speaking of The Plot Thickets, I’ve got a couple of more ARCs. Comment on this post, and I’ll choose two winners on Monday. And if you’re at Bouchercon, please make sure to say hello!

Readers, if you haven’t pre-ordered The Plot Thickets or other Wicked books, now’s the time to do it! Through the 9th (tomorrow) pre-sales are 25% off at Barnes & Noble. Here’s the link!

Paradigm Shift: Reader-Writer-Reviewer-Reader

Hello Wicked Readers. Our Wicked Wednesday Theme for September is paradigm shift. (Because Sept means seventh, but September is the ninth month–get it?)

Today I want to ask about something I’ve always wondered about.

We often hear about “reading like a writer.” Some writers say that they always read like writers, for example, thinking, “How did he do that?” or “I see how she did that.” And not being able to turn it off.

So I want to know, Wickeds, has being a professional writer changed how you read?

For me, I don’t think so. I was an English major and know how to read analytically, to look for and find the deep structure of a book, so that’s not a new skill for me. But I can still, after all these years, happily read along, letting a story wash over me. Every once in a while I’ll hear a little voice that says, “I see what she did there,” or “I wonder how he’s going to pull this off?” But it’s rare. Honestly, if I couldn’t enjoy reading, I would give up writing. I’m a reader first, last, and always.

Wickeds, what about you? Do you read differently now that you’re publishing a book or more a year?

Sherry: I do read differently. I’ve actually tried to fix a sentence when reading books on my iPad. But I also admire a beautifully written sentence and think, oh, I wish I would have written that. And even though it’s changed how I read, it doesn’t lessen my pleasure. I’d be lost without books.

Edith/Maddie: Great question, Barb. I think I have less patience for poorly written books now. There are too many good ones out there to waste my time, and I think I recognize great writing more easily now (I was not an English major…). I also pay more attention to opening lines, studying the best ones, and to the timelines of complex stories. But that doesn’t ruin reading for me. Like Barb and Sherry, I’d be lost without loving to read.

Liz: Fun question! I was an English major too, so I feel like I’ve always been overly analytical – and critical. But it’s never stopped me from loving to read. I definitely have picked up more skills over this past decade through learning more and perfecting my technique, so reading and analyzing has probably become more enjoyable for me if that’s possible!

Julie: I love when a story takes me on a journey and doesn’t give me time to think “how did they do that?” I feel the same way about theater. I know too much to merely observe, but I do love a production when I don’t notice the nuts and bolts. When a book particularly strikes me, I’ll reread it as a writer. The best example of that lately are the Thursday Murder Club books. I read them first for enjoyment. I’ve read them a couple of more times to look at how he tells the story. Can’t wait for the next book in the series next week.

Readers, what about you? I know many of you read a great deal and read about writing. Has it changed how you read? Writers, how about you? And reviewers, can you turn off the reviewer and just enjoy a book or is it always there? And if it is, does it enhance or detract from your enjoyment?

Where are the Wickeds at Bouchercon?

It’s been a couple of years since there’s been an in-person Bouchercon. The Wickeds are thrilled to be heading to Minneapolis.

Five of the Wickeds will be there, September 8-11. ( A since-the-pandemic high-water Wickeds conference attendance mark.) If you’re there, come by to see us! Please walk up and say hello, no matter where we are.

Specific places to find us include the following:

Thursday, September 8, 

9:00 to 9:45 a.m., Edith/Maddie and Sherry, panel: Coastal Cozies–Life’s a Beach and Then you Die, in Marquette 4-54:15 to 5:00 p.m., Julie/Julia, panel: Multi-Tasking is Murder–Juggling Multiple Series, in Marquette 4 & 5

Friday, September 9,     

9:00 to 9:45 a.m., Barbara, panel: Mouth-Watering Mysteries. Marquette 4 & 51:45 to 2:30 p.m., Edith/Maddie, Bouchercon anthology signing, Bookroom2:00 to 4:00 p.m., ALL, The Kensington Author Autographing Session, FREE BOOKS! The Orchestra Hall Hospitality Suite.   3:00 to 3:45 p.m., Sherry, panel: Coffee, Tea, or Cozy, Marquette 6 & 7

Saturday, September 10, 

7:30 to 8:45 a.m. ALL, The Sisters in Crime Breakfast. (Members only. Pre-registration required.)10:15 to 11:00 a.m., Jessie/Jessica, panel: The Room Where it Happens–Wartime Settings

In addition to all of the above, Julie/Julia and Barbara will be staffing the Sisters in Crime table for some periods. Be sure to stop by!

What about you readers? Anybody headed to Bouchercon? Where can we find you?

Where do the titles come from?

by Barb, who always gets a little sad when the summer ends

Those of you who read my Maine Clambake books and novellas know that my titles have a consistent construction. A past tense verb is followed by a preposition.

The first three titles were easy, and in my original proposal for the series:

Clammed Up Boiled Over Musseled Out .

My publisher, Kensington, liked the titles, which are pithy, punny, and foodie, and took them exactly as was. A title convention was born. Now what?

I didn’t know if there would be more books, but a girl can dream, right? I printed a list of prepositions from the Web. There are more than you think, but still…

My list of prepositions. Actually, I have more than one.

In my spare time (i.e. while procrastinating), I doodled lists of possible verbs, both in combination with the prepositions and alone.

I have a lot more of these, too. (You can click on each to make them bigger.)

For the next book I proposed Fogged In. It was my first book set outside of tourist season, in the last week of November, and I thought the title was atmospheric and Maine-y. My editor didn’t love it, and it was only then that I realized we might have a fundamental misunderstanding of what I was doing. Kensington thought I was writing food books. I thought I was writing Maine books. Titles flew back and forth. At the eleventh hour, I proposed adding the second N, and Fogged Inn was born. The next book, set in February, became Iced Under. I would have preferred Iced Over, a more common expression, but I’d already used Over in Boiled Over. Or Snowed Under, which has a better ring to it, but the book was about the historic ice business, so there you are.

Then came a series of S books–Stowed Away, Steamed Open, Sealed Off, and Shucked Apart. I would have have happily called the next one Simmered Down, which has a foodie association, and the book was full of soups, but we decided we had to cut it out with the Ss. Readers were getting confused.

So I put out a call in my newsletter for suggestions. Some people really didn’t get the convention, but others were terrific. And so it was that a reader, Lorna Doran, titled Muddled Through.

I’ve been less concerned about repeating the prepositions in the titles of the novellas. Mine is always the third story in the book, and the title isn’t on the cover. It isn’t what sells the book. The novella titles are

Nogged Off Logged On (Should have been the reverse, Nogged On and Logged Off, since the second one includes a theme of unplugging. Aw, well.) Hallowed Out Scared Off (in Halloween Party Murder )Perked Up (coming in Irish Coffee Murder on January 24).

Now that the novellas being released as standalone ebooks, I wish I had been more careful about those prepositions.

This summer I’ve handed in the manuscript for the eleventh book, and the synopsis for the sixth novella. What are the titles? You’ll have to wait and see.

Readers: In the meantime, do you have title suggestions for me? Load them up in the comments. If I pick yours, you’ll get a thank you in the Acknowledgements and an Advance Reader Copy, when they’re available. Hint: The next novel I have to write, the twelfth, includes a wedding. (But whose?) Any suggestion that follows the convention is most welcome, but extra bonus points for the wedding one.

A Wicked Welcome to Valerie Burns **plus a giveaway**

by Julie, still summering in Somerville for as long as I can

I’ve been blessed to get to know Valerie through my work at Sisters in Crime. She is the current grants liaison, and spends a lot of time coordinating different programs and taking care of details. This is on top of her job, and her writing schedule. I am so glad that she’s visiting today to talk about the launch of her new series, and her 16th novel!

Thanks, Julie and all of the Wicked Authors for inviting me to spend time with you all today.

The Joy/Fear of Starting a New Series

For the past couple of months…okay, maybe more like six months, I have been on an emotional roller coaster. Why? Because I launched a new series. Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder, is the first book in my new Baker Street Mystery culinary cozy mystery series. It’s not my first book launch. I’ve been blessed to have three other series. In fact, this will be my 16th book release. By this point, I should be over the nerves, right? WRONG! Launching a new series is a time of joy, but also fear, at least for me.

Why would launching a new series, after three others, make me fearful? Honestly, it’s sort of like a first date. Remember the 102 questions that popped in your mind back in the pre-pandemic years when people actually went out on dates? Will he like me? Will I like him? What should I wear? Does this outfit make me look fat? Will he call me? Is he a serial killer? Stalker? How long before I realize he’s insane?

Writing a new series has that same type of feel. It’s that same uncertain nervous excitement and energy. Will readers like it? What should I wear to the book signing? Zoom event? How long before readers realize that…well, that’s enough of that. You get the picture. Just because readers liked Sam and Nana Jo (Mystery Bookshop Mystery series) doesn’t mean they’ll like Maddy and her 250 lb English mastiff (Baker Street Mystery). Starting a new series can feel like taking a step off a cliff into the unknown. A friend who reads a lot of mysteries once told me she doesn’t read new series unless there are at least six books. Ugh. The series has to start somewhere. What if readers are waiting for book #6 before starting book #1 while publishers are waiting for book sales on book #1 before determining if they will continue the series? Yikes. Ever wonder why so many writers drink? It’s the nerves. Although, I’d rather eat than drink, but that’s another story.

So, why do we do it? Why subject yourself to this torture? That’s where the joy comes in. Launching a new series is much like giving birth (so I’m told). For months, maybe years, an author lives with characters in our heads. Some of us hear their voices (nope, not crazy- just writers). We become intimately acquainted with the characters that we write about to the point that we can tell you their likes and dislikes. We know what they would order in a restaurant. We even know how they would dress for a book signing. For me, getting these characters out of my head and onto the pages of a book is a relief. It’s also a joy to watch the seed of an idea, a character, or a place evolve into something tangible, and real. New Bison, North Harbor, and St. Joseph aren’t just fictional places. These become real places where people live and love, and if you write murder mysteries, these are places where people die. There’s nothing to compare to seeing your idea go from something intangible to something that you can hold in your hands. Your book baby is out in the world.

If you’re curious about the people, and places that have floated around in my mind for the past couple of years, check out my new Baker Street Mystery series. Meet Maddy and Baby in Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder. Bake a Thumbprint Cookie or a loaf of Lemon Zucchini Bread, and figure out Whodunit.

Readers: Do you like to try new series at book one? Or, do you prefer to wait until there are a few books in the series before you give it a try? Let me know in the comments. One commenter will be randomly selected to win a Kindle copy of Two Parts Sugar, One Part Murder. To be entered in the giveaway, please type YES in the comments and include your email address. The giveaway is open to everyone (regardless of where you live) until midnight on September 4th. The winner will be announced on Monday, September 5th.

TWO PARTS SUGAR, ONE PART MURDER

When Maddy Montgomery’s groom is a no-show to their Livestream wedding, it’s a disaster that no amount of filtering can fix. But a surprise inheritance offers a chance to regroup and rebrand—as long as Maddy is willing to live in her late, great-aunt Octavia’s house in New Bison, Michigan, for a year, running her bakery and caring for a 250-pound English mastiff named Baby.

Maddy doesn’t bake, and her Louboutins aren’t made for walking giant dogs around Lake Michigan, but the locals are friendly and the scenery is beautiful. With help from her aunt’s loyal friends, aka the Baker Street Irregulars, Maddy feels ready to tackle any challenge, including Octavia’s award-winning cake recipes. That is, until New Bison’s mayor is fatally stabbed, and Maddy’s fingerprints are found on the knife . . .

Something strange is going on in New Bison. It seems Aunt Octavia had her suspicions, too. But Maddy’s going to need a whole lot more than a trending hashtag to save her reputation—and her life.

Buy Links—- Amazon, B&N

About the author

Valerie (V. M.) Burns is an Agatha, Edgar, and Anthony Award-nominated author. She is the author of the Mystery Bookshop, Dog Club, RJ Franklin, and Baker Street Mystery series. Valerie is on the board of the Southeastern Chapter of Mystery Writers of America. She is also an adjunct professor in Seton Hill’s WPF program. Connect with Valerie at:

Website: http://www.vmburns.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vmburnsbooks/

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/v-m-burns

Greetings From the Florida Panhandle

We flew to Florida to visit my mom and I thought maybe you all would like to have a taste of what we’ve been up to. First though — it is hot here. You are probably thinking, Sherry, it’s Florida in August. And of course you’re right, but somehow I always hope it won’t be as bad as it is. It’s cramping my walks. Anyway, here are pictures from our visit.

The first thing you see when you leave the airport are palm trees! And there were Air Force jets flying around.

I love these massive dunes on Okaloosa Island. Many of them were wiped out during Hurricane Opal in 1995.

These beautiful sunrise photos are courtesy of my early rising husband. The pictures are so stunning and almost look like paintings.

We’ve played lots of rounds of cards. Is it gin? Is it rummy? Or is it some combination with our own set of rules?

The white sandy beaches and the color of the water in this area are hard to beat. I love the sea oats. They are drought and fungi resistant. And they help rebuild the dunes that protect the barrier island.

And look at these two cuties!

It wouldn’t be life in Florida without a lizard in the house. This tiny lizard didn’t want to get in the bag, but he did and then was released back into the wild.

The sun doesn’t rise or set over the Gulf this time of year. While the sunset we saw wasn’t as spectacular as the sunrise, the clouds were pretty amazing. The people in the water were giving me an anxiety attack because dusk and dawn is shark feeding time. We saw one very close to shore when we were here in March. But look at how calm the Gulf is!!!

If you want to read about a fictional version of the area, my Chloe Jackson Sea Glass Saloon books are set here. The fourth book, Rum and Choke, comes out December 27th. Signed copies will be available through One More Page Books.

Readers: Did your family play cards?

Wicked Wednesday: Sandwich Month?

Edith/Maddie here, with our last August Wicked Wednesday.

I was surprised to learn that August is National Sandwich Month! Did you know? Here’s what the National Day Calendar web site has to say about sandwiches:

The basic concept of the sandwich long predates the Earl of Sandwich, the real-life 18th-century aristocrat who reportedly loved them, and gave them their modern name. The ancient Jewish sage Hillel the Elder is said to have wrapped lamb-meat and bitter herbs between two pieces of matzoh (unleavened bread) during Passover. Early versions of the “wrap” have also been found in Asia and Africa. The sandwich grew in popularity among aristocrats in the 18th and 19th centuries. Legend has it they were popularly shared, held with one hand, during late-night gaming and drinking.

Every culture has its version of a sandwich. Think burritos, anything stuffed into pita bread, chapati wrapped around chutney and masala vegetables, puffy dimsum dumplings, Thai fresh rolls, even rice packed into a triangular seaweed packet in Japan. I know in my house, once my tomatoes ripen in August, Hugh makes a BLT every single day.

Hugh’s daily BLT with Edith’s homegrown L and T!

Wickeds, what’s your favorite sandwich? How about your protagonist’s? Does it change depending on the season? Add a picture if you have one!

Barb: I love sandwiches. Maybe not as much as Joey on Friends, but I have been known, frequently, as my husband goes through a list of exotic food options, to moan, “Can’t we just have a sandwich?” For decades, living in Massachusetts, I would complain, “I haven’t had a good sandwich since I left Philadelphia.” (A town which offers marvelous sandwiches, btw, even though they are eclipsed, reputationally, by hoagies and cheese steaks.) Favorite sandwich? Easy, a grilled corned beef Rachel from Reins Deli in Vernon, CT. Julia’s favorite? Has to be lobster roll from Shannon’s Unshelled in Boothbay Harbor, ME.

Liz: I have to go with Julia, Barb – I love a good lobstah roll! Maddie is a fan of them too, especially since she hadn’t had New England lobster for a decade while she was living on the west coast.

Julie: In August my friend Tom used to take fresh Italian sub rolls, slather then with fresh pesto, vine ripe tomatoes and fresh mozzarella. He’d wrap the whole thing in foil and throw it on the grill before a cookout. He’d cut them into small slices, and that would be an hors d’oeuvre. Tom was an amazing cook, and the rest of the dinner was always wonderful, but those sandwiches are what I remember best about my late and much missed friend. In The Plot Thickets, Ernie is stress baking bread and sandwiches take on a central role. Had I but known I would have set the book in August!

Sherry: Yum, Julie! That sounds delicious. Anyone who has read my garage sale mysteries know that Sarah loves her Fluffernutter sandwiches. I’d never heard of them until we moved to Massachusetts. I love a lobster roll in the summer and a Reuben in the winter! Oh, heck — if it’s good I’d eat either in any season. The lobster roll below certainly isn’t typical of how New England style lobster rolls are served which is usually on a top-split hot dog bun. It’s from Twin Seafoods in West Concord, MA and was so delicious.

.

Edith/Maddie: I love a good BLT, but I try to restrict my consumption of bacon to once a week during tomato season, even though Hugh eats one every day when the tomatoes are ripe in the garden. I’ll eat cheese and avocado any time, anywhere, and a trusty peanut butter and lettuce is a great impromptu lunch (yes, that’s the only thing I put on my PBs).

Jessie: I am going to have to agree with Sherry about Reubens! If I visit a restaurant for the first time and it has a Reuben, that is what I always order. When at home my favorite sandwich is a toasted cheese. I like simple ones but my favorite is sharp cheddar, ripe tomato and grainy mustard on pumpernickel bread. Divine!

Readers: Favorite sando? Make us drool!

Guest John Hoda – Following the Clues

Edith/Maddie here, with my last guest of the month.

John Hoda was kind enough to invite me as a guest to My Favorite Detective Stories, his popular podcast, a few months ago. Our own Julie was a guest, too. When I found out this private detective’s debut cozy mystery was coming out, I wanted to return the favor!

Here’s the blurb for Milford Elementary:

One deceased groom-to-be. One dead-end clue. One last chance at redemption. 

Gwendolyn Strong feels lost outside the classroom. And at loose ends after retiring, the ex-kindergarten teacher longs for the excitement her stable marriage and yoga sessions can’t provide. So the spirited fifty-something leaps into action when a former student takes his life on the eve of his wedding day.

Skeptical that he died by his own hand, Gwendolyn teams up with her elderly mentor and true-crime addict daughter to scour the small town for clues while dodging the dismissive cops. But when her prime suspect turns up fatally crushed in a freak accident, she fears a cunning culprit could be pulling some murderous strings. Can Gwendolyn solve the case before her name is next on the hit list?

It’s all about following the clues

I was sixteen years old and my dreams of becoming a professional baseball player were crushed. They named a Clint Eastwood movie after my problem. I had Trouble with the Curve. At the time I was working as a gas pump jockey where my hometown police department would fill up at the end of their shifts. (Gas was thirty-one cents a gallon!)

They would enthrall me with their stories and occasionally they would get a hot call and peel out with their overhead lights on and sirens blaring. I stood there with my squeegee dripping and was hooked. I decided I wanted to become a cop, more specifically, a detective. I went to college, studied Criminology and upon graduation, I was lucky enough to land a job with the same police department. I found that I learned as much from my textbooks and the police academy as I did from The Complete Adventures of Sherlock Holmes. I am forever Watson to the keen eye and deductive reasoning of the bard of Baker Street. Throughout school and my early days as a rookie cop, I read Joseph Wambaugh. My one regret in life is that I never wore a gold shield working in Hollywood like Michael Connelly’s Harry Bosch.

Later as an insurance fraud investigator I walked the same mean streets of NYC as Lawrence Block’s Matt Scudder.

Not only did I read them along with Martin Cruz Smith’s Arkady Renko and Laura Lippman’s Tess Monaghan, I found their struggles mirrored mine. I took solace and inspiration from them. My external conflicts with my cases of whodunnits and my internal struggles to rise above the politics, juggle a mind-numbing case load while still maintaining my desire to become the best investigator I could in many ways were like their heroes’ journey and their quest for justice. Those characters were the guys and gals who rode along with me as I went about my business of investigations. They were my partners, urging me on, telling me never to give up.

I am not a big fan of True Crime. It’s kinda like the plumber who comes home at night and has to fix the leaky faucet. Give me a fair play novel where I can follow along with the clues, and I am hooked. My reading has informed my writing of traditional (cozy) mysteries in an homage to Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers. I first began writing what I knew with police procedurals and now with first-person present-tense cozies. I really want readers to follow the clues the way I did for forty-six years in the daytime as a gumshoe and at a night with a good crime fiction book. I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you I would stand in the rain outside of Barnes & Noble for the next Robert Galbraith Comoran Strike and Robin Ellacott offering. 

Readers: where do you draw your inspiration? Writers, how does your reading influence your writing? You can read an advance copy of Milford Elementary for FREE here:  https://dl.bookfunnel.com/qqjurl9zsa or preorder here.

J A Hoda has been chasing the clues as a life-long investigator, having worked as a police officer, insurance fraud investigator and for the last twenty-five years as a private investigator. His cases have headlined in the Philadelphia Inquirer and New Haven Register. Hoda coaches private investigators on how to launch and market their businesses. He has written four how-to books in this niche. Fiction includes the six book FBI agent Marsha O”Shea police procedural series and the soon to be released Gwendolyn Strong Small Town Cozy Mystery four book series. His debut novel Second Chance at Bat came out 2013. He followed with Mugshots: My Favorite Detective Stories about his own career. John is the show runner for the My Favorite Detective Stories Podcast heard in 79 countries with over 200 episodes. 

John enjoys meditation, yoga, gardening and walking his dog, Billy where they resides in Milford, CT.