Behind the Screens: Tuesday Author Interview

Every Tuesday, get to know a bit about the stories behind the books you love, and discover your next favourite novel.

Sabitha: If you’re looking for a murder mystery, Claris Lam never disappoints. Her latest mystery continues with Aubri’s story, as she goes from solving her first murder mystery to getting stuck in her second. Claris, can you tell us about your books?

Claris: Engagement To Die For is the second book in the Harlow Mystery series.  Here’s my little blurb:

After everything Aubri went through at the resort, the last thing Aubri needs is more drama. However, meeting her previously-unknown twin sister for the first time, and attending her mother’s engagement party, results in yet another murder.

Due to the remote area of this crime, the police won’t be able to make it for a few days. Aubri realizes that she, along with her friends and her sister, must take up the mantle themselves to solve the case or risk being new victims again.

I’m also happy to share that Engagement To Die For was a  3-category nominee for the 2023 Indie Ink Awards and an 8-category nominee for the 2023 Queer Indie Awards!

Sabitha : That’s fantastic—and very well deserved. What inspired you to write this book?

Claris: Reading books like Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie definitely inspired me to write a murder mystery taking place on a train! It was so fun to figure out how luxurious the train the book takes place in was, in particular – there are many amenities included that most normal trains don’t have.

Sabitha : I love that book too. It’s a classic! So trains were the main focus of your research for the book?

Claris: I had to research the internal layouts of trains. This helped me figure out where the main characters were traveling to and from on the train during their investigation.

I also had to do some medical-related research for this book. This is related to a major reveal in the book, so I can’t share too many details or else I’ll give away spoilers! However, I looked it up because I had to figure out if that was possible in real life before implementing it in the book. The short answer: yes, but it’s very rare.

Sabitha : I’m tempted to ask, but no spoilers! Back to Aubri and her friends and family. If you could meet your characters, what would you say to them?

Claris: If I met my characters, I would just tell them to continue to persevere and move forward the best they can. Bastian goes through some particularly tough moments in this book, so he definitely needs the encouragement.

Sabitha : And of course the response—what would they say to you?

Claris: I think all of my main characters for this book (Aubri, Bastian, Aria, and Nick) would be tired of murders happening wherever they are, but they appreciate at least being on a train where they have plenty of drinks available.

Sabitha : Have you ever killed off a character your readers loved?

Claris: To my knowledge, no. I’m pretty sure every character I’ve killed in the Harlow Mystery series so far is someone people usually don’t mind getting killed off, mainly because they’re terrible (or mostly terrible) people.

Sabitha : Thanks for sharing your story and your process. We’re looking forward to reading! Where can the Night Beats community find you and your book?

Claris: You can find all links to my main website, newsletter, and socials in my Carrd. As for where you can purchase “Engagement To Die For,” check out any of the links here.