I’d like to welcome Kelly Jackson, a character in Murder at the Marina, to Ascroft, eh? today. She’s stopped by to tell us a bit about the novel and the Kelly Jackson Mysteries.

It’s lovely to have you here, Kelly. Let’s get started, shall we?

Tell us about the novel that you live inside. Is it part of a series? If so, please tell us about the series too.

Kelly: My name is Kelly Jackson, and I’m the protagonist in a mystery series written by Janet Finsilver. It’s been such a fun experience! I’m the manager of Redwood Cove Bed and Breakfast in a small tourist town on the northern California coast.

Soon after arriving, I met a crime-solving group of seniors, the Silver Sentinels. They questioned whether or not the death of the manager I was replacing was an accident or murder. Since then, we’ve worked together on a number of crimes disrupting their beloved community.

There are dogs with special abilities in each of the books that contribute in different ways to people’s lives. Some of the canines that show up in certain books include termite finders, hearing assistance dogs, a diabetic alert dog, and a police bloodhound.

Does the writer control what happens in the story or do you get a say too?

Kelly: I definitely get a say, as do the other characters. Janet welcomes our thoughts. She keeps a pen that lights up and a pad next to the bed at night to write down ideas. During the day she keeps her phone close by and records any comments from us on an ongoing basis.

How did you evolve as the main character?

Kelly: I was raised on a Wyoming ranch. We host guests in the summer, and we are a working livestock ranch all year long. I love that life and my family, but I wanted something else, a career that would be my own. I worked for Michael Corrigan, owner of Resorts International, when he needed someone to step in at one of his Colorado properties. One thing led to another, and now I’m a managing one of his inns.

Do you have any other characters you like sharing the story with? If so, why are you partial to them?

Kelly: I really like all the characters I share the story with on a regular basis.

The Silver Sentinels are a wonderful, witty group. We’ve worked together to keep the community safe.

Helen Rogers, a widower, is the inn’s baker and general assistant. She moved to Redwood Cove when she lost her husband. She has worked hard to help her ten-year-old son, Tommy, adjust to the area. His touch of Asperger’s makes it difficult for him to make friends. He has his Basset Hound, Fred, as a constant companion.

Scott Thompson, who works for the same company I do, is often present. I feel drawn to him, but a very bitter divorce has me taking tiny steps in the relationship department.

There are many more great characters in the story, but I’ll stop here and let you discover the rest of them!

What’s the place like where you find yourself in this story?

Kelly: The town of Redwood Cove rests on cliffs above the beautiful Pacific Ocean. The waves crash endlessly, spewing foam high into the air.  Majestic towering redwood trees surround this northern California community. Many of the town’s historic elements have been retained, giving it a special charm.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers about you and the book?

Kelly: My most recently released book, Murder at the Marina, brings to light the story of two of the Silver Sentinels, Russian brothers Ivan and Rudy Dublinsky. I learned about their escape from Russia and that they had ties to Russian aristocracy.

As far as telling people about me, I’m thrilled to be here and love my new friends and the area. Please come visit me in Redwood Cove!

Thanks for visiting, Kelly. Good luck to you and Jane Finsilver with this latest release in the Kelly Jackson Mysteries series.

Readers can learn more about Jane Finsilver by visiting her website, and her Facebook and Pinterest pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

Murder at the Marina is available at these retailers online:

 Amazon  – B&N – Kobo – Google Play

About Janet Finsilver: Janet is the USA TODAY bestselling author of the Kelly Jackson mystery series. She worked in education for many years as a teacher, a program administrator, and a workshop presenter. Janet majored in English and earned a Master’s Degree in Education. She loves animals and has two dogs–Kylie and Ellie. Janet has ridden western style since she was a child and was a member of the National Ski Patrol. One of the highlights of her life was touching whales in the San Ignacio Lagoon. MURDER AT REDWOOD COVE, her debut mystery, was released on October 13, 2015. Her second book, MURDER AT THE MANSION, was released on June 7, 2016. Book 3, MURDER AT THE FORTUNE TELLER’S TABLE was released on March 14, 2017.