Today Amy Hueston is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Paws for Alarm, her latest novel in the Caninie Confections mystery series.

Welcome, Amy. Let’s get started, shall we?

Tell us about your novel. Is it part of a series? If so, please tell us about the series too.

Yes! The series is the Canine Confections mystery series and the central location is a dog bakery on Worth Avenue in Palm Beach. Paws for Concern is the 1^st in the series, Paws for Alarm is the 2^nd in series and out March 22, 2021 and Paws for Murder will be out in the summer of 2021. It is a clean, cozy mystery meaning, no gore, no naughty words, only good, clean murderous fun.

Where did the idea for the mystery that is central to the story come from?

I needed something involving baking and dogs and wa la!  A murder in a dog bakery! I’m a big fan of both pastry and dogs. And twisty mysteries (and thrillers).

Is there a theme or subject that underlies the story? If so, what prompted you to write about it?

All dogs deserve love. And you can never eat too many cannoli.

How do you create your characters? Do you have favourite ones? If so, why are you partial to them?

A combination of different people and dogs whom I meet. My favorite characters are the not so nice ones. Snippy and witchy. I’m partial to them because I love their confidence, even if maybe they should watch their mouth a little more.

How do you bring to life the place you are writing about?

I think about the real Palm Beach and how it feels to walk on Worth Avenue. It’s a little magical, Worth Avenue and Palm Beach. Sure, there’s sun and sand and fancy shops and mansions but there’s something indescribable in the air, indefinable. I think on that and then…write.

What research do you do to provide background information to help you write the novel?

Drive an hour and half south, get off the exit, and park in one of the parking spots running along Worth Avenue.

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

Though I love to read and write twisty psychological thrillers and even horror, I also like to read and write safe, clean, cozy mysteries. They have the twists of the suspense books I love but I always know I don’t have to get too nervous, no physical or psychological damage or darkness will find its way onto the pages. That’s comforting when all you want is to cuddle up with your dog on the couch and disappear into another world.

Thanks so much for having me!

You’re welcome, Amy. Thanks for answering my questions and good luck with Paws for Alarm, the latest book in the Canine Confections Mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Amy and her writing by visiting her website and her Facebook, Goodreads and Instagram pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

Amazon – B&N 

About Amy Hueston: Amy writes mini-mysteries for Woman’s World magazine when she isn’t writing mystery and suspense novels. The first 3 books in her Canine Confections mystery series have an abundance of dogs and pastries, two of her favorite things, and will be available in 2021. Amy is also a professional singer who has performed nationally and internationally. A sought-after singer in South Florida, Amy draws on these experiences when writing.