Chloe Abbington is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to tell us about Kill Them With Canva, the latest novel in the Paint by Murder mystery series.

Welcome, Chloe. 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.

Hi! My name is Chloe Abbington and I live in the picture-perfect town called Whisper Cove. My sister Izzie and I run a painting party event business. Of course, that makes sense since all of our family members are artists. We’d be lost and truly unhappy if we didn’t do something with art. Anyway, life doesn’t always turn out like you plan it. I’m the perfect example. My crazy journey took me from college and across the ocean to live like a poor and starving artist in Paris, then back to the states, living in Manhattan and thinking I could make my name as a successful artist by showcasing my work in some posh gallery. Yeah, that didn’t work out at all. Coming full circle to return home and run Paint with a View with my sister turned out to be surprisingly the move that fits me best. It’s a peaceful life with no stress. Wait. Did I say no stress? Murder kind of ruins that mood, doesn’t it?

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

I’m pretty stubborn and opinionated so I’ll argue or spout off with my thoughts on which way the author should take the story. Especially when it comes to relationships. I mean, I had a boyfriend back in Manhattan. He’s a lawyer and very successful. Too successful because he spent most of his time at the office. I felt like something had to change. My issue is how the author tries to keep him in the story, as if his effort to win me back will change my mind. No way. I’ll dig my heels in concrete before that move happens. Now, the detective in town is altogether different. Author, you can drop him into the story whenever you like!

How did you evolve as the main character?  

Take one major breakup, a NYC career goal flop, and a much needed change of scenery. A new chapter in life with all the drama and challenges put the focus on me and how I learned to handle everything that’s been happening.

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

My sister is my bestie. She and I are a year apart in age, and even though our personalities are way different, we cherish the same things—family, loyalty to those we care about, and art. Our craft is a passion we connect to on every level. I definitely would share the story with her. Of course, our parents, all the craft shop owners along Artisan Alley, and most of our friends in Whisper Cove are welcome to take a scene once in a while. After all, we’re a close community. It’s hard to hide what goes on, and we care what happens to each other.

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

Whisper Cove is a touristy town in southwestern New York along the beautiful Chautauqua Lake. We have lots of craft shops on Artisan Alley, including our quaint little cottage where Paint with a View is located on the lakeshore. One very cool attraction is the ferry which can take visitors and their vehicles across the lake to the town on the opposite shore. It’s a fun ride for tourists…unless something tragic happens, but I won’t spoil the story. I’ll let you find out that excitement when you read it! Obviously, this may be a small place but we keep things busy with lots of festivals, like the Hallows Eve celebration coming up soon. All sorts of vendors with activities, games, and food. There’s even a special guest. Like all small towns with their folklore, Whisper Cove has the ghost of Chautauqua Lake, Abigail Bellows, who is known to haunt the town on Hallows Eve. Everyone hopes to get lucky and snap a photo of her rising out of the water! Creepy, right?

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

For all you pet lovers, I have to brag about my pooch Max. He’s twelve pounds of fluffy white fur and with an abundance of energy that keeps me on my toes. No wonder he “digs” in to help me and Izzie solve the murder case. Oh, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he even finds a four-legged friend to pal around with him soon!

Thank you for answering my questions, Chloe, and good luck to you and your author, Bailee Abbott, with Kill Them With Canvas, the latest book in the Paint by Murder mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Chloe and her author, Bailee Abbott by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, and Goodreads pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

AMAZON      BARNES & NOBLE     KOBO     APPLE BOOKS 

About Bailee Abbott: Bailee Abbott is a native Ohioan who spends her days plotting murder and writing mysteries. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime as well as of International Thriller Writers. Bailee lives with her husband and furry friend Max in the quiet suburbs of Green, Ohio. Bailee also writes the Sierra Pines B&B mystery series under the name Kathryn Long.