Kathleen Bailey is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Under the Cocoon Moon, her latest novel in the Olivia Penn Mystery series.

Welcome, Kathleen. 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.

Under the Cocoon Moon is the third book in The Olivia Penn Mystery Series. Olivia is looking forward to relaxing and enjoying the holiday season with her friends and family in her hometown of Apple Station, Virginia. The season’s spirit has sparked a new romance, and all is looking merry and bright, until she’s mistaken for a dead woman. When a stranger makes a wild accusation involving the parents of the man she’s falling for, Olivia faces a no-win situation. As evidence mounts supporting the claim, a mysterious murder occurs near his father’s cabin that attracts the attention of the FBI. Wedged between mother and son, Olivia investigates to clear his family’s name while matching wits with a legendary thief.

The series follows the story of advice columnist Olivia Penn as she goes through a transitional period in her life, partially due to a succession of murder mysteries she gets wrapped up in. Each book can be read as a standalone with no plot spoilers.

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

The idea for the mystery plays with the past, present, and future themes of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. In Under the Cocoon Moon, there is a past crime that leads to a present-day murder, which will change the direction of Olivia’s future.

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

The theme is transformation. The holidays are a time when, for many, the sights, sounds, and smells of the season raise spirits and transform lives, at least for a short while. This book is a turning point in the series for Olivia as she experiences some significant shifts in her life. As the outer world is transformed by the season, Olivia’s internal life, what she wants and needs, changes as well.

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

Character development is a process for me. The main, recurring characters are fleshed out in my imagination as I continually develop the series. I know what they look like, sound like, and what their mannerisms are. Characters play roles in the story in relation to Olivia. They may support or serve as sources of conflict for her as she strives to attain her goals. I like all my characters, so I don’t have a favorite. What I like the most is developing the relationships between the characters over the course of the series.

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

Bringing the small town of Apple Station, Virginia, to life involves world building. This includes developing the setting by giving the reader enough details to ground them in the place and time. What does the setting look like? What are the sounds, sights, and smells of the season? Who lives in Apple Station? What is life like there? I want to provide enough details for the reader to engage their own imagination so that they feel they’re right there in the scene with the characters.

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

There is a lot of research that happens both prior to the plotting and while writing. The upfront research involves the big picture elements of the crime. For example, a key plot point in Under the Cocoon Moon involves the theft of a rare sapphire. That required researching the criminology and investigation of high-end gem heists. As I’m writing, there are always research checks I do to ensure the story is making sense. This may include fiddly bits like: Where would the moon be in the sky at a particular time in December in Virginia? Does the car a character is driving have a central display console? Would a particular model of knife have a satin-finish or polished blade? Though they may seem to be minor points, ensuring that they are accurate makes the descriptive details more robust and authentic.

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

Under the Cocoon Moon depicts a small-town, cozy Christmas with a dash of mystery and murder. There’s lots of humor, romance, and holiday cheer to provide a pleasant escape to Apple Station, where the plots are twisty, the characters are charming, and justice always prevails. Under the Cocoon Moon can be read as a stand-alone with no plot spoilers for the previous books in the series. You can read more about all my books by visiting me at kathleenbaileyauthor.com.

Thanks for answering my questions, Kathleen, and good luck with Under the Cocoon Moon, the latest book in the Olivia Penn Mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Kathleen and her writing by visiting her website and her Bookbub and Amazon Author pages.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

 Amazon – All Retailers

About Kathleen Bailey: Kathleen Bailey is the award-winning author of The Olivia Penn Mystery Series. She writes mysteries with heart and humor that keep to the traditional and cozy sides of crime. Kathleen has degrees in English, psychology, and physical therapy. She previously worked as a pediatric physical therapist for over twenty years with children who have special needs. She now spends her days plotting and sleuthing in Virginia where she lives with her husband and adorable feline fur baby. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and the James River Writers.