Kathleen Bailey, author of When the Carnival Came, the latest novel in the Olivia Penn mysteries series, is visiting Ascroft, eh? today.

Welcome, Kathleen.

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

When the Carnival Came is book four in The Olivia Penn Mystery Series. The series follows advice columnist Olivia Penn as she goes through a transitional period in her life partially due to a series of murder mysteries that she becomes involved in. In When the Carnival Came, spring is in bloom in Olivia’s hometown of Apple Station, Virginia, and her new romance is heating up. With the carnival in town, good times seem to be in the air—until a stranger shows up at her house with carnations and a cryptic message for her friend. When she follows the trail and finds her friend standing over a dead body, she learns there’s more to the carnival than just fun and games.

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

I’ve always loved carnivals since I was a kid. Where I live, we often get carnivals traveling through the area, and I became interested in researching the carnival culture and lifestyle. Also, somewhat close to me, there is a decommissioned military base that remained unoccupied for many years before the land was sold and redeveloped. I always thought it would make a great setting for a mystery. The story developed from the combination of the two.

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

The theme of the story is trust. Throughout, Olivia must trust her instincts and her heart to make the decisions that will help her solve the mystery and believe in herself. The theme is part of the overall arc of the series and the development of Olivia Penn as a character.

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

Characters are developed over time. They all have their unique backstories and personalities that influence their actions, reactions, goals, and motivations. As I write, I can see the characters in my head as if they are actors in a movie. I know what they look like and sound like, so in that way, they become fleshed out and three-dimensional. I like all my characters, and I don’t have favorites—other than the series protagonist Olivia Penn.

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

Bringing the sense of place into the story involves incorporating all we take in through the senses to paint a vivid picture. I want to ground readers in place and time so that they feel a part of the scene right along with the characters. That involves detailing the sights, sounds, and smells of the season as well as describing who lives in the community and what their daily lives look like.

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

There is always a lot of research that goes into developing the story, though much of it doesn’t find its way into the book. Understanding the background of what I’m writing about, though, is important to ground the story. Much of the plot-related research is done before I draft. While writing, I’m always looking up things to ensure accuracy or plausibility.

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

When the Carnival Came is for fans of Clue and Nancy Drew who like action-packed cozy mysteries. When the Carnival Came can be read as a standalone. Though there are character arcs over the course of the series, each mystery is self-contained, and there’s plenty of background information for readers to understand the relationships between the characters.

Thank you for answering my questions, Kathleen, and good luck with When the Carnival Came, the latest book in the Olivia Penn mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Kathleen Bailey by visiting the author’s website and her Amazon page as well as her Bookbub, and Instagram pages.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

 Amazon – B&N – Bookshop.org – Alibris 

About Kathleen Bailey: Kathleen 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.