Debra Sennefelder, author of A Corpse Among the Carolers, the latest novel in the Food Blogger mysteries series, is visiting Ascroft, eh? today.

Welcome, Debra.

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

A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS is the seventh book in the Food Blogger Mystery series. The series features food blogger Hope Early who has returned to her hometown of Jefferson, Connecticut after losing a reality baking competition TV show and getting a divorce. In this book, Hope is enjoying the festive atmosphere of Christmas until a shocking discovery shatters the holiday cheer. When the man playing Santa is found murdered during a community caroling event, Hope finds herself caught up in a mystery involving a cast of colorful suspects and a killer determined to stop her from solving the case.

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

It just popped into my head one day. I knew I wanted to set this book during Christmas time so I started thinking about all the events that happen in towns like Jefferson and from there ideas starting coming to me and eventually the idea of a murder at a caroling event hit and I loved it.

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

I explored the theme of how well you really know someone in this story. It’s one of my favorite themes because what we don’t know can shatter lives and it can also lead someone into trusting someone they shouldn’t.

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

I think my main characters are my favorite but I can’t choose between them. I spend a lot of time in their heads so I feel I’m more connected to those characters than the others. How I create characters can sometimes be organic, they will pop into my head fully formed, or they get created because I have a slot to fill – like a nosey neighbor is needed. I wish I had a formula but I don’t.

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

A lot of my inspiration for Hope’s hometown, Jefferson, is drawn from the southwestern Connecticut town I live in along with the towns around me.

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

For A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS, I had to do some research into antiques online. I also will ask my nephew, who is a police lieutenant, procedural questions. There was some other research, but I don’t want to share that because it will give away the story.

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

For cozy mystery readers who adore the magic of Christmas and the warm comfort of a good mystery, A CORPSE AMONG THE CAROLERS is a delightful treat. With its charming community, heartwarming characters, and festive atmosphere, this book offers a cozy escape filled with holiday cheer and a captivating whodunit. And don’t forget the delicious recipes that will make your own holiday season even more special!

Thank you for answering my questions, Debra, and good luck with A Corpse Among the Carolers, the latest book in the Food Blogger mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Debra Sennefelder by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Instagram, Bookbub, Amazon and Goodreads pages.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

 Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Bookshop.org 

About Debra Sennefelder: Debra is the acclaimed author of charming and suspenseful cozy mysteries set in small towns filled with intriguing characters and delightful pets. Based in Connecticut, Debra shares her home with her family and a lovable, slightly spoiled Shih Tzu. Her passion for mystery fiction, particularly cozy mysteries, inspires her to create engaging stories that blend crime-solving with delicious recipes and stylish fashion. She is the author of the Food Blogger Mystery series, the Resale Boutique Mystery series, and the Cookie Shop Mystery series. When she’s not plotting her next whodunit, you’ll find her baking sweet treats or indulging in a good book.

When she’s not reading, she enjoys cooking and baking and as a former food blogger, she is constantly taking photographs of her food. Yeah, she’s that person.

Born and raised in New York City, where she majored in her hobby of fashion buying, she now lives and writes in Connecticut with her writing companion, Connie.