Mia Reid is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Death at the Scottish Broch, the first novel in the Mia Reid, Archaeologist, mystery series.

Welcome, Mia. 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, I’m Mia Reid, an archaeologist. Death at the Scottish Broch, A Mia Reid, Archaeologist, Mystery is the first book in a series. My writer has plans to keep me busy with a couple of more stories in the near future. The series will focus on my work as an archaeologist and apparently, there will be a mystery to solve in each book. My writer hasn’t told me what’s going to happen in the upcoming books. But I have a few ideas of where I’d like to see it go.

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

I’d say it’s a collaboration. My writer begins with a plan about how the story is going to play out. I like to point out some changes now and then. To date, we’ve been able to work well together.

How did you evolve as the main character?

At the beginning of the story, I’m at a crossroads career wise. Before leaving for the dig, I learn there’s only one position at the university where I’m currently teaching, and I might not be in line for it. I have to look at other options. During the story, I learn that I’m a lot stronger emotionally than I thought I was. An ex shows up. He’s working for Interpol, and I’m able to set aside my feelings and work with him. Career wise, there’s a pleasant surprise toward the end of the story.

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

Yes, there’s several. First off, my Gran. She’s been my steadying influence for as long as I can remember, and she’s just a phone call away. She’s a terrific listener. My best friend, Alex Bennett, is another mainstay in my life. We’ve shared a lot together, and she isn’t afraid to tell me the truth.

And then there’s Luke Forbes. He’s the ex I mentioned earlier. We had dated exclusively in grad school, and I thought we were on our way to making it a permanent relationship. But that didn’t happen. When he went back to England, I didn’t hear from him again. We’ve talked about the past and sorted through the uncomfortable emotions and can work together to solve the mystery in this story.

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

It starts out in Lakeview City, Ontario’s capital. It’s a bustling city with pockets of neighborhoods that are unique. The people are friendly and there’s a lot to do from walking along the lakeside, excellent restaurants, watching sports team, to attending the theater. I’m wrapping up my term as university professor and getting ready to go on a dig to the Isle of Skye with my good friend and colleague, Ethan Carter. Lakeview’s been home for me all my life. My Gran lives close by, and my best friend Alex lives in the same building as I do. Mom and Dad use Lakeview as home base when they’re back from their digs and archaeology work.

The dig I’m working on this summer is on the Isle of Skye, in Scotland. It’s truly a magical place. Mountains, the sea, waterfalls, charming villages, and lots of intrigue.

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

I’ve been told it’s a well-written, fast-paced story with several twists and turns and plenty of suspects. There’s enough information about archaeology to make the story interesting and entertaining. And if readers enjoy cozy mysteries with a strong sense of place and compelling characters, this is a must read.

Having been in the story, I can agree with those comments. There were times I thought my writer was pushing my limits, especially when the students were involved.

I can’t wait to learn what my writer has planned for me in the next book.

Thank you for answering my questions, Mia, and good luck to you and your author, Rose Kerr, with Death at the Scottish Broch, the first book in the Mia Reid, archaeologist, mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Mia and her author, Rose Kerr by visiting the author’s Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram and Pinterest pages.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

 Amazon US  – Amazon Canada – Barnes and Noble – Kobo

About Rose Kerr: Rose writes cozy mysteries featuring strong, smart, women protagonists who must draw on their wits and resourcefulness to solve the crime.

Rose was born in a small community in Nova Scotia and has traveled across Canada.

More recently, Rose and her husband have moved to Southern Ontario. When she isn’t writing, Rose and her husband enjoy exploring the new region.