Octavia Fields is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Strike the Death Note, the latest novel in the Octavia Fields mystery series.

Welcome, Octavia. 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.

Strike the Death Note is the second book in my series. The books are set high in the Rocky Mountains on a huge campus that serves as the summer home for the Aerie Peaks Symphony. I get to run the seasonal music shop on the campus while some of my musician friends play in the symphony. Which works out well—except for when I stumble across bodies. The first one was the concert master of the symphony. This time, it’s a student at one of the nearby summer music programs.

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

I like to think Fate’s the one calling the shots. And I suppose that I do take the lead now and then. Okay, more than just occasionally. Rebecca has all the melodies figured out, but she lets me play around with the harmony. And sometimes, we both blink because things have taken a turn neither one of us saw coming.

How did you evolve as the main character?

Rebecca would tell you that she knew she was looking for a main character who was a little quirky. She knew she wanted a violist, just like she is. That was all it took for her to find me. Probably because I was already there, just waiting for the right story to jump into.

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

There are some fantastic characters at Aerie Pines—and a couple of less-than-fantastic ones, but let’s not talk about those.

You’re going to love my best friend, Piper. Everyone does. She loves to gossip, but never shares things she’s told in confidence. She’s gorgeous inside and out, and is as flirty as they come.

And Detective Jack Price? He’s taught me that people in law enforcement can be trusted to do more than just arrest me. Oddly enough, he actually gets me. Just between us—I get the teensiest bit jealous of the readers who tell Rebecca that Jack’s their absolute perfect man. I mean, they haven’t even seen him in person.

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

As this book starts, I’m trying to find a way to keep my seasonal music shop profitable. Too many people come in to see what they like, then just order it from their phones. It has me a little on edge.

Piper would tell you I’m on edge because I haven’t seen Detective Price since the last book. I mean, there might be a chance that’s contributing, but really, having a failing shop is more than enough to make anyone grumpy.

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

Well, if you’re looking for a fun place to visit, definitely come see me! You don’t have to start with book one, but if you want the full impact of meeting me, my friends, and Detective Jack Price—which, I promise, you do—then definitely check out Strike the Death Note.

If you’re a fan of the outdoors, music, or quirky characters with your cozy mysteries, come share an adventure with me!

Thank you for answering my questions, Octavia, and good luck to you and your author, Rebecca McKinnon, with Strike the Death Note, the latest book in the Octavia Fields mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Octavia and her author, Rebecca McKinnon by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Goodreads, and Instagram pages. You can also sign up for a pre-order bonus of a free story until June 25 here.

The novel is available online at  Amazon

About Rebecca McKinnon: Rebecca McKinnon enjoys playing with her imaginary friends and introducing them to others through her writing. She dreams of living in the middle of nowhere, but has been unable to find an acceptable location that wouldn’t require crossing an ocean.