Keri Armstrong is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Murder Pays a Call, the first novel in the Keri Armstrong cozy mystery series.

Welcome, Keri. 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.

Murder Pays a Call is book #1 in the Keri Armstrong Cozy Mysteries. It introduces me and my friends, along with the town we live in. My besties are Lora and Pam, who you’ll get to meet. They’re very helpful and supportive when I discover my client and mentor, Fiona Sullivan, dead in bed. I don’t believe she died in a botched robbery like the police suspect, especially since I’m hearing ugly rumors about her around town. I’d always respected Fiona and admired her philanthropy, but it appears not everyone shares my opinion. The more I learn, the more I realize I didn’t know Fiona as well as I’d thought. To honor her memory, I’m determined to uncover the truth. My colleagues. Purdy and Staz, can help me with my research. No matter the risk, I’ll see that Fiona’s memory is honored.

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

I like to think that I take over my character’s role in the story. When the author gets to know me better, she’ll have a better feel for how I’m likely to react in a given situation. It’s hard in the beginning when you’re trying to set the scene and introduce all the major players.

How did you evolve as the main character?

I’m the owner of a personal concierge agency in Sunny Grove, Florida. I used to work in corporate marketing until stress caused me to have palpitations. Since my mom died of a stroke and my dad of a heart attack, I became alarmed. I didn’t want to end up in the same place. When I got laid off, it was a blessing in disguise. I decided to help other people with their mundane tasks so they could spend more time with loved ones. My agency has blossomed, and our customer list includes business clients as well as individuals. Now I need to start thinking about my own personal life. I’ve been so busy managing everyone else’s that I’ve neglected myself. I’ll heed my friends’ advice and slow down… after the next job, of course.

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

I like to hang out with my friends, Lora and Pam. We take walks every other Sunday in Central Park and then go for brunch. Pam, a reporter, is more pragmatic than Lora, who tends to get emotional. At work, there’s our staid and reliable financial manager, Purdy, who likes to party and meet women on weekends. Staz is our tech guru. She handles the online jobs and manages our website. On the dating scene, I’ve just met Dr. Matt during an unexpected encounter at the emergency room. And Chef Jarek hired me to plan his restaurant launch. It’s been a while since I’ve considered having a serious relationship, but maybe I’m ready to dip my feet into the dating pool again.

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

Sunny Grove is an affluent suburb in Central Florida just north of Orlando proper. It has shady streets, a wide avenue lined with flowering shrubs, shops and restaurants, an art museum, and even a boat ride on a series of lakes. Tourists and residents alike enjoy the small-town ambiance. I own a condo that’s within walking distance of my business, but I choose to drive because I’m usually out half the day doing tasks for clients. I love living in a vibrant community where there’s always something going on. Come and visit us in the winter. You’ll enjoy the balmy breezes, palm trees and colorful flowers.

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

I really hope you’ll join my adventure, meet my friends, and immerse yourself in my world. But don’t let looks deceive you. Beneath Sunny Grove’s upscale appearance are secrets waiting to be unraveled.

Thank you for answering my questions, Keri, and good luck to you and your author, Nancy J Cohen, with Murder Pays a Call, the first book in the Keri Armstrong cozy mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Keri and her author, Nancy J Cohen by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Goodreads, Bookbub, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and Pinterest pages. You can also follow her on Twitter/X, and Threads.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

Universal Link – Amazon Kindle – Apple Books –  Barnes & Noble Nook –  Kobo – Bookshop.org or Indiebound –  Books A Million

About Nancy J Cohen: Nancy writes the Bad Hair Day Mysteries featuring South Florida hairstylist Marla Vail and the Keri Armstrong cozy mysteries. Her books have won numerous awards including her nonfiction titles, Writing the Cozy Mystery and A Bad Hair Day Cookbook. Active in the writing community, Nancy is a past president of Mystery Writers of America Florida Chapter. When not busy writing, she enjoys reading, fine dining, cruising, and visiting Disney World.