G. G. Calpo, author of Death Hits the High Notes, the latest novel in the Sweet Tooth murder mysteries series, is visiting Ascroft, eh? today.
Welcome, G. G..
Tell us about your novel. Is it part of a series? If so, please tell us about the series too.
DEATH HITS THE HIGH NOTES is the second book in my Sweet TOOTH Murder Mystery Series. The series follows five retired teachers who investigate murders as they look for clues to help Meg solve the mysterious deaths of her husband and son. This time, though, murder hits a little too close to home when someone tries to kill Stefan, the former band and choir teacher of the group. Naturally, his friends take this personally.
Where did the idea for the mystery that is central to the story come from?
I wanted this story to revolve around Stefan, and I thought making him the murder target would work well with his personality. After that, it was a matter of figuring out who wanted him dead and why.
Is there a theme or subject that underlies the story? If so, what prompted you to write about it?
I wanted to make murder personal. My sleuths are quite willing to poke around in other people’s murders, but hearts beat wildly when one of your own is in the killer’s crosshairs. Nothing like a killer gunning for your BFF to send your blood pressure rocketing.
How do you create your characters? Do you have favourite ones? If so, why are you partial to them?
I start with a general idea of what kind of character I need for the story I’m telling. Prim and proper? Flamboyant? Martinet? I give the character a name that evokes the personality and a voice to match. Then I let them loose and see what happens. Somewhere along the way, they develop quirks and opinions I hadn’t planned on, and before I know it, they’re going off the rails.
As for a favorite, I refuse to answer. My characters are like my children. Enough said.
How do you bring to life the place you are writing about?
The North Shore of Long Island was my home for over thirty years. I lived there, shopped there, met friends and hung out in restaurants and bars. It’s an area I know well. Borrowing bits and pieces from familiar places was easy. Mixing them all up to make a fictional town was magical.
What research do you do to provide background information to help you write the novel?
Whatever the story demands. One day I’m researching poisons, the next I’m looking up police procedures, autopsies, or how long it takes someone to die from a particular injury. Then there are the perfectly innocent searches for restaurants, boats, musical instruments, or whatever else I’ve managed to write myself into. Put them all together, though, and my search history is probably best erased.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers about the book?
My characters spent most of their lives being needed. As did we when we were younger. And like them, we may think retirement takes that away. Finding a dead body, oddly enough, reminds my sleuths they’re still useful. There’s a mystery to solve, someone needs answers, and the skills and experience they’ve gained through a lifetime are valuable again. I want my readers to feel as alive as my sleuths. Solving a murder is optional.
Thank you for answering my questions, G. G. and good luck with Death Hits the High Notes, the latest book in the Sweet Tooth murder mystery series.
Readers can learn more about G. G. Calpo by visiting the author’s Facebook, Instagram and Goodreads pages.
The novel is available online at Amazon
About GG Calpo: G G is a retired lawyer and accountant who traded contracts and numbers for the far more enjoyable chaos of fictional crime. Now she writes cozy whodunits featuring warm-hearted golden-aged sleuths who’ve seen it all, heard it all and will investigate a murder with zero hesitation. She loves stories where the stakes are personal, family and friendships are paramount, with characters who refuse to follow the outline and endings that pull the rug out. When not plotting twisty crimes—on paper only, of course—she spends her time reading, crocheting blankets and sweaters for her five grandchildren, watching mystery TV shows and taking long walks in her neighborhood. She lives in Central New Jersey with her husband and two corgis, Whiskey and Nugget.
