Copper Waters

Posted on May 26, 2023 by Dianne Ascroft

Marlene M. Bell is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Copper Waters, her latest novel in the New Zealand Cottage Mystery series.

Welcome, Marlene. Let’s get started, shall we?

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

Yes! Copper Waters takes the reader to the beautiful country of New Zealand as the fourth book in the Annalisse mystery series. Main characters, Annalisse Drury and Alec Zavos find themselves involved in international intrigue that stems from Annalisse’s love of history and antiques. (She’s an antiquities valuator at an art gallery in Manhattan.) The two have a complicated relationship which adds underlying romantic suspense to the novel series.

In books one, two, and three, the couple withstands harrowing moments together—leaving a trail of dead bodies in their wake from New York to Greece, Italy, and Turkey. If readers like travel to other countries without leaving their armchair, the series’ suspense and mystery will captivate the audience.

My slogan, “Mystery at a killing pace,” explains my writing style in a few words. The stories move quickly throughout each chapter with several twisty moments of fear along the way. Each scene typically ends on a cliff-hanger to encourage a page-turner-like experience. There are several characters who appear in all books and new ones will come and go because of travel to exotic locations.

Beginning with Copper Waters, I’ve added a Cast of Characters page with description of each character so that it’s easy to keep them all straight if the reader hasn’t read previous books. My books are written as standalones, but to understand the entire impact and character backstories, I recommend reading the entire series. Most who start the series from Copper Waters will go back to Stolen Obsession, book #1. The first book covers a lot of ground between Anna and Alec’s perilous introduction.

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

Because I’m a sheep breeder in the United States, I thought it would be interesting to learn how others below the equator run their sheep operations. My own experiences dot the novel’s landscape to make the story more believable to go along with new research on New Zealand sheep stations. Most people find information about raising livestock fascinating because it’s so different from having pets in the household. The method used by the villain in Copper Waters is also central to raising sheep!

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

Somewhere in each Annalisse series book, readers will find references to raising horses, sheep, and Anna’s orange tabby cat, Boris. Copper Waters focuses on sheep because there are more sheep than people in New Zealand. In addition, Alec Zavos has studied to become a veterinarian but so far, his family businesses and his adventures with Anna have kept him from the equine surgeon he’d like to become. The future book #5 that follows Copper Waters will concentrate in this area and keep the couple closer to Alec’s estate in upstate New York. The theme in Copper Waters: Is it better to work together or apart when a relationship is floundering? The reader will have to pick up the book to find out!

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

My best characters tend to be the easiest for me to write. I know I’m spot-on in characterization when their background naturally forms in my head and words flow on the page. If I struggle to picture a new character or think about his/her past lives and traits, I know I’m in trouble. Favourite characters are those who feel as real as a personal friend. My favourite at this time is Bill Drake, the detective who came to Anna and Alec’s rescue in the second series book, Spent Identity. I’ve kept Bill in every book since because he’s so likable to my readers. I’m considering an offshoot series with him down the road. When readers meet Bill Drake, he’s capable as an investigator, and comfortable like a confidant who listens and keeps his friend’s secrets to himself. We all have secrets, don’t we?

The characters I write about are made for that specific type of mystery and culture of the country Anna and Alec visit. They can also be people with unusual traits like those I’ve run across in my own life. Annalisse Drury has a few of my own traits.

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

I like to focus on the five senses to portray where my characters are. Imagine the smells and sounds of a particular place, quiet and secluded or bustling with crowds. My book series covers countries I’ve never seen in person. Research is imperative, but not just any research. To write realistic scenes and descriptions, I have to visualize standing in each place and its surroundings. For lifelike pictures, I get my information from those who have actually been to these locations. Purchasing coffee table books from authors who’ve taken photos is my favourite place to start. Internet research is kept to a minimum because we can’t always believe what’s in an online search. I prefer to purchase research books in print versus getting information from other sources.

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

It’s important for readers to find accurate information in my stories. My books are a work of fiction to be sure, but I write about actual areas that are beautiful and sometimes unpleasant. Readers who’ve been to places in my books want validation of what they know to be true. There’s nothing worse than having a reviewer find fault in the research. Using the wide-open internet for book research is inviting this kind of attention that no writer wants. In the case of my stories, I like to stick with the professional traveller’s honest photos and compare with others observations as in the hardcover books I can find.  

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

Copper Waters is a whodunnit that will keep most readers guessing until the very end as they figure out the culprit. It’s written in cosy mystery format for all audiences and has no profanity. The story moves at a solid pace through light romance, suspense, murder, and crime solving in a foreign country with British influence. A quick read over a weekend!

Thanks for answering my questions, Marlene, and good luck with Copper Waters, the latest book in New Zealand Cottage Mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Marlene and her writing by visiting her website and her Facebook, Goodreads, Bookbub and Instagram pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

 Amazon – Barnes & Noble

About Marlene M. Bell: Marlene is an eclectic mystery writer, artist, photographer, and she raises sheep on a ranch in wooded East Texas with her husband, Gregg.

Marlene’s Annalisse series boasts numerous honors including the Independent Press Award for Best Mystery (Spent Identity,) and FAPA— Florida Author’s President’s Gold Award for two other installments, (Stolen Obsession and Scattered Legacy.) Her mysteries with a touch of romantic suspense are found at her websites or at online retail outlets.

She also offers the first of her children’s picture books, Mia and Nattie: One Great Team! Based on true events from the Bell’s ranch. The simple text and illustrations are a touching tribute of compassion and love between a little girl and her lamb.

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Earl Grey and Shallow Graves

Posted on May 19, 2023 by Dianne Ascroft

Sergeant Keya Varma is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Earl Grey and Shallow Graves, the first novel in the Waterwheel Cafe mystery series.

Welcome, Keya. 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.

Hiya, I’m Keya, or Sergeant Varma if you want my police title.  I’ve just taken the job as the Cotswold’s Rural Engagement Officer.  Despite covering 1,000 square kilometres, it’s only a part-time role, but that suits me. 

I’m busy setting up my Waterwheel Café and Deli at Akemans, a local antiques centre.

But unfortunately, while the waterwheel was being removed for renovation, a skeleton was found underneath it.  This is the story of discovering whose body it was, and, of course, unearthing one mystery invariably leads to other, modern-day ones.

Earl Grey and Shallow Graves is the first book in my own series, A Waterwheel Café Mystery, which I’m very proud of.  And why is a flavour of tea in the title?  Because I’m trying out different ones to serve in my café.  The first three books in the series all have names of teas in the title.

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

The premise for this book began with the discovery of the skeleton.  After that, my writer and I unearth, excuse the pun, the mystery and ultimately the culprit as we work together through the investigation.

How did you evolve as the main character?

I became Dotty’s best friend in her series, the Dotty Sayers Antique Mysteries.  Dotty’s taking a well-earned break in France, at the moment, but while she’s away, the criminals still prey.  Someone has to solve crimes in the Cotswolds, but I am helped Ryan, PC Jenkins, and our grumpy boss, Inspector Evans.

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

I’m grateful for being given the leading role, but I’m also happy to share the story with my friends and colleagues.  As well as Ryan, there is Aunt Beanie, an eccentric but huge-hearted older lady, her niece Gilly Wimsey, who runs the antiques centre, and plenty of other characters.  We are a team and I appreciate all their help.

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

I love the Cotswolds, in the southwest of the middle part of England. They’re beautiful, designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and the people who call them home are quirky and interesting.

I work out of the market town of Cirencester, whose history goes back beyond the Romans, when it was the second most important city in the whole country.  It was also very important, and prosperous, in the Middle Ages when it traded wool and was governed by the Abbot from its own monastery.

Akemans, where I’m setting up the café, trades out of a converted mill building beside the River Coln.  The mill is built of honey-coloured stone and has its own rich history.

Altogether, the Cotswolds are a wonderful place to live and work.

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

You may think that as a police officer I’m skilled at murder investigations, but this isn’t true.  I’ve learned a lot from Dotty, including considering cases from different angles, and looking into the people involved, and their individual histories and motives. 

Cirencester is still considered a rural police station and our team is small and lacks some of the technology of larger forces, even though Ryan does his best on the technical side.  So, this isn’t one of those technical police procedural type books.  We still solve our cases the old-fashioned way through interviewing suspects and witnesses, and connecting the dots.  I do hope you enjoy Earl Grey and Shallow Graves.

Thank you for answering my questions, Keya, and good luck to you and your author, Victoria Tait, with Earl Grey and Shallow Graves, the first book in the Waterside Cafe mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Keya and her author, Victoria Tait by visiting the author’s website and her Goodreads, Bookbub, Instagram and Pinterest pages.

The novel is available online at  Amazon

About Victoria Tait: Victoria was born and raised in Yorkshire, UK, and never expected to travel the world. She has drawn on her experiences following her military husband to write cozy murder mystery books with vivid and evocative settings. Her determined female sleuths are joined by colourful but realistic teams of helpers, and you’ll experience surprises, humour, and sometimes, a tug on your heartstrings.

She hopes you enjoyed Keya’s first book.  Readers can join her and her friends as they solve more mysteries in Victoria’s Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series, also based in the Cotswolds.  Visit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09TMJFL7L

Readers can also join her TeaCozy Club for regular news and updates, and receive your free book gift at  VictoriaTait.com

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#Tag Me for Murder

Posted on May 11, 2023 by Dianne Ascroft

Sarah E. Burr is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about #Tag Me for Murder, her latest novel in the Trending Topic Mystery series.

Welcome, Sarah. Let’s get started, shall we?

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

#TagMe for Murder is the second book in my Trending Topic Mysteries. The series features Coco Cline, a famous lifestyle blogger and social media influencer. In this latest outing, Coco’s life is finally returning to normal after solving her first case—or as normal as life can be when you’ve got over three million followers. She’s ready to focus on her growing marketing business and have some summer fun when her new, ornery next-door neighbour is found dead. When the suspect spotlight lands on Coco’s bestie, Jasper, Coco decides to use her tech-savvy sleuthing skills to clear her BFF’s name before his rep is ruined.

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

Since this is only Coco’s second foray into sleuthing, I needed a mystery she would be invested in solving. I didn’t want to kill someone close to Coco, so I opted to have one of Coco’s companions be on the hook for murder. I also knew who my killer was even before I met my victim. So, with the killer in mind, finding someone they’d want dead was the central puzzle I had to solve. Larry Dunmer—the victim—was not a good guy, which was very intentional on my part; I prefer killing off “baddies” rather than good people in my cosy mysteries.

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

Several sub-plots take the reader through #TagMe for Murder, but one I felt really strongly about was the attention to Coco’s mental health. So often in the cosy mystery genre, our MCs are expected to be cheery and upbeat while solving a crime. Coco definitely knows how to have fun during her investigations, but she also deals with their emotional toll. Coming face-to-face with death should not be dealt with flippantly or lightly, and I wanted to show Coco’s vulnerability to my readers. She may have a fabulous job, wealth, and great friends, but she has inner demons, too. Sharing Coco’s struggles with anxiety and panic attacks is my way to help banish the stigma that lingers over mental health.

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

When I first begin writing a new character, there are definitely dominant traits that come out on the page, making them—at first pass—a bit one-dimensional. During revisions and edits, I really flesh out the depth of their personalities, showing them from all angles rather than just one. A favourite character of mine is Jasper Hastings, Coco’s best friend. He’s this larger-than-life personality, but my readers are so astute because they know he uses his bravado to bury his insecurities. Jasper is often very snarky and sassy, which is super fun for me to write. However, in vulnerable moments, you glimpse who Jasper is beneath his media-mogul façade and begin to understand why he is the way he is and why Coco is so protective of him.

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

Cosy mysteries are known for having such charming, engaging settings, which is one of the reasons why I love to write them so much. Creating a cosy town, no matter where it may be located, is always a thrill. I love world-building through shops, restaurants, and points of interest that my characters visit. I want to create establishments my readers want to explore. Every place Coco and her friends check out is a snapshot from my imagination. I visualize these locations vividly and try to capture them on the page. I also draw maps of the area, so I understand how Coco’s world looks from a bird’s eye view.

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

Coco Cline is a social media expert, so naturally, I have to do a lot of research and testing to ensure Coco is using social media to the best of her ability. Knowing the ins and outs of how different apps and platforms work is critical to making the mystery as authentic as possible. For example, in #TagMe for Murder, there is a clue Coco tracks down through Reddit, which is an anonymous social platform. Using that anonymity to my advantage made the clue really fun to weave into the mystery.

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

#TagMe for Murder is not only about Coco Cline but her friends, as well. Coco has such a fantastic support system around her to help with her investigation. From her boyfriend to her mom to her childhood nemesis-turned-friend, Coco rarely does her sleuthing solo, which makes her adventures all the more entertaining.

Thanks for answering my questions, Sarah, and good luck with #Tag Me for Murder, the latest book in Trending Topics Mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Sarah and her writing by visiting her website and her Facebook, Goodreads, Bookbub, Instagram and Social Media pages.

The novel is available online at Amazon

About Sarah E. Burr: Sarah is the award-winning author of the Glenmyre Whim Mysteries, Trending Topic Mysteries, and Court of Mystery series. She currently serves as the social media manager for the New York/Tri-State chapter of Sisters in Crime and is the creative mind behind BookstaBundles, a content creation service for authors. Sarah is the co-host of The Bookish Hour, a live-streamed YouTube series featuring author interviews and book discussions. When she’s not spinning up stories, Sarah is singing show tunes, reading everything from mystery to manga, and enjoying walks with her dog, Eevee.

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The Twenty-one-year Contract

Posted on May 10, 2023 by Dianne Ascroft

Harriet Laws is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about The Twenty-one-year Contract by L.B. Griffins.

Welcome, Harriet. 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.

“When my good friend Lynn AKA LB GRIFFIN decided she wanted to write about me I felt a little reluctant to share my world. At the time it was difficult. My name is Harriet Laws and Lynn encouraged me to share my story. So I agreed and she wrote me into her debut novel: Secrets, Shame and a Shoebox.

Then I became a part of The Twenty-One-Year Contract. Lynn, the author, decided it would be a good thing to keep the books as standalone but they are also sequel and prequel.

For the moment I live in Secrets, Shame and a Shoebox.

Secrets, Shame, and a Shoebox: and my name is Harriet. Harriet Laws.

“When my only surviving relative died. My wonderful Nana who I lived with. I was 17. At the time of my Nana’s death, we were barely scraping by on two incomes. I was alone, bereft, and penniless.

I had nowhere to turn. London is so expensive in the 1950s. Landlords were ruthless. The council didn’t care.

When I was about to be thrown out onto the street, having lost my job for going to the funeral and no money to pay the rent. Fired for nothing and nothing to live for I was about to do away with myself. Then Tom stepped in. Coincidence. Fate. Kismet. Whatever it was, he saved me.

What I should have also known was the people in my street loved my nana. It turns out they loved me too. Nana was generous of heart, and soul. She would give away our last morsel of bread to the families who needed food more than us. My Nana was like that. She was the gatekeeper and taught people to be tolerant of one another.  I learned so much from her.

I realised just how lucky I was. My extended family in Ham Street stepped in. They gave me enough money for a deposit on a bedsit. Then my life took on a whole new meaning.

I met two men. CJ. He was rich, handsome and never knew the meaning of ‘No’. The other, Tom, my lovely, gentle Tom. He was older than me. He was the baker where I now work as a shop assistant. I fell in love with him, but he was too much of a gentleman to reciprocate any feelings in that way. Though we had a great relationship, CJ was a master manipulator. I found that out, too late. After we were married.

Then later I met Kate Westfield.  Kate comes more to life in The Twenty-One-Year Contract which is about her. Coincidence. Fate. Kismet. How many times have you walked down the street, or gone to another continent, or walked into a shop and met someone you know you haven’t seen for years?

 Kate and I became firm friends. We needed one another, and we never knew how much until the end.”

The Twenty-One-Year Contract.

Kate Westfield lives inside The Twenty-One-Year Contract. Though she’s a force to be reckoned with. She was fourteen when her adopted family were killed in a freak road accident.

“I couldn’t bear Uncle Jack having to look after me. He lived in America and worked as an engineer across the world. He had his own life, without me getting in the way. I made plans to run away to London. I was lucky he gave me an allowance which I saved. It gave me the chance I needed. Only one other person knew where I was, my school friend Lucy.

When a manhunt for me began I was having a great time. Well, it was interesting. I’d moved to a tiny bedsit in London. Worked as a fashion designer for Madam Raines at her Atelier. Her clientele, rich and famous. Madam Raines never knew how old I was. I lied. I had to. I couldn’t tell her I was 14. But she loved my work. I became well known and I even adjusted a dress for royalty. I was fifteen when Uncle Jack found me. Though he understood my desire to remain in London and insisted he support me to do that safely. I love my Uncle Jack. He is amazing.

Then came Dorian Craddock. The daughter of a gangster who had been sent to prison for murder and much more. She took over his business empire. Dorian was fearsome. She took me into her world of pleasure where I could network my skills. I quickly learned I needed to be careful around her.

When I met Harriet, it turned out she too knew Dorian Craddock. Dorian owed her life to Harriet. Though she would never admit it. Harriet and I became great friends. We both had a desire to find out who our parents were. Harriet knew all about her mother, but she had no idea who her father was.    

I, on the other hand, had no idea who my parents were. Adoption meant no-one was allowed to reveal their identity. That was until I became twenty-one, then life offered up the solution.

I guess you’ll have to read more to find out what I mean by that. Coincidence. Fate. Kismet.

Our stories continue as our writer friend Lynn has decided to write about us as grandparents. Harriet and I are grandparents! How strange to think. But then we’ve been talking to her about the in between bit. She needs to listen. I’m sure Harriet and I will have a say in that….”

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

“Oh my goodness. LB Griffin is a pussycat. Well, she pretends she is, but I guess Harriet and I wear her down. Both of us have had a big say in what happens to us. Don’t you think that’s true Harriet?”

“Yes, Kate, I do. But you’re a devil, waking her up in the middle of the night with all sorts of ‘when you write this make sure you say that.’ I can understand how Lynn has to get out of bed and start writing, so she can get some sleep!”

“She’s fun to work with though, Harriet and I enjoy her company. She’s got a wicked sense of humour, but she wants us to learn and show what true life is all about. She’s shown us both how to survive and look after others. That’s why we set up a refuge for women and children.”

“Yes, my proudest achievement in life so far Kate. Thank you for helping us achieve it.”

“You’re my best friend Harriet and always welcome. I agree, setting up a refuge in my old home Westfield was a brilliant move.”

How did you evolve as the main character?

Harriet: “My life was a mess. We were poor. My nana died and I was totally alone. I thought life was worth living until I was shown kindness by a stranger. His humanity showed me the way. His name was Tom.

My nana was wonderful. She had a way with her, she also taught me the meaning of life. In the end I began to discover it for myself. I am proud of who I became.”

Kate: “I was Kathleen to begin with. A child, wild, carefree, living in a world of fun in rural Somerset. I found school easy. I climbed trees and sewed with my adopted mother. We had money. Then it all came crashing down. They died. I had been abandoned, again. This time it wasn’t a choice. My natural mother didn’t want me. My adopted family did, but they were gone.

I needed to find myself. Find out if I could survive. I began to survive in London, and in the world of fashion. It was fraught with danger, but I survived. All of it. Harriet will show you her story. I will show you mine.”

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

“From my point of view – as Kate, I loved Dorian Craddock, the monster, the gangster. She’s someone you love to hate. I also loved Uncle Jack. Every little girl needs an Uncle Jack in their life. I was gloriously fortunate to have him.”

“From my point of view as Harriet, I loved Tom. Always will. I also loved my friends in Ham Street, Rosa, with her funny, wonderful, cloud of children. My landlady, Mrs Gaffney, who became one of my firmest friends. She looked after the shoebox. It’s significance to me at the time was it was a part of who I was. It held my mother’s ballet shoes and a cutting of her when she was about to become a prima donna. Then she died. Leaving me with my Nana before I had the chance to meet her.

Mrs Baker was a marvel, as was Mrs Turpin. But Dorian blighted my life at school. She blighted the lives of everyone around. I won’t give any spoilers. I’d much rather you found out for yourself.”

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

It’s 1950s London. I live in the smaller, backstreets of London, which tourists don’t travel to. It’s hard. Dirty and can be dangerous. The Windrush generation have just arrived. The black community is treated with contempt. I hate it. We all need to take a hard, uncomfortable look at ourselves and work out why. I’m white. I have a friend who is black, her name is Patience. I’m proud to call her friend. She is amazing.

As a child I saw the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth 11.

Posh people own black and white televisions the size of a biscuit tin. The utilitarian clothing of the war years is starting to change. Though I can’t afford to buy anything new or special. Some shops will offer a way to buy clothes on the never-never. I won’t do that. I make and mend.

The milkman has gold top and silver top milk in his crate and delivers to your door in a little electric open ended wagon. I love the sound of its quiet swooshing along the street. The birds will peck the cream when it rises in freezing weather.

We don’t have heating, other than fires. They cause the pea-soupers. We don’t have so many pea-soupers these days. Just as well, when the fog drops your life is in imminent danger.  

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

Our stories are about courage, survival, and love. We would love it if you stepped inside our world and shared a part of it with us. We would welcome you with open arms.

Thank you for answering my questions, Harriet, and good luck to you and your author, L.B. Griffin, with The Twenty-one-year Contract.

Readers can learn more about Harriet and her author, L. B. Griffin by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook and Instagram pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

 Amazon – B&N – Apple – Kobo

About L.B. Griffin: She was born and raised in the UK. She is married and came out of retirement when she received a contract for her debut novel. Griffin loves to write stories to touch people’s hearts, She draws upon social issues that are often hidden in deep drawers but readers can identify with. Her women don’t see themselves as courageous, strong, or survivors, but they certainly are.

Her debut, Secrets, Shame, and a Shoebox has received superb 5 star reviews, amongst them Whispering stories and VINE VOICE reader/blogger Michelle Ryles, singing high praise: ‘Incredibly well-written, Secrets, Shame, and a Shoebox is a magnificent debut. It’s a poignant, disturbing and a heart-warming page-turner that has left me chomping at the bit to continue Harriet’s story.’ The sequel, and also standalone – The Twenty-One-Year Contract, is already receiving fantastic five star reviews such as: VINE VOICE “This book will have you laughing, crying and cheering.” L.B. Griffin continues to turn silent stories into courage, hope, and survival. Be warned, she is a self-confessed chocolate-raisin and strawberry addict!

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Blooming with Murder

Posted on May 5, 2023 by Dianne Ascroft

Kathryn Long is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Blooming with Murder, the latest book in the Sierra Pines B&B Mystery series.

Welcome, Kathryn. Let’s get started, shall we?

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

Blooming with Murder is the third book in the Sierra Pines B&B cozy mystery series. Alexis Winston, an unemployed screen writer, comes to California to visit with her great aunt Julia, only to learn she’s passed away. Alexis soon finds out she’s inherited the B&B as well as the octogenarian siblings, Gladys and Ollie Bellwether, who were once in show biz with Julia and now take care of the B&B. Mystery, of course, enters into their lives with murder, while Alexis tries to juggle running a B&B and solving crime. Blooming with Murder starts with the murder of the school board president who has a fatal allergic reaction to face paint. And the artist who is a dear friend of Alexis of course becomes the prime suspect.

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

Actually, I’d been finishing up a book in my other series written as Bailee Abbott which involves a sister duo who run a painting event business. I had all things artistic on my mind and thought how neat to have face paint as the murder weapon in Blooming with Murder! Also, it was in the dead of winter when I wrote this. I longed for springtime and flowers, so of course the book had to involve a spring festival and where everything is in bloom.

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

I wanted a unique and fun way to provide clues, so I decided to use flowergrams and lines from classic movies to help and encourage Alexis in her venture to solve the crime.

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

I often think of people I’ve encountered in real life as well as the ones I see on TV and in movies. For instance, the quirkiness of the Bellwether siblings was inspired by the Brewster sisters in the movie, Arsenic and Old Lace. Florence Greeley, the over dramatic character in this series has a similar personality to Martha in the Good Witch movies. I won’t mention anyone in real life that has inspired my characters. Wouldn’t want to upset anyone! As for my favorites in this series, the Bellwethers are at the top. I love that quirkiness in them but also their caring nature. They’d do anything to protect Alexis.

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

That involved a bit of research. With the advice from my editor, I searched, checked, and double-checked what could be plausible in my fictitious town that is located in the foothills near Lake Tahoe. Everything from weather charts to tire chains that must be used during winter weather. I even contacted someone I know who lives in Folsom to ask how soon in the season it snows. I didn’t want to get anything wrong. In creating my town, I have detailed descriptions about the quaint shops along Main Street, the park with its redwood gazebo, the description of the Sierra Nevada mountains, the flora and fauna indigenous to the area, historic references to Sutter’s Mill and gold mining where one of the oldest citizens of Sierra Pines tells the story of his great grandfather discovering gold, the ski lodge where murder happens at the bottom of a ski slope…I could go on and on. It was so much fun digging up the history of the area and somehow adding stories to the plot that would enrich the reader’s experience of living in Sierra Pines. I know it’s important to readers of cozies to feel like they’d want to go to those locations, cozy towns with friendly people. I like making that happen.

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

In Blooming with Murder, I had several things to research, beyond the weather and geography of central California. First, I wanted to know if it was possible for someone to die from face paint and learned that some people are highly allergic to peanut oil which is found in store-bought paint. If too much gets into the skin pores, someone could go into anaphylactic shock and die. On a lighter note, the next thing I researched was about floriography, the study of flower symbols. Such an interesting topic! There’s so much history that goes back centuries where lovers would communicate with flowers, using their symbolism to convey what they were thinking. Also, researching for movie lines that fit the clues Alexis needed were both frustrating and fun to do!

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

Well, I’m rather sad to tell you that Blooming with Murder is the last one I’ll write in this series. I thought long and hard before making that decision, but I want to focus on other projects for now. Meanwhile, readers can still find me by searching for the Paint by Murder mysteries which I write as Bailee Abbott.

Thanks for answering my questions, Kathryn, and good luck with Blooming with Murder, the latest book in Sierra Pines B&B Mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Kathryn and her writing by visiting her website and her Facebook page. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

Amazon   Barnes&Noble   Kobo   Apple

About Kathryn Long: Kathryn is a native Ohioan who spends her days plotting murder and writing mysteries. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime as well as of International Thriller Writers. She’s actively involved in the writing and publishing worlds and stays up to date on her social media platforms. Kathryn lives with her husband and furry friend Max in the quiet suburbs of Green, Ohio. The B&B series also includes Boarding with Murder and Snowed Under Murder. Inspiration for the storyline comes from her classic movie obsession, particularly Arsenic and Old Lace, and her love for Cary Grant. Kathryn also writes the PAINT BY MURDER mystery series under the name Bailee Abbott.

Posted in Archives, May 2023 | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Poaching is Puzzling

Posted on May 2, 2023 by Dianne Ascroft

Daryl Wood Gerber, author of Poaching is Puzzling, a Cookbook Nook mystery, is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to share her thoughts on first lines of books and more.

Welcome, Daryl. I’ll turn the floor over to you –

Lately, I’ve started videotaping readings of first lines from books I’m either reading, have read, or are on my to-be-read pile, and I share them on Instagram. I did it as a lark, but it has been an eye-opening experience. It has made me pay attention to authors’ specific styles. Many authors begin their stories with weather, emotions, and past histories. Most of my opening lines begin with dialogue because I jump into a story, mid-scene, in conversation.

While focusing on the opening lines of other authors, I realize that I’ve often skimmed over the first few pages of books so I can dive into the story. Read fast. Move it along. As it so happens, that might not be the best thing to do, because so often in those first lines there are clues as to the future of the story.

Here are a few examples:

Sample from The Last Thing He Told Me, by Laura Dave (thriller)

Owen used to like to tease me about how I lose everything, about how, in my own way, I have raised losing things to an art form. Sunglasses, keys, mittens, baseball hats, stamps, cameras, cell phones, Coke bottles, pens, shoelaces.  Socks. Lightbulbs. Ice trays. He isn’t exactly wrong. I did used to have a tendency to misplace things. To get distracted. To forget.

Sample from Lost Luggage by Wendall Thomas (humorous mystery)

Travel is my business. Or least it was. After the last two weeks, no one may trust me with a drink order, much less their seat assignments, cabin preferences, or credit card numbers. Let’s face it, travel is about trust: the instant you zip up that rolling bag, you’re taking a leap of faith. You’re putting your life in the hands of strangers. Total complete lying son of a bitch strangers, in my case.

Sample opening from Poaching is Puzzling (cozy mystery)

Cruciverbalist: crossword puzzle designer

“What’s wrong?” I glanced at my aunt, the brightest woman I knew and the person who’d given me a new lease on life at the Cookbook Nook when my career at an advertising agency wasn’t putting a smile on my face.

“Nothing,” she murmured.

“Liar.” I couldn’t read tea leaves, but I could read her.

*

As you can see, each opening gives an insight into the story. Into the character. Into the upcoming problem.  But each one is completely different in tone. That’s the author’s prerogative. That’s what an editor/publisher looks for—an author’s voice and style.

Challenge yourself. Open any book on your shelf and read the first few lines. Do they grab you? Was that why you bought the book? Or did you scan the blurb on the back of the book and that’s what propelled you to buy it? Or did you just like the cover? Or are you a fan of the author? I think from now on I might start reading opening lines of books I intend to purchase to confirm that I want to take the journey with the protagonist (or protagonists).

Here’s an interesting side note: some people, I’ve been told, like to open the book to about page 69 or 70 and see if there is a “recap” of the story. I’ve never done this, but now I’m curious. Have you? Do you jump ahead to see if you’ll still be interested in finishing the book? Please tell me you never go to the end of the book and read the ending first. Yes, I’ve heard there are people who do this, too. Yipes!

But . . . back to the opening lines . . . I’m so excited that I’ve begun this videotaping project because it’s another way for me, as a writer, to learn what to do and what not to do. Will I now overthink all of my openings? Possibly. Will I wish I could rewrite all of them? No! Like an actor, it’s not good for an author to view her work after it’s been published—me, in particular, because I love to rewrite and edit. I will always find something to spruce up. A Type A like me person can be a bit of a perfectionist. Over the years, I’ve tried to temper this trait. I’ve allowed myself to make mistakes. I’ve laughed off terse letters from readers when they’ve (heaven forbid!) found a mistake. Okay, I haven’t laughed off every letter. 

And now, after this new first-lines venture, I worry that readers might send me critiques of my opening lines. They’re not so good. They stink. They’re trite. Ayieee!  Sleepless nights await me, I’m sure, but for now, I’m enjoying the journey of studying books with a whole new perspective on the writing process. An author can always learn.

Have you ever initiated a project that has kept you up at night?

Thank you for sharing this with us, Daryl, and good luck with Poaching is Puzzling, a Cookbook Nook mystery.

Readers can learn more about Daryl Wood Gerber by visiting the author’s pages:

WEBSITE    FACEBOOK     BOOKBUB    YOUTUBE   INSTAGRAM   PINTEREST     GOODREADS     AMAZON    NEWSLETTER

The book is available online at the following retailers:

 Amazon – B&N – Kobo

About Daryl Wood Gerber: Agatha Award–winning and nationally bestselling author Daryl Wood Gerber is the author of the Cookbook Nook Mysteries, the Fairy Garden Mysteries, the French Bistro Mysteries, the Cheese Shop Mysteries (as Avery Aames), the Aspen Adams Novels of Suspense, and two other stand-alone suspense thrillers. Little known facts about Daryl are that she’s jumped out of a perfectly good airplane, has hitchhiked around Ireland by herself, and has appeared on an episode of Murder, She Wrote. She loves to read, cook, and golf, and has a frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky who keeps her in line!

Posted in May 2023 | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Negative Reaction

Posted on April 27, 2023 by Dianne Ascroft

Lori Roberts Herbst, author of Negative Reaction, a Callie Cassidy mystery, is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to tell us about her writing process.

Welcome, Lori. I’ll turn the floor over to you –

As an author, the most common questions friends and readers ask me revolve around my writing process. It seems almost magical to most people, as it did to me before I started on this journey. To be honest, even with five books under my belt, it still feels a little magical. And frustrating. And rewarding. And stress-producing.

One thing I’ve learned from my interactions with other authors: everyone’s system is different. And for me, anyway, the process changes, at least slightly, with each book. But here’s a broad overview of how I approach a new book.

I am at heart an organizer, so I never begin a book without knowing the crime, the victim, and the villain. Usually, those three things have been percolating in my mind for a while before I start to build a plot around them. For example, at a hockey game once, I grew a bit bored and found myself distracted by the catwalk above me. “What if someone fell from there?” I thought. Then, “What if they were pushed?” That’s how the idea for Book 3, FROZEN IN MOTION, was born.

For NEGATIVE REACTION, Book 5 in the Callie Cassidy Mystery series, I knew I wanted someone to be the victim of a poisoning. Plot-wise, the use of poisons offers so many potential twists and complications. The culprit doesn’t actually have to be present at the scene of the crime, for example, making it difficult to establish alibis. There’s some fun stuff to explore there, in a creepy mystery-writer kind of way. Once I’d decided on an overarching theme (in this case, what defines family?), I decided who the victim would be, then determined the villain.

Once I have the big three—crime, victim, villain—solidly in mind, I work on the book’s opening and the closing. I like to have the plot circle back in some way. Since NEGATIVE REACTION starts with a wedding, I wanted to create an ending that…well, no spoilers here. You’ll just have to read the book to find out.

Next, it’s time to list suspects. It’s a whodunit, after all, and we need a lot of “whocouldadunits.” Each suspect needs a backstory, a credible motive, and a connection to the victim. Then come the clues and the red herrings. As a reader, I’m frustrated if I don’t feel a story has played fair with me. If the murderer turns up for the first time in the last few pages, I scowl. If an important detail isn’t revealed until way too late in the game, I fume. Readers should be given a chance to figure it out for themselves. But if they don’t (which is, of course, ideal), I want them to be able to go back, look at the clues, and say, “Oh, yeah—I should have noticed that. Well done, author. Well done.

The last part of the process involves the subplots. Plot-wise, each of my books stands alone—no cliffhangers. But in terms of character arcs, the stories continue throughout the series. Callie’s best friend got engaged in FROZEN IN MOTION, for example. They throw her a bridal shower in PHOTO FINISHED, and NEGATIVE REACTION takes us to her wedding.

Once all the pieces are in place, I create an outline. I start with a broad list of plot points. These will often be juggled around, scrapped, or reconfigured, so I keep it loose. I craft a more detailed outline encompassing about a quarter of a book, write that quarter, reevaluate my direction, and then outline the next quarter. And so on…

For me, the pre-writing phase takes at least a month, maybe more, but the back of my mind works on that while I’m busy with other things. The outlining itself takes about a month. When it comes to the actual writing, if I’m in the groove, I can usually get a draft done in six to eight weeks. But it’s a rough draft. Very rough. A “what was I thinking?” type of roughness.

After another month of tearing at my hair and wondering why I ever thought I could be a writer, I work on revising. I add suspects if necessary, perhaps change or reorganize scenes, and possibly create new clues and red herrings.

If all goes well, a couple of weeks into the revision process I’m at the “this isn’t as bad as I thought” phase, and by the end of the month I’m thinking, “well, look at this. It might just work.”

I then put the book into the hands of my stellar beta readers, who provide much-needed fresh eyes and feedback. Then it’s off to my editor, who works her magic. That leads to one final revision, followed by proofreading. Since I’m indie published, I spend a day formatting the book. I already have an ebook cover, created by my amazing cover designer, and once I have a paperback length, she generates that cover, too. Then the book is uploaded and ready for readers.

That’s when I settle back for some well-deserved time off. At least a day. Then it’s off to start the next book: in this case, GRAVEN IMAGES, Book 6, coming soon!

If you have any questions about my process, feel free to ask in the comments. I’m happy to answer!

Thank you for sharing this with us, Lori, and good luck with Negative Reaction, a Callie Cassidy mystery.

Readers can learn more about Lori Roberts Herbst by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Goodreads, Bookbub and Instagram pages.

The book is available online at Amazon

About Lori Roberts Herbst: Lori, who writes the Callie Cassidy Mystery series, spent much of her life writing, editing, and psychoanalyzing. Through thirty years of teaching journalism, advising newspaper and yearbook staff, instructing budding photographers, and counseling teenagers, she still managed to hang on to a modicum of sanity. Her books have earned first-place CIBA awards in the Murder and Mayhem division. She currently serves as secretary of the Sisters in Crime North Dallas chapter and is a member of the Sisters in Crime Guppies and the Mystery Writers of America.

Posted in April 2021, Archives | 2 Comments

Cafe au Slay

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Dianne Ascroft

Piper Addison is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Café au Slay, the latest novel in the Orchard Hollow mystery series.

Welcome, Piper. 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.

Cafe au Slay is a paranormal cozy mystery complete with an unlucky witch, a ghost familiar, and a feisty raccoon with a talent for getting into sticky situations. It is book 2 of the Orchard Hollow series, but can be read as a standalone. The series takes place in a small town where magic lives in the depths of shadows. But as we all know, where there is magic, there is trouble, which is exactly how I ended up in the middle of a murder investigation. Again.

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

I let A.N. believe she holds the strings, but in the end, what I say goes.

How did you evolve as the main character?

I like to think I was born to be a lead. Just kidding, I have no idea how I ended up in this position. If you ask my ghost familiar, she’d tell you I have no place in the spotlight, especially with my fashion choices. But the writer must really believe in me because I am always finding myself in the most interesting situations. Unfortunately, most of them usually involve a corpse. Wonderful.

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

Definitely! Don’t tell Stella, my ghost familiar, but I actually really enjoy her company. I even like having Harry Houdini, the rascal raccoon we can’t get rid off, around. Between the two of them, I have my hands full. Just how I like it!

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

Orchard Hollow is pretty special, if you don’t count the dead bodies. We’re very much like every other small town except for one thing: we have magic. Well, some of us do. Our town is nestled between an angry sea and sky-high cliffs, the perfect setting for a town full of mischief.

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

If you like loveable characters and a mystery that will keep you guessing, check out my story!

Thank you for answering my questions, Piper, and good luck to you and your author, A N Sage, with Café au Slay, the latest book in the Orchard Hollow mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Piper and her author, A N Sage by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and YouTube pages.

The novel is available online at Amazon

About A.N. Sage: A N is a bestselling, award-winning author of young adult fantasy and mystery. She has spent most of her life waiting to meet a witch, vampire, or at least get haunted by a ghost. In between failed seances and many questionable outfit choices, she has developed a keen eye for the extra-ordinary.

A.N. spends her free time reading and binge-watching television shows in her pajamas. Currently, she resides in Toronto, Canada with her husband who is not a creature of the night and their daughter who just might be. A.N. Sage is a Scorpio and a massive advocate of leggings for pants.

Posted in April 2023, Archives | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Brushed up on Murder

Posted on April 25, 2023 by Dianne Ascroft

Ruth J. Hartman is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Brushed up on Murder, her first novel in the Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery series.

Welcome, Ruth. Let’s get started, shall we?

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

“Brushed Up on Murder” takes place in Whitewater Valley, Indiana. The main character is Molly, whose occupation is a cat groomer. It’s Book #1 in the Mobile Cat Groomer Mysteries.

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

I loved the idea of a woman who works as a mobile cat groomer finding a body while working for one of her pet parents. It seemed like a really cool way for the heroine to discover trouble happening in the midst of her normally quiet work day.

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

In “Brushed Up on Murder”, Molly has a very close, loving relationship with her Uncle Russ, who becomes a murder suspect when he’s falsely accused by the sheriff. Molly’s uncle in the books is based on my own Uncle Russ, who I adore.

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

Many times, my main female character will be a lot like me. Nice, friendly, but also quirky and more than a little clumsy at times. And the main characters are always cat lovers.

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

I like to incorporate people, places and occupations that remind of the small town I live in. Also, the subjects the characters talk about and often the way they speak, will turn up in my books. And since there are always cats in my books, I include a lot of their behavior too.

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

It was fun doing research for “Brushed Up on Murder” since it was about a mobile cat groomer. I love everything to do with felines, and learning about the profession of a groomer was fascinating. Especially the ones who have mobile grooming stations and drive their vans to regularly visit their furry clients at their homes.

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

It’s a fun, witty story with lots of quirky characters and an abundance of cats. It was a joy to write!

Thanks for answering my questions, Ruth, and good luck with Brushed up on Murder, the first book in Mobile Cat Groomer Mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Ruth and her writing by visiting her website and her Facebook and Goodreads pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The novel is available online at  Amazon 

About Ruth J. Hartman: Ruth spends her days herding cats and her nights spinning mysterious tales. She, her husband, and their cats love to spend time curled up in their recliners watching old Cary Grant movies. Well, the cats sit in the people’s recliners. Not that the cats couldn’t get their own furniture. They just choose to shed on someone else’s.

Ruth, a left-handed, cat-herding, farmhouse-dwelling writer uses her sense of humor as she writes tales of lovable, klutzy women who seem to find trouble without even trying.

Ruth’s husband and best friend, Garry, reads her manuscripts, rolls his eyes at her weird story ideas, and loves her despite her insistence all of her books have at least one cat in them. 

Posted in April 2023, Archives | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

A Wealth of Deception

Posted on April 12, 2023 by Dianne Ascroft

Edie Brown is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about A Wealth of Deception, the latest novel in the Scandal Mountain Antiques mystery series.

Welcome, Edie. 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, my name is Edie Brown and I’m an art and antique dealer and the main character in the Scandal Mountain Antiques Mystery series. At the beginning of the second book in the series, A WEALTH OF DECEPTION (standalone), I’ve been back home for a month. I returned after my mom went to prison for art forgery and am working hard to rebuild my family’s antiques business as well as restore our reputation. At the beginning of the novel, an older woman we know stops at the shop to ask for a favor. A friend of hers is having a yard sale and needs help pricing some items. The friend already asked another antique dealer—our nemesis, Felix Graham—if he’d help her. He said, no. My uncle Tuck and I agreed to do the favor. Nothing would be better than to buy an amazing piece of art or antique at the friend’s house, and then to have Graham find out that he walked away from a good opportunity. What we end up finding at the house is beyond anything I could’ve imagined, and it draws us into a dangerous and high-stakes mystery.

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

It’s all about me. Trish Esden—aka: the author—bases the novels on situations that would challenge me the most, both intellectually and emotionally. A WEALTH OF DECEPTION involves outsider art which truly speaks to my soul.

How did you evolve as the main character?

That’s an ongoing process. I have a lot of baggage, especially where my mom’s concerned. Before I came home I truly believed she was guilty of the art forgery charge. Now I’m beginning to suspect I was too hard on her. More likely someone used her weaknesses to set her up for the fall. Also, in A WEALTH OF DECEPTION, my friends with benefits relationship with Detective Shane Payton hits a major roadblock, one that tests and changes both of us.

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

As far as I’m concerned, I’m not the only main character in the Scandal Mountain Antiques Mystery series. Kala, my one and only employee, is far more than a sidekick. She’s an invaluable member of our team. She’s smart and devious, and brave as they come. There’s also my uncle Tuck. He’s most often the voice of reason in our little group. He’s a combination big brother and best friend to me. He also has more people skills than Kala or me—and his mastery of horticulture is only matched by his ability in the kitchen.  

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

You mean my home? The town of Scandal Mountain is in northwestern Vermont. It’s a good size village nestled into the mountains. My family’s house and shop are on the outskirts of the town. Well, the easiest way to describe it is to let you read a snippet from book 1 in the series, THE ART OF THE DECOY.

“My family’s large brick house sat at the top of the rise. It was built in the 1830s and had changed very little since then. As always, the gardens and lawn took my breath away. Irises and peonies overflowed beds and escaped cages. Ferns, hostas, and wild rose bushes crowded the edges of the lawn. No matter what time of year, the gardens never failed to remind me of Claude Monet’s home in France, a location Grandma and Tuck had intentionally emulated when they’d planned the landscape. But what brought a prickle of tears to my eyes was the familiar sloped panorama of Scandal Mountain Valley, framed by the gardens and hills of lush-green trees.

A heavy sense of being right where I belonged closed in, as welcoming and weighty as the crazy quilt I’d napped under as a child, satin and velvet, embroidered with dates and symbols of past events, torn where time-frayed threads had laid open its cotton heart.

I took a steadying breath, then parked in front of the carriage barn that housed the shop. I retrieved a suitcase from the back. Its wheels clattered as I pulled it up the walkway toward the kitchen door…”

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

Mostly I’d like to thank you for hosting me and being a part of A WEALTH OF DECEPTION’s book birthday tour! It was a lot of fun to share some tidbits about me. But there are plenty more secrets to be revealed in the series, so read the books closely and you might just catch a glimpse of things to come.

Thank you for answering my questions, Edie, and good luck to you and your author, Trish Esden, with A Wealth of Deception, the latest book in the Scandal Mountain Antiques mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Edie and her author, Trish Esden by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Goodreads, Bookbub, and Instagram pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

Indiebound – Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Apple Books – Kobo – Bookshop.org

About Trish Esden: Trish loves museums, gardens, wilderness, dogs and birds, in various orders depending on the day. She lives in northern Vermont where she deals antiques with her husband, a profession she’s been involved with since her teens. Don’t ask what her favorite type of antique is. She loves hunting for old bottles and rusty barn junk as much as she enjoys fine art and furnishings. Trish is the author of the Scandal Mountain Antiques Mystery series which explores the secretive and adrenaline-charged underbelly of the antique and art world.

Posted in April 2023, Archives | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment