A Special Edition of Daffodils and Deadly Deeds

Posted on February 2, 2024 by Dianne Ascroft

Dotty Sayers is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about a special edition of Daffodils and Deadly Deeds, the latest novel in the Dotty Sayers Antique mysteries series.

Welcome, Dotty. 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 Dotty Sayers and I’m delighted to be back to tell you about my new book Daffodils and Deadly Deeds.

But shoosh, this is special and not everyone knows about it.

You see, this is a custom Easter and springtime themed book. And although I’ve seen my first snowdrops pushing out of the wet earth, the blossom and buds of the new season are still a few months away.

But my author and I wanted to offer you a unique early edition which will never be available on retailers. It includes a hand-drawn map of Alnwick, Northumberland, where the story is set, a selection of my author’s research and book commentary notes, and an Easter egg hunt.

An Easter egg hunt I hear you ask. Yes, certain chapters will have custom Easter egg header images and below these you’ll find themed trivia questions to answer. I told you it was special!

And the fun doesn’t stop there. If readers back this project on Kickstarter they can also receive Easter themed puzzles, to enjoy with their friends and family, and themed recipe cards 😋

Click image for more information about the special edition

Let me tell you more about Daffodils and Deadly Deeds and my Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series.

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

Daffodils and Deadly Deeds is a joint effort. At the start of the book, I’m pondering what to do next with my life, both professionally and personally.

When Zach, an American colleague I met while working in Yorkshire, asks me to join him in Northumberland, to help him research his family’s history, I don’t have a reason to refuse.

I found Alnwick and the surrounding area fascinating, and I met some lovely people and quickly made new friends. But when one of them disappears and her body is found in a secluded cove, I know I have to find out what happened. The problem is, Inspector Thorn is not as accepting as some police officers, and refuses to include me in his investigation.

How did you evolve as the main character?

This is the eighth story I’ve been involved in, nine if you include the prequel, Hour is Come, which you can download here for free.

We started while I was living in the Cotswolds, but we’ve also visited Edinburgh and Yorkshire, and here we find ourselves in Northumberland.

Click on the image to learn more about this special edition

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

This was my first visit to Northumberland, England’s northernmost county. I was captivated by the history, the scenery, and the generosity of the local people.

Central to the story is Alnwick, a market town dating back to AD 600, and the imposing Alnwick Castle, ancestral home of the Duke of Northumberland. There are over 70 castles in Northumberland, and I also visited the coastal ruins of Dunstanburgh Castle, only accessible by a footpath from Craster, a small fishing village famous for its smokehouse.

With Zach, I also took rugged coastal walks, explored ruined country estates, and, of course, enjoyed a cup of tea or a delicious meal in one of a variety of restaurants and cafes.

And we mustn’t forget Barter Books, a wonderful, quirky bookshop in Alnwick’s converted Victorian railway station.

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

I hope, like me, you’re excited about Daffodils and Deadly Deeds. So how do you get hold of a copy of the special early edition?

We’re offering it first on Kickstarter, a crowdfunding platform for creators. This means that as well as the custom book, with its hand-drawn map, Easter egg hunt and author notes, you can pledge for a pack of Easter themed puzzles and themed recipe cards.

Even if you only buy on Amazon, or read through Kindle Unlimited, please check out my campaign so you can see what I, and other authors, plan to offer our readers more of in the future.

Thank you.

Thank you for answering my questions, Dotty, and good luck to you and your author, Victoria Tait, with this special edition of Daffodils and Deadly Deeds, the latest book in the Dotty Sayers Antique mysteries series.

The Kickstarter campaign closes on 11th February. You can find it here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/victoriatait/daffodilsspecialedition

About Victoria Tait: Victoria was born and raised in Yorkshire, England, and never expected to travel the world. She’s drawn on her life’s experiences of following her military husband, and a love of Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Murder She Wrote, to write British-based cozy mysteries. Her determined and hard-working female sleuths are joined by colourful but realistic teams of helpers, and her settings are vivid and evocative. As you’re compelled to keep turning the pages, you’ll be irresistibly drawn into a world of intrigue, surprises, and humour, as well as a delectable helping of mystery, because tea and intrigue are a perfect blend.

Posted in Archives, February 2024 | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Fit for Murder

Posted on January 30, 2024 by Dianne Ascroft

Jessica Fletcher is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to tell us about Fit for Murder, the latest novel in the Murder, She Wrote mystery series.

Welcome, Jessica. 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 All, my name is Jessica Fletcher and I am a former school teacher. When my beloved husband Frank died, I filled the solitary evenings and weekends by writing a murder mystery. I suppose it was a kind of therapy for me. I was shocked when, without my knowledge, my nephew Grady presented it to a publisher, who purchased the book and that was the start of my second career, J. B. Fletcher, mystery writer.  I am quite pleased that readers can follow along in all my adventures. Murder, She Wrote, Fit for Murder is book #57 in the series. It seems that a fitness professional has come to Cabot Cove and he seems to have a great fondness for ladies of a certain age, particularly those with comfortable incomes. When he is found dead in his gym lying on a press bench with a bar of heavy weights crushing his windpipe. Was it an accident? Or murder?

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

Fortunately, my co-writer Terrie Farley Moran has been watching Murder, She Wrote since the very first television episode appeared in 1984 and has also read all of the books so we understand each other and work well together. To find the answer to your question, all you need to do is look at the book cover. Whose picture do you see? And the authors are listed by name: “Jessica Fletcher and Terrie Farley Moran”. Whose name comes first?

How did you evolve as the main character?

One thing followed another. Once I was selected as the main character for the Murder, She Wrote television show, and the creators came up with the idea of having companion books, well, I just transferred to a different medium. I suspect the creators thought the books would have a wide audience because, as you know, I have a flair for stumbling across murders wherever I may be, and an even greater flair for solving them.

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

When a murder occurs in Cabot Cove, I can always rely on my dear friends, Doctor Seth Hazlitt and Sheriff Mort Metzger to help satisfy my innate curiosity by sharing information with me. In this particular story, it happens that Evelyn Phillips, former editor of the Cabot Cove Gazette, pushes me to help solve the murder even as she becomes a suspect, while her replacement and direct opposite personality wise, Dan Andrews, contributes to the resolution of a different crime entirely.

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

Home! I am home in Cabot Cove, Maine, the warm and friendly community that sits on the shore of the cove that gives the town its name.

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

Well, as I mentioned, these books are based on the Murder, She Wrote television series and on September 30, 2024 we will celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the first episode of the television show which was titled “The Murder of Sherlock Holmes”. I would like to thank the many viewers and readers who have kept the Murder, She Wrote franchise so popular for these forty years. I frequently hear from adults who, as children, watched Murder She Wrote on television or read the books with their grandparents are now watching and reading Murder, She Wrote with their grandchildren. I hope that we will all remain friends for many years to come.

Thank you for answering my questions, Jessica, and good luck to you and your author, Terrie Farley Moran, with Fit for Murder, the latest book in the Murder, She Wrote mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Jessica Fletcher and her author, Terrie Farley Moran by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook page.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

 Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Bookshop.org – PenguinRandomHouse

About Terrie Farley Moran: Terrie co-writes the Murder, She Wrote mystery series including Murder, She Wrote: Killer on the Court. She is the author of the Read ‘Em and Eat cozy mystery series and also co-writes the Scrapbooking Mysteries with Laura Childs. Recipient of both the Agatha and the Derringer Awards, Moran has published numerous mystery short stories. The only thing Terrie enjoys more than wrangling mystery plots into submission is hanging out with any or all of her seven grandchildren.

Posted in Archives, January 2024 | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Twinkle Twinkle au Revoir

Posted on January 26, 2024 by Dianne Ascroft

Jade Hicks from Twinkle Twinkle au Revoir, A Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe mystery, is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to tell us a bit about what happened when Hollywood arrived in Mermaid Bay.

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

Hi, y’all. I’m Jade Hicks, and I own ‘Tis the Season, a Christmas store in the beach town of Mermaid Bay, Virginia.  My grandmother opened the store about thirty years ago in a converted beach cottage. Each themed room has decorations, and at last count, there are over 300 trees in the store. My spunky French bulldog Chloe comes to work with me every day. She thinks she’s head of security, but Neville the Devil Cat, the store’s chief mouser, has other ideas.

Guess what happened to our quiet little beach! Love is in the air when Hollywood arrives in Mermaid Bay, and the town may never be the same. Fans will do almost anything to get a glimpse of the actors or a chance to be an extra in the Love Channel’s “My Coastal Valentine.” Crowds flock to our cozy beach town from all over and business is booming. All is going well until the body of a testy reporter is found in one of the actor’s rooms. And if murder isn’t bad enough, someone tries to kill the show’s star, hunky Raphael Allard.

Mermaid Bay feels cursed, as the Love Channel threatens to pull out of the project. Along with my team, Lorelei, Peppermint Patti, Bernie, Chloe, and Neville the Devil Cat, I have to solve the crimes before it ruins the town’s reputation and breaks the hearts of fans across the country.

Twinkle Twinkle Au Revoir is the second book in the Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries cozy series. Jade and the gang will also appear in A Tisket A Tasket, Not Another Casket (2025). The series has been extended for three additional cozy mysteries.

Thank you for sharing this with us, Jade, and good luck to you and your author, Heather Weidner, with Twinkle Twinkle au Revoir, the latest book in the Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Jade and her author, Heather Weidner by visiting the author’s website and. her Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, BookBub and Goodreads pages. You can also follow her on Twitter and BlueSky.

The book is available online at  Amazon 

About Heather Weidner: Through the years, Heather Weidner has been a cop’s kid, technical writer, editor, college professor, software tester, and IT manager. She writes the Pearly Girls Mysteries, the Delanie Fitzgerald Mysteries, The Jules Keene Glamping Mysteries, and The Mermaid Bay Christmas Shoppe Mysteries. Her short stories appear in the Virginia is for Mysteries series, 50 Shades of Cabernet, Deadly Southern Charm, and Murder by the Glass, and she has non-fiction pieces in Promophobia and The Secret Ingredient: A Mystery Writers’ Cookbook.

She is a member of Sisters in Crime: National, Central Virginia, Chessie, Guppies, and Grand Canyon Writers, International Thriller Writers, and James River Writers, and she blogs regularly with the Writers Who Kill. Originally from Virginia Beach, Heather has been a mystery fan since Scooby-Doo and Nancy Drew. She lives in Central Virginia with her husband and a pair of Jack Russell terriers.

Posted in Archives, January 2024 | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

A glimpse into the life of a storyteller

Posted on January 23, 2024 by Dianne Ascroft

Barbara Howard, author of The Clover City Files mysteries, is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to give us a glimpse into the life of a storyteller.

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

Hey fellow mystery enthusiasts! Grab your favorite cup of tea, settle into your comfiest chair, and let’s dive into the thrilling world of storytelling, where every plot twist is a heartbeat and every clue a breadcrumb leading to the unknown.

Being a storyteller is like embarking on a perpetual journey into the labyrinth of the human psyche. Crafting mystery stories adds an extra layer of excitement — it’s the art of weaving a tale of suspense and revelation that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Not an easy task!

First things first, let’s talk about the creative chaos that brews inside a storyteller’s mind. Talk about a tangled web! Picture this: a storm of ideas swirling around, characters whispering their secrets, and mysterious settings materializing out of the mist. It’s a stream of imagination that plays non-stop, and we storytellers wouldn’t have it any other way.

Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of creating mystery stories. It’s not just about concocting a crime or a puzzle; it’s about building a world where shadows dance, and every detail is a potential clue. Research becomes the compass guiding us through this uncharted territory. The life of a storyteller involves digging into the archives of crime history, exploring forensics, and sometimes even chatting up detectives (no trench coats or magnifying glasses required).

Research isn’t just about facts; it’s about infusing authenticity into the narrative. The aroma of an old bookstore, the click-clack of heels on pavement, or the subtle nuances of detective work — these are the details that bring a mystery story to life. And believe me, the rabbit holes of research can lead to some fascinating discoveries. Who knew that poison hemlock could be so intriguing?

In the age of information, research has taken on new dimensions. Google searches, interviews with experts, and deep dives into online archives become our trusty companions. As we navigate this labyrinth of information, we discover that the devil truly is in the details. Whether it’s understanding the workings of a specific location, unraveling the psychology behind criminal behavior, or immersing ourselves in the fashion and trends of a particular era, the meticulous gathering of information enriches the storytelling process.

Let’s talk about the characters. In a mystery, they’re the heartbeat of the story. The detective with a troubled past, the enigmatic villain lurking in the shadows, and the unsuspecting sidekick who steals the show — they’re the players in our narrative chess game. As a storyteller, I often find myself becoming a character detective, peeling back layers to reveal their motivations and quirks. It’s like unwrapping a series of mysterious gifts; you never know what you’ll find beneath the surface. Think Forrest Gump and his box of chocolates.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room — plot twists. Ah, the exhilaration of leading readers down one path only to yank the rug out from under them. Bwahaha! Crafting a satisfying twist is an art form, a delicate dance between deception and revelation. It’s about keeping readers guessing, surprising them when they least expect it, and leaving them with that delicious sense of, “I never saw that coming.”

But the real magic lies in the emotional resonance of a story. It’s about making readers feel the pulse of fear, the rush of excitement, and the satisfaction of solving a puzzle alongside the characters. As a storyteller, I aim to create an immersive experience, a journey that lingers in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the last page. Do I get it right every time? No, not at all. But the fun is in the journey, building and improving your writing craft with each project.

But it’s not all about the mechanics; it’s also about the thrill of discovery. As we craft mysteries, we often find ourselves surprised by the characters we’ve created! They take on a life of their own, leading the narrative in unexpected directions. This dynamic interplay between the author and the characters is one of the most enchanting aspects of storytelling. It’s invigorating to be surprised by our own creations.

Plus, engaging with mystery stories becomes a two-fold delight. Not only do we relish the intricate plots and the puzzle-solving journey, but we also find resonance with the complexities of the characters. Life experience brings a depth of understanding to the motivations, struggles, and triumphs of the characters we encounter in the pages of a mystery novel. We connect with their imperfections, empathize with their dilemmas, and cheer for their resilience. Being a storyteller is not just about crafting words on a page; it’s about creating a world that readers can escape into, a world that challenges their intellect and stirs their emotions.

In conclusion, being a storyteller crafting mystery tales is an exhilarating ride through the imagination, fueled by research, character exploration, and the thrill of surprising our readers. So, grab your detective hat and join me on this adventure where every word is a clue, and every page turns the key to another puzzle. Happy sleuthing!

Thank you for sharing this with us, Barbara, and good luck with The Clover City Files mysteries.

Readers can learn more about Barbara Howard by visiting the author’s website and. her Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Blue Sky Social and Goodreads pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The book is available online at the following retailers: 

 Amazon – Books2Read

About Barbara Howard: Barbara is the author of two cozy mystery series; Finding Home and The Clover City Files. Her stories feature a female amateur sleuth, diverse characters, and a dash of romance.  She is a first-generation tech geek turned master gardener. She returned to her Midwestern hometown after an extensive career as a Department of Defense Project Manager at the Pentagon and spends most of her time treasure hunting, spoiling her fur-babies, growing veggies, and plotting whodunits.

Memberships/Affiliations: Mystery Writers of America (MWA), Sisters in Crime (SinC), Great Lakes Fiction Writers (GLFW), Crime Writers of Color (CWoC), Gamma Xi Phi (GXP)

Posted in Archives, January 2024 | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

A Bean to Die For

Posted on January 19, 2024 by Dianne Ascroft

Lana Lewis is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about A Bean to Die For, the latest novel in the Coffee Lover’s mystery series.

Welcome, Lana. 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.

Hello! I’m Lana Lewis, and yes, I do live inside a series. It’s called The Coffee Lover’s Mystery Series (really, who DOESN’T love coffee?) and I’m the main character. That kind of makes me uncomfortable. You see, I’m a former journalist, and I’m used to observing, not being in the spotlight.

The series is about the goings-on around Devil’s Beach, a small island in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida. It’s kind of a weird, quirky island, with a lot of colorful personalities. Everyone’s pretty kind, though, if you exclude the guy who runs the *other* coffee shop…

Oh, yeah, I should probably tell you about that, too. I run Perkatory, the island’s best and most popular café on the island. It’s a community hub and the place where everyone comes for excellent caffeine and hot gossip.

Does the writer control what happens in the story or do you get a say too?
Sadly, the writer controls it all. She is also a former reporter and has very particular ideas of how a mystery should unfold. Sometimes I try to argue with her about suspects and red herrings and whatnot. But she’s a bit stubborn, a quality I am intimately familiar with.

How did you evolve as the main character?

I’ll be honest, I’m not entirely sure why the author chose to write my story. Probably because there are parallels between her life and mine. Write what you know, I guess. We also both share a love of Florida.

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

I adore the other characters in my book! There’s my best friend, Erica, who is an aging goth girl who lives on a sailboat at the marina. Then there’s my father, Peter, who is an old hippie who loves to gossip and drink coffee. And we can’t forget my boyfriend, Noah Garcia. He’s the police chief, although that might be changing soon, according to events in A BEAN TO DIE FOR. And how can we not mention the true star of the book: Stanley, my year-old Shih Tzu puppy! He’s the best of all.

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

It’s a tropical island in southwest Florida, so it’s hot and humid much of the year. There are gorgeous beaches, and a small historic downtown. It’s really one of Florida’s prettiest places, and only recently has it become incredibly popular with tourists. Devil’s Beach has a real Jimmy Buffett-meets-Only Murders in the Building vibe. Well, that’s also because there have been a few murders here lately. Including the one featured in A BEAN TO DIE FOR. I seem to have a knack for getting involved with dead bodies, including the one I discover at the community garden. Shudder.

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

Of the four books I’ve been part of, this is probably the most dangerous and twisty case I’ve worked on! Also, Stanley gets a cute haircut and I meet Noah’s mom for the first time. I’m juggling a lot in this book! Thank you for reading about my hijinks and investigations!

Thank you for answering my questions, Lana, and good luck to you and your author, Tara Lush, with A Bean to Die For, the latest book in the Coffee Lover’s mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Lana and her author, Tara Lush by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Goodreads and Instagram pages.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

 Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Kobo – Bookshop.org

About Tara Lush: Tara is a Florida-based author and journalist. She’s an RWA Rita finalist, an Amtrak writing fellow, and the winner of the George C. Polk Award for environmental journalism. She was a reporter with The Associated Press in Florida, covering crime, alligators, natural disasters, and politics. She also writes contemporary romance set in tropical locations under the name Tamara Lush.

Tara is a fan of vintage pulp fiction book covers, Sinatra-era jazz, 1980s fashion, tropical chill, kombucha, gin, tonic, seashells, iPhones, Art Deco, telenovelas, street art, coconut anything, strong coffee and newspapers. She lives on the Gulf Coast with her husband and two dogs.

Posted in Archives, January 2021 | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Deadly to the Core

Posted on January 17, 2024 by Dianne Ascroft

Kate Mulligan is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Deadly to the Core, the first novel in the Cider House mystery series.

Welcome, Kate. 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.

My name is Kate Mulligan and I’m in the process of opening a cidery in Orchardville, Pennsylvania, not far from Gettysburg. I inherited an orchard from my great uncle and because I needed a fresh start, I thought a cidery was the perfect solution.

My author hopes it will be a series but she was only under contract for one book. I’d kind of like it to continue, too. I’ve made a lot of good friends since I moved to Orchardville.

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

Oh, I definitely get a say. My author starts with a general outline, but we characters always end up changing things around.

How did you evolve as the main character?

That’s a tough question and one I don’t like answering. Before I inherited the orchard, I had the worst year. I lost my husband in a car accident and I ended up with a lot of titanium holding me together. I still miss Brian but I’m learning to live without him—something I never imagined I could do.

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

I was thrilled to reunite with my childhood friend, Marguerite. I used to spend summers with my grandmother and Uncle Stan and Marguerite and I spent every waking moment together. We don’t get in as much trouble as we used to, though. I also like many of the townsfolk I’ve met. My neighbor, Daniel, has been great.

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

Orchardville is a typical small town. It attracts a lot of tourists since it’s so close to Gettysburg. There’s a couple restaurants, Marguerite’s café, a candle shop, a tea shop, and there’s even a karaoke bar not far from town.

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

Only that I really appreciate anyone who buys the book. I hope to show you more about Orchardville and cider making in the future. And I can’t help but wonder where my relationship with Daniel is headed.

Thank you for answering my questions, Kate, and good luck to you and your author, Joyce Tremel, with Deadly to the Core, the frst book in the Cider House mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Kate and her author, Joyce Tremel by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook and Goodreads pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

 Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Bookshop.org – PenguinRandomHouse

About Joyce Tremel Joyce was a police secretary for ten years and more than once envisioned the demise of certain co-workers, but settled on writing as a way to keep herself out of jail. In addition to the Cider House Mysteries, she wrote the Brewing Trouble Mysteries. As Joyce St. Anthony, she writes the Homefront News historical mysteries. She lives in the beautiful Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania with her husband and two cats named Hops and Lager.

Posted in January 2024, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Vanilla Chai and a Vanishing Victim

Posted on January 11, 2024 by Dianne Ascroft

Sergeant Keya Varma is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Vanilla Chai and a Vanishing Victim, the latest 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, which is my official title.  I’m the Cotswold’s Rural Engagement Officer which means I oversee over 1,000 square kilometres of villages and countryside.

There’s a lot to do, and the role is only a part-time, but that allows me to run my Waterwheel Café at Akemans, a local antiques centre. And I’m lucky to have help from my sister, Zivah, our mum, and my friends.

But sometimes it is hard, such as when my team at Cirencester Police Station is involved with an important case.

Vanilla Chai and a Vanishing Victim is the third book in my Waterwheel Café Mystery series. It’s a sad story of the kidnapping of a child but don’t worry, the boy isn’t harmed and he is returned to his parents.

The series covers the planning and opening of my café, and two of the major cases I’ve been involved with during that time. Please feel free to read book one, Earl Grey and Shallow Graves, and book two, Darjeeling and A Deadly Disappearance.

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

The premise for this book begins with the disappearance of a young boy.  After that, my writer and I ask questions and follow the clues, with the help of my police colleagues, until we find the boy and the reason why he was taken.

How did you evolve as the main character?

I joined Dotty in her series, the Dotty Sayers Antique Mysteries. As Dotty is away, I’ve taken over telling readers about events as they happen in the Cotswolds.

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. 

My team at Cirencester Station is run by the often grumpy Inspector Evans, and his boss, Chief Inspector Greg. Family Liaison Officer, Inspector Sue Honeywell, recently joined our team. I work mostly with Constable Ryan Jenkins, who is a tech genius, and I mustn’t forget retired officer, Stan Rowbottom, who helps out with research and has an extensive knowledge of old cases.

Outside the station, 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 central 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.

My cafe is in 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?

If you’ve not read any of Victoria’s book before, you can download her free prequel to both mine and Dotty’s stories at her website, VictoriaTait.com, or Click Here.

And I hope you enjoy reading Vanilla Chai and a Vanishing Victim.

Thank you for answering my questions, Keya, and good luck to you and your author, Victoria Tait, with Vanilla Chai and a Vanishing Victim, the latest book in the Waterwheel 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 at the following online retailers:

 Books2Read   Amazon 

About Victoria Tait: Victoria was born and raised in Yorkshire, England.  After following her military husband around the world, she drew on her life’s experiences, and a love of Agatha Christie, Father Brown, and Murder She Wrote, to write British based cozy mysteries.

Her determined female sleuths are joined by colourful and quirky teams of helpers, and her settings are vivid and realistic.  As you’re compelled to keep turning the pages, you’ll be irresistibly drawn into a world where you’ll experience surprises, humour and sometimes, a tug on your heartstrings.

Do you like tea, mysteries, and books? Then why not join Victoria’s TeaCozy Club for regular news and updates, and download the free prequel to the Dotty Sayers Antique Mysteries series as a gift by visiting VictoriaTait.com

Posted in Archives, January 2024 | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Rivers and Creaks

Posted on January 9, 2024 by Dianne Ascroft

Andy Shirley is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Rivers and Creaks, the latest novel in the Redwoods Country mystery series.

Welcome, Andy. 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.

No. I didn’t sign up to do this interview. That author, Marc Jedel, tricked me into doing this. People are a nuisance and I’d rather not talk to them. I certainly don’t need their noses in my business. I’m working towards becoming a hermit. Strike that. As a word, recluse suits me better. I expect you to make that edit before the final edition is printed.

I overheard Marc Jedel tell someone that his novel, Rivers and Creaks, is a bit like Grumpy Old Men meets Schitt’s Creek. As the so-called grumpy old man in that description, I’m not sure I like his glib characterization. In fact, Marc hadn’t disclosed he’d written this novel about my move to the Redwoods Country north of San Francisco until just recently. I moved up here by myself after losing my wife a year ago. It was our shared dream to relocate here to run a bed and breakfast after my retirement. Actually it was more Catherine’s dream than mine. My plan had been to go fishing and fix things around the place. Now, I’m stuck up here by myself in a place needing far more work than I anticipated. To top it off, someone was killed on my first day. In addition to dealing with faulty plumbing and annoying guests, I had to solve the murder or I’d have lost my entire investment. Again, not what I signed up for.

Apparently Marc plans to write more novels in this humorous murder mystery series. He better think again if he plans to have me solve all of his mysteries for him. I’ve got better things to do.

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

It’s a little philosophical to ask someone whether they control their own destiny, isn’t it? All I know is when something bad happened around me or I was struggling to find the killer, I noticed the author didn’t bother helping me out. Basically he got in touch with me after the fact, asked me a bunch of questions about what happened and then wrote it all down. In fact, his copy editor did all the important polishing. As a former copy editor myself, I understand the incredible value these professionals add. Without them, novels would be mere collections of random author drivel. Marc managed to convey a reasonable facsimile of the truth despite his butchering of my character.

How did you evolve as the main character?

That’s an imprecise use of the word evolve. Credible copy editors would share this opinion. In modern times, “evolve” is generally used in reference to Darwin’s conclusions on how species change over eons. If that was your intention, I take objection to the insinuation that I’m old enough to have undergone a biological evolution. In relation to the concept of character development, I resent the implication that I’m not a real person. “I think, therefore I am,” as Descartes famously said.

Give me a moment to take a deep breath. If my wife Catherine were still alive, she’d have told me to stop being such a grouch well before I finished writing that previous paragraph. She had great insight and she was able to convince me to use this new mindfulness hokey-pokey.

Assuming you meant to ask how Marc wrote my character arc, I’ll tell you this. There was no so-called evolution. Neither character, nor biological, changes can occur over the course of four days. Perhaps I did feel a bit more settled in this new town and a little more connected to other humans than I’d been in almost a year. Becoming a recluse is still my goal, but maybe I would stop by that hardware store on occasion to shoot the breeze with the old fellas who sit on the porch outside. And perhaps go to the local pub on their trivia nights. Only occasionally though.

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

Oh, there are some real characters in this story all right. Not to say I enjoyed spending time with them of course. If I am ever to achieve my life goal of becoming a recluse, I need to learn to live by myself. Although it would be okay to run into Charlie from time to time. She’s got a sharp wit and is occasionally funny. Plus, she is a capable plumber and electrician who does good work at a low price. These are all qualities I can appreciate in a handyman. Strike that last word, Charlie doesn’t like that job title and prefers I refer to her as my fixer.

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

Some would describe Monte Rio as an idyllic small town located about ninety minutes north of San Francisco. There are about a thousand people living here, some less annoying than others.  Located near a redwood forest, with the Russian River running through town, there are having rolling hills and wineries all around us. Catherine fell in love with the place during an impulsive trip up there and convinced me to purchase the Quilt House Inn as our retirement project. After she died, I lost all interest in running a bed and breakfast. Frankly I didn’t want to do anything but escape from people. But all my money was sunk into the place so I sucked it up and moved in.

It’s not as terrible a place as I expected. Beyond that, I’m taking it one day at a time. About the only firm decision I’ve set into concrete is never to accept a wedding party as guests again.

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

Marc’s novel, Rivers and Creaks, is on sale for only $0.99 during this tour. It’s available at: https://mybook.to/RiversandCreaks. You can find all his cozy mysteries at: https://www.amazon.com/Marc-Jedel/e/B07H7MVKJL. All of his books are free for Kindle Unlimited members. The first three books in the Silicon Valley Mystery series are out on audiobook from Tantor Audio, available everywhere audiobooks are sold.

Marc loves hearing from readers as that motivates him to keep going on the next blank page.

Thanks for answering my questions, Andy, and good luck to you and your author, Marc Jedel, with Rivers and Creaks, the latest book in the Redwoods Country mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Andy and his author, Marc Jedel by visiting the author’s website and his Facebook, Goodreads, Bookbub and LinkedIn pages.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

 Amazon – https://mybook.to/RiversandCreaks

About Marc Jedel: Marc writes humorous murder mysteries. He credits his years of marketing leadership positions in Silicon Valley for honing his writing skills and sense of humor. While his high-tech marketing roles involved crafting plenty of fiction, these were just called emails, ads, and marketing collateral.

For most of Marc’s life, he’s been inventing stories. It’s a skill that’s served him well as both an author and marketer. The publication of Marc’s first novel, Uncle and Ants, gave him permission to claim “author” as his job. This leads to much more interesting conversations with people than answering, “marketing.”

Like his character, Andy, from the Redwoods Country Mystery series, Marc continues to grow older and would prefer not to run a bed-and-breakfast inn when he retires. Like his character, Marty from the Silicon Valley Mystery series, Marc now lives in Silicon Valley, works in high-tech, and enjoys bad puns. Like his characters Jonas and Elizabeth from the Ozarks Lake Mystery series, he grew up in the South and spent plenty of time in and around Arkansas. Like all his protagonists, Marc too has a dog, although his is neurotic, sweet, and small, with little appreciation for Marc’s humor.

Posted in January 2024 | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Savour those special parts of the season

Posted on December 22, 2023 by Dianne Ascroft

When I was growing up in Toronto, I always loved to see houses lit up for the holiday season. Nearly every house on our street was ablaze with Christmas lights and decorations. Some had multi-coloured flashing extravaganzas, others glittering white lights like brilliant snowflakes, and still others, my favourites, tranquil blue ones that had the power to mesmerize me. I loved the sense of peace the blue ones radiated. When I gazed at them, I would forget that I was in a bustling city. Especially after a fresh fall of snow, when they made me feel as if I was alone in a silent, untouched landscape.

At our house, the lights were a bit more modest. My grandfather was a frugal man and wouldn’t spend money on costly window adornments. We had two thin artificial wreaths, with electric candles set in them, hanging in our two front windows. The bulbs were only small but their artificial flames glowed red and welcoming as I returned home each evening. As I walked up the path to the house and saw them, I knew I was home and it was Christmas. (I shared this Christmas memory on Victoria K. William’s blog earlier this month. If you would like to read the full interview, you can find it here.)

I’m amazed that we had those wreaths in our windows at all as my family hated the idea of wreaths as Christmas decorations. When I asked why they shied away from them, they said that wreaths reminded them of funerals and death, and it made them sad.

I can understand why wreaths had such negative connotations for them. As adults they had experienced loss more often than I had as a teenager. But, since my experience was different to theirs, I didn’t have the same response at all. I found wreaths festive and cheery, and I would have loved to have them hanging in our house.

Wreaths have long been part of the traditions of many cultures. In ancient Greece and Rome, they were a symbol of victory, and laurel wreaths were used to crown the victors in war and athletic competitions.

In medieval Europe, ivy and holly were symbols of protection. Wreaths made from these plants were hung on the doors of family homes to ward off evil spirits during the harsh winter months.

Protection for crops has been a universal concern throughout the centuries. In diverse cultures, from ancient Greece to many parts of Europe, and in particular Scandinavia, wreaths were used for this purpose. Wreaths, made from the previous year’s crops, were hung to ensure the coming harvest was protected from harm.

Wreaths were also part of winter solstice celebrations and were believed to bring good luck and prosperity to households.

And, of course, wreaths are part of the rituals of mourning and funerals, and remembering and honouring the dead. While the sight of them makes us think of sad occasions and loss, their symbolism is meant to comfort mourners. The circular shape, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes eternal life. This meaning has been celebrated from ancient civilizations to modern Christian ones.

Weaving evergreen branches together to form wreaths, the early Christians incorporated pagan beliefs about evergreens into their practices to celebrate the triumph of the soul over death. Evergreen plants survive and thrive in the harsh winter months so they have been claimed as a symbol of resilience and hope.

And it’s their association with resilience and hope that I see in Christmas wreaths. Unlike my family who found them depressing, I find them heartening. I guess you can see the glass as half empty or half full. I’m generally a positive person so I embrace their encouraging symbolism. Evergreens are bright spots in the dark winter and provide hope of renewal and good fortune to come.  

I have a large wreath in the hallway, decked out with red apples, white flowers and pine cones, to welcome visitors. And there are several smaller wreaths hung in the windows in the living room and dining room. These ones are plainer, made with green reflective material and single red bows. But when the light hits them, they glitter and sparkle. They are simple and beautiful.

Anyone who knows me, knows that my decorations don’t stop there. I love the soft glitter of Christmas, and our mantlepiece and living room windowsill are dotted with Christmas figurines. Holly and blue Christmas lights thread through them. And the tree stands on a table in the corner of the living room, decked with a plethora of ornaments I’ve collected since I was a child. The multi-coloured lights on it wink slowly in ever-changing colours, from red to green to blue.

So, there’s lots of holiday sparkle and cheer surrounding us and adding to our festive season. But I always take some quiet time each year to notice the wreaths too and remember their evergreen promise for that moment in time and the future.

I hope you enjoy the holiday season and take time to savour the parts of it that warm and encourage you.

Merry Christmas and best wishes for the coming year. 

Posted in Archives, December 2023 | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Snow Job is out now

Posted on December 16, 2023 by Dianne Ascroft

It’s taken a while to get here but this week I released The Snow Job, Book 3 in the Century Cottage Cozy Mysteries series. I was always excited about this story but never seemed to find enough time to work on it. So, I wrote this book in bits and pieces, in between other projects (including two illustrated novels), over two years. Last Christmas I celebrated finishing the first draft of the story. And this year, I’ve finally finished editing the book and have published it.

The Snow Job is set in January 1984, and follows Thanksgiving and Theft (a novella) and The Heritage Heist (Book 2), both of which were set in the previous October, in the Century Cottage Cozy Mysteries series.

So, what’s the story?

Middle-aged widow Lois is beginning to feel part of the Fenwater community, and as winter sets in, she is getting ready for the town’s biggest Scottish event, the annual Burns Night supper. But when one of the committee members dies in suspicious circumstances, Lois has more to worry about than the fate of this year’s celebration. She tried unsuccessfully to revive the man and her friend Marge worked with him. So, they want to find his killer even though Lois promised her partner Bruce that she would stay out of police matters.

But, what’s the harm in asking a few questions? Such as does someone want to safeguard their inheritance or give their business a boost? Will finding the motive for the murder lead them to the killer or maybe more?

And so begins a fortnight of slippery sidewalks, angst about ancestors, capable firemen and cunning firebugs, unreliable records, swirling Scottish music and swinging tartan kilts, calico cats and smouldering spooks set against the backdrop of snow glistening under streetlamps on serene streets, the comfort of ritual in a cold churchyard, the swish of skate blades in crisp night air and the tang of mouthwatering meatloaf in rural Canada in 1984.

The Snow Job is a heartwarming and puzzling winter tale set in a small town where you’ll quickly feel at home. I hope you’ll pull up a chair and join Lois and her friends as they try to figure out this latest mystery and find the killer – before it’s too late.

The Snow Job is available online at Amazon.

Posted in Archives, December 2023, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment