Knit or Dye Trying

Posted on April 26, 2022 by Dianne Ascroft

Allie Pleiter is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to tell us about Knit or Dye Trying, her latest novel in the Riverbank Knitting Mystery series.

Welcome, Allie. 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.

KNIT OR DYE TRYING is the second book in the Riverbank Knitting Mysteries. Maryland yarn shop owner Libby Beckett finds herself in a tangle of sister rivalry that leaves her VIP guest murdered. With the help of her friends, her loyal shop customers, her meddling mother, and of course charming dog Hank, Libby unravels the clues to save the day and her town’s food festival.

The Riverbank Knitting Mysteries follows reluctant sleuth Libby Beckett as she launches her dream of opening a Maryland yarn shop. Set in the small tourist town of Collinstown, the series features a cast of lovable—and not-so-lovable—characters that enrich and complicate Libby’s life. The first book in the series, ON SKEIN OF DEATH, released in 2021 and the third book, IT CAME UP ON A MIDNIGHT SHEAR, will hit shelves November of this year.

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

While the complexities of yarn dying and the multitude of unusual fibers that can make yarn are certainly key to the story, the mystery revolves around tangled family dynamics. I wanted to explore the fascinating and beautiful world of independent fiber dye artists. I also found it compelling to put that artistry in the context of a dysfunctional family and how “success” can breed misery as much as it breeds acclaim.

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

Contrary to what you might think, it’s really not about yarn. Or knitting. Those are certainly present vividly throughout the story, but the story is really about family and jealousy and what such emotions can drive us to do to those we should love the most.

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

My characters can saunter up to my imagination and introduce themselves—often without warning. Libby came to me fully realized—shop name, dog, and all. Others, like shop assistant Linda have revealed themselves to me in layers. Gavin has been fun to explore because of all the history he has with Libby. Readers seem to be especially fond of Rhonda, Libby’s mom. I expect that may be because Rhonda seems to say what we’re all thinking (even when it ought not to be said!). And of course, there’s Hank. I’m a dog owner myself, so I understand the special bond of companionship pets offer.

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

While my books are almost always set in fictional towns, I do try to base them on actual ones. I prefer to make multiple in-person visits to my location, gathering details, atmosphere, geographic layout, etc. But every location “comes to life” by virtue of the people in it. In that aspect, some small town dynamics are universal. If I do my job right, readers recognize characters from their own communities in Collinstown’s colorful residents.

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

Each Riverbank Knitting Mystery focuses on a different aspect of yarn and fiber arts. So I’ll do a wide swath of book research to begin. Then, I draw on topic experts to help me get the details right. Getting to know such talented people has been one of the greatest pleasures of writing the series. I also need help from crime-specific experts like medical professionals, law enforcement, and attorneys. I’m fortunate to have a bunch of great people eager to help me.

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

If you are a knitting reader (and there are loads of them!), it’s fun to know there is a knitting pattern included in each book. Also, I LOVE to visit bookstores and bookclubs, so any interested readers should contact me at allie@alliepleiter.com if they’re interested in setting up an in-person or virtual visit.

Thanks for answering my questions, Allie, and good luck with Knit or Dye Trying the latest book in the Riverbank Knitting Mystery series.

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

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

Link on my webpage    Amazon (including Kindle and Audible)      Barnes & Noble (including Nook)      Apple Books     Google Play     Kobo     IndieBound

About Allie Pleiter: An avid knitter, coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four novels at a time.  The bestselling author of over fifty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-year career with over 1.5 million books sold.  In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers.

Posted in April 2022, Archives | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Murder Next Door

Posted on April 22, 2022 by Dianne Ascroft

Michele Pariza Wacek is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to tell us about Murder Next Door, her latest novel in the Charlie Kingsley Mystery series.

Welcome, Michele. 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.

Murder Next Door is Book 3 in the Charlie Kingsley Mysteries series. The series takes place in the 1990s and Charlie runs a tea and tincture business out of her home. She also has a knack for solving mysteries and her tea clients have a knack for needing someone to help them get out of a jam.

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

It’s a vampire/Rear Window mashup. I always loved Alfred Hitchcock movies, including Rear Window, and I started to wonder what Mildred, one of Redemption’s most notorious nosy neighbours, saw next door. Was it a murder? Something else?

I know! She thinks her next door neighbor’s housesitter is a vampire!

(I should probably note this is not a paranormal cozy.)

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

A common theme in all my stories is “things are never as they seem” and, of course, thinking a vampire is living next door to you certainly fits that. But, also, this book touches upon atoning for past sins and doing the right thing even when it’s difficult.

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

My characters more or less show up and insist I write about them. In terms of favourites, I would say Charlie is definitely at the top. She was one of my most persistent characters, constantly tapping me on my shoulder until I would write her stories. She’s got me better trained now.

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

I try and touch on multiple senses, certainly sight and sound, but also smells. I don’t write a lot of description, I mostly try and keep the story moving forward, but what description I do write, I try and make as powerful as possible.

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

Lots of internet searches, of course, but I also reach out to friends and family where appropriate. I haven’t found anyone yet who doesn’t like helping a fiction author out.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers about the book? Even though I’m designing this series to be a standalone, I am starting a few series arcs in this book that will be continued throughout the series.

Thanks for answering my questions, Michele, and good luck with Murder Next Door, the latest book in the Charlie Kingsley Mystery series.

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

The novel is available online at  Amazon

About Michele Pariza Wacek: When Michele was 3 years old, she taught herself to read because she wanted to write stories so badly. It took some time (and some detours) but now she does spend much of her time writing stories. Mystery stories, to be exact. They’re clean and twisty, and range from psychological thrillers to cozies, with a dash of romance and supernatural thrown into the mix. If that wasn’t enough, she posts lots of fun things on her blog, including short stories, puzzles, recipes and more, at MPWNovels.com. For a free prequel to her cozy mystery series, The Charlie Kingsley Mysteries, visit https://mpwnovels.com/freebies/

Michele holds a double major in English and Communications from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Currently, she lives in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona with her husband Paul and southern squirrel hunter Cassie.

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Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore

Posted on April 14, 2022 by Dianne Ascroft

Lily Bennett is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore, the first novel in the Lily & Cassie by the Sea mystery series.

Welcome, Lily 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, I’m Lily Bennett.  I’m a graphic designer and, more recently, a business owner in Hideaway Bay.  I live in the Lily & Cassie by the Sea series.  It’s a cozy mystery series following the (mis)adventures of me and my daughter, Cassie, after we both lost our husbands in a plane crash.  It’s a fun series set in the seaside town of Hideaway Bay.  One of the reasons Cassie and I chose the town is because of its picturesque business district.  And, of course, the beautiful house of Whispering Manor.  We didn’t know about the house’s reputation before we bought it, but we got an earful the first week we lived here.  And it’s quite a doozy of a story.  You can find out more in our first book.  Book 1 is Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore. 

Does the writer control what happens in the story or do you get a say too? Cassie and I definitely have a say in what happens to us!  That’s how Cassie ended up with the cat, though I would have preferred a dog.  I’m pretty confident Nellie will let us control our own destiny!

How did you evolve as the main character?

Well, I’ve gone through quite the transformation.  I never expected to not only lose my husband in a plane crash but then my son-in-law, too!  It was life-changing for both me and Cassie, to say the least.  But it led to a new chapter in both our lives, and we’re determined to make it a good one.  We left our pasts behind and moved to Hideaway Bay to start fresh.  I’ve gone from puttering around with my own graphic design to being a full-fledged business owner in town with the recent opening of our boutique, Buy the Sea. 

On top of that, I never expected to have the adventure we’ve had since moving into Whispering Manor. 

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

My daughter, Cassie.  I’m partial to her for obvious reasons, but also because she’s smart, funny, caring and adventurous.  Cassie is the one who keeps us moving forward whether she knows it or not.  Her curiosity is what found us the property for Buy the Sea and landed us in the adventure we got wrapped up in during our first book.

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

It’s beautiful here in Hideaway Bay.  And you can’t beat this old house.  It’s filled with custom woodwork and carvings.  Cassie and I both fell in love with it when we first saw it.  It’s like something out of a movie.  You can’t beat living right on the ocean, either.  And the town is picturesque.  It really is the perfect little seaside getaway. 

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

I don’t want to say too much and give something away but I never expected to have an adventure like this at my age!  It really is quite something.  I’d encourage readers to hop into the series right from the start.  It promises to be very entertaining!

Thank you for answering my questions, Lily, and good luck to you and your author, Nellie H. Steele, with Ghosts, Lore & a House by the Shore, the first book in the Lily & Cassie by the Sea mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Lily and her author, Nellie H. Steele by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Goodreads, Bookbub, Instagram and TikTok pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The novel is available online at Amazon

About Nellie H. Steele: An Indies Today finalist for Best Book of the Year 2020 with Cleopatra’s Tomb, Nellie H. Steele made the leap from science to art with her first book, The Secret of Dunhaven Castle.

An animal enthusiast, Nellie often features a version of one of her fourteen rescue animals in her stories, though the fictional pets are usually better behaved than her own fur-babies!  A literary split personality, Nellie’s work ranges from cozy mystery to supernatural suspense to riveting adventure.

She lives in the South Hills of Pittsburgh.  When she isn’t writing or engaging in animal care, she enjoys teaching Statistics and Data Science at a local university.

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Fake Death

Posted on April 12, 2022 by Dianne Ascroft

Dotty Sayers is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to tell us about Fake Death, the first novel in the Dotty Sayers Antiques mystery 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.

Hi, I’m Dotty, Dotty Sayers, and I’m rather nervous.  This is my first interview and I’m not sure what to say.

I’ve started working at Akemans Antiques, mostly in the auction house, just as a receptionist, nothing important.  Although I help organize the monthly auctions and David Rook – he’s a consultant valuer for Akemans – does ask me to help when he has a valuable collection to evaluate.

I enjoy Akemans and it’s nice working and meeting people and earning my own money.  Al, my husband, he died a few months ago.  He was in the British army and was sent to Africa on a peacekeeping tour, but he didn’t come back.

I wasn’t sure what to do until I was asked to help at Akemans but that’s another story.  A free one actually, called Hour is Come, available on my author’s website, VictoriaTait.com.

I decided to keep my job at Akeman’s and continue living in our military quarter.  But then the regiment announced it was merging and I had to decide whether to move to Scotland with them, or stay in the Cotswolds, and find somewhere to live.  That’s all in the book, Fake Death.

I didn’t want to attend the Remembrance Parade in Cirencester, but I was told it was my duty and then a man died.  The police didn’t know who he was at first and it was very confusing as he had pretended to be other people.  When I finally connected the clues worked out who killed him, I was sad.

I hoped there would be no more deaths but in book 2, Valued for Murder, an opera singer and antiques expert is found dead at the bottom of a circular staircase.  And all the questions and the suspicions start again.

And the series?  It’s named after me – The Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery series.

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

To start with the author provides a cast of characters who I meet and then a dead body is found.  I think she knows who the murder is but she leaves the clues, and handling the police up to me.  Luckily, I have a friend on the police force, Constable Varma, who’s rather indiscrete and tells me what’s happening with an investigation.

How did you evolve as the main character?

In Hour is Come, I’m very shy, even more than I am now, but without my husband telling me what to do all the time, I find myself with a job at Akemans.  It was only temporary to start with, but I helped solve a murder when a body was found in a large grandfather clock.

I’m not sure why, but I seem to be able to piece clues together and solve murders.

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

There are those who work at Akemans.  Gilly Wimsey’s the nicest and she looks out for me.  Her job is running the antiques center, but she also helps in the auction house when her sister George, who’s rather highly strung, starts panicking and shouting at us in the run up to an auction.

Marion is very efficient, and she helps out before an auction, and her husband is David Rook, who’s taken me under his wing and is teaching me about antiques.

But my closest friend is Keya, Constable Varma, who works for a belligerent Welsh police officer, Inspector Evans.  Keya and I work well together.

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

The Cotswolds are so pretty, even in November.  Coln Akeman is a typical rural village with buildings constructed from sandy-yellow Cotswold stone and it has a pub, The Axeman, and a pretty river, the Coln, running through it.

And I like Cirencester, the local town.  It has loads of history and was very important in Roman times.  I like living in England, which is why I don’t want to move back to Scotland.

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

I hope you enjoy the book and please be patient with me.  I’m nervous and I know people call me naïve but I am trying to learn more about life, and stand up for myself.   I’m having to when murders keep happening around me.

Thank you for answering my questions, Dotty, and good luck to you and your author, Victoria Tait, with Fake Death, the first book in the Dotty Sayers Antiques mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Dotty and her author, Victoria Tait by visiting the author’s website and her Goodreads, Bookbub, Instagram and Pinterest pages. You can also sign up for her newsletter.

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.  But she fell for an Army Officer, and has followed him from Northern Ireland, up to the Scottish Highlands, across to Africa and the Kenyan Savannah, back to the British Cotswolds, and they are now living in Sarajevo, in Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Southern Europe.

She never expected to be an author, but all this moving is not ideal for holding down a job.  Instead, she has taken the experiences of the places she has lived to write vivid and evocative cozy mystery books with determined female sleuths.

She has two fast-growing teenage boys, and together they’ve learnt to ski on the Bosnian mountains.  She also enjoys horse riding, mountain biking and she has started running as a way to improve her physical fitness, mental wellbeing and shed some excess pounds.

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The Art of the Decoy

Posted on April 8, 2022 by Dianne Ascroft

Trish Esden is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to tell us about The Art of the Decoy, her first novel in the Scandal Mountain Antiques Mystery series.

Welcome, Trish. 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.

THE ART OF THE DECOY is my debut mystery and is the first book in the Scandal Mountain Antiques Mystery series. The second book in the series—A WEALTH OF DECEPTION—will be coming out in spring of 2023.

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

I’ve been an antique dealer since my teens, so that inspired the Scandal Mountain Antiques Mystery series along with my love for reading and watching mysteries on TV. THE ART OF THE DECOY itself was inspired by the setting of the novel which is on the border of Vermont and Quebec, a place where French Canadian culture and history has deep roots. It also was inspired by a nonfiction book, PRICELESS, by Robert K. Wittman who went undercover as part of the FBI’s Art Crime Team to rescue the world’s stolen treasures.

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

At the beginning of the novel there is a quote from the main character, Edie Brown, about the world of art and antiques. She says: “And to us dealers in the art and antiques trade, it really all comes down to the cash. Well, that, plus the love of history. And the hunt. And the desire for beautiful things.” The relationship between people—particularly collectors and dealers—and antiques and art is a subject that has always fascinated me. Why do people covet and collect? Why are they drawn to keep certain items and throw out others? I suspect these questions filter into the series in several ways—not just focusing on art and antiques, but also on relationships people choose to hold on to and others they freely leave behind.

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

I come up with a story idea or seed, then I ask myself what sort of characters would find the situation the most challenging. I love—and in some cases despise—my reoccurring main cast of characters. However, my some of my favourites are background characters. I enjoy creating rich backstories for them and giving them quirks that feel real. In THE ART OF THE DECOY, Claude Bouchard and Bucky Sanders are at the top of my list. They are both old-timers who have a lot more to them than it might appear at first glance.

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

Setting is easy for me. I’m a very visual writer. As I write, I ‘see’ the setting in fine detail. Being specific about those little details and showing how they emotionally and physically effect the main character is the key to bringing a place to life for the reader. In the case of my series, I made it even easier on myself by surrounding the fiction town of Scandal Mountain, Vermont with places I’m familiar with in real life—such as Stowe, St. Albans, and Burlington, Vermont.

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

I do tons of research. My initial research is online. I read articles, watch videos, and listen to endless podcasts. In the case of THE ART OF THE DECOY, I also studied auction listings, dealers websites, and archives just like my main character does in the novel. I also ask questions at museums, and chat with experts. In this novel’s case, that included talking with a probation officer.

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

I love having readers as well as aspiring authors follow me on social media. Be sure to also signup for my newsletter on my website. You’ll find a contact email there. Feel free to use it if you have questions about writing or any of my series. I enjoy answering questions and staying in touch.

Thanks for answering my questions, Trish, and good luck with The Art of the Decoy, the first book Scandal Mountain Antiques Mystery series.

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

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

Amazon – IndieBound – Barnes & Noble – Books-a-Million – Kobo

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 down old bottles and rusty barn junk as much as she enjoys fine art and furnishings.

Posted in April 2022, Archives | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Mining for Murder

Posted on April 7, 2022 by Dianne Ascroft

Zo Zones is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to tell us about Mining for Murder, the latest novel in the Happy Camper mystery series.

Welcome, Zo. 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, all. I’m Zo (short for Zoelle) Zones, and I’m the main character in Mining for Murder. Mining for Murder is the third book in the Happy Camper cozy mystery series.

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

My writer always has plans for me, but then I shake them up with an unexpected thought or word. It keeps her on her toes!

How did you evolve as the main character?

I started the Happy Camper gift shop after being a journalist for ten years. People aren’t reading as many newspapers as they used to, and my job was unexpectedly cut along with several of my friends’ jobs. But I turned the negative into a positive by opening up my own tourist shop, a longtime dream of mine.

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

I share the story with my good friends Jules, the owner of Spirits & Spirits, and Hattie, our town librarian, and my boyfriend Max, our local forest ranger. Brady Merrigan, the town sheriff, also dominates a good deal of the story, but with the recent influx of murders, who can blame him?

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

I living in Spirit Canyon, a fictional town in the Black Hills of South Dakota. It’s a beautiful area with fishing, hiking, and a picturesque waterfall. A busy vacation destination, the town is filled with fun shops like mine. The perfect place to visit!

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

My writer is a native of South Dakota and has vacationed in the Black Hills many times herself. She loves sharing details about her state with readers and hopes you enjoy your time here!

Thank you for answering my questions, Zo, and good luck to you and your author, Mary Angela, with Mining for Murder, the latest book in the Happy Camper mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Zo and her author, Mary Angela by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Goodreads and Instagram pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

Amazon – B&N – Apple – Google Books – Kobo 

© Julie Prairie Photography 2016

About Mary Angela: Mary is the author of the Happy Camper cozy mystery series, the Professor Prather academic mystery series, and several short stories. When Mary isn’t penning heartwarming whodunits, she’s teaching, reading, traveling, or spending time with her family. She lives in South Dakota with her husband, daughters, and spoiled pets.

Posted in April 2022, Archives | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Snowed under Murder

Posted on April 1, 2022 by Dianne Ascroft

Ali Winston is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to tell us about Snowed Under Murder, the latest novel in the Sierra Pines B&B mystery series.

Welcome, Ali. 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 cozy readers! My name is Ali Winston, and I own and operate the Sierra Pines B&B near Lake Tahoe. Not by myself, of course. The kind, rather eccentric Bellwether siblings, Gladys and Ollie work here too. You see, when my great aunt Julia Winston passed away—boy do we all miss her dearly—I inherited this cozy establishment, and the Bellwethers came with it. They and my aunt go way back to the days of Golden Hollywood when they were in showbiz. As the story goes, Julia was an actress-turned-prop designer who had a torrid affair with Cary Grant. When Cary announced his engagement to another, Julia packed up and quit the business and moved to Sierra Pines.

No surprise the B&B has a Hollywood theme with tons of candid photos with Julia and so many famous actors hanging on the walls. I love listening to the Bellwethers’ stories about the old days and learning more about my dear aunt. Life is usually quiet and peaceful in Sierra Pines, unless a murder happens to stir things up. Fortunately, Sheriff Quint Sterling is quite good at catching killers.

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

I don’t like to boast, but my character is strong, opinionated, and stubborn. When I put my mind to finding answers, I don’t let anyone stop me. That said, I take advice when that advice makes sense, even from the author.

How did you evolve as the main character?

I was a little unsure of myself when I first took over the B&B. The job was totally unfamiliar. Back in New York, I worked as a screen writer and then a researcher for a while until I was let go. I didn’t really know anyone that well in Sierra Pines, but everyone was so kind and helpful, and soon I felt comfortable and at home. Solving murders wasn’t my thing either, but desperate times can make you do stuff you thought you couldn’t. Especially when your dearest friends and employees, the Bellwethers, are accused of the crime. That was the first incident. Now, my cousin Nathan is in trouble. How can I stand by and not help? Of course, Sheriff Sterling—who I’ve gotten to know very well—has a lot to say about my snooping, but really, most of the time, I think he appreciates my help. So, yeah, I’m stronger than when I first came to live in Sierra Pines. I rather enjoy my new life, so I think I’ll stick around.

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

Honestly, I like most everyone in Sierra Pines, even Florence who tends to be overly tenacious, sometimes inconsiderate and selfish, but underneath all that she’s a loving soul. I’d say Gladys and Ollie have my heart. I couldn’t manage without their help, their advice, and their calming force. My life wouldn’t be the same without them. So, as they say in showbiz, I enjoy sharing the stage with the Bellwethers.

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

Well, the B&B is a quaint Victorian house, quite unusual to find in this part of California. Even though it’s somewhat drafty, windows need replaced and the furnace too, which cost a pretty penny, the B&B is home and the guests provide good times and memories. Of course, the town is amazing. Quaint shops line the main street, and there’s even an historic gold mining sight which makes the perfect place to hide a body, wouldn’t you say? Lake Tahoe and several ski resorts are close by. Speaking of ski resorts, did I mention this is a perfect place to stage a murder? Well, I leave the rest of the story for you to discover when you read SNOWED UNDER MURDER!

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

I’ve learned that my author has a crush on Cary Grant and classic movies. That’s why she made Hollywood and show business a major part of the series. And she gets a lot of joy in writing all those stories Gladys says when she recalls memories from the old days. They give her a chance to dig into her books on showbiz trivia.

Thank you for answering my questions, Ali, and good luck to you and your author, Kathryn Long, with Snowed Under Murder, the latest book in the Sierra Pines B&B mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Ali and her author, Kathryn Long by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Goodreads and Instagram pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

 Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Apple 

About Kathryn Long: Kathryn is a retired teacher who spends her days plotting and writing mysteries. Besides her SIERRA PINES B&B MYSTERIES, published credits include A DEADLY DEED GROWS and BURIED IN SIN. She’s actively involved in the writing and publishing worlds with social media platforms, including her author website, blog, Twitter account, and Facebook page. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime as well as of International Thriller Writers. As Bailee Abbott, she writes the PAINT BY MURDER MYSTERY SERIES. The second book, KILL THEM WITH CANVAS, will release October 11, 2022. She lives with her husband and furry friend Max in the quiet suburbs of Green, Ohio.

Posted in April 2022 | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Ink, Read, Dead

Posted on March 22, 2022 by Dianne Ascroft

Joanna Campbell Slan is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to tell us about Ink, Read, Dead, her latest novel in the Kiki Lowenstein mystery series.

Welcome, Joanna. 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.

INK, RED, DEAD is Book #3 in the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series. Sort of. If you count the prequel (Love, Die, Neighbor) and the free book (Bad, Memory, Album  https://dl.bookfunnel.com/jwu6iipe1g), it’s the fifth book. But you can read INK, RED, DEAD as a stand-alone.

INK, RED, DEAD begins when Kiki finds a friend unconscious, suffering from heat exhaustion. The woman was a cat hoarder, and the house is crawling (literally) with cats. Yes, it’s hot outside, but why is the woman’s air-conditioner disconnected? Why are the windows sealed shut? Kiki believes the woman’s poor condition is not an accident—and Kiki wants to know why the hoarder was targeted.

The Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series is a fun, cozy series that touches on social issues in a thoughtful, engaging way. PAPER, SCISSORS, DEATH (Book #1) was a finalist for the Agatha Award.

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

A letter in an animal rescue organization’s newsletter caught my attention. It was written by the daughter of an animal hoarder. The daughter described the misery caused by her mother’s mental illness. I’d never considered the problem from that viewpoint, and I found it compelling.

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

My characters are patchwork quilts. On occasion, I have a friend or acquaintance in mind, but typically the character develops in my head over time. I do my best to be observant and to ask questions of everyone I meet. By doing so, I learn fascinating bits and pieces that I keep in a mental file box. I don’t have favorites. If I don’t like someone, I kill them. (On paper!!!)

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

I’ve lived in all of the places I write about. Although research is easier than ever now, thanks to the Internet, there’s no substitute for physical knowledge of a place. Everywhere I have lived has a different tempo, mood, and sound. When I was an ex-pat in England, a sociologist told me that we don’t realize how different other places are until we live there. For example, different local birds mean different birdcalls. You wake up to a different sounding world! Menus change. Even brand names are adjusted for local preferences. Styles of housing are unique. The list goes on and on. The big challenge is bringing all of this life for my readers. Typically, that means finding a telling detail that brings a specific place to life.

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

I research before, during, and after. My first stop is Amazon to buy books. Then I collect articles in Evernote. Often, I call experts and ask questions.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers about the book? I think the cover with the adorable kitten says it all, don’t you?

Thanks for answering my questions, Joanna, and good luck with Ink, Read, Deed, the latest book in Kiki Lowenstein mystery series.

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

The novel is available online at  Amazon 

About Joanna Campbell Slan: Joanna is a New York Times Bestselling, USA Today Bestselling, and Amazon Bestselling author as well as a woman prone to frequent bursts of crafting frenzy, leaving her with burns from her hot glue gun and paint on her clothes. And the mess? Let’s not even go there.

Otherwise, Joanna’s a productive author with more than 80 written projects to her credit. Her non-fiction work includes how to books, a college textbook for public speakers, and books of personal essays (think Chicken Soup for the Soul).

Currently, she writes five fiction series: The Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series (Agatha Award Finalist, contemporary, St. Louis setting, crafting), the Cara Mia Delgatto Mystery Series (contemporary, Florida setting, DIY, and recycling), the Jane Eyre Chronicles (Daphne du Maurier Award Winner, 1830s England, based on Charlotte Brontë’s classic), the Tai Chi Mystery Series (contemporary, senior citizen female amateur sleuth and Washington, DC setting), and the Friday Night Mystery Club Series (traditional mystery, 1980s setting, Midwest).

A former TV talk show host, college teacher, and public relations specialist, Joanna was one of the early Chicken Soup for the Soul contributors. She won a Silver Anvil for her work on the original FarmAid concert to benefit farmers.

In her ongoing quest never to see snow again, Joanna lives with her husband and their Havanese puppy, Jax, on an island off the coast of Florida. 

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Dead Among the Dogwoods

Posted on March 17, 2022 by Dianne Ascroft

Adina Donati, from Dead Among the Dogwoods, an Adina Donati, Accidental Sleuth Mystery, is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to tell us how dead bodies and lightning seem to follow her.

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

Does lightning strike twice?

We’ve all heard the saying – lightning never strikes twice. Well, I’ve got news for you. It’s the farthest thing from the truth. Look at me. I moved to Washington, D.C. in search of excitement. I found it all right. Only not the kind of excitement I was hoping for. I had planned to enjoy all that the city has to offer (museums, night life, and such) and instead seem to have become a magnet for dead bodies. Yes, I exaggerate. I have only found two so far, however in the three years since I moved here, I have somehow managed to become involved in multiple murder investigations. Don’t get me wrong, I love D.C. It’s a cool city for the most part, especially for young people, but I’d be thrilled to never find another dead body.

On a happier note, all the murder and mayhem brought me together with a charming homicide detective, Jonathan Saks. We first met over a dead body. Well, not literally. He was the detective sent to investigate when I had the misfortune to find a good friend’s body in the bathroom of a Georgetown pub. In the end, my independent research helped the police identify and lock up the killer and his co-conspirators. It was the first of several cases that I “helped out” on, much to the dismay of Jonathan and his boss. Happy to report that our relationship is getting serious – at least I hope it is, after all he invited me to his brother’s engagement party. Aside from stressing out about meeting his parents for the first time, I was looking forward to a relaxing weekend getaway in rural Pennsylvania. Romance, hiking, and chocolate – what could go wrong?

Best laid plans and all that jazz. Dead bodies and lightning strikes seem to follow me wherever I go.

Thank you for telling readers about your experiences, Adina, and good luck to you and your author, Cassidy Salem, with Dead Among the Dogwoods, an Adina Donati, Accidental Sleuth mystery.

Readers can learn more about Adina and her author, Cassidy Salem by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Goodreads, Bookbub and Pinterest pages. Readers can also follow her on Twitter.

The novel is available online at Amazon

About Cassidy Salem: Cassidy Salem has always been an avid reader. She is especially fond of mysteries (both cozy and traditional) and police procedurals.  Cassidy also enjoys reading historical fiction focused on American and world history, as well as the classics.  When she’s not reading, she enjoys music and spending time with family and friends, and travels with her husband and son whenever possible. Her travels have taken her to destinations throughout the United States, Europe, and Scandinavia.

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Deadly Broadcast

Posted on March 15, 2022 by Dianne Ascroft

Olivia Redmond is visiting Ascroft, eh? today to tell us about Deadly Broadcast, the latest novel in the Deadly mystery series.

Welcome, Olivia. 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.

I’m Olivia Redmond and I live inside Deadly Broadcast. It’s the eighth story in the Deadly series. When the series began, it was autumn 1937 and Britain was being threatened by war. With Deadly Broadcast, war was declared a few months ago and it is now the cold, dark winter of 1939/1940. I have returned to reporting for the London Daily Premier and been assigned to interview Janet Murrow, the wife of the famous American broadcaster Edward R. Murrow who was at that time living and broadcasting from London.

Murrow fires his engineer and a few minutes later, walking to Broadcasting House, Janet Murrow and I trip over the engineer’s body. The engineer had been working for the British spymaster Sir Malcolm, who calls me in to investigate the motive behind the murder. The more I investigate, the more motives, and murders, I uncover.

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

Kate Parker controls the story, because if I did, it would be quiet and my Army captain husband would be home more and there would be no more murders. I like a stress-free life.

How did you evolve as the main character?

In the first Deadly story, Deadly Scandal, I was a young widow, ripped out of my carefree life of lunches and teas and parties. I had to find employment that would replace my late husband’s salary and allow me to find out who murdered him. In the two-plus years since then, I’ve developed some skill as an investigator and reporter, remarried, and learned to stand up for myself and others.

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

I particularly enjoy sharing the story with my husband, Adam Redmond, whenever he gets leave from the army. Even though we’re currently in what is known as the Phony War, after war was declared but before Germany begins attacking the west, I don’t get to see him very often. I also enjoy sharing the story with Esther Powell, my best friend and mother of two infants, who convinced her father, the publisher of the Daily Premier, to hire me originally. Her father, Sir Henry Benton, is the best boss I could hope for.

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

In this story, I’m in London with a blackout changing the face of the city I grew up in. Trenches turned into bomb shelters are in every park, sandbags surround the entrances to buildings, and not a hint of light escapes at night. Even auto headlights are shielded, making it dangerous to cross streets during the hours of the blackout.

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

Come join me, Olivia Redmond, inside the world of Deadly Broadcast. Visit BBC Broadcasting House and find out what New Year’s Eve is like during a blackout. And meet real life broadcaster Edward R. Murrow when he was a young man and broadcasting from his first assignment.

Thank you for answering my questions, Olivia, and good luck to you and your author, Kate Parker, with Deadly Broadcast, the latest book in the Deadly mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Olivia and her author, Kate Parker by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook and Goodreads pages.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

Amazon – Apple – B&N – Kobo

About Kate Parker: Since she was unable to build a time machine in her backyard, Kate Parker immerses herself in research and then creates the world that lives inside each book that she writes. Her favorite place is London and her time travel destination is anywhere from the late Victorian era through World War II. Since she lives in the Carolinas with her daughter and a 95-pound puppy, the practical side of her is thankful for air conditioning and all the modern comforts of life. Comforts she will take with her if she ever figures out how to build her time machine.

Posted in Archives, March 2022 | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment