Final Harvest

Posted on March 30, 2021 by Dianne Ascroft

Today Barbara Howard is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Final Harvest, her first novel in the Finding Home mystery series.

Welcome, Barbara. 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.

Final Harvest is Book One of the 3-part Finding Home Mystery Series. It is about Traci Simmons who has been fired from another job and must decide if it’s time to give up her home and start fresh in another town. But, when her elderly neighbor dies mysteriously, she is pulled into leading a crusade to save the neighbor’s urban farm and find the killer. Through her new and unexpected relationship with these invisible people, Traci faces her own insecurities to learn what home really means. The story continues in the third and fourth books in the series as Traci and her boyfriend are the target of the killer’s revenge and they finally discover who has been behind all the terrible events.

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

I was inspired by my observations and the people in the different cities and towns where I have lived and how they felt about family and community.

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

Yes, the backdrop to the story involves homelessness and coping with anxiety and how much strength it takes for some people to achieve what others may consider simple milestones in life. I think we could all be kinder.

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

My characters evolve as I throw them into conflict throughout the plot. Randall Wells is a favorite of mine because I am very protective of the important people in my life. By the third book in the series, Milo’s Journey, Jules is my favorite because her quiet presence she inspires Milo to make one of the biggest decisions in his life. The librarian is the true hero in Final Harvest, as many are in real life.

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

I have mental snapshots of towns where I’ve travelled, and I also have old photographs. I give names to all the streets, neighborhoods, stores, schools, etc. There are sounds, landmarks and landscapes that place the reader in the exact spot.

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

I contact experts when developing characters; law enforcement, military vets, and sportsmen to help me along with sensitivity readers. I mentioned in book two, Charlotte’s Revenge that someone was holding a fish in a photo. I called a fisherman to ask about what type it should be. The conversation lasted over an hour. It’s a small detail but that didn’t matter. Accuracy is important to me.

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

I hope you enjoy meeting Traci Simmons and the family she builds around her life. I think she’s pretty special.

Thanks for answering my questions, Barbara, and good luck with Final Harvest, the first book in the Finding Home Mystery series.

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

The novel is available online at  Amazon 

About Barbara Howard:  Barbara is a “not-so-cozy” mystery and YA author of a dozen books, including her most recent trilogy, Finding Home Mystery Series; Final Harvest, Charlotte’s Revenge, and Milo’s Journey. She is a first-generation tech geek turned master gardener with a passion for fresh air, vegan cuisine, and tracing her roots. A big city girl with a small town heart, she returned to her family home in the Midwest 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 raising chickens.

Posted in Archives, March 2021 | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

The Disappearance of Emily

Posted on March 28, 2021 by Dianne Ascroft

Today Hayden Caldwell is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about The Disappearance of Emily, the latest novel in the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic series.

Welcome, Hayden. 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.

The Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic series is the story of my life. I thought I was a normal person from a small family, living a normal, happy life in Seattle. Little did I know I had an entire family living in an enchanted community that is only accessed through a magical mirror. The first book in the series, Falling into Magic, tells the story of how I landed in Destiny Falls and the dangerous villain who followed me. Don’t worry – it all ends well! Book 2 delves into the history of my mother, Emily, who disappeared two days after my birth. There is a tie between her disappearance and Destiny Falls that I never knew – that nobody knew, and I need to sort through that mystery to protect my entire new family.

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

The author thinks she knows what’s going to happen, but she’s often totally surprised by an interesting twist that occurs. Sometimes it’s as much a mystery to her as it is to me.

How did you evolve as the main character?

When you are hurled through a magical portal into a place that’s not on any map, you’d better get serious really quick. I had to adapt and adjust everything I ever thought was true about me and the world. When a strange person is threatening you and your family, you need to step up and find courage and ingenuity that you never know you had. I’ve changed more in the past few months than in my previous twenty-six years.

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

I’ve always loved my Himalayan cat, Sassy, but now she’s become so much more than a pet. Now she’s a partner, side-kick, and friend. That’s what happens when your cat can suddenly communicate with you. (And she asked me to mention that she now is to be called Princess Latifa. She always thought the name Sassy was rude…)

What’s the place like where you find yourself in this story?
I’d need a whole book to explain Destiny Falls to you! This town is a character all its own. Oh, not like “a charming little town with character” – I mean, it’s like a CHARACTER. Places change or move around according to your need – if the town deems it necessary. There are enchanted buildings with secrets and surroundings that change over the days, years, and centuries. Oh, and the local library is one of the most magical places you’ll ever visit. It’s what every library wants to be when it grows up. There are mysteries and delights around every corner.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell readers about you and the book?
I hope you’ll come visit me in Destiny Falls. People say once they come here, they never want to leave. Oh, but you CAN leave when you’re done. Even though I can’t. But that’s a long story for another day…

Thank you for answering my questions, Hayden, and good luck to you and your author, Elizabeth Pantley, with The Disappearance of Emily, the latest book in the Destiny Falls Mystery and Magic series.

Readers can learn more about Hayden and her author, Elizabeth Pantley, by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest pages.

The novel is available online at  Amazon

About Elizabeth Pantley: Elizabeth is the international bestselling author of The No-Cry Sleep Solution and twelve other books for parents. Her books have been published in over twenty languages. She lives near Seattle and is the mother of four and nana to one. This is her first work of fiction.

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What a combination: Tragedy and Truffles

Posted on March 26, 2021 by Dianne Ascroft

Today Amy Flowers is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Truffles and Tragedy, the latest novel in the Down South Café mystery series.

Welcome, Amy. 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, there. I’m Amy Flowers, and I live inside the Down South Café. My current residence is a book called TRUFFLES AND TRAGEDY. The series began when I bought the café from my hateful, skinflint of a former boss—actually, I bought if from her son after she died. Did I mention I’m the one who found her murdered in her office? No? Well, yeah…that happened. TRUFFLES AND TRAGEDY is my sixth adventure so far.

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

The writer likes to think she controls everything, but I and my friends also get a say. Sometimes we even have to point her in the right direction of the killer—she goes off on tangents sometimes, and we can see that she’s getting ready to accuse the wrong person. But, hey, she only writes the story—she doesn’t live it like we do—so we cut her some slack.

How did you evolve as the main character?

I feel like I’m maturing all the time. When I first bought the café, I was pretty scared. I hadn’t been out of culinary school for long, my nana had died, and I wanted to do something to make her proud. I still suffer from some insecurities—that’s painfully obvious when I look back at TRUFFLES AND TRAGEDY—but I’m coming into my own as someone my family and friends can rely on.

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

I love sharing the story with my boyfriend, Ryan, and my cousin, Jackie. I love spending time with my mom and Aunt Bess, of course, but I tend to spend more time with Ryan and Jackie. Ryan is wonderful, and I feel confident and happy that he and I will have a future together. Jackie is not only my cousin, but she’s also my best friend; and she works with me at the café. I offered her a partnership once, but she wants to follow her own dreams.

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

In a word, homey. The café offers down-home cooking and a warm, hospitable atmosphere. Winter Garden is a tiny town. In fact, there’s only one other restaurant, and it’s a pizza parlor. The town is bucolic and beautiful. I grew up here, and there’s nowhere I’d rather live.

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

Just that I hope they’ll like it! Thank you for hosting me here on your blog! I’ll have to tell Aunt Bess about it—she’s in her early 80s, and she loves the internet.

Thank you for answering my questions, Amy, and good luck to you and your author, Gayle Leeson, with Truffles and Tragedy, the latest book in the Down South Café mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Amy and her author, Gayle Leeson by visiting the author’s Amazon Author page and her Facebook, Goodreads, and Bookbub pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The novel is available online at  Amazon 

About Gayle Leeson: Gayle Leeson is a pseudonym for Gayle Trent. Gayle has also written as Amanda Lee and Gayle Trent. Going forward, Gayle intends to keep her writing under the Gayle Leeson name. She lives with her beautiful family in the hills of Southwest Virginia.

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All That Shines

Posted on March 25, 2021 by Dianne Ascroft

Today Sage Miller is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about All That Shines, the latest novel in the Glitter Bay mystery series.

Welcome, Sage. 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 Sage Miller. I run Vintage Sage, a gently used clothing store in Glitter Bay, Oregon hence the name Glitter Bay Mysteries. I started my shop five years ago in a hole-in-the-wall location. This year my sister, direct from L.A., has joined my staff. Laken is a former supermodel who left the industry–and her jerk of a movie star husband–when she found out she had cancer. We live together in our Grandma Sadie’s former home, as well as working together in my store and solving mysteries.

All That Shines, is our second adventure. My wonderful sister decided to host a fashion show as a grand opening for our new location of Vintage Sage. Between renovating and moving, my stress level was already at an all time high. I was not amused to learn my darling sister hired a Hollywood fashion designer to help us set up the new store. Not only did he show up in the middle of renovations, but he dragged along his protégé.

Then I found Sebastian Hayward III dead. In MY store.

Suddenly half of Los Angeles—all unwelcome guests from Laken’s past—appeared in Vintage Sage. It seemed Sebastian had something they all wanted and it ended up in my store. As much as I didn’t like Sebastian, his friends were worse. I had to solve his murder so I could get rid of them all. Oh, and did I mention Laken roped me into taking part in a fashion show? I swear, my entire life hit an all-time low! I’m no fashion model. I’m a behind the scenes girl!

All That Sparkles, our first adventure, was Laken’s welcome to Glitter Bay. What do a trunk full of vintage clothes, a handsome land developer, and a fifty year old diamond heist have in common? Laken Miller receives a trunk full of expensive vintage clothing and a stack of newspaper clippings about a fifty-year old diamond heist. Now all she has to do is figure out who murdered Tilly San Vicente before the killer silences her as well.

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

I have to say, Diane is pretty good about listening to us, especially when we demand for something to happen a certain way. If she doesn’t listen when we do the rough draft, one of us can usually get her attention during edits. Of course, if it’s something she doesn’t agree with, she tends to write us into tight spots to see what we do next.

The whole thing with Hamlet and Sebastian showing up made me so upset, but I guess it gave me motivation to solve the mystery so I could get rid of all the riff-raff that showed up afterward.

On the upside, I didn’t expect to meet someone like Quinn Evans. I also didn’t expect I’d like Andy as much as I do.

How did you evolve as the main character?

In All That Sparkles, I was living my best life. Morning yoga, riding my bike everywhere, and seeing this great guy named Jonathan. Then live threw me a few curveballs. Things with Jonathan did not work out. My sister bought “us” a bigger building that overlooked the ocean. Then she brought in Sebastian and his sidekick. At least in all of that, I got to know Andy better, but I’m still wary about his intentions. I don’t have a great track record with men.

All That Shines, just isn’t about pretty things. It also reflects our lives. How we tend to live small and keep to ourselves a lot then suddenly something happens that cracks us open and our lives change. Mostly for the better. I’ve slowly come out of my cocoon, thanks to a little coaxing from my new best friend, Quinn. The funny thing is, I’ve helped her blossom at the same time.

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

You’re going to make me get sappy! Ugh! Okay. Of course I adore my sister Laken. She and I can be oil and vinegar, but she gets me. Most of the time. Okay, sometimes. To be honesty, I don’t know what I’d do without her. She pushes me out of my comfort zone in so many ways.

I wasn’t crazy about Hamlet when I first met him, but when he came out of the closet… Let’s just say if he was still Hamlet, I would’ve pushed him into a cab and shipped him off the first chance I got. When he came out as Quinn… I’m not giving it all away, but I think I found a kindred spirit.

And then there’s Andy. He’s a hunky paramedic with a heart of gold. How could I not be partial to him? He treats me like a princess even when I act like a troll. I really never thought I deserved someone like him, but I’m starting to enjoy it.

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

If you mean a physical place, Glitter Bay is a small coastal town. We have our own marina and a bakery that I adore. They even have vegetarian options thanks to me! I live in a quaint (yup, I’m going to use that word!) little house that used to belong to Grandma Sadie. She sold it to me when she moved to California to teach kids how to surf. The gardens aren’t what they used to be and Sebastian griped about a blind old lady doing the interior design, but it’s home.

Mentally, I was totally overwhelmed until the bitter end. Running Vintage Sage has been my lifelong dream. Moving it, was a nightmare. But, I have to admit, the new location is stunning and is a great showcase for all our clothing, jewelry and the twenty new mannequins… More on that in the book. Anyway, now that the dust has settled and Laken’s new apartment over the store is nearly done, I can breathe. I’m happy to report the new location has also brought us a lot more customers. Right now, I couldn’t be happier.

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

I really don’t want to give away a whole lot, but I learn a lot about myself and other people in this adventure. Despite finding a dead body, dealing with the egos of designers and actors (and my sister!), and painting more walls than I ever had, it was a lot of fun. There was good and bad, but the big finale of the fashion show made up for it all!

I’m also allowed to say we will be back in at least one more adventure. All That Glitters will be next on the list. I’m a bit afraid. I have no idea what sorts of adventures we’ll be thrust into next!

I hope you read all about us. We’ve all had a great time telling our story!

Thank you for answering my questions, Sage, and good luck to you and your author, Diane Bator, with All That Shines, the latest book in the Glitter Bay mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Sage and her author, Diane Bator by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Goodreads, Bookbub, Instagram, Fresh Fiction and Pinterest pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

 Amazon – B&N – Kobo

About Diane Bator: Diane is the author of several mystery novels—and series. She’s a member of Crime Writers of Canada, Sisters in Crime Toronto, International Thriller Writers and the Writers Union of Canada. When she’s not writing, she works in a small, professional theatre which will one day be subjected to immortality in a whole new series.

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Meet Professor Molly

Posted on March 19, 2021 by Dianne Ascroft

Today Professor Molly Barda is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about The Influencer, the latest novel in the Professor Molly mystery series.

Welcome, Professor Molly. 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’ve never heard myself described as living inside a novel, but I have to admit, it’s kind of nice! You see, I’m a literary sort at heart. I earned my Ph.D. from one of the top ten literature and creative writing programs in the country. With that degree, I expected to end up at a leafy campus in a vibrant city, instructing rapt young scholars in the appreciation of literature.

That’s not exactly how things worked out. After a futile year of trying to land a full-time position teaching literature, I decided to broaden my horizons (a polite way of saying, “lower my expectations.”)

My dissertation advisor was crushed when I finally accepted a position in the College of Commerce at remote Mahina State University. He lamented that “teaching a roomful of slack jawed baseball caps how to pad their resumes” was “a grievous waste of my fine critical mind.” Easy for him to say. He had tenure, a pension, and health insurance.

The Influencer is Book 10 of the Professor Molly Mysteries. A lot has happened in all that time. But some things haven’t changed: I still love living in sleepy Mahina, Hawaii; Biology professor Emma Nakamura is still my best friend; and Mahina State University’s powerful Student Retention Office continues to make our lives difficult and our jobs impossible.

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

She lays out the plot points, but I’m the one who tells the story. Yes, I’m aware of the “unreliable narrator” allegations. I just ignore them. I mean, who’s to judge who is reliable and who isn’t? There’s no right or wrong. We all have different points of view, that’s all. (Except Melanie Polewski from grad school. Don’t believe a word she says.)

How did you evolve as the main character?

I was an only child, so I’m kind of used to being the main character. It’s kind of exhausting, to be honest. There are a lot of expectations placed on you (sorry I’m not a “real” doctor, Mom!) In The Nakamura Letters, Emma takes center stage. It’s nice to have a rest now and then. 

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

Emma Nakamura and I make a good team. We’re best friends and we have a lot in common. But unlike me, Emma is fearless. I’m not talking about murders and dead bodies. After you work through solving a few cases you kind of get used to all of that. But I’ve never seen anyone stand up to the Student Retention Office like Emma does. Of course her defiant attitude keeps getting her sent to Mandatory Faculty Development. Which she calls “De-education camp” because as she says, “you come out dumber than when you went in.” She’s been through Mandatory Faculty Development so many times I think she could lead a session herself by now.

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

In The Influencer, my husband Donnie and I have just invested in building a little rental unit on our property. The idea is to save up for baby Francesca’s college fund. We were lucky-or so we thought-to have a well-known social media influencer sign a six-month lease, paid in advance. All my celebrity tenant wants is some privacy and quiet, and you can’t get much quieter than Uakoko Street (especially the side that we live on, next to the cemetery). But now everyone wants to get close to my famous tenant, and things are starting to get weird.

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

You can read the Professor Molly series in any order. If you want to start from the beginning, or just try out the series, you can start with Trust Fall, a free Professor Molly short. It’s also available in audio format!

Thank you for answering my questions, Professor Molly, and good luck to you and your author, Frankie Bow, with The Influencer, the latest book in the Professor Molly mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Professor Molly and her author, Frankie Bow by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Goodreads, and Bookbub pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

Amazon     B&N      Rakuten/Kobo      Angus & Robertson      Apple

About Frankie Bow: Like Professor Molly, Frankie Bow teaches at a public university. Unlike her protagonist, she is blessed with delightful students, sane colleagues, and a perfectly nice office chair. She believes if life isn’t fair, at least it can be entertaining. In addition to writing murder mysteries, she publishes in scholarly journals under her real name. Her experience with academic publishing has taught her to take nothing personally.

Posted in Archives, March 2021 | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

Two books by D. E. Haggerty

Posted on March 12, 2021 by Dianne Ascroft

Today Izzy is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Where There’s Smoke There’s Arson and Hold the Coffee, the latest books in the Gray-Haired Knitting Detectives mysteries series.

Welcome, Izzy. 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.

Where There’s Smoke There’s Arson is the fourth book in The Gray-Haired Knitting Detectives series. When the craft store burns down with a friend of the knitters inside, the knitters decide it’s suspicious and they simply must investigate. *rolls eyes* Everything is suspicious with this crew. The series now includes five books. In each book, the gray-haired knitters manage to somehow stumble upon a murder they just have to solve.

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

*Snorts* As if we let Dena have any control over what happens.

How did you evolve as the main character?

I started out as the main character in the first book in the series, Murder, Mystery & Dating Mayhem. Then, Dena kind of dropped me for two books. I was still there but for reasons I cannot fathom, I wasn’t the main person. My writer person finally came to her senses and I’m back baby. I’m the main character in this novel and the next one in the series, Hold the Coffee.

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

*Sighs* A whole bunch of knitting grandmas who think they know how to solve crimes. Spoiler alert – they don’t. And a best friend who doesn’t have anything better to do than to make trouble. I sound like I’m whining, but they’re actually tons of fun – if only I could get the grandmas give me my baby back.

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

We’re in a small Oklahoma town where I grew up. And I do mean small. Everyone knows everyone’s business here. This is not always a good thing.

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

They should probably know there isn’t a whole lot of knitting going on despite the series being called the Gray-Haired Knitting Detectives. These knitters are way too busy sticking their noses in other people’s business to get any knitting done.

Thank you for answering my questions, Izzy, and good luck to you and your author, D. E. Haggerty, with Where There’s Smoke There’s Arson and Hold the Coffee, the latest books in the Gray-Haired Knitting Detectives mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Izzy and her author, D. E. Haggerty by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook, Goodreads, Instagram, Bookbub, LinkedIn and Pinterest pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

Where There’s Smoke There’s Arson and Hold the Coffee are available at online at Amazon:

 Amazon  –   Amazon 

About D.E. Haggerty: She is actually just plain old Dena, but she thinks using initials makes her sound sophisticated and maybe even grown up. She was born and raised in the U.S. but considers herself a Dutchie and not only because it sounds way cooler. After a stint in the U.S. Army, she escaped the US to join her husband in Holland. She fled Holland over ten years ago when she couldn’t stand the idea of being a lawyer for one single second more. Turns out Bed & Breakfast owner in Germany didn’t do it for her either. When the hubby got a job in Istanbul, she jumped ship and decided to give this whole writer thing a go. She’s now back in Holland, which she considers home.

Posted in Archives, March 2021 | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

It’s Double or Muffin

Posted on March 8, 2021 by Dianne Ascroft

Today Merry Grace Wynter is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Double or Muffin, the latest novel in the Merry Muffin mystery series.

Welcome, Merry. 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 am Merry Wynter, and I live in the Merry Muffin Mysteries. #7 in the series, Double or Muffin, has just come out on February 23rd, 2021.

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

She thinks she’s in control, but… sometimes things happen. I’ll give you an example; while writing down Double or Muffin (I tell her what to say!) Victoria really thought two people were going to die, but I wasn’t going to let that happen. It’s been happening way too much lately, and I’m just angry enough to put my foot down. Not on my watch, Victoria: not on my watch. So, between me and Becket (the cat) and a couple of friends I won’t mention (read the book!) I made sure it didn’t happen.

She keeps putting me in peril and I always escape, so why shouldn’t others? I can’t say more without spoiling the story!

How did you evolve as the main character?

I’m not going to brag, but I was always going to be the main character. I mean… it’s the Merry Muffin Mysteries. I’m Merry. Who else would it be about? I can’t take all the credit though; I don’t suppose there would even be a series if I hadn’t happened to inherit this magnificent American castle in Western New York State. That and finding bodies (and in the weirdest places to: slumped over in a half bath; in a pretend coffin; at the bottom of a hole on my property!) got me where I am today.

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

There are people who came with me, and people I met when I got here. (‘Here’ being Wynter Castle and the town of Autumn Vale) My friends Pish Lincoln and Shilo Dinnegan came with me, but when I got here I met irascible Doc English who tells me stories of my family, town librarian Hannah who is the very best researcher you could ever find, moody teen Lizzie who makes me laugh unexpectedly, and a host of others. Life (and the books) wouldn’t be the same without them.

And then there’s Virgil Grace… one-time sheriff of our area’s police force, he is now my husband and a private detective. And YUM! He’s hot, if I do say so myself. I am kind of partial to him.

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

You mean, my castle? Well, it’s magnificent… or it’s almost magnificent. When I got here (Bran New Death: Merry Muffin Mystery #1) there was peeling wallpaper, dust everywhere, holes in the landscaping… it needed a lot of work. And money! In the three years since I started fixing it up I’ve discovered that this place, with its turret rooms, rose window, Eastlake furniture, magnificent oak double doors and chef’s kitchen is fabulous. And soon, once we open the performing arts center Pish and I are planning… the world will know about it.

Maybe that’s why we keep getting saddled with weird groups of people: the Legion of Horrible Ladies, a ghosthunting crew, and now an opera singing reality show? I mean… come on. It’s been a wild ride so far and doesn’t seem to be letting up.

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

Me? I’m just an average woman trying to move on with my life, and stuff keeps happening. I’m surrounded by wonderful people, though. I do have that handsome new husband, and a big ginger cat who saves the day in the most unexpected way this time around! When the going gets tough – and murder is always tough! – together, we get it taken care of.

Thank you for answering my questions, Merry, and good luck to you and your author, Victoria Hamilton, with Double or Muffin, the latest book in the Merry Muffin mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Merry and her author, Victoria Hamilton by visiting the author’s website and her Facebook and Instagram pages. You can also follow her on Twitter.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

 Amazon – B&N – Kobo – Google Play

About Victoria Hamilton: Victoria is the bestselling author of several mystery series including the national bestselling Vintage Kitchen Mysteries and Merry Muffin Mysteries. She does, indeed, collect vintage kitchenware and bake muffins. She drinks tea and coffee on writing days, and wine other times. It doesn’t do to confuse days. She crochets (a little), paints (a little) and reads (a lot). A solitary being, she can be coaxed out of her writing cave for brownies and cat videos.

She started her writing life as Donna Lea Simpson, bestselling author of Regency Romances, paranormal historicals and historical mysteries, and still has a soft spot for the Regency period.

If you Google ‘Victoria Hamilton’, you will find listed first a famous actress who starred as the Queen Mother in the Crown and as Charlotte Brontë in ‘In Search of the Brontës’. That’s not the Victoria who writes mysteries. No, really, it’s not!

Posted in Archives, March 2021 | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Haunted Hibiscus

Posted on March 4, 2021 by Dianne Ascroft

Today Laura Childs is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Haunted Hibiscus, the latest novel in the Tea Shop mystery series.

Welcome, Laura. 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 as well.

Haunted Hibiscus is #22 in my Tea Shop Mystery series with the storyline generally swirling around the Indigo Tea Shop in Charleston, SC. But this is no cutesy cozy series because I make suremy books always open with a shocking surprise. I’ve kicked off first chapters with smash-and-grab robberies, poisoning at a high tea, shootings, art heists, chases on horseback, stabbings, murdered bridegrooms, serial killers, and lots more. I don’t believe in slow build-ups or back story, I just want to drop my reader right into the action, then keep it going with exciting plots, fast pacing, and twists reminiscent of a thriller.

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

I started thinking about haunted houses and how all sorts of schools and civic groups create them as fundraisers. Then I took it one step further and had the rather staid Heritage Society in Charleston sponsor a haunted house that was populated with historical and literary-themed characters. Besides the regular ghouls and goblins, we’re talking Edgar Allan Poe, Sherlock Holmes, the Headless Horseman, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Lady MacBeth, and more. With that cast of characters there had to be a murder, right?

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

The theme underlying all my mysteries is solving a murder and bringing the bad guy (or girl) to justice. Detective Burt Tidwell is one of my ongoing characters, but he’s often shown up by Theodosia (my main character) who is brash, savvy, and has a unique talent for solving mysteries.

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

When I started writing Death by Darjeeling, my first Tea Shop Mystery, I wasn’t sure what kind of characters I wanted. Then I hit upon the idea of a woman who’d left the 24/7 grind of a marketing firm to run a quaint little tea shop. That gave me the idea for Theodosia, my main character. And because she couldn’t do it alone, I developed Drayton, a slightly haughty tea sommelier, and Haley, the young, sassy chef and baker. This is my triad of characters that appears in every book and I pretty much love them like family. They not only entertain my readers, but often surprise and amuse me. When I write, it’s almost like watching a stage play unfold. I see my characters interacting with each other, hear what they’re saying, and then write it all down. I know it sounds strange, but it works!

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

Since all the Tea Shop Mysteries are set in Charleston, SC, I pretty much make Charleston a character as well. This is a 350-year-old city with historic old mansions, narrow brick lanes dating back to the Revolutionary War, haunted cemeteries, and is set on a Peninsula where the Atlantic Ocean comes surging in. Basically, it’s a joy to romanticize this city or make it seem preternaturally spooky. And when I can make my readers feel the damp fog closing in, hear the lonely toot of a tugboat, or worry about footsteps crunching behind them on gravel, I know I’ve done my job.

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

Most of the research I do is primary research. In Haunted Hibiscus I researched Mikhal Tereschenko, an aristocrat who fled the Russian Revolution with diamonds sewn into the lining of his seal coat. This was a real guy, but I stretched the facts and had my murder victim wearing diamond earrings that had been cut by a Parisian jeweler from those original diamonds. Thus, a serious motive for murder.

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

Sure, here’s a quick synopsis: It’s the week before Halloween and teashop owner Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier Drayton attend a “literary themed” haunted house in a dilapidated mansion known as the Gray Ghost. But halfway through their visit, the guest author is found twisting from a third floor window as purple lights cast flickering images. The police and Theodosia’s boyfriend Detective Riley come screaming in, but when Riley goes to the dead girl’s house, he’s shot! A murder and a shooting seem too coincidental for Theodosia who throws herself into her own shadow investigation.

Thank you for answering my questions, Laura, and good luck with Haunted Hibiscus, the latest book in the Tea Shop mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Laura by visiting her website and her Facebook page.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

Amazon   B&N   Kobo   Google Play   IndieBound

About Laura Childs: Laura is the author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. All have been on the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestseller lists. Recently, Book Riot named her mysteries to their list of “25 of the All Time Best Cozy Mystery Series.” In herprevious life Laura was CEO of her own marketing firm, authored several screenplays, and produced a reality TV show. She is married to Dr. Bob, a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fundraising for various non-profits, and has a Chinese Shar-Pei named Lotus. Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!)

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Deadly Darkness

Posted on March 3, 2021 by Dianne Ascroft

Today Kate Parker is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Deadly Darkness, the latest novel in the Deadly mystery series.

Welcome, Kate. 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.

Deadly Darkness is the sixth in the Deadly Series. In this story, Adam and Olivia finally marry, but their honeymoon quickly becomes a struggle with murders, a missing young woman, and German spies. The Deadly Series follows Olivia from before World War II when she finds she’s now a young widow in need of well-paying employment to this book set on the cusp of war and the next books set in WWII. Along the way, she travels to Nazi Germany to rescue people and discovers German spies in Britain for counterintelligence.

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

A chance spotting in a newspaper article about the first blackout practice over southern England two months before the start of the war. And what goes on in the dark…

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

The theme is about good and bad relationships between parents and children. Doesn’t everyone wonder about that?

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

My characters tend to spring alive and breathing in my brain, which makes it a busy place. I adore Olivia. She’s me, only younger, brighter, braver, and better looking.

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

Lots of research in old newspapers, books, and photos. I love to visit England and wander around museums and along streets to get a feel for the setting of the stories. When I sit in front of my computer, I can shut my eyes and find the place where each scene takes place.

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

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

I had a great deal of fun writing Deadly Darkness and all of the Deadly Series. I hope your readers enjoy Olivia’s adventures.

Thank you for answering my questions, Kate, and good luck with Deadly Darkness, the latest book in the Deadly mystery series.

Readers can learn more about Kate by visiting her website and her Facebook, Bookbub and Goodreads pages.

The novel is available at the following online retailers:

Amazon – B&N – Kobo

About Kate Parker: Kate caught the reading bug early, and the writing bug soon followed. She’s always lived in a house surrounded by books and dust bunnies. After spending a dozen years in North Carolina, she moved to Colorado. The Rocky Mountains are beautiful, but she’d developed a love of wide rivers, warmer and wetter weather, and fast-growing greenery that sent her hurrying back to North Carolina.

Deadly Travel is the fifth book in the Deadly Series, and Kate’s plan is to follow it quickly with Deadly Darkness, both set in 1939 in the days leading up to war. There are at least three more of the Deadly Series coming that will bring the beginning of the war to Olivia’s doorstep. Kate reports that she is having fun creating new stories to entertain readers and chaos to challenge her characters.

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Smothered

Posted on February 26, 2021 by Dianne Ascroft

Today G.P. Gottlieb is visiting Ascroft, eh? to tell us about Smothered, the latest novel in her Whipped and Sipped mystery series.

Welcome. 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.

Smothered is the second book in the Whipped and Sipped Mystery Series. I’ve started writing a third book, in which the story is triggered by a neighborhood fire. The series is set in a fictional Chicago café, similar to the kind I used to spend time in but special because it serves only vegetarian, healthful food. I loved combining two of my passions – for mysteries and food, into this series. I probably spend as much time inventing recipes and perfecting them as I do writing and perfecting my novels. That means there is a lot of tasting required, but luckily, building employees, friends, and my spouse are all kind enough to help!

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

Most people think that city life is the least friendly of all lifestyles, but I live in a building that hosts a book group, a movie group and other events (now all online). We help each other when needed. But we’re in the middle of the city, and we’ve seen ambulances pulling away from the front door, horrible traffic accidents, and bodies pulled up out of the harbour across the street. We see the best of humankind, and sometimes, the worst – people stopping to give money and food, for example, to homeless people sleeping under the bridge next to us. I set this series in the middle of my real life!

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

Alene, my protagonist and her best friend and pastry chef, Ruthie, attempt to create community in the café and neighbourhood. They offer reading groups and knitting circles, they participate in city festivals by hosting big Chicago events like Pride Parade and Lakeview Arts.They donate trays to nearby shelters, and offer coupons to homeless neighbours who can come in for something warm to drink and filling to eat, all the while trying to succeed at a difficult, competitive business. I wanted to write about it because I’m impressed with several socially conscious businesses in the area, and they deserve attention. And there’s another theme in Smothered, but if I told you what it was, it would ruin the story!

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

I create my characters by sitting at the computer and writing. I remember starting with the café itself. I envisioned a counter filled with delightful-looking pastries, cakes, and cookies, and a crimson wall off to the side, covered with art-work and announcements about concerts and lectures. I got a little side-tracked thinking dreaming about what to order that day (I was sitting in a café), but also noticed the people around me – a skinny, very-slow server who kept bursting out in song, a cranky older woman who argued with the barista about how much her drink cost, a younger tatted-up woman who’d have been pretty if not for her angry expression. I loved giving them names, personalities, and backgrounds. I think my favourite Smothered character is Alene’s father, a quick-witted, retired guy who loves quoting aphorisms and has a great attitude despite his health problems.

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

Before the pandemic I used to spend time in cafés. If I was alone, I’d look around at the people and imagine describing them in a story – I’d even give them back stories. Sometimes I’d meet a friend, and we’d have a visit before pulling out our laptops and writing for an hour or so. We were always conscientious about taking up table space, and made sure to keep ordering food or drinks while we were there. I knew for ages that I wanted to set a novel in a café because I love them so much. And although you didn’t ask, I’m partial to almond croissants!

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

A few readers have pointed out to me that my books have more characters in them than a lot of mysteries. That’s because I want my books to illustrate the busy urban reality, the vertical nature of city buildings, the swarms of people we pass on a daily basis – – I know it’s sometimes a challenge to keep all the characters straight, but it’s part of the world that I tried to create.

Thank you for answering my questions, and good luck with Smothered, the latest book in the Whipped and Sipped mystery series.

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

The novel is available online at:

 Amazon – B&N 

About G.P. Gottlieb: She has worked as a musician, a teacher, and an administrator, but she’s happiest when writing recipe-laced murder mysteries. Battered: A Whipped and Sipped Mystery and Smothered: A Whipped and Sipped Mystery take place in the spring and summer of 2019 and a third book in the series will center on a murder that occurs during the city of Chicago’s lockdown in May 2020. G.P. Gottlieb has always experimented in the kitchen and created her delicious vegan cookies and cakes in direct opposition to what she learned in courses at Chicago’s French Pastry School. She is host for New Books in Literature, a podcast channel on the New Books Network, the mother of three grown children, and lives with her husband in a Chicago high-rise that is strikingly similar to the building portrayed in the Whipped and Sipped Mystery series.

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