Showing posts with label small town. Show all posts
Showing posts with label small town. Show all posts

Monday, February 24, 2020

A chat with Pippa Parker after such a long time!





Pippa Parker was created by Liz Hedgecock

Greetings, my dear readers! It's been a while, I know. Last Christmas was crazy! I had to take a break after solving the murder of the girl with the missing toe (all about that here) and put my blog aside.

But now we are back, and better than ever! Apart from the usual interviews, we'll also have weekly posts from Matt talking about his craft. But now, let's have a chat with the lovely Pippa Parker, one of my favorite amateur detectives of all time. 

It's great having you here, Pippa. Tell us: what’s your major strength while investigating a murder?

Multitasking. I have to fit my investigations around the school run, nursery, making lunch for the kids, and doing my actual job. What is my actual job again?

Did you choose to become a detective? Or didn’t you have a choice? 

Becoming a detective was the last thing on my mind. As far as I was concerned I was just trying to fit into the weird village that I’d moved to against my will, and make some friends. It was only when the woman who runs our local playgroup got bashed on the back of the head that I had no choice but to get involved!

It happens more than you think. And what’s your daytime occupation? How does it relate to your investigations? 

By day I run events and manage bookings for Lady Higginbotham, owner of Higginbotham Hall, and Serendipity Jones, crafter extraordinaire. I also act as a brake on some of Lady H's wilder ideas. I combine this with being a director of operations, head cook and bottle washer, expert negotiator, activities coordinator and chauffeur. In other words, I’m a mum.
 
What do you like least about investigating a case? 

Generally I back away from a case until I get dragged into it. Then I complain about it to anyone who will listen (unless I’m undercover), and eventually I get so pulled into the case that I forget to do things like sleep.

And what do you know about investigating? How did you acquire that knowledge? 

I’ve probably learnt all that I know about investigating from reading Agatha Christie books. I’m a complete amateur, and I think that means that I pick up on the little things that intrigue me, which the police might miss. I’ve definitely got the nosiness and curiosity to make a good detective. Even if it gets me into trouble the rest of the time.

Who do you see yourself closest to: Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple or Sam Spade? 

I’d like to think that I am an intuitive genius and master of disguise like Sherlock Holmes. I'd certainly like to have a housekeeper to look after me, and a faithful companion to write all my adventures. However, I’m probably more like Miss Marple, poking my nose in where it often isn’t wanted, and relating things to my everyday life. I’m not sure I’d want to wear as much wool as she does though. Itchy.

How do you deal with the authorities while doing your investigation? 

If I can work with them, I do. Otherwise I pretend they’re not there and ignore them. I generally find that it’s easier to beg forgiveness than it is to ask for permission. Although again, sometimes that gets me into hot water. Can you see a pattern emerging here?

Tell me one thing about yourself you wouldn't want others to know.

I can actually cook quite well, but mostly I can't be bothered. 

Great having you here, Pippa. I'm a big fan of your work! And thank you to all my good readers. Remember: if you are a cozy mystery author, contact me using the form on the right side of this blog, and we'll arrange an interview. See you all later!


Books in the Pippa Parker Mysteries series:

Murder at the Playgroup
Murder in the Choir
A Fete Worse Than Death
Murder in the Meadow
The QWERTY Murders (just released!)




________________________________________________________________



Liz Hedgecock grew up in London, England, did an English degree, and then took forever to start writing. After several years working in the National Health Service, some short stories crept into the world. A few even won prizes. Then the stories started to grow longer... 

Now Liz travels between the nineteenth and twenty-first centuries, murdering people. To be fair, she does usually clean up after herself. 

Liz’s reimaginings of Sherlock Holmes, her Pippa Parker cozy mystery series, and the Caster & Fleet Victorian mystery series (with Paula Harmon) are available in ebook and paperback.

Liz lives in Cheshire with her husband and two sons, and when she’s not writing or child-wrangling you can usually find her reading, messing about on Twitter, or cooing over stuff in museums and art galleries. That's her story, anyway, and she's sticking to it. 

Website: http://lizhedgecock.wordpress.com
Amazon book page: http://Author.to/LizH
Facebook author page: www.facebook.com/lizhedgecockwrites
Twitter: www.twitter.com/lizhedgecock

at No comments:
Labels: ,

Monday, September 9, 2019

A chat with Starla Cupp, a sweet detective!



Starla Cupp is a character created by Willow Monroe

Good morning, my cozy friends! Sorry for not posting in a while, but here we are today with a brand new interview. At the end of this post, there's a message from Matt, so make sure you read it. Today we're talking to my dear friend Starla Cup. Tell us, Starla, what was the first investigation you did?  What was the last?  Do you expect to do more investigations in the future?

My first investigation came completely out of the blue when hateful old Nadine Crump went and got herself killed--right behind the diner on the railroad tracks.  At first Poppy, my best friend was a suspect and then the police focused on her fiance, Tom Brown.  Well, there was no way I could stay out of that!  The last investigation was when one of our own, famous country music legend, Jimmy Bones died right on stage in front of the whole town.  Some said he was killed by his severe peanut allergy but I disagreed, hence, my own investigation.  And it turned out that I was right, even if I did have to jump out of a window to prove it.  I'm pretty sure there will be more investigations, especially if it might harm someone I care about.  Small towns like Sugar Hill hide many secrets and sometimes those secrets come to light causing people to react in ways they never dreamed they would.

Skeletons in the closet, like they use to say. What is your daytime occupation?  How does it relate to your investigations?

I own and run the Dixie Cupp Diner with my best friend Poppy Wendell (soon to be Brown if she has her way about it).  That's where we spend most of our days.  I live in an apartment over the diner so my commute consists of not falling down the stairs.  It relates to my investigations in a couple of ways.  First, I'm an upstanding businesswoman, turning the diner into pretty much the social hub of the community.  Secondly, people know and feel comfortable with me and that gives me the opportunity to talk to them and, sometimes, get information they didn't even know they had.

You grab them by the stomach, am I right?! And what can you do that the police can't?

I can talk to them as their friend and neighbor.  Yeah, Tucker has that ability, too, but he wears a uniform.  I don't.  And owning the Dixie Cupp Diner allows me to interact with most everyone in town on a daily basis.  You'd be surprised at the stories that play out right there in the diner.  Anyway, everyone has known me since I was a kid and, sometimes, I think they still see me like one so they trust me with information that I probably shouldn't have, if you know what I mean.

Yes, I do! People are keen to open themselves to people who know how to listen. What do you know about the psychology of a criminal?

What I know about people, period, is what I learned from my grandmother.  She taught me to respect everyone but take everything I hear with a grain of salt.  And, really, all you have to do is pay attention to what's going on, quietly watch people and how they interact with others.  Now, that hasn't helped me pick out a criminal until it's almost too late but it keeps me on my toes. 

And how do you deal with authorities during your investigation?

Well, since the authorities in question here just happens to be one of my best friends, it's pretty easy to deal with him.  And giving out free coffee to the rest of the officers on our small force is also a plus.  They'll willingly share information with me.  Is that bribery?  Tucker worries about me getting myself into trouble, of course, and sometimes those conversations get, um, loud, but generally, he's on my side.

Tell me one thing about yourself you wouldn't want others to know.

I am madly in love with Tucker Ash, our new chief of police.  Oh, Tucker and I have been best friends, buddies, since we were children but I've just come to realize my feelings for him go deeper than that.  Have I told him?  Nope.  I'm just now admitting it to myself.  You're the first person I've told although Poppy suspects it.

That's between the three of us. Do you have a favorite quote?  

"The secret is to live life on purpose." Starla Cupp in Pumpkin Spice and a Body on Ice.

 Thank you for dropping by, Starla! I hope to see you again soon. 

 _________________________________________________


About Willow Monroe
I'm Willow Monroe, and I have a reading problem. And a scribbling problem. I spend my time reading, writing, dancing (sometimes by myself), and poking at the characters in my head to see if they have a story to tell. When they do, I write it down. Then I mess with it, because characters are terrible storytellers. They're too involved. Too close. Too profoundly damaged by their experience to get the story right. So I help:) 
Website: www.Pinwheel-books.com.
Pinterest: pinwheelbooks
Instagram: @pinwheelbooks.  

Hey, everyone, Matt here. Just a heads up: I'm going to Costa Rica for two months, with a scholarship to write a book about the endangered jaguar. This is a huge opportunity for me, and I'm going to focus 100% on it, so until I'm back, the blog won't be updated. If you're an author wishing to be interviewed, please wait until next year to contact me. Thanks a bunch!

at No comments:
Labels: , ,

Sunday, August 25, 2019

A chat with Belinda Lawrence, an Aussie Sleuth!


Belinda Lawrence is a character created by Brian Kavanagh



Tonight we have a guest all the way from Australia! I love that country's cinema, they make some of the best horror movies in the world. Tell us, Belinda what was the first investigation you ever did? What was the last? Do you expect to do more investigations in the future?

The first was some years ago when I was backpacking after University in Australia. Back then, it was the thing Aussie kids did, back to England, the ‘Old Country’ and do Europe before settling down to a ‘nine to five’ back home. I had some adventures then but nothing prepared me for what was to come. I was working in London at an accounting firm and thinking of going back home to Melbourne, when I received an invitation to visit my Great Aunt Jane in Milford, a small village just outside of Bath. I’d always wanted to visit that Georgian City - I’m a fan of Jane Austin - and it seemed a good idea to meet my father’s Aunt and check out the city at the same time.

But when I called at the Milford cottage I discovered my Great Aunt dead at the foot of the stairs. Well, tell me about it!  I’d never met the poor old lady and here she was, dead at my feet. The police decided it was an accidental fall which killed her, but soon after, I received a letter from her posted after her death. That was truly weird and gave me Goosebumps, not to mention a few sleepless nights. It hinted at a secret she wanted to reveal to me. The cottage was left to me in her will, why I don’t know, I guess she wanted it to go to family, even a distant one. So, not looking a gift-horse in the mouth, I decided to remain in Bath and follow up on my suspicions that Aunt Jane’s death was not accidental, but murder. A number of locals - with varying degrees of peculiarities - showed extreme interest in the cottage and more particularly in the old garden. It was this that caused me to investigate so, by accident, I became a sleuth and eventually tracked down the killer. All in all, a pretty dramatic affair.

More recently my last murder investigation was back in Melbourne where I was staying at my parents’ house while they were on a cruise. I met an old school chum who was lecturing in film and she invited me to attend a private screening run by retired cinema projectionists and staff, who had regular screening of films they had collected over the years. And an odd bunch they were. Old projectionists who loathed digital film and clung to the last shreds of celluloid film, film buffs, and an age defying cinema usherette (remember them?) who gave Marie Antoinette heavy competition with elaborate hairstyles. All of them obsessed with a missing film.  Whilst at the screening a young film enthusiast burst in announcing that the owner of the private cinema had been murdered. As I was there at the time of the crime, the police considered me to be a potential murderer, along with the others who attended the screening. So I began my sleuthing as a way to prove my innocence and got to know the members of the group, all of whom it seemed had a motive for murder, eventually tracking down the killer, who was intent on killing me! I was saved by a friend, and so lived to tell the tale. But let me tell you, it was a close shave.

And did you choose to become a detective? Or didn't you have a choice?

Much like my Aunt Jane’s fall down the stairs, I fell into it.  Initially to solve her murder but as time went on I became involved in dealing Antiques and with that came situations that involved crimes and killings associated with items of historical interest. I suppose my natural curiosity, plus the buzz from solving my Aunt’s murder, drove me to solve mysteries which involved an ancient tapestry, a murder in a haunted manor house, death over a missing political item, rediscovered bones of Saint Thomas Beckett, and Nazi spoils of war. I had developed a taste for sleuthing and enjoyed the challenge.

This is incredible! Tell me, who do you see yourself closest to: Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple or Sam Spade?

In lots of ways I could be described as a mixture of Hercule Poirot and Miss Marple. Miss Marple because I rely a lot in instinct and go about my sleuthing quietly, learning as much as I can about suspects and putting two and two together. Instinct, as I said, has a lot to do with it; my assessment of individuals based on their persona and body language.  Hercule Poirot, because I am an outsider in England, as he was, so as an Australian I can view suspects from a different point of view. Also, considering each mystery from every angle, every possible reason, every detail. So a mixture of those techniques comes naturally to me and is a great advantage.

It must be hard doing all of that by yourself. Do you have anyone helping you in your investigations? Tell us more about them.

In lots of ways I’d lost without Hazel Whitby by my side when investigating a murder. Hazel and I first met after my Aunt Jane’s murder. Hazel had come to meet me in Bath because she has heard rumors of a secret that had been spread around about the cottage garden. At first I considered her to be a suspect in my Aunt’s murder, but it became apparent that she was innocent and was just curious so learn what the garden’s secret was. We became friends and I joined her in her Antique dealings from her tiny shop on Pulteny Bridge and her furniture shop in Wells. I learned a lot about antiques and together we have traveled around the world pursuing antiques. Hazel is older than me, much more world weary, amusingly cynical, and given to the charms of a handsome male. Her romantic life tends to be chaotic; mine more stable, or at least it was. Hazel has a real ‘down to earth’ approach to solving mysteries; things are much more black and white and her observation of human nature is not as generous as mine. We make a good team. Balance.

Let's wrap it up with  a quote. Do you have a favourite one?

As always, when in doubt, I turn to Oscar Wilde.  I love this quote from The Importance of Being Earnest, attributed to Miss Prism when admitting to having written a three volume novel. “The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what Fiction means.”

I couldn't have said it better myself!

Neither could I! It was delightful to have you in my blog, please come back at anytime!
_____________________________________________

at 2 comments:
Labels:

Monday, August 12, 2019

A chat with with Zoe Clarke of Moon Grove!


Zoe Clarke is a character created by Lily Webb


It's not Halloween yet, but we are interviewing a witch here at my blog! Zoe Clarke, tell us: what was the first investigation you ever did? What was the last? Do you expect to do more investigations in the future?

The first investigation I ever did was into the murder of a witch journalist, Harper Woods, my predecessor at the Moon Grove Messenger. Harper was investigating a shady quid-pro-quo deal for power between an influential witch and the king of the vampires and someone wasn’t happy about it, so they had her silenced — forever. Given that I replaced her at the paper and I could’ve been next to catch a stake in my heart, I had to investigate. Since then, I haven’t been able to stop sticking my nose where it doesn’t belong! Such is the life of a mind-reading journalist, I guess. As a matter of fact, I’m starting a new investigation right now. There’s rumors swirling about a string of disappearances and no one seems to know who’s behind them or why. I should probably just let the cops handle it, but c’mon… What fun would that be?


No fun at all! But it doesn't always pay the bills. Tell me, what’s your daytime occupation? How does it relate to your investigations?
 
Well, until recently I worked as a reporter covering the City and Government beat for the Moon Grove Messenger. But since I got elected as Head Witch, one of the most powerful positions in our magical town, I spend most of my days solving problems for the paranormal populace and drafting up new laws and regulations to protect them — from each other and from themselves. Keeping the peace in a town of half a dozen or more paranormal species isn’t easy, but I try my best. To that end, my new position touches every aspect of my life, including my investigations. The only difference is that now it’s an official part of my job description — and I get paid to do what I was doing illegally and for free before. Win-win!

That's a dream come true for any cozy detective. What can you do that the police can’t?

I can use magic and read people’s minds, for starters, though whether or not I’m any good at either of them is up for debate. Even so, nobody is better at spotting a liar than me, though sometimes that comes back to bite me in the rear. But I think I’m also just better at talking to people in general, which is probably a result of my background in journalism. Though these days it’s getting harder and harder to get people to talk, no doubt because pretty much everyone in Moon Grove knows who I am — I’m Head Witch, how couldn't they know? And then there’s that whole little “I-can-read-all-your-deepest-and-darkest-thoughts" thing. That probably doesn’t help. 

Being a good listener is essential in this business - and a little magic surely helps! Do you have anyone helping you in your investigations? Tell us more about them.

I have a huge support network of friends and family here in Moon Grove, paranormal and otherwise, but my number one supporter is Grandma Elle. When I was a little girl, my parents died in a car crash and Grandma Elle has raised me ever since. She’s a no-nonsense, take charge kind of gal who’s as untamed as the North Carolina farm she was born and raised on. She isn’t afraid to say or do whatever she needs to do to get to the truth, which is a bit of a double-edged sword. As much as I appreciate her help, she often gets me into more trouble than usual — because of her big southern mouth! Still, I wouldn’t have her any other way. She’s the best kind of Grandma anyone could ask for and I wouldn’t be the hard-nosed gumshoes I am today without her influence. But I’d be a total loser if I didn’t also mention my best friend Mallory Crane, who I met during my brief period of study at Veilside Academy of Magic. She’s the smartest, most resourceful witch I’ve ever met in my life and I wouldn’t have half the track record I do now if she hadn’t been around to help me piece together some of the toughest puzzles I’ve ever come across. And last but certainly not least, there’s my boyfriend, Beau Duncan, who just so happens to be able to turn into a golden retriever when he needs to. You’d be amazed how useful a nose like his can be, and he’s just as loyal and charming a boyfriend as he is in his dog form. 



Would you ever do something against the law to help your investigation? 

You ask that like I haven’t already! Look, while I’d never encourage anyone to break the law — I’m Head Witch, I have to support some kind of rule of law, right? — sometimes the ends justify the means, you know? I’ve been known to trespass, break into homes, and steal evidence when it was necessary — but it was always in the interest of solving a murder and because I had access that the police didn’t, and I’ve always turned over everything I’ve found to the cops in the end anyway. Our werewolf Police Chief, Berric Mueller, knows me by name and while he and I have a, well, complicated relationship, I like to think he’s finally grown to respect my endless curiosity and penchant for reckless endangerment. Or at least I hope he has. I bet if you asked him, he’d probably have something much different to say, but there’s always two sides to every story, right? Joke’s on him though because I’m Head Witch now so I could probably fire him if he tested me too much. I mean, not that I would, but it’s good to know I have the option. 




Thank you for your honest answer, most people are afraid of that question. That's it for today, but my readers can expect a new interview very soon! Kisses from Grandma!


___________________________________________

Lily Webb lives in the Pacific Northwest with her two cats, Hilda and Zelda, where she spends her time reading and writing all things paranormal. An aspiring witch herself, Lily's always been fascinated by the magical powers of the written word. To stay up-to-date with all things Lily Webb and Moon Grove, sign up for Lily's Moon Grove Messenger newsletter here: http://bit.ly/amzsignup

at No comments:
Labels: , ,

Friday, June 28, 2019

A chat with Granny from Fuchsia Minnesota!


Granny is a character created by Julie Seedorf
Today we have a super special guest here at Grandma Bertha Interviews. This young lady goes by the name of Granny, and is one of the most awesome detectives you'll ever meet. Granny agreed to give me an interview, as long as I gave her one too! So be sure to check her blog for that.

Tell us, Granny, what was the first investigation you ever did? What was the last? Do you expect to do more investigations in the future?

It wasn’t an investigation per se. It was a secret. The Police Chief hired me as an undercover investigator to stop shoplifting in Fuchsia. After all, who would suspect a Granny with an umbrella to be dangerous? I even kept it a secret from my kids. They wanted to put me in the wrinkle farm, as I had a habit of being forgetful to get my man, or my woman, depending on who it was. That accidentally turned into a big kerfuffle when clerks were disappearing and I almost disappeared too. The last investigation, let’s see. It happened at the Ecstatic Emporium and you’ll have to visit Fuchsia to find out the problem. It might still be ongoing.                                                                                                  

That sounds so exciting! I've worked with the police before, but being a undercover agent is in a whole other level. What was the most difficult period in your investigation, and how did you deal with it?

My adult children don’t think old women should be lingering with dangerous criminals. I just have to be crafty and let them think I agree with them. I pull the wool over their eyes, if you know what I mean.


Yes, I do. My daughter-in-law, Lydia, thinks the same way, but I ignore her. Did you choose to become a detective? Or didn’t you have a choice?

I don’t call myself a detective, just an old amateur sleuth. I have a nosy nose. I guess you could say I had no choice. I have to follow my nose, although it does mislead me, and I end up at Delight’s Pink Percolator with yummy treats and coffee. Treats always come first with my nose.

That's why they call them treats! Do you have anyone helping you in your investigations? Tell us more about them.

My friends and neighbors have had my back. There was Sally Katilda, sadly she met her demise, but I have my neighbor, Mavis, who always thinks she is in a pretend reality television show. Then there is George. I used to keep an eye on him because he didn’t seem to know which end was up, but now he found love so I don’t have to do that anymore. Delight, who owns the Pink Percolator, Lulu who owns Lulu’s Quilt Shop and Ditty Belle who owns Persnickity’s Bookstore always seem delighted to get in the fray. Oh, and we can’t forget Pastor Henrietta. She is one of the Pastors at We Save You Christian Church. I think we might save her more than she saves us.

Tell me one thing about yourself you wouldn't want others to know.

I shop at Red Hot Momma’s Boutique. My friends know but my kids don’t.

Hope they don't read this interview then. Let's wrap it up with a special question: do you have a favorite quote?

“You’re on a need to know basis and I know what it is you need to know that you don’t know that you know.” Hermiony Vidalia Criony Fiddlestadt 

That's a good one! Thank you for your time, Granny. And to my dear readers, don't miss the interview I gave to Granny on her blog!


 


__________________________
Julie Seedorf

 A Bit About Me As An Impassioned Writer

 As human beings, we are always a work in progress. From birth to death we live, hurt, laugh, cry, feel, and with all of those emotions we grow as people, as family members, and as friends. I am a dreamer and feel blessed to have the opportunity in my writing to pass those dreams on to others. I believe you are never too old to dream and to turn those dreams into a creative endeavor. I live in rural Minnesota and I am a wife, mother, and grandmother.

 I have worn many hats throughout my life such as working as a waitress, nursing home activities person, office manager and finally a computer repair person eventually owning my own computer sales and repair business. I never forgot my love of writing and quit my computer business in 2012 after signing a contract with Cozy Cat Press for Granny Hooks A Crook, the first book in my Fuchsia, Minnesota Series.

 Adding four more books to the Fuchsia Series, adding a new Brilliant, Minnesota Series and writing a column for local newspapers feeds my writing creativity.

 I also dabble a bit in watercolor painting and hope to eventually add pictures to my children’s book series, Granny’s In Trouble.

 Oh, and did I tell you I like to be a little bit silly.

Official website: https://julieseedorf.com/
Twitter:  @JulieSeedorf

at 1 comment:
Labels: ,
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)