Interview with Coco McQ, Author of Sashé Boudreaux

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?

Before writing the Sashé Boudreaux mysteries, I was writing children's books, which I love. But last year, I decided to challenge myself and see if I could write a full-length novel. I've always loved mysteries and suspense, so it seemed like the perfect genre to try. Choosing the setting was easy. I was fortunate to live in Louisiana, and those years remain some of my happiest memories. I fell in love with the people, the food, the culture, the history, and the wonderful sense of community. Writing a story set in Louisiana wasn't just fun—it felt like taking a walk down memory lane. I actually started writing Book 2 when I was only halfway through Book 1. New ideas kept popping into my head, and I quickly realized Sashé Boudreaux was going to be a series. I enjoyed uncovering fascinating pieces of history and weaving them into my story. For this second novel, I explored some little-known Cold War espionage threads.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?

Sashé Boudreaux: "Walking on Sunshine" by Katrina and the Waves. Sashé is optimistic, determined, and always seems to find herself walking straight into trouble with a smile on her face.

Delphine: I'm not sure Delphine would have a theme song, but I can imagine her sorting the recycling in time with the beat of "New Orleans Is Sinking," sung by Crystal Shawanda, and thinking, "Uh-huh. Exactly like I've been tryin' to tell y'all!"

Arleen: "Amos Moses" by Jerry Reed. Not because she'd approve of Amos, him bein' a criminal and all, but because she's more like Amos than she'd ever admit—tough as boot leather, stubborn as an old cypress stump, and never one to back down from a fight.

Pearl: "What a Wonderful World" by Louis Armstrong. Pearl's everybody's big sister, always ready with a sympathetic ear, something warm from the oven, and a little encouragement.

What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Yes! I love a good clean mystery with a dash of suspense and intrigue.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

1. The Book of Birds, by Robert Macfarlane. Oh my gosh. What a beautiful book!
2. Death of an Outsider, by M.C. Beaton.

Short list, I know, but I am writing Book 3 in my mystery series, and Book 3 in my children's adventure series is out soon, so I'm hanging on by the skin of my teeth!

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The scenes about the nine-year-old Foss twins have stolen my heart.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I don't know if it's quirky, but when I'm on a roll, I completely lose track of time. I'll finally get up, glance at the clock, and think, "Wait... It's three o'clock in the afternoon already?!"

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

"I'm going to make everything around me beautiful—that will be my life." — Elsie de Wolfe

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I hope readers close my books feeling like they\'ve spent time with friends, discovered a fascinating piece of history they maybe never knew, and been reminded that every person has a story worth telling, every place has a history worth discovering, and ordinary people can make an extraordinary difference.