What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
After reading several humorous mystery series like the Thursday Murder Club (Richard Osman), Auntie Poldi (Mario Girodano), and The Dublin Trilogy (Caimn McDonnell), I was inspired to try something lighthearted. My vision was for a trio of female amateur sleuths, counterposed by two mismatched detectives —generationally mismatched detectives—old school versus Gen Z; and a twist at the end of the story.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
I had fun doing this. If you want the rationale, let me know.
Frances Langone (widower) 1. "Don’t Own Me" — Lesley Gore 2. "Crazy" — Patsy Cline 3. "Both Sides Now" — Joni Mitchell 4. "O Mio Babbino Caro" — Giacomo Puccini (sung by Renée Fleming)
Don Langone (victim): 1. "9 to 5" — Dolly Parton 2. "Hallelujah" — Leonard Cohen (performed K.D. Lang)
Detective Andy Hardy (Gen Z-ish): 1. "Johnny B. Goode" — Chuck Berry 2. "Killing Me Softly with His Song" — Roberta Flack
Mike Diviner (tennis coach): 1. "You Belong to Me" — Patsy Cline 2. "Lay Lady Lay" — Bob Dylan (1969)
Max Yumm (assistant to Dom): 1. "Oh, Pretty Woman" — Roy Orbison 2. "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta Flack
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
Read: Mystery, thriller, and Booker Prize Winners Write: Book —mystery; Short stories/novella —silly humor or complicated lives.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
• "Nightshade: A Catalina Novel" by Michael Connelly • "The Man Comes Around" by Caimh McDonnell • "Plot Twist" by Harlan Coben • "Nobody’s Fool" by Harlan Coben • "Land: A Novel" by Maggie O’Farrell
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
Chapter 12: Ask For A Lawyer, Get A Stooge. Frances meets Barry Evermore, Investigator for her legal team. For the Confrontation Chapter 22: Double, Double, Toil and Bonus Bubble. Frances interviews Delcour department heads. For revelations about corporate types through Frances’ eyes. Chapter 42: Recycling is Overrated. Frances launches a farcical quest through the town recycling yard. Absurdity of insane pursuits and bureaucracy.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
All’s well that ends well, except for Dom and the bullet lodged in his skull.
