Blog

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Messenger for the Dead (Mathieu James Thriller Book 2)?

This is the second book in the series. It picks up where the first book, The Scotland Project, left off with a cliffhanger. You don't need to have read the first one to understand what's happening (but I'd be grateful if you did!). The inspiration for the series came after three failed attempts at finishing a novel. I decided to lean into things I knew well. I found a real-life thread to pull on (the speculation that there was a fifth bomber in 2005 is true). And then I was able to get on location - sensory description and narrative description are my strengths, and things came together. There will be a final book in this series to finish the story. It will be out in early 2026.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Messenger for the Dead (Mathieu James Thriller Book 2), what would they be?

Mathieu James would be Trouble's Coming by Royal Blood. Conan MacGregor would be Mr. Brightside by The Killers, and Aadan Mukhtaar would be Go It Alone by Beck.

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

Literary fiction. While it's not the same genre as this book, I do have a literary fiction novel coming out this fall called The Sunflower Widows.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Guns of August, the Pulitzer Prize winner by Barbara Tuchman, Our Man in Havana by Graham Greene, and The Orchard Keeper by Cormac McCarthy.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

The hunt through the streets of Bergen leads to the big finish.

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

I prefer writing on location. It really helps me bring the story to life. I spent six weeks in Scotland for the first book and six weeks in Norway for the second.

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

I'd rather not say! But when you get to the end, you'll know...

Matthew Fults is the author of the new book Messenger for the Dead (Mathieu James Thriller Book 2)?

Connect with Matthew Fults

Author Site

Buy The Book

What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Suite Lies and Alibis (Harmony Landing Mysteries Book 1)?

Suite Lies and Alibis is the first book in my Harmony Landing Mystery series, and the idea actually came to me while I was working on one of the Ivy Clark books. I thought a hotel would make a great setting for a mystery—people are always coming and going, which opens the door for all kinds of secrets, surprises, and suspects. I also love writing quiet, slightly unpredictable characters, so adding Chase to the mix felt like a perfect fit.

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

I like cozy romance built into other genres.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Murder Goes Solo, A Witchy Surprise, The Whisp and the Prince, and Ghost Mortem.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

I like writing scenes that are funny, so I'm going to say the scene where Harmony and Chase are stuck in the elevator.

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

My husband teases me because I can’t write without a mug of hot chocolate nearby. I used to insist on drinking it out of a teal moose mug that said, “I don’t do mornings”—it was my official writing mug. Unfortunately, one of my kids broke it, so now I’m stuck with a plain blue replacement. It works… but it’s just not the same.

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

“Have courage and be kind.” It’s from the live-action Cinderella, and it’s stuck with me ever since I first heard it. It’s such a simple, beautiful reminder. Bravery and kindness can go a long way in life.

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

I hope readers walk away with the reminder that everyone has a backstory—people are more than they seem at first glance. A little empathy can go a long way.

Kristy T Dixon is the author of the new book Suite Lies and Alibis (Harmony Landing Mysteries Book 1)

Connect with Kristy T Dixon

Author Site

Facebook

Buy The Book