What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
My biggest challenge in writing Mystic Brews & Malice was blending the cozy charm of Winter Haven with something a little darker and more unsettling. This series is more atmospheric than my Crystal Beach series, and I wanted to fully engage readers in both the cozy town and the unforgettable characters while still moving the mystery forward in a meaningful way.
The world-building for Mystic Brews & Malice was inspired by a trip to Portland, Maine, where I found myself totally immersed in the magical vibes of the downtown area, with its cobblestone streets lined with cozy shops. The breathtaking coastal views, combined with the nearby woodlands surrounding Portland, felt like the perfect setting for my new magical mystery.
When I first started writing the Mystic Brews series, I wanted to create a story that blended cozy mystery comfort with a dash of witchy wonder. I envisioned an older, more mature witch who runs a magical teashop and a mystery that unfolds like curling up with your favorite tea and discovering a secret in every sip.
The secrets that unfold in Winter Haven deepen the plot and create friction between the characters, which makes this series hard to put down. I was inspired by the idea of a woman starting over in midlife—someone rediscovering her purpose, her courage, and her magic. That spark became Samara Snow, a witch determined to leave her wandering past behind and build a new life in the charming coastal town of Winter Haven, Maine.
This is the story of a midlife witch finally daring to believe she might have found a place where she belongs. A place where, for the first time in her life, she doesn’t want to run away.
Samara has spent so much of her life moving on before she could get too attached, but Winter Haven is different. She has Mystic Brews, a growing circle of friends, and the possibility of something real with Jack Andrews. For the first time in a long time, she’s beginning to imagine a future that feels steady, hopeful, and maybe even happy.
Which is exactly what makes this mystery so dangerous.
Because this time, the threat isn’t just a dead man, a strange legend, or eerie music drifting over the water. It’s the possibility that everything Samara is building could be torn away before she has the chance to hold onto it.
Of course, she isn’t facing any of these challenges in her new home alone. There’s Jack, who complicates her heart in all the best ways. Ruby, who is the kind of loyal friend every witch needs. A nosy knitting circle that never knows when to stay out of trouble. And her talking cat, Pumpkin, whose opinions are sharp, whose timing is impeccable, and who is never nearly as helpful as he thinks he is.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be?
Wow, I haven’t thought about this, but I would have to say Samara’s song would be Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac—I just dated myself with this one, lol! Pumpkin’s theme song would definitely be Confident by Demi Lovato. Total sassy cat song!
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I read multiple genres, though I find myself spending more time with paranormal cozy mysteries and psychological thrillers. Yes, I know… I waffle back and forth between books that make me feel good and ones that terrify me!
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
That’s a loaded question, lol! But I’ll do my best. Three books at the top of my TBR pile are:
- What The Spell? by Ellen Wren Burke
- The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
- Never Lie by Freida McFadden
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
Gosh, this is a hard one. But I guess I would have to say the scene where Samara has to dig down deep for the courage to try a bit of magic that she didn’t think she could ever do. No spoilers here, but I hope you’re not afraid of heights!
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
When I’m creating character sketches, I often talk to myself out loud to get a sense of the character’s voice. My fur babies think this is totally normal, though!
My favorite drink is coffee, and my favorite snack is dark chocolate with sea salt and almonds—they go so well together!
Write. Reward. Repeat!
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
My motto for life which probably finds its way into my writing is: Love always wins.
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Whatever magic you have inside of you (the reason that you’re here), don’t try to hide it. Sharing it with the world is the only thing that will set your spirit free.
Karen McSpade is the author of the new book Mystic Brews & Malice (Magical Teashop Mysteries Book 2)
Connect with Karen McSpade
