Blog Archives
An Unsung Neighborhood
The Mystery from Way Back When follows a man returning to his childhood church where he meets a young woman who is the baby he rescued years ago. She now needs his help to find her birth mother. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My father grew up a member of a close family that were proud members of Sacred Heart Church in the Keighry Head neighborhood of Elizabeth, New Jersey. He attended Sacred Heart School and was even an altar boy. Sacred Heart Church later became Our Lady of Fatima Church. I wanted to set a mystery there, in Keighry Head. It’s an unsung neighborhood and, from my late dad’s stories, the way it once was when he was a boy during the Depression and World War II has pretty much disappeared.
What were the morals you were trying to capture while creating your characters?
Above all, strength of character and decency! The main character, Benny, doesn’t hesitate for a second when he sees a young girl at a distance abandoning a baby on the steps of his church. He takes the baby right home to his mother, knowing she can help the little one, and then tries to identify who abandoned her. It’s World War II. The people are patriotic. The kids have their eye on a suspected spy. Maybe a lot of people these days don’t realize this, but Catholics have always taken a lot of flak in this country, even yet, and especially since the whole situation came to light about the pedophile priests. In this story, the priest doesn’t belong in jail. He’s a really good guy.
What was your favorite scene in this story?
Oh, that’s an easy question! When Benny brings the abandoned newborn baby home and his mother tends to her, she starts to sing to the baby, and naturally, the song is “Baby Face.” Benny, his brothers, and even the old grandfather who lives with them chimes in. It’s joyous! It turns the baby’s sad start into something of a celebration of her arrival.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
There were two books that I had started working on and then put temporarily aside. I picked them up again and I’m continuing with both. They’re mysteries. One is set on a cruise ship and the other in a non-profit organization where someone is corrupt to the core and stealing the funds. I also have another one in mind, and it’s a mystery that unfolds during a wedding, where the parents of the bride are divorced and it’s always a battleground when they’re required to get together. So I’ve got three books in the works, and they should be available later in the year. Somehow, for me, it works out beautifully to work on more than one book at a time. I’m loving the whole process of creating all of these stories!
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The only clue to the child’s origins is a note found in the basket requesting that she be raised Catholic. The police arrive to get the baby to the hospital while the parish priest arranges for her adoption. Meanwhile, the boys try to play detective and figure out who gave the baby up. Benny even has a likely suspect, Nancy Kilkenny, but she hotly denies it.
Years later, the baby, all grown up, has an urgent reason to connect with Benny and Timmy to try and find out what really happened way back when. Who was the mother who gave her away? What happened on that memorable day in 1944? And can she ever manage to find out the truth?
The Mystery from Way Back When
In The Mystery from Way Back When, Carolyn Summer Quinn weaves a compelling narrative that bridges the present and the past with elegance and emotional depth. Benny Finnegan, accompanied by his wife Imogene and daughter Tara, returns to his childhood church in New Jersey for its final Mass. This seemingly routine visit transforms into a poignant journey through time when Benny reunites with Antonia “Baby Face,” a woman he once found as a baby on the church steps alongside his brother. Now a mother herself, Antonia urgently seeks Benny’s help to uncover the identity of her biological mother—a quest made critical by a medical crisis. As Benny reflects on his wartime childhood and the earlier, fruitless search for Antonia’s family, the narrative delicately unfolds layers of memory, revealing how the passage of time brings clarity and resolution to the long-unsolved mystery of her origins.
Quinn balances suspense with warmth, crafting a story that is as engaging as it is uplifting. The intrigue surrounding Antonia’s past, paired with her urgent search for answers, offers just enough suspense to keep readers hooked without veering into melodrama. Simultaneously, the wholesome tone of the book lends a comforting, heartfelt quality that makes the story both accessible and deeply satisfying.
The author’s writing style and pacing are fantastic. The narrative moves seamlessly, blending mild suspense with moments of reflection and revelation. Quinn’s ability to evoke both emotional resonance and curiosity ensures that readers remain fully invested in the characters’ intertwined journeys.
At its heart, this novel is a touching exploration of belonging and identity. Quinn beautifully captures the significance of family bonds and the profound sense of rootedness that comes with understanding one’s history. Through Benny’s and Antonia’s interconnected stories, the book offers a poignant reminder of the enduring importance of connection, whether by blood or choice.
The Mystery from Way Back When is a wholesome, engaging, and thought-provoking read. With its blend of mild suspense and heartfelt moments, it holds universal appeal and is highly recommended for readers of all ages seeking a story that will both captivate and uplift.
Pages: 166 | ASIN : B0DQP1RJ4P
Contending With the Aftermath
To Bloom Like a Tulip follows a family separated by two continents during WWII and their efforts to survive as a Jewish family. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
I have known quite a few people who survived World War II in Europe. One of the toughest aspects of the war was that people didn’t always know where their relatives were, or what was happening to them if they were separated in different countries by the war. Communications between warring Allied and Axis nations were completely stopped. So in this story, the mother had taken her two youngest children to America to settle her late father’s estate. Her three oldest children and their father stay behind in the Netherlands so the kids can go to school and the father can run his business. They think their country is going to remain neutral as it did in World War I, so they’re not initially worried, although the Nazis are already gearing up to be on the march. Settling the estate takes longer than the mother thought it would, the war comes to Holland when the Nazis invade, and then, they can’t be reunited for years. Right there, that’s a cause for a lot of concern and worry on both sides. So that was the initial setup. Add to that, this is a Jewish family, so the ones under Nazi occupation are in peril. Imagine being in America and having to wonder what’s happening to them! Horrific. Yet it’s exactly what went on with a whole lot of families during that war.
What were some ideas that were important for you to personify in your characters?
The time period of this story is completely crazy so that in itself adds a lot of intriguing drama into the mix. Nazis turned normal life on its head in every one of the countries they took over, and, worse, state-sanctioned murder was legal. The Jewish characters are a nice family that’s just trying to survive and they find themselves in extraordinary circumstances. There are some very good people in this story, like the ones who hide the three children in a movie theater when matters become worse, and there are also some absolutely atrocious folks, hideous ones. A lot of prejudice came to the surface after the Nazis arrived on the scene, and the worst of the civilian characters suddenly think they have a green light to persecute others, in their own small ways. Others are just nosy and are watching their neighbors to see what they’re up to, but that’s terrifying to those they’ve got under scrutiny. So there was a lot to work with there.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
I’ve heard that for many, many people who survived the war, the worst part of it wasn’t the war itself, incredibly, but contending with the aftermath. In this case, some of the characters are betrayed. They don’t know by who, and they don’t know why. Imagine making it through, yet having to live with a question like that! It would be like the “whodunit” from Hell, and it happened, for real, to scores of survivors. So that’s the big question they’re all trying to answer in this story, once the hostilities are over and they’re trying to go forward. Who did it?
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’m in the middle of writing another mystery, and this one is set in the neighborhood where my dad grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey. The characters in this one are Catholics. Two little boys find a baby abandoned on the steps of their church. It’s also set during World War II, but on the American homefront. I’m enjoying writing it to the hilt because my father grew up in a very colorful area with a lot of interesting personalities and I was told so many wonderful stories about it. The book should be available sometime this winter. Stay tuned!
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The Van Der Graafs, Bram and Charlotta, took the risk of hiding Rika, Henk and Kees Spranger, concealing them in their movie theater. All went well – until they were betrayed. Who could have done it?
TO BLOOM LIKE A TULIP is the unforgettable story of good people in a bad time, their efforts to survive the war, and their ultimate determination to find out the identity of the informer.
To Bloom Like a Tulip
To Bloom Like a Tulip by Carolyn Summer Quinn tells the heartrending story of the Spranger family, torn apart by war. Florentine Spranger and two of her children find themselves stranded in America after traveling there to visit family. When World War II erupts, they are left separated from her husband and three other children, who remain in Holland as Nazi forces spread their control. The novel vividly captures the raw vulnerability and incredible bravery not only of the Spranger children who must endure life without their parents but also of the Van Der Graafs, the courageous couple who risk everything to protect them.
Set against the brutal backdrop of the 1940s, during the Nazis’ relentless persecution of the Jews, the novel reveals the harsh reality of survival. Holland’s supposed neutrality crumbles as the persecution intensifies, making life more treacherous by the day. Quinn’s omniscient narrative pulls readers deep into the characters’ inner worlds, illuminating their fears, hopes, and desperate attempts to cling to any shred of normalcy. The constant uncertainty about who can be trusted—and the shattering betrayals from once-friendly neighbors—injects a palpable sense of dread that’s hard to shake. As a reader, I felt the gut-wrenching anxiety of a world turned on its head, where even simple acts of trust could lead to devastation.
What makes this story truly memorable is its exploration of humanity’s two opposing sides. Quinn expertly portrays the extreme spectrum of human morality. There is the gut-churning evil of those who betray their neighbors to save themselves and the astonishing bravery of individuals who risk their lives to save others. The Van Der Graafs, in particular, shine as symbols of hope and courage, reminding us of the unsung heroes who stood against overwhelming darkness.
To Bloom Like a Tulip is a beautifully crafted story about resilience, the sting of betrayal, and the unbreakable power of hope. Carolyn Summer Quinn delivers a narrative that is as inspiring as it is heartbreaking, a must-read for anyone who cherishes historical fiction that doesn’t shy away from the truth but leaves you feeling deeply moved.
Pages: 230 | ASIN : B0DKHMVNX7
Animal Traffickers
Cans of Cola Just Don’t Cry follows a writer living in the Florida Keys who is researching a cold case from her childhood when she discovers a baby chimpanzee locked in a crate on her dock. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
The setting had to be somewhere on the water, a place where a boat could drop off a delivery, so I chose the Florida Keys, which are beautiful. The main character has just bought a house that was idle for several years. She doesn’t know her dock has been used as a drop-off point for animal traffickers. Ha, surprise, surprise!
I enjoyed the depth of the main character, Nola. What was your process to bring that character to life?
That was easy. Nola is a lot like me. She’s intrigued by a cold case from her past, where she witnessed some very suspicious behavior from one of her neighbors. He was in it up to his neck. I once saw some very unusual activities, possibly criminal, though probably not, taking place as I rode past the home of one of my family’s acquaintances, so I know what it’s like to have a strange situation kind of take hold of you and not really let you go. It’s always fun to wonder just what the heck was going on there!
I found the title of this book interesting and not at all what I was expecting for a cozy mystery. How did you decide on the title of this novel?
The title just came to me one day after I saw a documentary on how animal traffickers smuggle these poor baby chimpanzees in crates. It showed this tiny, tiny creature, crawling around and making little “eek eek” noises like it was crying or whimpering. I thought, what if the box with the chimp is left in the wrong place, for the wrong person to find, and she hears it crying? That’s when it came to me: Cans of Cola Just Don’t Cry!
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve got two more books in the works at the moment, both cozy mysteries. Well, maybe one of them is a little less cozy than the other. One is set during World War II in my parents’ old hometown, Elizabeth, New Jersey. The other I actually just started writing just this afternoon. I’m not sure where I’ll set it yet, but it’s going to involve a murder at a wedding and a lot of wacky relatives.
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Who is responsible for smuggling the poor chimp into Florida? How will these elusive criminals get caught? And on top of all else, can Nola solve that old cold case from when she was a kid that’s been haunting her for fifty solid years?
Cans of Cola Just Don’t Cry
Cans of Cola Just Don’t Cry, written by Carolyn Summer Quinn, is a charming and engaging cozy mystery set against the vibrant backdrop of the Florida Keys. The story follows 63-year-old retired editor Nola Carmody, who moves to this remote location with plans to investigate an old bank robbery case. However, her quiet life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers a mysterious box labeled “cans of cola” on her dock, only to find a chimpanzee trapped inside. This startling discovery launches Nola into a thrilling investigation of animal traffickers, even as she continues to grapple with the unsolved crime from her past.
Quinn expertly blends elements of mystery, suspense, and humor, making the novel a delightful read for fans of crime fiction. The exploration of animal trafficking adds a thought-provoking layer to the plot, shedding light on an important issue while keeping the story engaging and accessible. The setting in the Florida Keys is vividly described, capturing the essence of the island region and immersing readers in its unique atmosphere. Nola’s character is a refreshing protagonist—an older woman with wit, determination, and a sense of humor. Her interactions with a colorful cast of characters, including the dashing Shamus and the lovable chimpanzee, Lollapalooza, are heartwarming and entertaining. Even the villains are crafted with depth, adding tension and intrigue to the story. Quinn’s lighthearted tone and sharp storytelling keep the pace lively, though I feel certain portions of the novel feel slightly drawn out with details that don’t significantly advance the plot.
Cans of Cola Just Don’t Cry is a thoroughly enjoyable read. Quinn deftly handles the dual motifs of an old bank robbery and present-day animal trafficking, weaving them into a compelling narrative that balances mystery with moments of romance and humor. This cozy mystery will appeal to readers who love crime fiction with a twist of lighthearted fun and a focus on timely issues.
Pages: 186 | ASIN : B0DH85KL9K
Out of Balance
The Teetotaler’s Bar follows a woman who inherits her aunt’s fortune, her New City apartment, complete with a puppy, and the bar on the first floor, which also happens to be a murder scene. What inspired the setup of your story?
It just came to me one day out of the blue. I like to create stories using situations that don’t add up. So I was thinking, what could be more out of balance than a young girl who lives healthy and doesn’t drink but suddenly inherits a bar? She inherited plenty more besides, from a relative she hardly knew, and I was off and running with another mystery!
Jazz is a fascinating character that has an overwhelming amount of things happen all at once. What scene was the most interesting to write for that character?
I liked writing the scenes in the beginning that started to establish who Jazz is, and the ones that gave her an idea of who the estranged relative who got murdered was, too. The aunt who left her the bar is her mother’s half-sister, and she was one of those know-it-alls who runs around telling everybody else what to think, how to feel, and who to be. Ha, I based that on the worst co-worker I ever had! It raises the question, did the woman’s big mouth cause her to be murdered, or was it, perhaps, something else? And if it was something else, what?
There is a lot of time and care spent with descriptions and building the setting and tone of the story. Was this out of necessity to develop the depth of the story, or was it something that happened naturally while you were writing?
It was a little of both. I wanted to make the bar that Jazz initially is reluctant to inherit to be a whole lot nicer than she feared it would be. There’s an unsolved murder hanging over it like a cloud, but she slowly starts to like the idea of owning the place. She’s also immediately enchanted with owning the Art Deco apartment building where the bar occupies the first floor, but when she enters the stairwell, finds it’s neglected and rather grungy, so that gives something of a shadowy atmosphere to it. Yes, it’s gorgeous on the outside, but it’s certainly not perfect all the way around, and neither is the whole situation.
What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?
I’ve got two more mysteries in the works at the moment! One deals with bumbling animal traffickers. The other one is set during the American homefront in World War II, where two young brothers find an abandoned baby. I think they should be available around the holidays. I’m having a wonderful time working on them both!
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The Teetotaler’s Bar
Carolyn Summer Quinn’s The Teetotaler’s Bar is a delightful, quirky mystery that blends humor, intrigue, and a bit of heartfelt reflection. The story follows Jazz Kenneally, a young, health-conscious teetotaler who unexpectedly inherits a bar and a fortune from her estranged, half-aunt Lysandra Somersby. However, this isn’t just any bar; it’s a murder scene. Lysandra was shot in cold blood, and Jazz finds herself in the middle of a puzzling whodunit, surrounded by an eclectic cast of characters who each add their own flair to the unfolding mystery.
One of the most engaging aspects of Quinn’s writing is her ability to create a vivid, immersive atmosphere. From the bright, airy bar that defies Jazz’s expectations to the Art Deco elegance of the inherited apartment, every setting is described with such detail that it feels like a character in its own right. The juxtaposition of Jazz’s distaste for alcohol with her new role as a bar owner adds a layer of irony and humor that keeps the narrative lively. Jazz is a relatable protagonist, navigating the unexpected inheritance with a mix of pragmatism and bewilderment. The supporting characters, from the loyal but quirky bar staff to the eccentric tenants of the inherited building, are well-drawn and contribute significantly to the story’s charm. Quinn’s exploration of themes like family estrangement, responsibility, and the dangers of assumptions gives the book a thoughtful edge. Jazz’s reflections on her relationship with her late aunt and the moral dilemmas she faces as a sudden heiress add depth to what could easily have been a light, breezy mystery.
The Teetotaler’s Bar is a charming, offbeat mystery that will appeal to readers who enjoy character-driven stories with a mix of humor and suspense. It’s particularly well-suited for those who appreciate a cozy mystery with a modern twist, where the protagonist’s journey is as important as the mystery itself. This is a delightful read for a relaxed afternoon, offering both laughs and a few thoughtful moments along the way.
Pages: 167 | ASIN : B0DBFYD5LD
