Research Can Be Murder follows a recently unemployed woman who discovers potentially stolen items in a box of family heirlooms and seeks to discover the truth behind them. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

I love history and have always been curious about the stories behind antique items — everything from artifacts in museums to small, miscellaneous pieces I’ve inherited. It all makes me wonder. You know, when you look at an inscribed pocket watch that was presented at a ceremonial occasion, you wonder what that evening was like and who were the people there. Or a letter falls from the leaves of a book, and there is no explanation about who the writer was or why they described their travels so carefully. Then, I start to think, “What if?” What if that letter was in a secret code or that ceremonial watch had a bigger story behind it? And Emma, my heroine, had time on her hands to delve into some of those “what ifs” behind her memorabilia. And from there, the story took off.

​What was the hardest part about writing a mystery story, where you constantly have to give just enough to keep the mystery alive until the big reveal?

It’s hardest for me not to overdo things – plant too many clues, include two scenes about a character’s eccentric behavior, when one would do just fine, etc. Otherwise, the plot can lose a sense of balance, and the story can get lost in the weeds.

Are you a fan of the Cozy Mystery genre? What books do you think most influenced your work?

I love to read in general, and I’m definitely a fan of cozy mysteries. So many authors have influenced and inspired me, many of them long before I started writing mysteries — and I guess I’d have to say it all started with Nancy Drew! Anyway, I loved Noreen Wald’s ghostwriter series, Annette Meyers’ Smith & Wetzon books, and Dorothy Gilman’s Mrs. Pollifax adventures. As time has gone on, I’ve been introduced to so many more. Janet Evanovich is one of my favorites since Stephanie Plum’s escapades are pure fun. Cleo Coyle’s coffeehouse manager Clare Cosi is always in the middle of an absorbing adventure. And then I’ve just discovered Juneau Black’s very innovative series, featuring animals who interact perceptively to solve mysteries with more creativity than you could ever imagine. I learn so much from reading all of these and many other authors and am continually inspired.

What is the next book you are working on, and when can your fans expect it to be out?

Good question! I’m just starting on a sequel to my most recently published mystery, To Sketch a Killer. By early summer, I should have an idea of how it’s all taking shape. Then, of course, the rest will be up to my publisher. After that, I’m already thinking of a possible sequel to Research Can Be Murder. And in the future? Well, the possibilities are always endless and exciting to think about.

Author Links: GoodReads | Facebook | Website | Amazon