Lisa Shay Author Interview

Dogs Don’t Lie follows Kallie who’s pulled into an investigation where the only witnesses are animals and Kallie is the only one who can understand them. What was the inspiration for the setup to this riveting murder mystery?

I had mentioned the idea to my sister years ago in a ‘what if’ kind of conversation. She continued to remind me of this story line, asking when I might start working on the premise until I finally wrote it! I also fell in love with the Murder She Baked movies on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries and thought a Cozy Mystery would be a fun way to develop the story rattling around in my head.

Kallie is an intriguing and well developed character. What were some driving ideals behind her character development?

I guess from some of my own experiences. In high school, I was the first elected female regional officer in FFA, Future Farmers of America. I was one of the first paramedics in Northern California working for both Fire departments and Ambulance Companies. Later, I owned and worked on a commercial cattle and show sheep ranch in Southern Oregon, where I also rescued Border Collies. I learned a lot from the amazing veterinarians from Crater Animal Clinic, doing much of my own vet work and helping other people in our small community with their animals. Oh, and I really like cupcakes!

I enjoyed the way in which Kallie is portrayed to understand animals. How did you find this perspective and develop it in the story?

Animal communication is a real thing. I did take a class from a woman who worked with zoos, race tracks, ranches, and state and federal wildlife organizations. I can still communicate, a little. If I practiced more, I would probably be better at it!

This is part of your Kallie Collins Cozy Mystery series. What can readers expect in book two and when will it be available?

Book two, Talk to the Hoof, is, yes, about horses. It’s a bit more complicated than the first book. There’s a missing woman, a murder, and five suspects all with motive. Ariel, the corgi/terrier mix from the first book, is very involved with what’s going on. It seems one of the horses in the story would rather talk to Ariel and have her then pass on the information to Kallie. Hmmm. I wonder why that is?

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On call at Crater Emergency Animal Hospital, I, Doctor Kallie Collins, receive a curious request from the sheriff’s department. I’m to meet with a detective at a small ranch outside of town.

You see, there’s this dog with a bone he’s not willing to part with.

On scene, the dog tells me the bone is human. Actually, he shows me the location of the body, complete with a human skull, through an animal-communication technique I learned a couple years ago. Now I have to explain how this works to the detective, convincing him I’m not the murderer.

Who knew a simple farm visit would put me in the middle of a murder investigation? Well, I did kinda jump into this mess. I had to. I know what happened. The two four-legged witnesses to the murder told me.

And I’m the only one listening.