The Second Black Beacon Book of Mystery will be released on the 8th of July (but the Kindle version is available for pre-order at just $1.99 instead of $3.99, and you can add it to your Goodreads list today) and to celebrate this new volume of short mysteries bound to get armchair detectives the world over donning their deerstalkers, we’re interviewing the contributing authors. Are you ready to glimpse the inner workings of these criminally clever minds? Sit back with a cup of tea and enjoy the following interview—on second thoughts, don’t drink that!
Hi Edward,
It’s always tricky interviewing a mystery writer about a particular story because we don’t want to give anything away, but can you tell us (carefully) where the idea for your story came from?
I got the idea from a passing reference, in a book of nonfiction, on a tried-and-true but now forgotten (unless my story sparks new interest) way to commit murder.
There are several sub-genres of mystery fiction, but the stories in this anthology are traditional fair-play mysteries in which the reader can try to solve the puzzle before all is revealed. What makes this kind of mystery so timeless?
Give us one classic mystery writer you admire and one new talent (not from this anthology) readers ought to discover.
E. C. R. Lorac (Edith Caroline Rivett, 1894-1958). As for new talent, there are too many I could mention, so I’ll play it safe and give this one a pass.
Is this the first mystery your protagonist has solved?
No. Lena has appeared in a series of six Cranberry Country Mystery novels, beginning with Marmalade and Murder. ‘Lurking in the Shadows’ is her first short story.
If you were a detective, private investigator, investigative journalist, or amateur sleuth, what would be your trademark quirk?
A fondness for, and over indulgence in, fine wines.
Have you ever solved a real-life mystery?
No. I still can’t locate my keys.
How important is setting to you in your writing? Have you lived or visited where your story is set?
Setting is very important. I try to include as much local color in my mystery and horror fiction as is possible. I grew up on the cranberry bogs of Cape Cod and Southeastern Massachusetts. From the age of thirteen until thirty I worked on weekends, and during school vacations, including summers, from high school through grad school, and afterwards when I was teaching. I’ve got cranberry juice in my veins. Or is it ditch water?
What do you aim to give your readers?
Entertainment, and information if I can work it in.
What are you working on now?
A short mystery story set in 17-century New England.
Where can we find you online?
Hiding.
Thanks for playing along. Enjoy the tea!
This tea tastes funny.
Poppycock...there's nothing wrong with it. Drink up!
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