The Third Black Beacon Book of Mystery will be released on the 18 th of April (but the Kindle version is available for pre-order today at just $0.99 instead of $3.99) and to celebrate this new volume of detective mysteries guaranteed to put your little grey cells to work, we’re interviewing the contributing authors. Do you dare peer into their devious minds, where criminal masterminds battle brilliant sleuths, private eyes, and police detectives? Settle down in your favourite armchair and get ready to pit your wits against the finest voices penning mystery puzzles today!
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?
A hearty hello to you too, Cameron. My story popped into my head after binge reading a bunch of Agatha Christie stories. But! There’s always a but, my fellow is definitely not Hercule Poirot. I heard my somewhat distinguished fellow talking in my head (loved his accent) and I simply followed along with the story he was about to share. At first, my secondary character (Tilly) was going to be Genest’s friend, but as the story developed, I realized she was much more (his goddaughter!) I love the tension between the two of them, family dynamics—gotta love it!
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?
I believe readers love to be engaged, and who doesn’t love a mystery! I know I do. I’m always trying to figure it out before I get to the end of the story. The nature of being human, I think, always wondering—why do we do what we do, what secrets are we keeping? What do we want, what’s our motivation? As writers, hopefully, we manipulate and deceive in order to spin a good yarn. Who doesn’t love that?
Do you have a favourite fictional detective?
Yes, the one and only Nero Wolfe. Though it’s really more Archie Goodwin who’s my guy. He’s a man of action, bravado, wit and humour. I love his cheeky attitude, the way he manipulates Wolfe to keep him engaged—a kind of genius in his own right, and two halves do make a whole. Archie’s voice is wonderful as the story’s narrator.
Is this the first mystery your protagonist has solved?
It’s the first on paper. I imagine François Genest has solved lots of mysteries and tackled many a puzzle. If he keeps talking to me, maybe I’ll be able to capture more stories.
If you were a detective, private investigator, or amateur sleuth, what would be your trademark quirk?
Probably the quintessential trench coat and trusty fedora. I’m a fan of the old-time film noir movies from the 30s, 40s and 50s. Drop dead dialogue, compelling plots and larger-than-life characters that keep us wanting more.
Do you have a writing routine or particular requirements for a writing session?
No, I just go when and where the wind blows me, and I listen to the voices in my head. Oh, but I must have coffee! It’s definitely my go-do beverage when I plunk myself down and begin the writing.
What are you working on now?
A novella (of sorts), a crime story roughly at 60,000 words. No murder, but we do have a missing child, a young gal just shy of her 15th birthday, and her parents are frantic. I’m into the editing, and wondering do I add more, or delete? The work begins! I’ve set the story in my home city of Calgary, back in the 1990s. I’m having great fun with it! My guy, Barney Dvorkin, has been with me for years and I’m now trying to tell his story. He’s been waiting for his time in the spotlight for a long time. (Can you see me smiling?)
Yes, we can see that smile! Where can we find you online?
www.karenmkeeley.blogspot.com
Thanks for playing along!
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