Author Olivia Matthews is back with the latest installment of her Peach Coast Library Mystery series. I recently spoke with her about Murder Out of Character.Tell me about your latest book.
Hey, Chandra! Thank you so very, very much for inviting me to chat with you and your community. I really appreciate your time and interest.
My latest book is Murder Out of Character. It’s the second book in my cozy mystery series, A Peach Coast Library Mystery. The protagonist is Marvella “Marvey” Harris. She’s a librarian and reluctant amateur sleuth. In this story, Marvey finds what turns out to be a hit list. Two people have already been murdered, and the third person on the list is one of her new best friends, Spencer Holt. (Oh, no!!!) Five things about Murder Out of Character: A librarian amateur sleuth; a serial killer; a gentleman in distress; helicopter parents; and Southernisms.
Why did you decide to write it?
One of the reasons I decided to write this story was to put a twist on the “damsel in distress” trope by having a “gentleman in distress” with the damsel saving him. What makes that twist especially fun for me in this story is that the damsel who does the saving isn’t in law enforcement. She’s not a bodyguard or a cop. She’s a librarian whose friend is in danger. Because of the life-or-death stakes, she’s forced to face her fears and find the hero inside of her to save her friend.
Who is your favorite character in the book and why?
For some reason, I really enjoyed writing the character of Brittany Wilson, owner of Coastal Cycles bike shop and rental. Brittany is one of the targets on the serial killer’s hit list. (Oh,no!!!) She’s so deliciously distrusting of everyone’s motives. She’s a wonderful (fictional) person—fun, smart, successful, a good boss. She’s a triathlete and an entrepreneur. But good heavens, she’s so suspicious.
What was the hardest part about writing the story?
For me, one of the hardest parts was balancing all the elements, including the red herrings, characterization, pacing, foreshadowing, passage of time. The balancing act got a little tricky.
If you were to write a book about your life, what would be the title and why?
LOL! For tonight, I’ll say, There’s Not Enough Chocolate! The reason I chose that title is because I’m facing some massive deadlines, and I don’t have enough chocolate to handle the pressure. LOL!
What is something readers would be surprised to know about you?
Hmmm… I really am an open book. I can’t think of a single thing that would surprise readers to know about me. LOL!
Tell me about a book that changed your life and why.
There are so many books that fit this description. Just today, my husband and I were talking about Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America by Lerone Bennett Jr. The information in this book has value not just to Black communities but to every community. It’s especially urgent in today’s climate when there are people who are trying to deprive us of knowledge by changing school curriculums and banning books. This book helped change my life by providing information about the contributions Black people have made in advancing the United States. It also helped explain some of the impediments Black people overcame. Knowledge like this is important to the country because it serves as almost a map to help avoid mistakes from our past and to help understand challenges in our future.
What’s next for you?
Thank you so much for asking. I’m excited to announce the launch of my new cozy mystery series, Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries. The series features a West Indian family in Brooklyn, New York. The daughter, our amateur sleuth, launches a bakery with the help of her parents, grandmother and older brother. The first book in the series is Against the Currant. Its scheduled release date is January 2023. Five things about Against the Currant: an amateur sleuth baker; a West Indian bakery in Brooklyn; a rival baker; Caribbean folklore; and a high school crush.
Do you have anything you would like to add?
I’m so grateful to readers for their support and encouragement of my work. It means a lot. And thank you so very much, Chandra, for providing this platform. I love reading every edition, and I’m very appreciative for the opportunity to participate in the interview.
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To learn more about national bestselling author Olivia Matthews, visit her website or connect with her on social media:
Website: https://PatriciaSargeant.com
Twitter: twitter.com/BooksByPatricia
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