Expect an interactive cozy mystery reading experience in Rosie A. Point's book, "Murder Among the Stacks."
What was your inspiration behind this new Cranberry Creek mystery series?
I loved the idea of a rather selfish author getting her due and was curious about what type of people would surround her. What was her mother like, her assistant, her friend? And who could possibly have wanted her out of the way? It seemed like such a fun idea.
Why do people love cozy mysteries so much?
People love cozy mysteries because they provide a safe, cozy escape from a world that can be a little bit confusing or alarming at times. In cozy mysteries, the bad guy always gets what's coming to them and that just makes sense. Also, it's fun to puzzle out who might have committed the crime alongside the sleuth.
What are some important elements needed for a “cozy mystery” vs. a regular mystery novel?
Above all else, a cozy mystery must be entirely clean--no gratuitous violence on the page, nothing raunchy or inappropriate, and no animals are ever harmed during the mystery. Most importantly, the cozy mystery often revolves around personal relationships between characters and the sleuth figuring out what those connections mean. Cozies are always comforting and are usually set in a small town. Regular mysteries can have these elements, but they usually have darker themes or don't shy away from violence.
Tell us a little more about "Murder Among the Stacks" and why you decided to write it. Your book is “interactive” as readers get to solve word search puzzles. Why did you decide to include these fun puzzles?
I certainly can't take credit for this amazing idea--the team at Adams Media came up with the amazing concept to have a puzzle at the end of every chapter, and I think it's just fantastic. What's cozier than reading a cozy mystery and doing puzzles, especially ones that help you figure out whodunit? As for the plot of "Murder Among the Stacks," I wrote it because I adore cozy mysteries, small towns, and bringing readers joy.
What can fans expect from your book?
They can expect an interactive cozy mystery reading experience and to be desperate to find out who murdered a famous author--in Cranberry Creek, of course. I like to think that my cozy mysteries always get readers scratching their heads and laughing at the antics of the characters. They'll particularly enjoy the star of the show, ginger cat, Sir Reginald Cattington the Third.
What's up next for you in the bookish world? Are there more Cranberry Creek mysteries coming down the pike?
Absolutely! There are three more books in the series: "Murder by Muffin," "Murder Before 'I Do'," and "Murder on Vacation." Keep an eye out for them over the coming months. This series is my first with Adams Media, though I've written 90+ books as an indie author. It's been wonderful to have their support bringing Cranberry Creek to life, and I'm excited for readers to continue Abby's adventures!
