Nikki Payne wanted to write a romantic caper where a girl gets the justice she's denied in her real life, therefore wrote "The Princess and the P.I."

What was your inspiration behind the book?

I wanted to write a romantic caper where a nerdy Black girl detective actually gets the swoony PI — and the justice she’s denied in her real life. Call it Blerd reparations.

What does Reading Rainbow mean to you?

It means finding yourself in stories. No sidekicks, no cautionary tales. Fiona is a heroine with the agency to love and mess up. It’s messy, loud, queer, joyful, and tragic sometimes. But dammit it’s hers!

Why do you feel representation of a variety of people is so important when it comes to writing books?

Because love stories belong to everyone. Seeing diverse people in romance pushes back against narrow definitions of who gets to be desired, protected, or chosen. Especially in our post Sidney Sweeny “Good Genes” era.

Tell us a little more about the book and why you decided to write it.

"The Princess and the P.I." is about Fiona, a Ghanaian-American Reddit sleuth, and Maurice, a private investigator in Prince George’s County, who team up when she’s accused of murder. It’s about secrets, tech conspiracies, and falling for the wrong person at the exact right time.

What can fans expect from your book?

Chemistry that sizzles, a twisty mystery, big messy families, insomnia-fueled banter, and a PI who can’t quit his quilt-making hobby.

What's up next for you in the bookish world?

I’m working on my next romantic suspense book….think revenge, conspiracies, and a bit of edge!