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Marriage Is Pure Murder
by Staci McLaughlin
Marriage Is Pure Murder (A Blossom Valley Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
6th in Series
Kensington (May 30, 2017)
Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0758294920
E-Book ASIN: B01LJKQFH6
Wedding bells are ringing at the O’Connell Organic Farm and Spa in California’s postcard-perfect Blossom Valley. The entire staff is pitching in to send one of their own down the aisle. But no one knew the nuptials could turn up so many secrets—or that marriage and murder could go hand in hand . . .
Dana Lewis is marrying Jason Forrester, a talented reporter and the love of her life. She couldn’t dream of a better venue than the farm where she works, and her friends are determined to give her the wedding of her dreams. Even her florist, Bethany Lancaster, is making sure she has just the right flowers. But Dana’s happiness wilts when she finds Bethany shot dead—and discovers her friend was a busybody with a blackmail list longer than a cathedral veil. With so many enemies, finding Bethany’s killer seems all but impossible. And when Dana herself is eyed as a suspect, she’ll have to chase down the culprit faster than she can say, “I do”—or she’ll be trading in her wedding dress for prison stripes . .
Interview With The Author
What initially got you interested in writing?
From a young age, I’ve always loved reading and imagined myself taking part in the stories, especially the ones with female characters, like Nancy Drew or Trixie Belden. It seemed only natural to start writing my own stories so I could decide for myself what sort of trouble my character was going to get into.
What genres do you write in?
I currently only write in the cozy mystery genre.
What drew you to writing these specific genres?
My favorite kind of book to read is a good mystery. I love the challenge of trying to figure out who the guilty party is and why they committed the crime. I wanted to see if I could create a similar type of book.
How did you break into the field?
I had been sending query letters to a number of agents without any luck. Then the agent of a fellow writer was looking for more cozy mystery writers to represent, and my friend recommended me. I will be forever grateful to her!
What do you want readers to take away from reading your works?
I just want readers to have fun. I hope I’ve written the type of book that they can read on a vacation at the beach or on a rainy afternoon and get enjoyment out of it.
What do you find most rewarding about writing?
I love when I get caught up in a scene I’m writing and actually feel like I’m part of the story. When I was working on the ending for my latest book, I got quite tense and short of breath as I imagined myself a part of the action. When that happens, I know I’ve captured what I was trying to write.
What do you find most challenging about writing?
I’m not a particularly romantic person, so writing scenes between Dana and her boyfriend are incredibly difficult. I feel awkward and silly the entire time, which is why I pretty much limit them to hugs and kisses, nothing more.
What advice would you give to people wanting to enter the field?
Don’t give up. There are so many great writers with fantastic stories to tell. It’s really a matter of getting your manuscript into the hands of an agent or publisher at the right time.
What type of books do you enjoy reading?
I love reading mysteries, but I also enjoy suspense novels and thrillers. I’ll occasionally branch out and read historical nonfiction as well.
Is there anything else besides writing you think people would find interesting about you?
I love roller coasters. I try to visit at least one amusement park each year and ride as many coasters as I can. I love that sensation when the car is just cresting the first big hill and I get a good look at how far down everything is. Then I’m suddenly plummeting toward the earth while it feels like my stomach is rising in the opposite direction. My oldest son is tall enough now to go on most of the rides with me, and he loves them as much as I do.
What are the best ways to connect with you, or find out more about your work?
I have a web site at www.stacimclaughlin.com, which lists all my books and provides the first chapter for each one, plus I’m always available through the e-mail listed on the site. I’m also on Facebook.
About The Author
Staci McLaughlin graduated from the California State University, East Bay before becoming a technical writer for a number of years. Now she is a stay-at-home mom and a cozy mystery writer in my spare time (Ha!). Once she can wrangle the kids into bed, my husband and I enjoy watching scary movies and playing both board games and video games.
She is currently a member of Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, as well as a contributor to the LadyKillers blog at http://www.theladykillers.typepad.com/. She lives with my family in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Author Links:
Webpage – http://stacimclaughlin.com/home
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Staci-McLaughlin-161577987251041/
Tour Participants
May 30 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW
May 31 – Island Confidential – INTERVIEW
June 1 – Bookworm Cafe – REVIEW
June 1 – Queen of All She Reads – SPOTLIGHT
June 2 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW
June 2 – Books,Dreams,Life – SPOTLIGHT
June 3- Readeropolis – SPOTLIGHT
June 3- Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – SPOTLIGHT
June 4 – Teresa Trent Author Site – SPOTLIGHT
June 5 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – INTERVIEW
June 6 – I Read What You Write – REVIEW
June 6 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST
June 7 – My Journey Back – REVIEW
June 8 – Bibliophile Reviews – REVIEW
June 9 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
June 9 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 10 – Texas Book-aholic – REVIEW
June 10 – A Holland Reads – GUEST POST
June 11 – Varietats – REVIEW
June 11 – Cozy Up With Kathy – INTERVIEW
June 12 – Girl with Book Lungs – SPOTLIGHT
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Celia Fowler
Thanks for featuring Marriage is Pure Murder on your blog. I enjoyed the interview and can’t wait to read the book!
Dianne Casey
This is a new series to me. I really enjoyed the description of “Marriage Is Pure Murder” and I can’t wait to read. Definitely adding this series to my TBR list.