Welcome to the “Fall Into Mystery Event” happening Sepetember 10th to 21th, 2018, at SHANNON MUIR’S THE PULP AND MYSTERY SHELF!

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Just in Time (A Dodie O’Dell Mystery)
by Suzanne Trauth

About the Book

Just in Time (A Dodie O’Dell Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
4th in Series
Lyrical Underground (September 25, 2018)
Print Length 220 pages
Kindle ASIN: B078QTBB4F

FACE THE MUSIC

Business is humming at Dodie O’Dell’s Windjammer Restaurant, where she offers theme menus connected to the Etonville Little Theatre’s amateur productions. This June, the theatre is collaborating with the neighboring Creston Players to stage Bye Bye Birdie under the stars—their first musical! There’s a contest in the play to pick a fan to receive rock idol Conrad Birdie’s last kiss before he ships off for the Army, so Dodie plans a contest to pick the food for a pre-show picnic.

But before the show opens, Ruby, the rehearsal accompanist, is found dead in her car. Why would anyone murder the crusty old gal who loved to sneak a smoke and a nip between wisecracks? Once again, the resourceful restaurant manager must play the part of amateur sleuth, accompanied by Police Chief Bill Thompson, who also happens to be her beau. Confronted with a chorus of suspects, she’ll need to stay composed to catch the killer—or it’ll be bye bye Dodie…

Interview with the Author

What initially got you interested in writing?

I’ve always been interested in writing. Even in grade school I wrote short stories and class essays. I experimented with writing plays in the eighth grade. In high school I entered a writing contest and won first prize for a short story. That was all it took! I wrote on and off for years, exploring plays, screenplays, and, finally, novels. All of my writing was an outlet for my overactive imagination.

What genres do you write in?

I love writing in a range of genres. Writing mystery novels – like the Dodie O’Dell Mystery series – is my first love. But I also enjoy working on plays. My background is in theatre so I take to dramatic writing easily. I am also planning a standalone novel that moves from 1944 to the present day.

What drew you to writing these specific genres?

I’ve read mystery novels all my life…I began with Nancy Drew and the Bobbsey Twins. I graduated to more sophisticated thrillers along the way. So when I began writing novels myself, a mystery series was a natural inclination. I also liked playing with my protagonist’s sense of humor. Since I spent many years teaching theatre classes in acting and directing, writing plays also came naturally. I love exploring both genres.

How did you break into the field?

Writing sometimes feels like a group activity to me! I had many helpful teachers and coaches along the way in writing classes and workshops. When I had gone as far as I could with my first mystery, Show Time, I approached a wonderful freelance editor, who I’d worked with earlier on another novel. He helped me with structure, plot and character development, and sticking to my genre. He recommended my current publisher, Kensington, and the rest is history!

What do you want readers to take away from reading your works?

I hope my readers enjoy the time they spend with Dodie O’Dell and the citizens of Etonville, NJ. I have injected a healthy dose of humor into the pages of my mystery series so I appreciate it when readers tell me they laughed out loud. Since Dodie manages the Windjammer restaurant, my books feature a wide array of daily, mouth-watering specials.  And Dodie’s involvement with the Etonville Little Theatre means there is a theatre production in every book as well. Mostly, I hope readers have a fun time following the antics of my small town characters.

What do you find most rewarding about writing?

I love the creative process. Starting with a blank page—or computer screen—and watching scenes, settings, and characters come alive. Creating something out of nothing. Since I am writing a series, I find it rewarding—and I hope my readers do as well—to explore the backstories and lives of my characters and to expand their relationships and conflicts from book to book.

What do you find most challenging about writing?

Plotting out the murder and the trail of clues leading my sleuth to the killer. Once I write the book from beginning to end, I retrace my steps and read backward to make sure the clues and red herrings lead my readers down a path that helps them solve the mystery too. Providing just enough information to keep them hooked. But not too much too soon…

What advice would you give to people wanting to enter the field?

I always say be persistent and don’t give up when I am asked this question. Don’t let rejections stop you from pursuing your dream. Have an honest, smart, savvy first reader who can provide solid feedback you trust. Then find and work with a great editor. Most importantly, keep writing. Even while one finished project is making the rounds, keep the creative juices flowing with the next project.

What type of books do you enjoy reading?

Mysteries, thrillers, historical fiction, literary fiction. Right now I’m reading a memoir and just finished a novel by Isabel Allende that my book club is discussing next month. I am also really engaged with Louis Penny’s Armand Gamache series. I am reading all dozen books in order.

Is there anything else besides writing you think people would find interesting about you?

I’m an acting coach and work with my former students who are now stepping into the profession in New York and LA. As a celebrant, I also perform weddings in the area.

And I volunteer at a soup kitchen where I find lots of ideas that I can take to the Winderjammer restaurant in Etonville!

What are the best ways to connect with you, or find out more about your work?

Check out my website or Facebook page and contact me through either one. I also run contests through Facebook and Goodreads. Please enter!

Website: suzannetrauth.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SuzanneTrauth/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel

About the Author

Suzanne Trauth is a novelist, playwright, screenwriter, and a former university theatre professor. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and the Dramatists Guild. When she is not writing, Suzanne coaches actors and serves as a celebrant performing wedding ceremonies. She lives in Woodland Park, New Jersey. Readers can visit her website at www.suzannetrauth.com.

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS

September 10 – Babs Book Bistro – GUEST POST

September 11 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT

September 12 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

September 13 – Ruff Drafts – GUEST POST

September 14 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW

September 14 – The Pulp and Mystery Shelf – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

September 15 – Varietats – REVIEW, CHARACTER GUEST POST

September 16 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

September 17 – Readeropolis – CHARACTER INTERVIEW

September 18 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW

September 19 – StoreyBook Reviews – GUEST POST

September 20 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

September 21 – Teresa Trent Author Blog – SPOTLIGHT

September 22 – MJB Reviewers – AUTHOR INTERVIEW, INDIVIDUAL GIVEAWAY

September 23 – Handcrafted Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

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