Red Hot Murder
Series: Charlie Kingsley Mysteries #6
Author: Michele Pariza Wacek
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 269
Setting: Wisconsin
Release Date: April 25, 2023, by Love-Based Publishing
Summary:
Charlie Kingsley’s tea customers have two things in common:
They rave about her teas.
AND they have a knack for attracting trouble.
There’s never been a connection between the two … until now.
One night, one of Charlie’s customers passes out, only to wake up to her fiancé dead in her home and no memory of what happened the night before.
But one thing she DOES remember is drinking a cup of Charlie’s tea.
Charlie knows it wasn’t the tea, but everyone else is suddenly blaming her, so she has no choice but to get to the bottom of this mysterious death.
Character Interview with Charlie Kingsley
How did you and your author meet?
Oh, it was years and years ago. It started with my niece, Becca, and how I willed Becca my house after I died. At the time, I was just the “dead aunt,” which was a little annoying. I knew I would have my work cut out for me.
Even though Michele first got the idea of me over 20 years ago, she didn’t do anything with it until just a few years ago. And when she finally did start working on it, she got my name wrong. (Ugh.)
Eventually, we sorted it out, and I also made it clear to Michele that she was going to have to write my origin story, which she did (although she got caught up in another book project that ended up going nowhere first).
Once we got all of that straightened out, we were able to have a chat about me starring in my own cozy mystery series, which is the Charlie Kingsley Mysteries series. It takes place in the 1990s, which was years before my untimely death.
Why did this writer decide to feature you in a book?
Because she didn’t have a choice. I wasn’t going to stop nagging her until she set her butt down and got it written. It took her a while but, she’s finally figured out that it’s easier to just write the book than to try and ignore me.
Do you have any friends or family helping you out?
In the Charlie Kingsley Mysteries, my best friend Pat is my sidekick. I have other friends, like Claire and Nancy, who also make appearances from time to time.
Do you have a regular job and investigate on the side or are you a full time detective?
I have a business making custom teas. I grow the herbs and flowers in my backyard garden, as well. The sleuthing part, I never looked for … I would have been content living a quiet life gardening, baking, and making my teas. But alas, my customers also find themselves in need of my sleuthing talents, so I have to do what I can.
What is the funniest thing that happens to you or another character in this story?
A new friend pops in. Her name is Tilde Tillerson, and even though she’s a retired nurse, she has been inspired by my sleuthing success to start her own Redemption Detective Agency. She’s a little wet behind the ears, though. I may have to help her out more, especially if she ends up branching out into her own series.
Have you solved other cases or is this your first one?
This is the sixth “full length” version, in addition to two shorter accounts (novellas), and one very short one (a reader magnet prequel). All can be read as standalones.
Do you have a gift or special talent?
Making teas. My customers all swear my teas give them amazing health benefits, but of course, I make no claims to that.
Who is the most important individual in your life?
Probably my niece and nephew, Becca and CB, although they unfortunately live in New York, so I don’t see them as much as I would like.
What is your ideal vacation?
I haven’t had a vacation in years! I might have to have a chat with Michele to change that. A cruise sounds like fun. I’m sure if I go, a body will pop up somewhere.
If you could change anything about your life what would it be?
If I could, I would go back in time and make some different choices.
Charlie Kingsley Mysteries
Series available on #KindleUnlimited
About the Author
A USA Today Bestselling, award-winning author, Michele taught herself to read at 3 years old because she wanted to write stories so badly. It took some time (and some detours), but now she does spend much of her time writing stories. Mystery stories, to be exact. They’re clean and twisty, and range from psychological thrillers to cozies, with a dash of romance and supernatural thrown into the mix. If that wasn’t enough, she posts lots of fun things on her blog, including short stories, puzzles, recipes, and more, at MPWNovels.com.
Michele grew up in Wisconsin, (hence why all her books take place there), and still visits regularly, but she herself escaped the cold and now lives in the mountains of Prescott, Arizona, with her husband and southern squirrel hunter Cassie.
When she’s not writing, she’s usually reading, hanging out with her dog, or watching the Food Network and imagining she’s an awesome cook. (Spoiler alert, she’s not. Luckily for the whole family, Mr. PW is in charge of the cooking.)
Giveaway
Prize: 3 Signed paperbacks with swag, US only
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Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
Sounds great.