We’re joined by Charlotte Stuart on the blog today!
T
ell us about your 2nd book in the Macavity & Me series.
The story in Who, Me? Fog Bows, Fraud and Aphrodite (A Macavity & Me Mystery) begins in the middle of the night at a small urban marina in Seattle. Bryn Baczek hears an argument on a nearby boat followed by a loud splash . . . then silence.
Bryn shares her sailboat home with a cantankerous cat, Macavity, and a series of short-lived goldfish. While seeking evidence to prove her neighbor innocent of murder, she ends up being threatened by the victim’s abusive boyfriend, betrayed by a close friend, and almost bored to death by an uncooperative accountant.
Although Bryn shares what she learns with a charming detective whose manicured mustache she finds off-putting, she is one step ahead of the police in identifying the murderer . . . a step that puts her in a dangerous face-to-face confrontation.
Tell us a little about yourself.
My husband and I lived on boats for a number of years, including time spent at an urban marina that is remarkably like the one where Bryn Baczek lives. In fact, like Bryn, our sailboat was named Aspara after the mythical sea birds in Islandia by Austin Tappan Wright. We also spent several years commercial salmon fishing in Alaska. I feel a strong connection to boats and the water and often incorporate my boating experiences into my writing. Another way in which I use my own background to provide context for my series is by making Bryn a management consultant. Perhaps not a sexy profession, but one that gives her access to a wide variety of companies—where anything could happen. And does. Currently I live on Vashon Island and enjoy time spent writing upbeat mysteries featuring female sleuths.
What was your favorite book read that you read in the past year?
I belong to three book clubs, so I’ve read a lot of books in the past year. I like character driven stories with settings that take me some place I’ve never been. Last year I would have had no difficult answering that question—it was hands down A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles. I was completely captivated by that book. This year two books stand out for entirely different reasons. I enjoyed The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce for its unusual theme and equally unusual characters. And Ty Seidule’s introspective look at cultural myths in Robert E Lee and Me gives me hope that we can evolve as a nation.
If you could go back in time and give your younger author self advice, what you tell her?
This may be a cliché, but . . . don’t give up. I set aside my writing for years because I didn’t find a publisher. Did I try hard enough? Looking back, I’m not sure. But I’m glad I didn’t let past failures keep me from trying again. Just wish I had done it sooner.
How can people learn more about your book and follow you?
Two years ago I wasn’t on social media. Now I’m on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. I’m also on Goodreads and BookBub. I even have a YouTube channel, but with only two presentations, both PowerPoints on humor in mysteries. Not exactly the kind of thing that goes viral, but I’m learning.
My website includes all of my books with buy links as well as a couple of chapters of an unpublished noir mystery. Please drop by at www.charlottestuart.com Or get in touch with one of the following:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/quirkymysteries
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlotte.stuart.mysterywriter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19305587.Charlotte_Stuart
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clzstuart/?hl=en
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/charlotte-stuart
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvK9s440Aw3AaUa30yUZ7dw