Murder in the Graveyard Awaits

By Shari Randall AKA Meri Allen

It’s early October­ — the leaves are starting to mellow, the wind is crisp, and some people have already decorated their houses for Halloween.

 Halloween has morphed into a much bigger holiday than it was years ago when the celebration consisted of homemade costumes, pillowcases filled with candy extorted from neighbors, and a viewing of It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown.

 

Now you can get your child a light up T-Rex costume from Pottery Barn for $79 (and free shipping), a personalized velvet pumpkin-shaped treat basket for $36, or a 12 Ft. tall giant plastic lawn skeleton from the garden center for $229.

 

Times have changed, but one thing hasn’t. Everyone loves a good spooky story, and reading is cheap. If the book’s action is set in a graveyard, all the better.

 

That’s why I was thrilled to take part in the latest Destination Murders anthology Murder in the Graveyard. Not only was it a chance to stretch my writing muscles (writing to a theme is always a fun challenge) but it was also a chance to bring back some of my favorite characters from my Meri Allen Ice Cream Shop Mystery series: the Fairweather sisters. And writing a murder scene set in a graveyard? Priceless.

 

Another reason I enjoyed taking part? A fabulous line up of cozy mystery authors contributed to the anthology, serving up, as the publisher says, stories “perfect for curling up anytime you’re craving bite-sized mysteries with big personality.” Each of the authors — Leslie Budewitz, Karen Cantwell, Misha Crews, Eleanor Cawood Jones, Tina Kashian, Daphne Silver, Shawn Reilly Simmons, Rosalie Spielman, and Cathy Wiley — wrote their story starring the main character of their series. If you like their characters, more mystery and adventure awaits you in those books.

 

Murder in the Graveyard is available now. Enjoy it along with those fun-sized candy bars you stashed away on the shelf behind the canned vegetables.

 

What’s your favorite scary story or book? What’s your favorite Halloween treat?

 

Meri Allen is the pen name of Shari Randall, author of not only the Ice Cream Shop Mysteries, but also the Agatha Award-winning Lobster Shack mystery series. She loves a good spooky story, and her favorite Halloween candy is Smarties and Milky Way bars.

An Interview with Shari Randall/Meri Allen By E. B. Davis

 

This was an opportunity. I wanted to get back to the Inn, see why there’d been something bothering me since I’d seen Diantha’s body…. Unfortunately, it also meant I had to scrub bathrooms and vacuum. Poirot never had this problem.

Meri Allen, Fatal Fudge Swirl, Kindle Loc. 943

 

Former CIA librarian and amateur sleuth Riley Rhodes is loving her fresh start as the manager of the Udderly Delicious Ice Cream Shop. The leaves are turning, tourists are leaf-peeping, and Penniman, Connecticut is putting finishing touches on the weekend long Halloween Happening. But the village is also buzzing. Former child star Cooper Collins is overseeing the production of a romantic comedy that’s filming on the town green and his domineering socialite mother, Diantha, is planning her lavish Halloween themed wedding at her Inn on the Green. Her fiancé has run the Inn's kitchen for years, ably aided by his recent ex-wife, chef Mary Ann Dumas. An old friend of Riley’s, Mary Ann turns to her when the bride requests a spooky ice cream wedding cake.

But the weekend takes a frightful turn when Diantha is found dead and suspicion falls on Mary Ann. The cast of potential suspects is long―each wedding guest had a chilling motive to kill the vicious heiress. Can Riley unmask the murderer before another guest ends up on ice?

Amazon.com

 

This is the third book in An Ice Cream Shop mystery series written by Meri Allen, who, of course, is none other than our own Shari Randall. Shari set up main character Riley to have quite a few problems in Fatal Fudge Swirl among them solving the murder. While Riley is making a Halloween themed ice cream wedding cake, she’s also been enlisted to read the newly-found Collins family letters from the colonial era. Unfortunately, they’re as boring as yesteryear’s grocery list.

 

On top of that, she’s creating fall/holiday ice cream flavors, such as Pumpkin Spice and Spiced Eggnog. Her application for Gelato school has been accepted. Not only could she attend the course in New York City, but also in Rome, Italy, a place she’d love to revisit. But, she got into big trouble there with her old employer, the CIA.

 

This is a great time of year to read a book based on ice cream.         E. B. Davis

 

To concoct the ice cream cake, in which the bride requested a black layer of chai-latte, Riley uses culinary-grade charcoal to get the black color. It’s favorless. Why is culinary-grade charcoal so popular now? It has medical uses, but what are its qualities for use in food?  One thing that has fascinated me since I started writing mysteries involving food is culinary fads. Culinary-grade charcoal has found its way into ice cream because it looks amazing - check out all the images of black ice cream on Instagram at Halloween. Diantha Collins is not only mad for the spooky holiday, she’s a savvy businesswoman who will share every detail of her Halloween wedding on social media.

 

How do Riley and Mary Ann know one another?  Riley and Mary Ann went to high school together. They weren’t close friends – they were several years apart – but were teammates on the track team. They reconnected at the Penniman Women in Business Club. Riley definitely sympathizes with Mary Ann, who has to cater the wedding of her ex and his new bride.

 

Chef Dominic, Mary Ann’s ex and the bridegroom, is into molecular gastronomy. What is that? Is he like Alton Brown, explaining the chemical reactions that happen in cooking/baking?

Molecular gastronomy is two things: one, the science of food and cooking (what Alton does); and two, the use of scientific techniques to create unique dishes. You see this on shows like Top Chef, when a contestant uses liquid nitrogen to make instant ice cream, or foams, or tiny spheres of olive oil that look like caviar. Chef Dominic has become famous for his molecular gastronomy, which put Penniman on the foodie map.

 

When using liquid nitrogen to make ice cream, it isn’t used directly in the ice cream, it’s used to cool and freeze the ice cream ingredients, right? Or is it added to the ingredients and evaporates out? Dry ice could be used in the same way. Do both give off the fog when they “melt?” Is it really minus 109 degrees at room temperature? Here’s a video to explain making treats with liquid nitrogen, and why you should take care when you do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2M1CFpvXJSs

 

 

Who is Marley Wagner, and why does Riley find him smarmy? Marley is a chef at the Inn on the Green who dreams of opening a restaurant with celebrity Chef Dom. Riley keeps catching Marley eavesdropping and snooping around the hotel, so she’s sure he’s up to no good.

 

Diantha’s family, the Collins, were one of the original settlers of Penniman. She owns the Inn on the Green as well as several other historic buildings near the Inn. Riley’s former Girl Scout leader, Ruthie, and her granddaughter Lucretia, live in one of those buildings. A retired teacher, Ruthie provides maid services at the Inn. Why does she fear for her job, and that she’ll be kicked out of her house? Ruthie is the sole support for her granddaughter, Lucretia. Lucretia’s father has never been in the picture, and her mother abandoned her as a baby, so Ruthie is the only family Lucretia has. Lucretia is a high school senior and is looking at college, and Ruthie doesn’t know how she’s going to pay for it.

 

Riley’s mother died when she was three. She and her dad, now owner of a bookstore in town, were alone for all of her upbringing. Her dad married the irritating Paulette five years ago. What is it about Paulette that irritates Riley so much? Oh, Paulette! She’s one of those people who’s just a little too perfect, plus her not-so-subtle attempts at matchmaking keep Riley on her toes.

 

To seal the deal of using the bookstore as a set in the movie, Paulette offers to use Sprinkles as the bookstore cat when the movie producers ask about adding a cat. Riley is irritated, but secretly, she’s amused. Why? Riley thinks that Paulette has met her match in Sprinkles. The neurotic furball has scared off her pet psychologist and Riley thinks it’s only a matter of time until Sprinkles melts down again. She thinks it would be just desserts if a meltdown happened while Paulette was wrangling Sprinkles for the movie.

 

Tillie picks up a side gig in this book. What’s she doing? As we all know, Tillie longs for adventure beyond what she finds as the administrative assistant at the Penniman Police Services building. Tillie has started her own private investigation firm, and winds up with a very famous and demanding client – the star of the Skylark movie that’s shooting in Penniman.

 

Caroline and Riley pick men whose time is not their own. Are they undermining their romantic success? This is an interesting point I’d never considered. (Elaine, you ask the best questions!) Caroline is inexperienced in love, and has simply fallen head-over-heels. Riley let a dangerous attraction get the better of her, and now is second guessing her instincts when it comes to dating.

 

Jack seems passive-aggressive in this book. He calls Riley ”Penniman’s own Jessica Fletcher.” What’s with him? Jack, the police chief, is a perfect example of the saying still waters run deep. I threw a lot at him in this book. He has a media circus with the murder of a socialite and the movie filming in town. He’s facing an emotional and romantic crisis, plus he’s been walking a fine line with Riley, whose unofficial sleuthing has solved several murders. He’s smart enough to know that she’s an asset, but she’s also “not by the book” and he’s a by-the-book guy. I think he needs a nice, quiet murder-free vacation at his cabin in the woods. Will I give him one? Hmmm….unlikely.

 

I thought church bells rang to get people into service. Why do Penniman’s church bells ring at the close of service? Are they celebrating getting that chore over for the week? Penniman’s beautiful old church on the green has bells that chime on the hour. Still, I bet some of the churchgoers are celebrating!

 

Why doesn’t Udderly use no-churn recipes? Isn’t gelato no-churn? Udderly’s ice cream is top quality, made in small batches with the freshest organic ingredients. If you don’t have an ice cream machine to churn the ice cream, you can make ice cream in the freezer using sweetened condensed milk instead of the traditional custard base. Not churning means you give up a lot in terms of texture and taste.

 

Gelato (Italian style ice cream) has a lower fat content than ice cream and is churned at a slower rate, incorporating less air and leaving the gelato denser than ice cream. Less fat means that you experience more of the flavoring of the gelato as opposed to the creaminess of ice cream, so gelato flavors are more intense. Gelato is also stored at a lower temperature, so it will melt faster on the tongue, another attribute that gives more depth of flavor.

I have learned way too much about the science of ice cream with these books!

 

I was shocked when Riley got the note from Paolo, her former boyfriend in Rome. And then she didn’t open it for the longest time—why? It was exasperating! Everyone’s dying to know what’s in that note! Riley’s struggling with her feelings for the handsome thief she left behind in Rome. That’s all I can say without spoilers!

 

What are amuse-bouches? An amuse bouche is a small, savory appetizer – usually only a bite or two – that’s offered free of charge by the chef to guests. It translates from French as “amuse the mouth” and is meant to be a showcase of the chef’s creativity.

 

What was Newgate? Where was it? Newgate was a notorious Connecticut prison that housed Tories during the Revolutionary War. The prison had been constructed over an old copper mine, and prisoners were housed in underground caverns and shafts, allowed above ground only during daylight hours. It was a cruel and filthy place, and eventually closed down by prison reformers in the 1800s.

 

What is a black box theater? They’re simple, unadorned performance spaces - usually the walls are painted black, which gives this type of theater its name.

 

Will we go to Rome with Riley next? Must you do research there? Research in Rome is definitely on my bucket list!

 

An Interview with Meri Allen by E. B. Davis

 

I took a deep breath. “No time for sleuthing. First things first. Dessert.”

Meri Allen, Mint Chocolate Murder, Kindle Loc. 1168

 

Riley Rhodes returns in the second delicious cozy set in a New England ice cream shop, Meri Allen's Mint Chocolate Murder!

When Udderly Delightful Ice Cream shop manager Riley Rhodes is summoned to Penniman’s Moy Mull Castle, it’s the cherry on top of a successful summer season. The gothic pile built by an eccentric New England Gilded Age millionaire has been transformed into a premiere arts colony by Maud Monaco, a reclusive former supermodel. As part of Moy Mull’s Fall Arts Festival, Maud is throwing a fantasy ice cream social and hires Riley to whip up unique treats to celebrate the opening of an exhibit by Adam Blasco, a photographer as obnoxious as he is talented.

As Penniman fills up with Maud’s art-world friends arriving for the festival, gossip swirls around Blasco, who has a dark history of obsession with his models. Riley’s curiosity and instincts for sleuthing – she was a CIA librarian – are piqued, and she wonders at the hold the cold-hearted photographer has over the mistress of Moy Mull.

But when Adam is found dead behind the locked door of Moy Mull’s dungeon, Riley realizes there’s more than one suspect who’d wanted to put the malicious photographer on ice.

Amazon.com

 

Mint Chocolate Murder, the second book in the Ice Cream Shop mystery series by Meri Allen/Shari Randall was released yesterday. Main character Riley Rhodes, CIA librarian and now ice cream shop manager, doesn’t just solve one mystery in this book, she solves three. All of which were satisfying for the reader and also reminding us that in every crime there are more victims than perpetrators.

 

I love Meri’s/Shari’s secondary characters, and in this volume, another secondary character came to life that seemed worthy of more appearances, but we’ll see if that comes about in further books.

 

Please congratulate Meri Allen/and WWK blogger, Shari Randall on the publication of this very relaxing and intriguing read!

                                                                                                      E. B. Davis

 

Thanks so much for interviewing me, E.B. I always enjoy our chats.

 

Rocky doesn’t sleuth with Riley in this book. Why is Rocky on the outs with Riley? Rocky has just been neutered and has had to suffer the indignity of wearing the cone, so he’s not happy with Riley at all. Plus the other cat in the house, Sprinkles, has been acting out, and Rocky wants to escape the drama.

 

Is the title of this book a red herring? Why not Pumpkin Spice Murder? I’d originally titled this book The Cold Art of Murder, but the publisher decided to go with flavor names and loved the alliteration of Mint Chocolate Murder. All the references to Pumpkin Spice grew out of the character’s dialogue – so many people are obsessed with the flavor it becomes a running joke, but it didn’t play a role in the plot.

 

When people meet Riley and know she’s the manager of Udderly Delicious Ice Cream shop, what do they say to her? Everyone greets Riley by announcing their favorite flavor. She’s gotten used to it and enjoys it – it shows how much she’s been embraced by the Penniman community.

 

Prentiss Love is a likeable character. Will he stay as a secondary character? Everyone loves Prentiss! Isn’t he wonderful? I want him for a best friend. I promise to never kill him off.

 

Riley brings custom ice cream for the event at Moy Mull: Cherry Vanilla with Luxardo cherries poached in bourbon and cinnamon; Rhubarb Crumble, Pumpkin Spice, Amaretto laced with bitter chocolate with almond biscotti crumble; Pear and Stilton, and Unicorn—a bubble gum flavor. What are Luxardo cherries? What does Riley have against Pumpkin Spice? She’s selling a ton of it. Luxardo cherries are a special type of cherry preserved in a liquor made by processing the pits, leaves, and stems of Marasca cherries. This gives them a touch of flavor similar to amaretto or almond. It’s a far cry from a typical maraschino cherry. Riley’s pumpkin spice ice cream is so popular that she spends a lot of time making it, time she’d like to spend sleuthing!

 

What is cranachan? What is Riley’s take on it? How is the word pronounced? Cranachan (CRAN-a-kan) is a traditional and decadent Scottish dessert, similar to a trifle, that layers raspberries, cream, and toasted oats (that can first be soaked in whisky). Honey -- heather honey if you can find it -- is incorporated in the cream. Riley first encountered the dessert in a snug pub near Edinburgh Castle, and makes her own version for a very special Scottish themed dinner at the art colony’s castle.

 

How are ice cream rosettes made? It’s easy? I haven’t tried it myself, but I’ve heard the key is keeping it cold. Here’s a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxvT63vULqg

 

 

Why does Sprinkles, the former pedigree show cat, need therapy? How does she flunk therapy? Let’s just say that Sprinkles is having trouble adjusting to all the changes on the farm and at the ice cream shop. Sprinkles feels rejected and Riley and her best friend, Caroline Spooner, are eager to try anything to get Sprinkles out of her funk. The scene with the therapist was a hoot to write!

 

How does culinary-grade heather taste? Where do you get it? Is it pretty? You can buy it from specialty culinary shops online. It’s light purple and has a flavor similar to chamomile.

 

Due to her failed CIA assignment with the culprit, Paolo, Riley second guesses her instincts. Understandable, but at the end of her assessment, Riley knows she didn’t misread Paolo, she fooled herself into believing in him. Why did Riley do that? Riley, who is usually so level headed, was swept off her feet by the handsome and magnetic Paolo. I think the romance of Italy probably played a part, too.

 

Is the allure of genius what attracts fans and groupies? Does it apply to artists as well as tech/business tycoons? This is such a good question. Many books have been written by people who fell under the spell of a “genius”  (thinking of Loving Frank about Frank Lloyd Wright, Pablo Picasso, Hemingway). Who can understand what attracts one person to another? Frankly I’d run as far away from Adam Blasco, the odious “genius” photographer in Mint Chocolate Murder, as I could, but somehow many models flocked to him.

 

What flavor is Bloody Mess ice cream, and why is that its name? A fun subplot in the book is the arc with Brandon Terwilliger, one of Riley’s teenage employees. Brandon creates flavors that baffle Riley and the other adults at Udderly, but prove to be hugely successful with Penniman teenagers because it becomes a dare to eat them. Bloody Mess incorporates coconut ice cream, white chocolate covered pretzel pieces, raspberry jam, and marshmallows. His creations prove the wisdom of the old saying “to each his own.”

 

Flo and Gerri are opposite, but they also have common interests. How do they differ and what do they share? Sisters Flo and Gerri are retired educators (Flo Kindergarten and Gerri a high school principal), work part time at Udderly Delicious, and are knowledgeable genealogists, so much so that they’re referred to (behind Gerri’s back) as the Graver Girls. Apart from these similarities, they couldn’t be more different. Flo is a sunny free spirit who prefers bright primary colors, and Gerri a battle axe who is president of every club in Penniman and favors jewel toned, dramatic clothes and accessories.

 

What is a Gretna Green marriage? In the 1700s, laws regarding marriage in England were tightened to require couples to be 21 and marry in a church. In Scotland, the law required only that the couple declare themselves free to marry and undergo a less formal ceremony called “handfasting.” Gretna Green is a small Scottish town right over the border with England where many of these so-called “runaway” marriages took place.

Riley considers Tilly, the police dispatcher, the devil. Why? Riley considers her relationship with Tilly O’Malley, the police station secretary, a devil’s bargain. Riley knows that for every tidbit of inside information she gets from Tilly over tea at Lily’s Tearoom, she’ll have to give something back to “the loosest lips in Penniman.”

 

A pamphlet at the castle “The Story of the Weeping Lady” was written by S. W. Randall. Did you ever write such a thing? I did so much work researching haunted Scottish castles, I decided to treat myself to a cameo appearance in the book!

 

How did Riley train to read text in any direction? Can you do that? I can. I’ve heard of several other writers who can read upside down text, too. Riley has found this particular small talent useful.

 

I was surprised to learn that color photography started in the 1890s. Why did it take so long for it to be mainstream? Inventors had long understood the science of color and light, but it wasn’t until the late 1800s that a process was developed that made color photography commercially possible – possible but still cumbersome and extremely expensive. Before that, photographs were hand tinted by miniaturists.

 

When Sprinkles has a temper tantrum, she really is vindictive, isn’t she? Sprinkles has such a, shall we say, operatic personality? She’s so much fun to write.

 

If someone is in this country on a work visa, can they really be thrown out just by being questioned during a police investigation? Not for being questioned, but being convicted of any crime will put their immigration status in jeopardy. Luca, the student beekeeper, is working on the farm and is very attached to Willow Brightwood. Riley cares deeply for both Willow and Luca, and is driven to help prove Luca’s innocence.

 

What is a Morganatic marriage? How do you know this stuff? Nothing like falling down the genealogy rabbit hole! Throughout history, royals have fallen in love with and wanted to marry commoners. Their families and royal courtiers didn’t want any real power to transfer to these spouses, but a caring royal could give a commoner spouse substantial gifts of real estate or jewelry in order to give them financial security. This gift would traditionally be given the morning after the wedding (“morgen” in German).

 

Is there a word for a woman bigamist? Not that I know of. Readers? Actually, I think there’s been a movement toward a gender-free use of the word “bigamist,” though it is more common for men to marry while still legally tied to a female spouse.

 

Was it fun writing this book? Absolutely! I’ve been eager to write a locked door mystery, and to incorporate a mystery in a castle. One of my favorite places is Gillette’s Castle in East Haddam, Connecticut, and it was my model for Moy Mull. Also, developing recipes and treats for a fantasy ice cream social was a dream come true.

 

What’s next for Riley? I just wrapped the third, as yet untitled Ice Cream Shop mystery. Riley’s next adventure will take place at a historic inn on the Penniman Green, during a Halloween-themed wedding. I can’t wait for you to read it.

 

An Author Interview with Meri Allen (Shari Randall) by E. B. Davis

WWK blogger and Agatha winner Shari Randall writes a new series under the name Meri Allen. Her second book in the Ice Cream Shop mystery series will be released July 26th. I interviewed Meri/Shari last year when her first book, The Rocky Road to Ruin, debuted. If you didn't have a chance to read the first book, read about it below. Later this month, I'll interview Meri/Shari about her second book in the series, Mint Chocolate Murder, on 7/27. Don't miss this series!

Justice will be swirled by amateur sleuth Riley Rhodes in the first in Meri Allen's brand-new mystery series, The Rocky Road to Ruin!

Riley Rhodes, travel food blogger and librarian at the CIA, makes a bittersweet return to her childhood home of Penniman, Connecticut – land of dairy farms and covered bridges - for a funeral. Despite the circumstances, Riley’s trip home is sprinkled with reunions with old friends, visits to her father’s cozy bookshop on the town green, and joyful hours behind the counter at the beloved Udderly Delicious Ice Cream Shop. It feels like a time to help her friend Caroline rebuild after her mother’s death, and for Riley to do a bit of her own reflecting after a botched undercover mission in Italy. After all, it’s always good to be home.

But Caroline and her brother Mike have to decide what to do with the assets they’ve inherited – the ice cream shop as well as the farm they grew up on – and they’ve never seen eye to eye. Trouble begins to swirl as Riley is spooked by reports of a stranger camping behind the farm and by the odd behavior of the shop’s mascot, Caroline’s snooty Persian, Sprinkles. When Mike turns up dead in the barn the morning after the funeral, the peace and quiet of Penniman seems upended for good. Can Riley find the killer before another body gets scooped?

Amazon.com

Shari Randall, now writing as Meri Allen, has created a new ice cream shop mystery series. Her previous Lobster Shack series was nominated for an Agatha Award for, Curses, Boiled Again.

 

In the first book of this new series, The Rocky Road to Ruin, readers meet Riley Rhodes, the main character. Riley’s history provokes the question: How can a librarian also be a spy for the CIA? We learn a bit about Riley’s latest CIA caper, and I hope in subsequent books we learn more. As a writer, I see subplots abounding from Riley’s background. Food blogging? Another gateway to subplots or complications of the main plot.

 

The secondary characters supporting Riley are positive influences with the exception of her stepmother, who is unintentionally passive aggressive or perhaps, it is intentional. And yet, it may be that Riley can’t stop resenting the woman, but for what reason? In any case, Riley will have to deal with her stepmother in one way or another once she determines who or what is the problem.

 

Welcome Shari Randall’s Meri Allen to WWK.                                                   E. B. Davis

 

What is the thinking on the name change? You are writing to the same cozy mystery market. Your writing was nominated for an Agatha award. Why change a successful brand with a new name? (I’m so against this because for me it’s the writer not the book.) 

My agent says the traditional thinking is, “new series, new name.” He’s the pro, so I followed his advice.

 

Is there a Penniman, Connecticut? If not, where did you come up with that name? Is it a New England surname? Is there a Seven-Mile River?

Penniman exists only in my book, alas, but it was inspired by my favorite bits and pieces of real Connecticut villages and towns – the covered bridges, the town greens, the unique bookshops and tea shops. The story is set in what’s called the Quiet Corner of Connecticut, the northeastern corner, and it is filled with many special small towns. But there is a real-life Eight Mile River near me. The name Penniman came to me because I’d decided to name Riley’s dad’s used bookstore The Penniless Reader, and I worked backwards from there for the town’s name.

Riley’s father was a former teacher and now owns a second-hand bookstore. Her stepmother, Paulette, was a nurse. How does Paulette have the money to support her champagne tastes?  

Paulette’s first husband was loaded and she got a sweet alimony deal.

 

The ice cream store, Udderly Delightful, was created by Riley’s best friend Caroline’s mother Buzzy, who has died. Caroline lives in Boston and works as an art appraiser for an auction house. Why does she want to keep Udderly Delightful open? 

For Caroline, holding onto the shop is holding onto Buzzy’s memory. Caroline and Mike were adopted by Buzzy after spending several difficult years in foster care. Udderly Delicious was Buzzy’s baby and a Penniman institution, and Caroline doesn’t want to give it up

 

Although Buzzy adopted Caroline and Mike, they are full siblings, and yet they have little in common. Why, if they were both raised by Buzzy, does only Caroline seem to have Buzzy’s values?  

This is a great question. Nature vs. nurture, right? I think Mike’s brash, outgoing personality, and athletic prowess took him in a different direction than Caroline, who is shy, artistic, and introspective.

 

Even though Buzzy has died, she is very much a character. Riley’s mother died when she was two years old. Was Buzzy like a mother to Riley also? 

Buzzy did fill that role for Riley, and that’s part of the reason she decides to take the job as the shop manager. Riley lived in Washington DC for many years and traveled extensively, so staying in Penniman also means she can be close to her dad.

 

Was Riley released from the CIA’s employ, or does she feel the need for a career change after what happened in her last assignment?  

Riley wasn’t fired, but a disaster in Rome made her doubt herself. She sees the job at the ice cream shop as a chance to regroup and shift gears. Riley has lots of creative ideas from her travel and food blog, so she’s eager to explore those possibilities.

 

When Riley is stressed, how can she possibly eat hot fudge sundaes topped with potato chips?   

A potato chip topping is delicious! The chips add a nice salty crunch.

 

Buzzy’s cat Sprinkles (does she have a urine problem or does the name refer to those adorning the top of ice cream?) is also a main character, an antagonist of sorts. Sprinkles plays a game with Riley that could get her hurt. Is there nothing Riley can do about it?  

Sprinkles, a fabulous snowy white Persian, is definitely named for the pretty ice cream toppings. She’s a diva who considers herself an adornment to every life she encounters. A former show cat, Sprinkles was kicked off the circuit for biting, scratching, and general bad behavior. She doesn’t want to share Caroline with Riley and resorts to all sorts of sabotage to get her way. It keeps Riley on her toes.

 

When a scruffy kitten appears on the farm, Riley names him Rocky because he looks like he’s already survived a few rounds in the boxing ring. But Rocky appears at the murder scene and has a nose for investigation. Will Rocky become Riley’s sleuthing sidekick? 

Rocky is my nod to Koko and Yum Yum, the cats in The Cat Who series. He’s an inquisitive little thing. Though he leaves most of the sleuthing to Riley, he’s usually where the action is.

 

Will readers become familiar with Riley’s “Rhode Food” blog? Will there be excerpts?  

What a great idea! There will be now!

 

You describe a waffle iron to make waffle cones, but waffle cones are thin and crisp. Is this a different type of waffle iron than those the home cook is used to? Are the waffles fried and then rolled while they are hot?  

Yes, that’s exactly right. Here’s a video. Riley has her eye on this waffle cone machine. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzL2acsqMJw

 

When was Riley in the army? Helicopter crash?  

Riley went in the Army right out of college. The crash occurred during a training mission in her first year, so her dream of being an army officer was crushed. After rehabbing from several broken bones, she returned to running, a passion of hers in high school, and decided to follow her love of books into a library degree and an eventual job at the CIA library (yes, they have their own). Riley’s background and training in the army, plus her frequent travels, put her on the radar of some higher ups at the CIA and she was approached about doing occasional missions.

 

Why do Caroline and Riley indulge Sprinkles in her obnoxious habit, which is? (It makes me shudder!) 

 I didn’t think it was possible myself, until I saw a friend’s cat do it. We don’t want to spoil anyone’s breakfast, so I won’t say what it is here. Read the book and find out!

 

Wouldn’t the alcohol in Boozy ice cream prevent it from freezing? Is it more of a slushy?  

Yes, alcohol lowers the freezing point of ice cream and sorbets, and an ice cream maker must take that into account. What Buzzy called Margarita Ice Cream is more of a margarita sorbet, and it gets even more delicious as it melts into a slushy.

How much ice cream research did you do to create the series? Was it fun? Delicious? Did you try to make any at home? Brownie Bomb, Peach, Sun Flower…homemade marshmallow topping…all of them sound like treats! 

First lobster and now ice cream! Suffering for my art! I’m spoiled. I love taking road trips and followed lots of back roads to some fantastic ice cream shops. Because I set the shop in the eastern part of Connecticut, I concentrated the research there and discovered some fabulous ice cream shops: Buttonwood Farms (which also inspired the book’s sunflower festival), the UConn Dairy Bar, Michael’s Dairy, We-Lik-It – I ate a lot of ice cream while writing this book.

Like many people in 2020, my husband and I spent a lot of time at home, and decided to invest in an ice cream maker. That little machine has earned its counter space. There’s a batch of chocolate chip ice cream going right now.

 

What’s next for Riley?  

Riley will be back for at least two more books. Book Two’s working title is Mint Chocolate Murder, and the murder will take place during a fantasy ice cream social. I’m having a lot of fun dreaming up ice cream treats for that one.