Catching Up with V. M. Burns By E. B. Davis

  

Nana Jo has volunteered her lawyer granddaughter, Jenna, to teach estate planning to retirees—with Sam providing her bookshop as the venue. But during the seminar, entitled Getting Your Ducks in Order, it quickly becomes clear someone’s up to Fowl Play. When elderly Alva Tarkington, accompanied by her niece, sits down for a consultation, Sam realizes the woman’s frequent blinking is actually Morse Code—S.O.S. The sisters get her alone, and Alva tells them she believes her life is in danger and must change her will . . .

 

Unfortunately, Alva is found dead the next day—seemingly from natural causes. But Nana Jo and the sisters suspect otherwise. In between penning her latest historical mystery, set in 1939 as England declares war on Germany and Lady Elizabeth Marsh pursues stolen paintings and a traitor, Sam teams up with the senior sleuths of Shady Acres to search for motives—beginning with Alva’s family. They soon learn not everyone is who they say they are, and someone is more than qualified to teach a class on cold-blooded murder . . .

Amazon.com

 

Does main character Sam Washington solve mysteries in her fiction that apply to her current case? Or does she work out the mystery and put the solution into her fiction? I think only V. M. Burns, the author of Murder from A to Z knows the answer to that question. This novel is the eleventh in the Mystery Bookshop mystery series, and was released on January 27^th. It’s definitely a fun read!

 

Please welcome Valerie to WWK.                                                               E. B. Davis

   

Where is Sam’s and Jenna’s mother? Grace Robertson, Sam and Jenna’s mother, has been in Australia with her husband, Harold. After wildfires devastated the koala population, Grace and Harold moved to Australia to assist with koala rescues.

 

Sam says that Nana Jo volun-told her to host Jenna’s “Getting Your Ducks in a Row” course in her bookshop. Does Nana Jo have other tasks she volun-tells Jenna and Sam for? Nana Jo has volunteered her granddaughters for various tasks. Sam and Jenna are adults, and could decline, but they love and respect their grandmother. So, while they may not have initially wanted to do whatever tasks she has for them, they are willing to do it out of love. Fortunately, Nana Jo loves her granddaughters and never volunteers them for anything they would hate. 

 

Jenna seems to be having a hard time with empty-nest syndrome. Did the twins live at home during their college years? The twins, Christopher and Zaq did not live at home during their college years, but they were close, and she saw them much more frequently. Now that they’ve graduated, they have moved further away and visits aren’t nearly as frequent.

 

Do the “A” and “Z” in your title referring to the victim and her twin sister, Alva and Zelda? Yes. That’s where I got the idea for the title.

 

Does Sam identify with Lady Elizabeth? There are a number of similarities between Samantha and Lady Elizabeth. Neither woman had children of their own. Both are intelligent and strong. Both are excellent leaders. And both are great at solving mysteries. 

 

What was the Night of Broken Glass? The Night of Broken Glass or Kristallnacht, occurred on November 9-10, 1938 in Germany and Austria. Jewish business, homes, hospitals, and schools were ransacked and destroyed. The attacks were retaliation for the assassination of a German diplomat by a 17-year-old Polish Jew who was living in Paris. Over 7,000 Jewish businesses were damaged or destroyed. The episode is referred to as the “Night of Broken Glass” because of shards of broken glass that littered the streets.     

 

What is a Fifth Columnist? Fifth Columnist are people who sympathize with a country’s enemy and work from within to sabotage and undermine a nation. This was a large fear during WWII. In England, there were many people with ties or connections to Germany and other Axis nations. After Pearl Harbor, fear that Japanese Americans would provide critical information to Japan resulted in the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII.

 

Was Paul Klee real?  Paul Klee was a German artist born in 1879 in Münchenbuchsee, Switzerland. Klee was a modernist and was known for his use of color. Hitler objected to modern art. Klee and other modern artists’ works were labeled by the Nazis as “degenerate” and were banned (and in some cases destroyed) in 1937.  

 

The Marsh family sponsored three Jewish children, who now live with them, from the Kindertransport. Was this common? The Kindertransport or Children’s Transport, was an organized effort to rescue children, primarily Jewish children, from Nazi occupied areas between 1938-1939. More than 10,000 children were taken to the United Kingdom. Belgium, France, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands also took children, but the vast majority of children went to the U.K. The Marsh family are wealthy aristocrats who live in the country. They had the space, the staff, and the resources to care for the children.

 

Although only one young woman, Isabella, seems to mourn Alva’s death, she also has more than one reason to have murdered Alva. Why would Sam offer her a place to stay? Sam was touched by Isabella’s grief. She seemed to be the only person genuinely mourning Alva. Yet Isabella is also the person who is being taunted and harassed. Alva trusted Isabella and despite the circumstances, Sam was willing to trust her, too.

 

After Sam and Nana Jo interest the police in Alva’s death, the police find that arsenic killed her. From her research, Sam suspects the wallpaper in Alva’s bedroom was Scheele’s Green, a historic wallpaper, which was made with arsenic. Is this true? How did they find out about the arsenic and its poisonous effects? Sadly, this is true. Scheele’s Green was popular in the 18^th and early 19^th century. The vibrant color was made with an arsenic-based pigment. In the 19^th century, arsenic (in small doses) wasn’t considered lethal and was used in food, medicine, face powder, paints, and wallpaper. The vibrant colored wallpaper was often used in nurseries. High mortality rates in nurseries were troubling to 19^th century scientists. They believed flaking pieces of the wallpaper may have been consumed by small children. Fireplaces may have also combined with the arsenic to create a toxic gas. Hard to believe that the people knew that the wallpaper contained arsenic and did nothing?  Coca Cola used to contain cocaine.

If Nana Jo is a grizzly, and Jenna is a lioness, what animal is Sam? Sam is more of a golden retriever. She is friendly, good natured, and fun-loving. She is intelligent, calm, a quick learner, and she gets along with just about everyone. She isn’t known for aggression, but will do what she has to in order to protect those she loves.

 

Was Isabella’s necklace an Egyptian artifact that was given to her illegally? Isabella’s necklace was an Egyptian artifact. It was more than likely given to her illegally, although there is a slim possibility that it wasn’t. Years ago, archeologists often removed artifacts from dig sites. The practice was made illegal in Egypt in 1983.

 

Is there still missing art from WWII? YES. There is still a great deal of art that has been missing since WWII. Some art was stolen from museums, churches, and institutions. Other art and valuable objects were stolen from private collections and homes.

 

Who or what is John Wick? LOL – John Wick is the title character in an action/thriller. Wick is a former hitman who comes out of retirement to get revenge against the underworld thugs who kill his dog. Keanu Reeves plays the main character.

 

Did Winston Churchill really say, “An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.”? (Loc 2932) Winston Churchill is attributed with making a similar quote, although it is believed that the word “appeaser” was added in the 1950s. On January 20, 1940, Winston Churchill gave a speech that was broadcast over the BBC. The New York Times reprinted the speech the next day. Referring to nations that remained neutral during the war, Churchill said, “Each one hopes that if he feeds the crocodile enough, the crocodile will eat him last.” There was also a metaphor about a storm, which was confusing and eliminated in future publications of Churchill quotes.

 

Sam gets flashes of insight, and then loses the connection before making a realization. Why the lost connection? Too much information? Samantha and I share a lot of character traits. Sadly, one of them is getting a flash of insight, an idea, or a thought. But, within moments, it’s gone. Generally, if I stop trying to grab hold of the idea, it comes back.

 

Was the 2010 case of Cornelius Gurlitt real? Yes. Cornelius Gurlitt was the son of Hildebrand Gurlitt, an art dealer for the Third Reich. Art that wasn’t stolen was bought at ridiculously low prices from Jews. Cornelius Gurlitt was a recluse living in Munich, who was found to have had over 1,300 pieces of looted art in his Munich apartment that he inherited from his father, Hildebrand.  

 

Sam works on a notepad, do you? Sometimes. Most of the time, I write on my laptop. However, when I am away from home, I find that I’m more productive writing in a notebook.

 

What’s next for Sam, Jenna, Nana Jo and the rest of Nana Jo’s friends at the Shady Acres Retirement Village? Sam and Frank are finally going to tie the knot in the 12^th installment of the series. The working title is, A Prologue to Murder.

 

 

My Publishing Story by V.M. Burns

Nominated for a 2017 Agatha Award

The later part of July will mark a milestone for me. It will be approximately eighteen months since my debut novel, The Plot is Murder, was released in November 2017. It’s hard for me to believe that it’s been less than two years. A lot’s happened since then. To date, I have published six mysteries (with three more coming in 2019). I’m often asked the question, how I write so many books so quickly. My short answer is, “I have no life.” Truthfully, I’m only half joking. I have a full-time job and three series with deadlines. There isn’t much time for anything else. However, the real reason I have so many books is because of what I did behind the scenes while waiting.

The first book I wrote was called, Travellin’ Shoes, and I finished the first draft in 2009. In the nine years after I typed, THE END, that’s when the hard work of doing what it takes to be a ‘writer’ actually started. I edited my manuscript. I wrote and rewrote it multiple times. When I thought it was ready, I sent query letters to agents/editors/publishers, and I received a ton of rejections. I bought books on writing, editing, the business of writing, etc., which generally led to more edits and rewrites and queries, and rejections. I attended workshops, conferences and seminars and then edited, rewrote and sent more queries. I even went back to college for a second master’s degree and got an MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University in Greensburg, PA.

After getting my MFA, I sent more queries and when all else failed, I wrote another book (the sequel to Travellin’ Shoes). I also had an idea for a different series and decided to write that too. By 2015 when I signed my first book contract, I had three completed manuscripts. They weren’t perfect, but they were complete with a beginning, middle and end. Traditional publishing is a long, slow process. It took an additional eighteen months from the time I signed my contract until my book released. So, while I was waiting for release day, I wrote three more books.

My story isn’t unique, but I do feel that each writer’s journey toward publication is unique. Many writers, like me, spent years writing and waiting for that elusive book deal. There are also writers who complete one manuscript, send one query and get a large advance and a multiple book deal. That’s not my reality. From the outside, what seems like me sitting down at my laptop and feverishly writing book after book in record-breaking time, is actual the result of years of rejection. I firmly believe without the years of rejection; I wouldn’t have completed six books. So, to all the writers out there who are waiting on a book contract, stay encouraged. My advice to you is, just keep writing. 

V.M. (Valerie) Burns was born in Northwestern Indiana and spent many years in Southwestern Michigan on the Lake Michigan shoreline. She is a lover of dogs, British historic cozies, and scones with clotted cream. After many years in the Midwest she went in search of milder winters and currently lives in Eastern Tennessee with her poodles. Her debut novel, The Plot is Murder was nominated for a 2017 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Valerie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Dog Writers of America, Crime Writers of Color, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime. Readers can learn more by visiting her website at vmburns.com.

An Interview with the 2018 Agatha Nominees for Best First Novel by Paula Gail Benson

Malice Domestic’s 2018 Agatha Nominations for Best First Novel:
Adrift: A Mer Cavallo Mystery by Micki Browning (Alibi-Random House)
The Plot is Murder: Mystery Bookshop by V.M. Burns (Kensington)
Hollywood Homicide: A Detective by Day Mystery by Kellye Garrett (Midnight Ink)
Daughters of Bad Men by Laura Oles (Red Adept Publishing)
Protocol: A Maggie O’Malley Mystery by Kathleen Valenti (Henery Press)

Micki Browning, V.M. Burns (Valerie), Kellye Garrett, Laura Oles, and Kathleen Valenti are enjoying having their debut novels celebrated this year at Malice Domestic. We are so pleased to welcome them to WRITERS WHO KILL to answer a few questions about their work. Thanks so much to Micki, Valerie, Kellye, Laura, and Kathleen, and best wishes!—Paula Gail Benson

For many debut novelists, their first published novel may not be the first one they have written. What was your path to your debut published novel?

MICKI: Like many writers I wrote a couple of practice novels. I learned structure by constructing a story that didn’t hold together. I joined Sisters In Crime and took classes through their Guppy chapter. My second novel was better, but still not quite there, and I returned to the classroom. Dialogue classes taught me how to flesh out characters. During a plotting course, I had a structural epiphany that I used while I wrote Adrift. The effort paid off. Adrift garnered both Daphne du Maurier and Royal Palm Literary Awards. I met my agent through the Daphne contest and signed with her shortly after winning.

 

VALERIE: I had two ideas for mystery series when I started my MFA at Seton Hill University. I chose the other idea for my thesis, but finished early and started writing the second one. After graduation, I queried my thesis project and then completed THE PLOT IS MURDER. 

KELLYE: Hollywood Homicide is actually the first novel I wrote. Before you hate me forever, I’ve been a professional writer for over 15 years and have a ton of screenplays in a drawer somewhere. I swear! I got the idea for the book around 2011 when I drove past a Los Angeles Police Department billboard offering a $15,000 for information on a murder. I was dead broke at the time so my first thought was, “I should solve that!” Not the smartest idea—at least in real life. It did turn out to be a pretty cool idea for a book though. I wrote it on and off for a few years before finally finishing a decent draft in 2014. That same year I was lucky enough to be selected for an amazing contest called Pitch Wars, where I found my agent Michelle Richter of Fuse Literary. We sold the book to Midnight Ink in early 2016.

LAURA: I was fortunate in that my day job involved writing for digital photography magazines and publications, so the writing practice and working with editors had been part of my regular routine.  That said, for me, learning to write fiction was very different.  Fiction proved to be a vast universe, so full of options and opportunities.

DAUGHTERS OF BAD MEN is my debut novel but it is my fourth book. I wrote the first three novels as practice, working on character development and structure, plotting and pacing, practicing to become a stronger storyteller. My earlier attempts were done mostly for my own enjoyment, to better understand how a mystery novel works and how I should approach my own vision of it.

KATHLEEN: My path to publication for Protocol started at mile marker forty-something: a mini-midlife crisis in which I woke up one morning and decided that I’d put off my dreams of writing a novel long enough. Armed with books on craft and informed by writing seminars, I dove right in, expecting a smooth journey from concept to manuscript to publication. How hard could it be? I reasoned. I wrote for a living and was an avid reader and former English major. I had this whole novel-writing/book-publishing thing down, right?

Umm…not so much.

Although I had a clear idea of the story I wanted to tell, it took me nearly four years to tell it. After a host of revisions and murdering enough of my darlings to be classified as a linguistic serial killer, I finally had a book I loved and began to shop it around to agents. That’s where the real education began. I had oodles of requests to read, but they all ended in close-but-not-there responses. So I narrowed the gap to “there” and edited again (and again). Finally, success. Jordan at Literary Counsel loved the book as much as I did, took me on as a client and put Protocol out on submission. I got bites right away and said yes to Henery Press, a publisher I not only admired and respected, but that had a team that I knew would be the perfect fit.

Two years—and two-and-a-half books—later and I feel like I’ve arrived at my dream destination. It’s been an amazing journey and I’m so fortunate to have made some great friends along the way, including my fellow nominees for the Agatha Best First. I can’t wait to see where the road leads next.

Do you consider your writing plot-driven, character-driven, neither, or a combination?

MICKI: My writing breakthrough occurred when I learned to plot from the point of view of the antagonist, but write from the perspective of my sleuth. I realize this sounds like I’m a plot-driven writer, the truth is that I find it impossible to suss out the story until I know who my characters are and what motivates them. I’m really a combination writer, because plot springs from the characters and characters drive the plot.

VALERIE: My writing is definitely character-driven. I spend a great deal of time working out my character’s personalities, faults, likes and dislikes and the story and plot flows from that.

KELLYE: Probably a combo. I come from a TV writing background so I live and die by the plot twist. At the same time, the story is driven by the personality of my main character Dayna and her unwavering desire to do anything to save her family’s house from foreclosure. As an amateur detective, she doesn’t make the same investigative decisions that a Kinsey Millhone or Elvis Cole would make—and that was one of my favorite things about writing it. Book Riot featured Hollywood Homicide in their Read or Dead podcast earlier this month and one of the things they said was that if you or I was trying to solve a crime, we’d be bumbling through it like Dayna—which was my goal.

LAURA: I would say it’s a combination, but I lean heavily towards character-driven mysteries. I’m attracted to dialogue and setting, and creating the world where my characters reside has been one of the most enjoyable parts of writing this book.  I’m particularly interested in exploring the dynamics between two characters and how they respond when one is under pressure.  How does that impact their relationship, their ability to work together?  The plot is also incredibly important.  I just believe that understanding the characters well helps me explore the storyline more deeply and make the stakes more personal. Jamie Rush and Cookie Hinojosa lived in my head for a long time before I understood which case they would choose--and why.

KATHLEEN: I’d consider Protocol a plot-driven, character-motivated story. Outside influences start a cascade of events for my protagonist, Maggie O’Malley, but it’s her responses and inner motivators that keep the action—and the energy—going. It’s a system of action and reaction in which the story’s events and Maggie’s responses propel the story (and hopefully the reader) forward. Ultimately, however, it’s Maggie’s story. If the crises had happened to anyone else, Protocol would be a very different book.

What would your protag’s Olympic sport be?

MICKI: Scuba diving isn’t yet an Olympic sport, so that’s out, plus it’s winter. I’m going to guess freestyle skiing. Mer’s never skied before, so anything before she crashed would definitely be freestyle!

VALERIE: If Samantha Washington was in the Olympics, she’d strap her grandmother, Nana Jo to her back and compete in the biathlon. That way Sam could do the cross country skiing and Nana Jo could shoot.

KELLYE: When chasing a suspect, Dayna says, “I always said I could run in four-inch heels. It was good to know I was right on that front.” So her Olympic sport would be the 100 meter dash…in stilettos. She’d get gold for sure.

LAURA: If Texas hold ‘em were an Olympic sport, Jamie Rush might medal.  She’d have a shot at the gold simply for her ability to bluff.

KATHLEEN: Maggie’s Olympic sport would be freestyle skiing. She’s athletic, all about doing her own thing, and ready to leap into action when the occasion calls for it.

Thanks to you all for joining us at WRITERS WHO KILL. Here’s some additional information about these talented writers:

Micki Browning

A retired police captain, Micki Browning writes the Mer Cavallo Mystery series set in the Florida Keys. In addition to the Agatha nomination for Best First Novel, Adrift, has won both the Daphne du Maurier and the Royal Palm Literary Awards. Beached, her second novel, launched January 2018. Micki’s work has appeared in dive magazines, anthologies, mystery magazines, and textbooks. She lives in South Florida with her partner in crime and a vast array of scuba equipment she uses for "research." Learn more about Micki at MickiBrowning.com

Summary of Adrift

Marine biologist-turned-divemaster Meredith Cavallo thought adjusting to a laid-back life in the Florida Keys would be a breeze. But when the host of a ghost-hunting documentary crew hires her as a safety diver and then vanishes during the midnight dive, Mer’s caught in a storm of supernatural intrigue.

Determined to find a rational explanation, Mer approaches the man’s disappearance as any scientist would—by asking questions, gathering data, and deducing the truth. But the victim’s life is as shrouded in mystery as his disappearance. Still, something happened under the water and before long, she’s in over her head. When someone tries to kill her, she knows the truth is about to surface. Maybe dead men do tell tales.

V.M. (Valerie) Burns

V.M. (Valerie) Burns was born in Northwestern Indiana and spent many years in Southwestern Michigan on the Lake Michigan shoreline. She is a lover of dogs, British historic cozies, and scones with clotted cream. After many years in the Midwest she went in search of milder winters and currently lives in Eastern Tennessee with her poodles. Receiving the Agatha nomination for Best First Novel has been a dream come true. Valerie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and a lifetime member of Sisters in Crime. Readers can learn more by visiting her website at vmburns.com.

Summary of The Plot is Murder

Samantha Washington has dreamed of owning a mystery bookstore for as long as she can remember. And as she prepares for the store’s grand opening, she’s also realizing another dream—penning a cozy mystery set in England between the wars. While Samantha hires employees and fills the shelves with the latest mysteries, quick-witted Lady Penelope Marsh, long-overshadowed by her beautiful sister Daphne, refuses to lose the besotted Victor Carlston to her sibling's charms. When one of Daphne's suitors is murdered in a maze, Penelope steps in to solve the labyrinthine puzzle and win Victor. But as Samantha indulges her imagination, the unimaginable happens in real life. A shady realtor turns up dead in her backyard, and the police suspect her—after all, the owner of a mystery bookstore might know a thing or two about murder. Aided by her feisty grandmother and an enthusiastic ensemble of colorful retirees, Samantha is determined to close the case before she opens her store. But will she live to conclude her own story when the killer has a revised ending in mind for her?

Kellye Garrett

Kellye Garrett writes the Detective by Day mysteries about a semi-famous, mega-broke black actress who takes on the deadliest role of her life: Homicide Detective. The first, Hollywood Homicide, was recently nominated for Agatha, Lefty, and Barry awards. The second, Hollywood Ending, will be released on August 8, 2018 from Midnight Ink. Prior to writing novels, Kellye spent eight years working in Hollywood, including a stint writing for the TV drama Cold Case. The New Jersey native now works for a leading media company in New York City and serves on the national Board of Directors for Sisters in Crime. You can learn more about her at KellyeGarrett.com and ChicksontheCase.com.

Summary of Hollywood Homicide

Actress Dayna Anderson’s Deadly New Role: Homicide Detective

Dayna Anderson doesn’t set out to solve a murder. All the semifamous, mega-broke actress wants is to help her parents keep their house. So after witnessing a deadly hit-and-run, she pursues the fifteen grand reward. But Dayna soon finds herself doing a full-on investigation, wanting more than just money—she wants justice for the victim. She chases down leads at paparazzi hot spots, celeb homes, and movie premieres, loving every second of it—until someone tries to kill her. And there are no second takes in real life.

Laura Oles

Laura Oles is a photo industry journalist who spent twenty years covering tech and trends before turning to crime fiction. She served as a columnist for numerous photography magazines and publications. Laura’s short stories have appeared in several anthologies, including MURDER ON WHEELS, which won the Silver Falchion Award in 2016. Her debut mystery, DAUGHTERS OF BAD MEN, is a Claymore Award Finalist and an Agatha nominee for Best First Novel. She is also a Writers’ League of Texas Award Finalist. Laura is a member of Austin Mystery Writers, Sisters in Crime and Writers’ League of Texas. Laura lives on the edge of the Texas Hill Country with her husband, daughter, and twin sons. Visit her online at lauraoles.com.

Summary of Daughters of Bad Men

Jamie Rush understands what it takes to disappear because her parents taught her that long ago. Leveraging her knowledge of why and how people run from their own lives, Jamie has built a business based on bringing those in hiding back to answer for their actions. She takes pride in using her skills to work both inside and outside the law.

When her estranged brother, Brian, calls and says his daughter is missing, Jamie initially turns down the case. Kristen has always been a bit wild, frequently dropping off the grid then showing up a few days later. But Brian swears this time is different, and even though Jamie vowed years ago to keep her conniving sibling at arm’s length, she can’t walk away if Kristen could be in real trouble.

As Jamie begins digging into Kristen’s life, she uncovers her niece’s most guarded secrets. Uncovering the truth will put a target on Jamie’s back and endanger the lives of those she loves.

Kathy Valenti

Kathleen Valenti is the author of the Maggie O’Malley mystery series. The series’ first book, Agatha- and Lefty-nominated Protocol, introduces us to Maggie, a pharmaceutical researcher with a new job, a used phone and a deadly problem. The series’ second book, 39 Winks, releases May 22. When Kathleen isn’t writing page-turning mysteries that combine humor and suspense, she works as a nationally award-winning advertising copywriter. She lives in Oregon with her family where she pretends to enjoy running. Learn more at www.kathleenvalenti.com.

Summary of Protocol

Freshly minted college graduate Maggie O’Malley embarks on a career fueled by professional ambition and a desire to escape the past. As a pharmaceutical researcher, she’s determined to save lives from the shelter of her lab. But on her very first day she’s pulled into a world of uncertainty. Reminders appear on her phone for meetings she’s never scheduled with people she’s never met. People who end up dead.

With help from her best friend, Maggie discovers the victims on her phone are connected to each other and her new employer. She soon unearths a treacherous plot that threatens her mission—and her life. Maggie must unlock deadly secrets to stop horrific abuses of power before death comes calling for her.