Deco Desk Mystery, Book 1
Paranormal Mystery
Date Published: August 24, 2021
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
Jamie Whitehall Olivian has received a mysterious letter from her Uncle
James. She is named after him, but she has never seen, met, or heard him
mentioned in any way. Until now. And he has died and left her his entire
estate. But it seems Uncle James wants her to investigate a murder. His,
that is. It also seems the estate is contingent upon her acceptance of
this commission. Jamie wants no part of the investigation or of the
estate. She gets along perfectly well, thank you very much, a fact she
emphasizes to his lawyer, who just happens to be gorgeous, making it a
little harder to say no. Things take a strange turn when the victim
himself asks her to reconsider. For reasons unknown, Uncle James has
been unable to depart for the afterlife and is stuck in his Art Deco
desk. Jamie decides to take on the job of niece and sleuth, with no
experience at either, and she and Uncle James set out to find the
killer. They are aided by the lawyer and a not-as-gorgeous and slightly
rumpled homicide detective whose interest seems to be more than just
finding a murderer.
Author Interview
1. If you could tell your younger writing self anything, what
would it be?
I would tell my younger self to start writing NOW, and don’t stop!
2.
What book do you feel is under-appreciated? How about overrated?
For an underappreciated book I think everyone should read, I would go back a century and prescribe Two Years Before the Mast for all children/adults. It had considerable influence on me as a writer. Gritty, matter-of-fact, and gripping. Overrated? All the Light We Cannot See, most over-hyped and biggest disappointment.
3. If you could dine with any literary character, who would it
be and why?
Elizabeth Bennet from Pride and Prejudice. She has gumption, a level head, knows her own mind, but is not lacking in sentiment. She would be a great conversationist and offer a keen insight into people.
4. Have you ever met anyone famous?
Yes, I grew up in a show-biz family and have met several stage and screen stars. I was a dancer, myself, and met many well-known dancers.
5. How long, on average, does it take you to write a book?
My first book (non-fiction) took over ten years if you add in the research. However, I did so much research I had enough left over for three more books. Those took about six months each. My two novels (Nightmasters, Third Times the Harm) took about a year each.
6. What creature do you consider your "spirit animal" to be?
A white horse with golden dapples. I have seen this horse while meditating and in dreams. I’m not sure of the interpretation, but I think he might be both reassurance and inspiration. He stands a good fifteen hands high and is taller at the shoulder than I am,
7. What are your top 5 favorite movies?
I’m a huge old movie fan so most of my favorites are from the thirties and forties. Spellbound would be my very favorite. After that, in no particular order: Flying Down to Rio, DOA, Casablanca, and Now Voyager. I’m embarrassed to include this as a sixth, but a frivolous bit of trivia titled Vogues of 1938 starring Joan Bennett, which is nothing but gorgeous clothes.
8. If you were the last person on Earth, what would you do?
Head for the biggest library I could find. I’d have a lot of time for reading.
9. Do you have any advice for aspiring writers?
Write EVERY day, ignore the rejections, and never give up. You’re a writer.
10. If you could live in any time period, what would it be and why?
I wouldn’t want to live any time but now, however, I would love to time-travel to the 1930s – great movies, great clothes, great music.
11. What is your favorite genre to read?
My favorite genre(s) are Fantasy and Cozy Mysteries – exactly what I write.
About The Author
If you live in Southern California, you’re either a writer or an actor,
right? As Professor Emerita from California State University, Long Beach,
Loran Holt chose the writing path. Third Times the Harm is one of the
results of her efforts, the first book of a series featuring reluctant
sleuth, Jamie Whitehall Olivian. Holt is also the author of Nightmasters:
Doubles Talk, a sword-and-sorcery epic, published by Acorn, as well. You
will find her non-fiction, film-and- fashion books under the name Lora Ann
Sigler.
Contact Links
Goodreads
Purchase Links
Amazon
B&N
Kobo
Giveaway
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please try not to spam posts with the same comments over and over again. Authors like seeing thoughtful comments about their books, not the same old, "I like the cover" or "sounds good" comments. While that is nice, putting some real thought and effort in is appreciated. Thank you.