Monday, March 21, 2022

Character Interview & Giveaway ~ SNOWED UNDER MURDER by Kathryn Long

Snowed Under Murder (Sierra Pines B&B, #2)
by: Kathryn Long
Series: Sierra Pines B&B
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: March 8, 2022
Publisher: Camel Press
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The holiday season has arrived when all should be merry in Sierra Pines. A plea from her mother pushes Ali to offer her annoying cousin, Nathan, and his even more annoying bride, Isadora, lodging at the B&B. When Isadora is found dead at the bottom of a ski slope and fingers point to Nathan as suspect number one, the merry season turns into a scary season for the residents of Sierra Pines. Soon, the B&B needs numerous repairs, the Sierra Pines Alliance of Cultural Activities is missing funds, and business owners quarrel incessantly about their dismal sales. What horrible spell has fallen on this cozy town? What’s worse—everyone blames Nathan for bringing a curse. Ali knows her cousin might get on her nerves, but he’s no killer. However, can she prove his innocence?

Good morning Ali. Welcome to Read Your Writes Book Reviews. How are you?
Great! Thank you so much for having me as your guest.

Before we get started, can you please introduce yourself to readers?
My name is Alexis Winston. I come from a family of show biz people—theater actors, screen actors, screenwriters, prop designers, costume designers, makeup crew, cameramen—it’s a very long list. So, of course, I followed that path. I’ve had my share of jobs in the industry. I started out as a screenwriter for a well-known television show, then as a fact researcher. Unfortunately, jobs in this business come and go quickly. Lucky for me, being the owner of a B&B is more stable. And it gives me the opportunity to meet all sorts of people who come to stay at our place.

Can you please tell us about some of the people they’ll meet in your story?
The Bellwether siblings, Gladys and Ollie, are dear friends of mine and my aunt. They’re the perfect portrayal of the golden days of Hollywood. Thank goodness they are here to help me run the B&B. Then there’s Florence Greeley. What can I say? She’s dynamic, bold, outspoken, yet blessed with a soft heart that makes her a loyal friend. Of course, I have to mention a very special guy who has made an impression on me, and not just because he’s an outstanding sheriff. Quint Sterling is handsome, kind, caring, and I love spending time with him.

Tell me about a defining moment in your life.
I’d have to say the moment that changed me was when I came to live in Sierra Pines. Of course, I didn’t think I’d stay, but so much happened when I arrived—my dear great aunt Julia had suddenly passed, I inherited her bed and breakfast, and a murder occurred right under our roof. I realized life often hands you the unexpected and that it could change your path.

What’s your most prized possession?
Julia’s collection room that’s filled with all her memorabilia from her Hollywood years. Photos with so many costars, awards, and even her journal filled with stories that make me feel closer to her.

What’s something readers would be surprised to learn about you?
I never really enjoyed acting. Taking jobs that put me behind the scenes is where I’m most comfortable.

Why do you feel the need to put on your sleuthing hat and investigate murders?
When friends find themselves accused of murder, I can’t stand by and do nothing, can I? Even though I know Sheriff Quint Sterling does his job very well. But I don’t think he minds too much when I snoop…at least I hope so. I’m only trying to help.

When you aren’t investigating murders, what do you like to do?
Dates with Quint are always nice. There are the charity functions and programs that our town’s organization, SPACA (that’s the Sierra Pines Alliance of Cultural Activities), organizes. Like the Christmas event we’re planning now—I’m so excited about that. Of course, preparing our huge breakfast menu with Gladys, every morning gives us a chance to chat. I love hearing all of her stories about times spent with Julia. Oh, and there’s our Friday evening game nights. It’s fun to come up with ideas to entertain our guests, especially when the games have a movie theme.

What do you think about your creator Kathryn Long?
I’d say she’s pretty talented and creates some really great stories for us. Plenty of mystery and romance. I just wish she’d listen to me a little more often. I have some great ideas of my own to make things more exciting. Maybe she could even make me her coauthor. LOL

What’s next for you?
Well, after the holidays, I’ll be looking forward to next year. Spring should be fun. We have the Spring Fling Festival to prepare. Lots of fun activities and shows where all the local businesses and talent get a chance to participate. Let’s just hope there’s not a murder to ruin it. And I’m really anxious to see how my relationship with Quint goes. Keep your fingers crossed for us!

Ali, thank you so much for your time.

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Retired teacher, Kathryn Long now spends her days plotting and writing mysteries. Besides her SIERRA PINES B&B MYSTERIES, published credits include A DEADLY DEED GROWS and BURIED IN SIN. She’s actively involved in the writing and publishing worlds with social media platforms, including her author website, blog, Twitter account, and Facebook page. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime as well as of International Thriller Writers. As Bailee Abbott, she writes the PAINT BY MURDER MYSTERY SERIES. The second book, KILL THEM WITH CANVAS, will release October 11, 2022. She lives with her husband and furry friend Max in the quiet suburbs of Green, Ohio.

Places to find Kathryn Long:

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