By: Sydney Leigh
Series: Hudson Valley B&B Mystery
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release Date: March 19, 2024
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Everything is coming up rosé for innkeeper Jess Byrne until a murder on opening weekend gives her B&B’s killer vibe a whole new meaning.
Schitt’s Creek meets Only Murders in the Building in this sparkling debut mystery.
It’s the grand opening of The Pearl B&B in Hudson Valley, and owner Jess Byrne has prepared the ultimate, Insta-worthy welcome, complete with her ex-boyfriend—reality singing sensation Lars Armstrong—performing live. As guests check in and mimosas are poured, Lars arrives with his stepdad-turned-manager Bob in tow. But things go south when Bob is found dead, and Lars is the prime suspect.
After a desperate plea from Lars, and knowing the reputation of her B&B is at stake, Jess agrees to help clear Lars’ name, but the more she digs, the less sure she is that he’s innocent. Especially when he’s found at the scene of another murder.
With the guests under lockdown, the B&B in the press for all the wrong reasons, and a killer on the loose, Jess is in over her head. With the help of her best friend and business partner Kat, Jess is determined to uncover the truth before Lars is put behind bars and The Pearl is permanently cancelled.
Hi! Thanks for having me on today. I’m doing great.
Please introduce yourself to readers.
My name is Jessica (Jess) Byrne. I’m 28 years old and I’m an innkeeper. It feels weird to say that since my Bed and Breakfast is brand new but I guess I should get used to it. My best friend, Kat, and I were tired of our corporate career paths and ready to try something new. So we bought my grandmother’s old place (a former rooming house) and turned it into a modern B&B. I haven’t had a lot of time for other interests since Kat and I have spent the last few months (day and night) fixing it up. Does coffee count as a hobby?
Can you please tell us about some people we’ll meet in your story?
I’ve already told you about my best friend, Kat. You’ll also meet my big furbaby, Duke. He’s a friendly husky with a lot to say. Of course, you’ll meet my mom (she’s a retired high school principal), and my Aunt Marnie (a free-spirited hippie who works part-time at the B&B). There’s also my brother, Nate, and his wife, Sarah, who run the Cool Vibes Café, which serves all the food for the B&B. And finally, you’ll meet Detective James Holloway. He’s smart, observant, and handsome (am I allowed to say that?).
Tell me about a defining moment in your life.
There’s been two. First, when I lost my dad as a teenager. That was tough. I don’t like talking about it so I’ll skip to the second. It was more recent. I was working in San Francisco as a visual merchandising coordinator for a retail company. Kat and I decided to take a road trip. One of the nights, after a bottle of rosé and a long talk, we decided we were ready for a change. That meant risk. We quit our jobs and put everything we had into opening up The Pearl B&B (named after my grandmother). It’s been a lot of work and it's early days but so far I have no regrets. I love it.
What’s your most prized possession?
My VW Van. It’s pink, retro, and fun.
Why do you feel the need to put on your sleuthing hat and investigate murders?
When a murder takes place at my B&B, justice and my livelihood are at stake. How could I not?
What can readers expect from Peril in Pink?
Peril in Pink is a modern cozy mystery. Some people compare it to Schitt’s Creek and Only Murders in the Building. My author likes that.
Jess, thank you so much for your time.
It’s been so fun chatting with you. Thank you so much for having me on!
Purchase Peril in Pink from:
(Affiliate Links Used)
Places to find Sydney Leigh:
You can follow the Peril in Pink Blog Tour here.
Thank you so much for interviewing Jess, the protagonist in PERIL IN PINK!!
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. Thank you for stopping by, and for doing the character interview. Congratulations on your new book.
DeleteI really enjoyed finding out more about Jess. I loved the book. Fun read
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good read.
ReplyDeleteFun post! Love that she has a pink VW van!
ReplyDelete