Mistletoe and Murder
Ah December … the time for Christmas cheer, goodwill to mankind and, in my world, bloody messes and murder. For the last three years the books in my Ghost Dusters mystery series have been released the first week of December. This series is about a woman who cleans crime scenes for a living and happens to talk to the dead. They’re definitely not your usual holiday tales.
This year, Dead and Kicking hit shelves December 1st and I’m hoping that it’ll find its way into shopping baskets alongside copies of Holiday Decorating for Dummies or Night Before Christmas. Even though my story is lacking in holiday cheer, my readers don’t really seem to mind the distinct lack of candy canes and sugar plums. I like to think of the stories as a welcome relief to all the sweetness abounding throughout the holidays.
Having spent a few days now shoulder-to-shoulder with the masses fighting for the best Walmart deals, I have to tell you that my mind is full of murderous thoughts. I watched a grown woman elbow a small child out of the way to get the last Holiday Barbie and it’s enough to make me think arsenic instead of sugar cookies! So this evening after I put up the mistletoe and have a cup of cheer I’ll sit down and write a little murder plot.
How about you? Anything about the holidays make you think of murder?
Ah December … the time for Christmas cheer, goodwill to mankind and, in my world, bloody messes and murder. For the last three years the books in my Ghost Dusters mystery series have been released the first week of December. This series is about a woman who cleans crime scenes for a living and happens to talk to the dead. They’re definitely not your usual holiday tales.
This year, Dead and Kicking hit shelves December 1st and I’m hoping that it’ll find its way into shopping baskets alongside copies of Holiday Decorating for Dummies or Night Before Christmas. Even though my story is lacking in holiday cheer, my readers don’t really seem to mind the distinct lack of candy canes and sugar plums. I like to think of the stories as a welcome relief to all the sweetness abounding throughout the holidays.
Having spent a few days now shoulder-to-shoulder with the masses fighting for the best Walmart deals, I have to tell you that my mind is full of murderous thoughts. I watched a grown woman elbow a small child out of the way to get the last Holiday Barbie and it’s enough to make me think arsenic instead of sugar cookies! So this evening after I put up the mistletoe and have a cup of cheer I’ll sit down and write a little murder plot.
How about you? Anything about the holidays make you think of murder?
12 comments:
For years I was away from mysteries and I just recently came back. Yours is a series I'm going to start, in fact I'm headed to amazon.com once I'm done with this post.
Holiday time is suppose to be well wishes and good cheer but instead it appears to be a time that brings out the worst in people. I can easily understand it being a motivational tool for creating a murder plot. I also love the idea of mysteries being released in December, reading about murder and mayhem gives us a means to get away from all that sweet cheery atmosphere that in some ways is over powering.
Interesting plot and ideas. I try not to get murderous during the holiday season, but I can truly understand the sentiment!
Right now I have a pile of gifts that need to be wrapped and I'm not looking too kindly towards that pile. Its been sitting there for about 2 weeks and is not wrapping itself... I kind of wish it would!
Livia, I'm glad to hear you're coming back to mysteries. I hope you enjoy my books.
Sarah, gift wrapping can be stressful. Sometimes I have to put down the scissors and walk away slowly lol!
I myself love Christmas, but there are times when even I want to plot a murder or two. I like the premise of your books-I will definitely go check out your series!
Thanks, Lori! I have to confess that I love the holidays but HATE shopping. Now that I'm done the shopping part, I look forward to the celebrating part :)
I confess I haven't left the genres of women's fiction and chick lit for quite some time, but may do so soon, your novels sound interesting!
Hi Charlene, my first book Dating Can Be Deadly was considered a chick-lit mystery. This latest series is in a similar style (light hearted mystery with a focus on the heroine) but it just sold under a myster lable. You may not find there's much difference this series and others you enjoy so I'll hope you'll give it a try :)
I agree with everyone that the holidays seem to bring out both the best and worst in people. Too much time with family can be murder, but at the same time, I am always grateful for the time spent with my loved ones.
I love to escape into a good mystery during the holiday season, both to get away from all the sickenly-sweet cheerfulness that seems to pervade, but also because I'm hooked on reading great mysteries.
I loved reading this latest release, DEAD AND KICKING, and I really appreciated Sadie's realistic problems--I love how "real" her problems are, especially when considering the paranormal nature of the series!
Thanks Angela!
The lovely shoppers on Black Friday always bring that special twinkle to my eye! The rude drivers that will try to ram you, run you down, or just plain roll over you to get the prime parking spot make me think of axe handles on windows and sharp objects intires. Oh, I will admit to not really enjoying those wonderful undeserving souls that come around looking for handouts in the name of the Season - those that are really out to take advantage of suckers like me.
I do enjoy the high spirits, the opportunity to help others who are really in need, and the little thrill of finding a great gift for someone.
I will issue a fair warning to those who act like they have lost their minds at Christmas - Kharma is a bitch!
Oh, and Wendy, I am planning to check out your book. I am sure it will be a delight and a great distraction from all the repetitive Christmas shows on TV and that one Christmas carol that I CANNOT get out of my head!!!
LOL Thia, you sound like a woman after my own heart!
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