How much of me is written into my cozy mysteries? Specifically, in Moonlight Can Be Murder, how many of Ned’s thoughts are my thoughts? Would I react to chilling situations with her courage? Probably not. But then, I doubt that anybody is going to will me a Victorian house or a bank account or a lock box with an expensive ruby necklace inside. That would be nice, but at this late date, I doubt that it will happen in real life. In fiction, though, this and many other amazing things can and do happen. And, so it is with Moonlight Can Be Murder.
Ideas that can be used in the world of make-believe come from many directions. In a casual conversation, I hear something that will fit neatly in a story and explain a couple of twists and turns in the plot. Yesterday, as Dawn, Angie, and I sat around the dinner table, I digested more than turkey, dressing, and rolls. I heard some tasty tidbits about the ins and outs of having a will or not having a will. That was just what I was needing for By the Fright of the Silvery Moon! We three women discussed some fascinating real-life situations that are too interesting to leave lying there. I’ve got to immortalize them in the written word! That’s the fun part of being a writer–taking unusual facts and, with a bit of camouflage, weaving them into a story.
Anyway, back to Moonlight. As I wrote this mystery, I had in mind a certain house in Tahlequah that I’ve always admired–the Thompson House. Uncle Javin’s home is not a replica, but it does have a lot in common with the Thompson House. I can write about Granger Mansion with some familiarity because I’ve been there often–to the Thompson House, I mean. Built more than 120 years ago, it was home to one of Tahlequah’s prominent physicians and now is used only as a show place and for special occasions. I’m glad it was saved from destruction. (I wrote an article for The Daily Press about the county’s plan to tear it down years ago.) But, I’ve always thought it begs to shelter a family once more. So, in fiction, it does! What fun it was to turn it back into a warm, inviting home for Ned McNeil and to follow her from room to room as she re-examined this home of her childhood.
Today, as a one-day only Black Friday special, my publisher and I are offering Moonlight Can Be Murder for ninety-nine cents. This book is perfect for the holiday season. It begins in the month of December and finishes with a Christmas celebration at church. Snow lies on the ground, Granger Mansion is decked out in red ribbons and green wreaths, the house is cozy with a fire blazing on the hearth and a small, gray cat curled on the rug. Only one thing disturbs the idyllic scene–a small case of murder. It’s a Christmas cozy with an extra helping of the shivers.
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