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Kym Roberts Interviews TC LoTempio: The Cat’s Out of the Bag with MEOW IF IT'S MURDER
Patricia Salcedo
January 12, 2015
It’s a new year and we’ve got plenty to meow about at the Cozy
Corner, like T.C. LoTempio’s new Nick & Nora Mystery series!
Welcome, T.C.! Q. Could you tell us about your journey to the release of your book MEOW IF IT'S
MURDER, the first Nick and Nora Mystery? A. That is a long answer! I’ve been writing all my life, but I only started
with an eye towards publication sixteen years ago! After a lot of false starts,
I finally got an agent who subbed my vampire suspense novel with no success –
and then the supervisor at my day job suggested I write about my cat…and thus
was born Nick and Nora. Q. In your novel your characters have the same names as the husband and
wife duo in THE THIN MAN, a book by Dashiell Hammett that was made into a movie
in 1934 and then later a TV series. What about that story appealed to you and
inspired you to use it as a reference for your new series? A. I’ve always been a big William Powell fan, the Thin Man movies in
particular. One night I was watching the movie on tv and my cat ROCCO jumped
onto my lap. I thought, “What if Nick were investigating a murder, got killed
and came back as a cat?” Thus was born the first draft of Nick and Nora, which
Berkley subsequently changed (In the first version, the detective was
reincarnated as the cat and the cat talked to Nora). Q. Nick is such an unlikely hero; can you tell us why he’s wearing a
tuxedo and who you modeled him after? A. My own cat ROCCO, who is what’s known as a “Tuxedo” cat – black with a white
bib and white paws. Q. Nick’s antics are so real, so human, and so heart-warming, I have to
know if there’s a real-life ‘man’ who is full of this much spunk and
love? (Take a look at T.C.’s webpage
and you’ll get a glimpse of her inspiration for Nick.) A. Ha ha see above. Right now ROCCO is the only man in my life, and believe
me, he’s enough! Q. Nora is driven to solve the murder of a local socialite, Lola
Grainger for several reasons, despite the fact that the woman’s death was ruled
accidental. Her death sounds reminiscent of a famous Hollywood tragedy in the
1980’s. Does MEOW IF IT'S MURDER parallel the death of any real
life case? A. Yes, I drew the inspiration for MEOW IF IT'S
MURDER from the mysterious death of actress Natalie Wood, whom I
adored. Q. Throughout the book you make references to real life people and
events which make your characters more believable and current with today’s
reader. Was that your intent? A. Absolutely! I think it’s easier to get a feeling for the characters if you
make references to pop culture. Q. I saw on FB that you have a new title in the works for your next Nick
and Nora Mystery. Can you give us a hint as to what you have in store for Nick
and Nora? A. Well, Nora’s investigation into Nick Atkins’ disappearance takes a backseat
when her sister is accused of the murder of her art professor, and it’s Nick and
Nora to the rescue…also, someone – male – from Nora’s past resurfaces! Thank you to T.C. for joining us today! Readers, leave a comment below for
your chance to win a copy of MEOW IF IT'S
MURDER, and connect with T.C. on her website and Facebook.
About Kym Roberts 
Kym Roberts is a
retired detective sergeant who looks for passion, mystery and suspense in
every
book she reads and writes. She can be found on the web at kymroberts.com, on
Facebook at Kym Roberts (author) and on Twitter @kymroberts911. Look for her
latest release, DEAD MAN'S CARVE, A Tickled to Death Mystery on
Amazon. (All proceeds will be donated to wounded veterans)
Are you crazy about cozy mysteries? Stop by the Cozy Corner
every week for recommendations, interviews, and more. Until next time, get cozy
and read on!
Comments
43 comments posted.
Re: Kym Roberts Interviews TC LoTempio: The Cat’s Out of the Bag with MEOW IF IT'S MURDER
Sounds like a fun book! Would love to read.
(Vicki Hancock 5:09pm January 12, 2015)
love your mystery stories and was interesting reading your answers in the interview
(Jo Anne Vincenti 5:11pm January 12, 2015)
I love to read books that have animals in it. Your book sounds like something I would love to read this winter sitting in front of the fireplace.
(Andrea Abel 5:27pm January 12, 2015)
I had a cat once just like that. She had hurt one foot. I miss her but she died of old age. I have lots of cats but none that color anymore. Got 15 outside, 3 inside and a dog outside.
(Jane Squires 6:33pm January 12, 2015)
Cozies with animals are my favorite kind of books. I'm
anxious to read this one.
(Sue Farrell 7:18pm January 12, 2015)
Sounds very intriguing indeed!
(Susan Coster 7:31pm January 12, 2015)
Love discovering new authors - congratulations on your
release!
(Mary C 7:36pm January 12, 2015)
I have tuxedo cat too, he always looks like he knows something I don't know.
(Kaye Killgore 10:34pm January 12, 2015)
thanks so much for the nice interview, Kym. Much appreciated by ROCCO and myself :) www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com
(Toni Lotempio 7:32am January 13, 2015)
I love the title of the book. Thanks.
(Pam Howell 10:25am January 13, 2015)
Sounds like a GREAT story - I love the Nick & Nora movies, I'm a cat lover, and mystery lover soooooo ... this book (and series) sounds like it's my cuppa tea. Good luck with everything!!!!
(Nancy Reynolds 10:33am January 13, 2015)
This sounds like a really good book that I'd enjoy very much. I love mystery and crime . I love reading a real good book .
(Joan Thrasher 11:25am January 13, 2015)
I have been hooked on the cozy mysteries just love them. This one sounds so good and plus love it when the mystery is about cats or dogs. Have 2 chiwahwahs that curl up with me when I read the books and they know how much I love books.
(Peggy Clayton 11:50am January 13, 2015)
Nick and Nora are my favorite. This book sounds captivating,
unique and special. I would enjoy this book. What a wonderful
feature and giveaway.
(Sharon Berger 12:18pm January 13, 2015)
After reading this posting, it made me want to read your
book all the more!! I was a big Natalie Wood fan as well,
and her death still bothers me to this day. I'm looking
forward to reading your book. I'm also a cat lover, owning
2 kitties of my own, who are brother and sister. I think
I'll be able to relate to this book just fine, and it will
hold special meaning to me, after knowing a little bit more
about the background. Wishing you all the best in the New
Year!!
(Peggy Roberson 12:40pm January 13, 2015)
I loved the thin man movies.
(MaryEllen Hanneman 2:57pm January 13, 2015)
This sounds like a great fun read.
(Dorothy Kelley 5:32pm January 13, 2015)
I enjoy reading mysteries that include animals as it is so
much fun and exciting. This sounds like my kind of read.
(Shirley Sego 6:43pm January 13, 2015)
This sounds like a great book-love cozy mysteries! I also
love the picture of you and your cat.
Thank you for the chance to win a copy!
(Betty Woodrum 8:43pm January 13, 2015)
looking forward to reading this book.
(Sally Lincoln 11:51am January 14, 2015)
Love animal cozy mysteries- looking forward to it!
(Johnna Flores 11:53am January 14, 2015)
I always enjoy reading books that have an animal in the story. We have read a lot
of cat included mysteries in my book club so this is a new one we can put on our
list.
(Jackie Wisherd 12:49pm January 14, 2015)
Wish I had a cat like this one . I love mysteries. Hope to read this book soon.
(Joan Thrasher 12:49pm January 14, 2015)
Thanks for reading the interview everyone! We've got one
more day until the winner is drawn, so keep
commenting;)Then the interview can be found at the Cozy
Corner page, where you'll find all kinds of great new
cozies. Hope to see you there!
(Kym Roberts 1:07pm January 14, 2015)
This sounds like the kind of cozy mystery that I enjoy reading. I will be putting this one on my wish list.
(Joan Varner 1:37pm January 14, 2015)
A great sounding mystery. Sounds like a great story.
(Jean Patton 3:27pm January 14, 2015)
I'm such a cat lady, this book fits my reading profile purrfectly....
(Janet Robinson 3:42pm January 14, 2015)
This one sounds rather interesting--most 'animal detective' stories are a little too cute.
(Carol Gowett 3:44pm January 14, 2015)
Love books with animals! I haven't read a mystery in a while. Sounds interesting!
(Donna Robertson 4:37pm January 14, 2015)
Love to read books am teaching grandkids to read we are having so much
fun . Thank you
(Ava Curtis 7:52pm January 14, 2015)
Wow! Sounds like a great book! I am also a cat lover.
(Susan Mahaffey 8:06pm January 14, 2015)
I love animal-protagonists (we all know Nick is the main character in this book ;). ) that are too smart for their own good. Mystery-crime-solving cat? oh yeaaaaa!
(Lisa L. 8:11pm January 14, 2015)
This sounds like such a delicious little book. Can't wait to
read!
(Marcia Berbeza 10:17pm January 14, 2015)
This sounds like a fun fast read. I too loved to watch
Natalie Wood. Mysteries are fun to read between my other
books as it gives my mind something to focus on and try to
solve the puzzle. I love puzzles, word ones mostly.
Thanks for the chance.
(Tina Ullrich 10:32pm January 14, 2015)
I love that you include an animal in your mystery fiction. My own animals are such an important part of my life. I absolutely love reading about characters whose pets are a huge part of their lives, as well. Thanks for sharing.
(Michelle Willms 8:50am January 15, 2015)
Sounds like a great book! Cant wait to read
(Julie Parrish 9:07am January 15, 2015)
I'm a cat lover and this mystery sounds like a fun read. Love the cover as well.
(Sandra Martin 9:08am January 15, 2015)
I would love to read this book cuddled on the couch with my cat Sam.
(Lindsey Andronak 11:13am January 15, 2015)
I guess part of the excitement and mystery could be attributed to the
confusion in the similar names. Interesting reading, without a doubt.
(Kantu Malhotra 12:04pm January 15, 2015)
Love Nick and Nora in thin man series and a sucker for any
mystery with a cat in it.
(Diane Christeson 1:40pm January 15, 2015)
I love a good mystery!
(Denise Austin 1:48pm January 15, 2015)
Would love to read it! Thank you :)
(Daiane Chen 5:55pm January 15, 2015)
Cats + Mystery= Purrrrrrrrfect!
(Kelly Braun 5:38am January 20, 2015)
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