1--What is the title of your latest release?
My latest release is SEAMS LIKE MURDER. It’s the launch book of my Sewing Studio Mystery - my 48th published novel.
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
Abbey Chandler returns to quaint, touristy Hideaway Grove where she spent summers with her aunt, and finds herself involved in the town’s sewing project and a murder.
The charity sewing project Abbey heads up is making pillowcase dresses for girls in Africa. I’ve been sewing and donating these dresses to a non-profit for several years. I’ve donated over 1,000 dresses so far.
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
I decided a fictional town would work best for SEAMS LIKE MURDER, so I created Hideaway Grove. It’s known for its specialty shops, antique stores, and art galleries. The town’s founder was a birdwatcher so most of the businesses and streets are named after birds. I had a delightful time developing this small town—I even drew a map!
4--Would you hang out with your sleuth in real life?
I’d love to hang out with Abbey! I’d also love to live in Hideaway Grove—if only that were possible!
5--What are three words that describe your sleuth?
Resilient, smart, realistic
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I feel that the main character in each book I write has a path to follow. Sometimes I learn that journey along with the character as the story progresses, which is what happened with Abbey Chandler in Seams Like Murder.
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I always edit my writing as I go along. For me, it’s more of a feeling of accomplishment knowing that what I’ve written is (usually) good.
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
I absolutely cannot resist potato chips, Fritos, and especially Cheetos. I could eat a whole bag at once - if I didn’t make myself stop.
9--Describe your writing space/office!
I write on a desktop computer—I’ve never owned a laptop. I’m so glad you can’t see my desk because it’s cluttered with reminders, lists, and notes on my oh-so brilliant ideas. I always feel “at home” when I sit down at my computer. It’s a comfortable place physically, mentally, and emotionally.
10--Who is an author you admire?
It’s hard to pick just one! I always admire any author who can maintain a long writing career. Feeling creative enough to write book after book while juggling home, family, and other responsibilities take real commitment.
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
I can’t say that one specific book had a significant impact. Most everything I’ve read over the years left an impression—good or bad—that stayed with me.
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)
Getting “the call,” (actually, it was an email) about Seams Like Murder came as a bit of a surprise. My agent happened to be speaking with the editor at Kensington who had published my Haley Randolph mystery series, and he mentioned he was looking for a new series. My agent pitched Seams Like Murder, I sent the manuscript, and a few days later I got the good news!
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
I like to read all sorts of books. Often, I find myself gravitating to accounts of major disasters - earthquakes, shipwrecks, fires, and volcanos. I also enjoy reading biographies. I like to know how now-famous people got their start, and what path they took to success.
14--What’s your favorite movie?
I don’t think I can pick one favorite movie. I like comedies and feel-good stories, and science fiction. No horror for me! I get too scared!
15--What is your favorite season?
Christmas! I’m a complete nut about Christmas. Over the years I’ve accumulated lots of decorations that I love to display. I usually put up more than one Christmas tree, each with its own theme.
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
I always celebrate my birthday with my family. We get together for a special meal and do the traditional cake, ice cream, and gifts.
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
I love Laura Levine’s Jaine Austen mystery series. When I crave a traditional British mystery, I turn to Hannah Dennison’s Honeychurch Hall series. Right now, I’m on the edge of my seat watching The Cleaning Lady on Hulu. I’m anxious for the next season of The Crown to arrive.
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
I don’t have one favorite type of cuisine. I always enjoy Italian and Mexican dishes and give me a traditional cheeseburger anytime.
19--What do you do when you have free time?
I was inspired to write Seams Like Murder by the pillowcase dresses I sew and donate to a non-profit that distributes them to girls in remote African villages. I spend much of my free time shopping for pillowcases, notions, and trims, and sewing the dresses.
20--What can readers expect from you next?
Aside from Seams Like Murder, I also write three other mystery series.
The second book in my Hollis Brannigan personal shopper series, Bargains to Die For, was just released. Also available is the series launch book Shop Til You Drop Dead, just released in paperback.
Several books in my Haley Randolph series are now available in audio. The most recent is Clutches and Curses. Two more will be available soon.
And, of course, the next book in the Sewing Studio series is in the works. Look for it sometime next fall.
A Sewing Studio Mystery # 1
Abbey has barely arrived in the quaint, quiet town of Hideaway Grove before things turn from blissful to bloody—as the new librarian is mowed down by a car. The only witness on the scene isn’t much help, aside from handing Abbey the bag of books dropped by the victim. Even worse, the sheriff’s office seizes Abbey’s car because of a suspicious dent in the right front fender.
While she waits for the problem to be sorted out, Abbey is drawn into a charity sewing project—even though she can’t tell a bobbin from a seam ripper. Before she knows it, she’s graduating from pillowcase dresses to aprons, setting up a studio in a back room of her aunt’s bakery, and making plans to participate in the upcoming craft fair.
But through it all, she keeps looking for patterns and possible conflicts in the late librarian’s personal, professional, and romantic life. Then a shocking discovery sends her in a new direction, and as the truth begins to unspool, she’s got a notion about who’s guilty . . .
Mystery Cozy | Mystery Culinary | Mystery Hobbies [Kensington Cozies, On Sale: September 27, 2022, Hardcover / e-Book, ISBN: 9781496740397 / eISBN: 9781496740410]
Dorothy Howell is the author of 28 novels. She currently writes for two major publishers, in two genres, under two names. Her books have been translated into a dozen languages, with sales approaching 3 million copies worldwide.
Dorothy writes the fashion sleuth Haley Randolph mystery series available in hardcover from Kensington Books. She also writes historical romance for Harlequin under the name Judith Stacy.
Dorothy is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and Romance Writers of America.
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