1--What is the title of your latest release?
Thank you so much for hosting me on Fresh Fiction. My latest release is HARD DOUGH HOMICIDE. It’s the second book in my Spice Isle Bakery Mystery culinary cozy mystery series, which I write as Olivia Matthews
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
Here it goes: When her mother’s former boss is poisoned at an event catered by their family-owned bakery, a baker leads an investigation to uncover who had the ingredients for murder and the appetite to frame her mother.
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
Great question! Like me, my protagonists are West Indian Americans, so it seemed perfect to set them in the Little Caribbean neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. That’s where I grew up.
4--Would you hang out with your sleuth in real life?
Absolutely! Especially if she brought me pastries from her bakery. Ha!
5--What are three words that describe your sleuth?
Only three? OK. Loyal. Smart. And, although she’d disagree with me, brave. The reason she’d disagree is that she views herself as a scaredy cat, but it takes courage to face your fears.
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I learned some kickboxing moves. My protagonist has been taking kickboxing classes for almost 14 years.
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I try to wait until I’m totally done before I start editing my draft; emphasis on “try.”
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Hmmm, … For today, I’ll say ice cream. And don’t bother asking about a flavor. Just put it in a cup and pass me a spoon.
9--Describe your writing space/office!
It’s a mess.
10--Who is an author you admire?
There are so, so many. A ton. And across so, so many genres: romance, mystery, sci-fi/fantasy.
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
Ha! So, so many and across all fiction and nonfiction genres. For today, I’ll say Before the Mayflower: A History of Black America by Lerone Bennett Jr.
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)
Regarding my first-ever published manuscript, I got “The Call” in 2006. It was more than two years after I’d submitted my completed romantic suspense manuscript. I was at my then-day job, desperately trying to figure out how to get a very nice but very talkative coworker out of my office when my phone rang. Saved by the bell.
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
I don’t have a favorite. Sometimes I crave fiction. Other times, I crave nonfiction. I often read two books at the same time. Usually, fiction and nonfiction.
14--What’s your favorite movie?
So many. OK, for today, I’ll say Just Wright, starring Queen Latifah and Common. She’s a physical therapist and he’s an NBA superstar with a career-threatening injury. The dialogue is crisp and witty, and the story addresses important societal issues.
15--What is your favorite season?
Winter.
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
Quietly.
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
Sister Boniface. In addition to great scripts, I love the cast.
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
Hot. LOL! I love trying new dishes.
19--What do you do when you have free time?
Sleep.
20--What can readers expect from you next?
Thank you so much for asking that particular question. In October 2023, Down to the Wire releases. It’s the first book in my romantic suspense Touré Security Group trilogy, which I’m writing as Patricia Sargeant. In December 2023, Coconut Drop Dead releases. It’s my third Spice Isle Bakery Mystery cozy mystery, which I write as Olivia Matthews. I’m so thrilled for 2023 and equally excited for 2024. Thank you again so much for the opportunity to chat with your community.
Spice Isle Bakery Mysteries #2
Someone in Brooklyn’s Little Caribbean neighborhood has an appetite for murder in Olivia Matthews' Hard Dough Homicide.
Spice Isle Bakery owner Lyndsay Murray is always looking for new ways to grow her family’s business. But she already regrets agreeing to host the retirement dinner for local high school principal Emily Smith. The tyrant used to be her mother's boss and they did not get along. Six guests arrive for the celebration, but only five survive. Emily starts convulsing—right after eating the curry chicken—and dies soon after. It’s not long before the police are knocking on Spice Isle’s door, bringing the Murray family back into the heart of another murder investigation—driving away customers in the process. Lyndsay can't help but wonder if this is the end of the bakery, even though it's just begun. She must put aside her reservations about investigating another crime, because the Murrays refuse to go down without a fight.
Mystery | Mystery Culinary [St. Martin's Paperbacks, On Sale: May 23, 2023, Mass Market Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781250839060 / eISBN: 9781250839077]
Olivia Matthews is the cozy mystery pseudonym of award-winning, national best-selling author Patricia Sargeant. Patricia has been inspired by writers such as Walter Mosley, Dick Francis and Tami Hoag, who put ordinary people in extraordinary situations and have them find the Hero Inside. Her Sister Lou character was inspired by Catholic sisters whose courage, determination and faith have helped build communities and formed rich, lasting legacies.
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