Book Title: DANCING WITH DANGER
Character Name: Ruby Bell
Hi Ruby, it’s so nice to have you with us.
Thank you so much for having me!
Let’s jump right in, shall we? How would you describe your family or your childhood?
This is an easy one because my family is amazing! We are all super close, and they love and support me. They always have, even when my ideas are a little crazy. Dad is a principal at the local high school, and Mom is a preschool teacher. I have a brother who works as a history teacher at Dad’s school and is married to his high school sweetheart. He and his wife are expecting my first niece or nephew in the spring. I grew up in a small town in North Georgia where everyone knew everything about me. There were no secrets and getting away with mischief was nearly impossible. I think that’s part of why I moved away. Of course, my new home in Aloha Lagoon is just as tight knit. It doesn’t take long for news to get around!
Aloha Lagoon? Is that where you live now?
Yes, I live in Aloha Lagoon, Hawaii. A little resort town that “boasts a slightly higher than normal murder rate.” Probably should have done a little more research before moving here, but the luxurious, tropical vibe sure makes up for a lot! I currently live at the resort, although I’m hoping to move to a house or apartment of my own soon. The people here are amazing, and I couldn’t be happier.
What was your greatest talent?
Dancing! I love to dance and have been doing it my whole life. It’s the reason I moved to Hawaii! I tried out for several of the hula teams here, but so far, I haven’t landed a spot. But I’m not one to let something like that get me down! I took my gifts to the fitness world and developed Hula-Fit, a blend of Polynesian, Latin, and Pop music along with dance moves from each melded together to bring a little taste of Hawaii to everyone.
So, Hula-Fit. Is that your job at the resort?
Yes, I’m a fitness instructor. I teach Hula-Fit and other dance and fitness classes. Hula-Fit is definitely the biggest draw since it’s unique and our resort is the only location where it’s being taught. It’s how I secured the position at the resort in the first place. But I also teach other dance classes, bootcamp style fitness classes, and even a stretching class or two.
Sounds like you love it.
I do. I get to meet so many interesting people. There are a group of seasoned ladies who come in called The Golden Girls—
I’m sorry. Did you say The Golden Girls? Like the 80’s sitcom?
You heard me right. They’re so fun and a little eccentric. I love that they don’t give a hoot what other people think of them. They wear the hula skirts and coconut bras in class and half the time they make up their own steps, but they have such positive, encouraging attitudes. It’s truly inspiring.
Tell us a little about your love life. Anyone special in your life? Wait, are you blushing?
Maybe a little. I don’t have a boyfriend quite yet. I’m hopeful, though. I’ve got my eye on a very hunky smoothie owner, so we’ll see how that goes!
That sounds promising.
I hope so. He’s originally from Tennessee, so we have very similar backgrounds. And he’s just a lot of fun to be with.
You said “hunky” so I’m assuming he’s nice looking?
I know I’m blushing again, but yes, he’s very good looking.
What’s your biggest challenge in relationships?
I think my biggest challenge in relationships is that I’m an extrovert, and I can be a lot for some people—lots of energy, I love to talk, and I can be all over the place sometimes. I think even though it’s easy for me to make friends, I don’t always make close friendships. Growing up, I always had lots of friends, but I didn’t have any that really stood the test of time. But I’m hopeful that moving to a place like Aloha Lagoon where so many are transplants and the culture of Hawaii is so focused on connections and community, that I’ll make long lasting friendships. I’m definitely off to a good start!
Do you have any enemies?
Hmmm, that’s a good question. I’m not sure I’d call them enemies. I’m sure there’s a person or two out there who aren’t particularly happy that I’ve been sticking my nose into the mysterious murder of my friend Phoebe, but enemies? Surely not!
Tell us a little about that. Is that the most pressing problem you have at the moment?
It’s truly heartbreaking. Phoebe was a part of my Hula-Fit class. One of my first consistent students, and we were starting to build a friendship. At least, I thought we were. Although now, I’m starting to wonder just how much I knew about Phoebe. Anyway, I found her strangled to death in my storage closet in my studio. I’ll never forget the experience. I’m sorry—
It’s ok, take your time.
Sorry. Where was I? Oh, right. I found Phoebe’s body, but so far, the police haven’t found who killed her. The resort has cancelled my fitness classes until this is resolved, and right now, I’m on a leave of absence. I can’t lose my job! I just found it! And I really don’t want to move back home now that things are starting to look up for my career. Plus, I can’t stand the thought of someone getting away with Phoebe’s murder, so I’ve been asking some questions and trying to figure out who might want her dead. She didn’t deserve to die like that. No one does.
That sounds dangerous.
No, not at all and I haven’t been doing this alone. My new friend, Autumn Season, has helped me out so much, and we’re being super discreet. We’ve just interviewed her ex-boyfriend, and we’re hoping to talk to her family, her co-workers, and any other friends she might have had. And then, we’re planning to attend the funeral because everyone says that the murderer always shows up there. Of course, there’s this address we’re planning to sneak into at night to see why Phoebe had pictures of it. Oh, wow. Yeah, I guess you’re right. It could be a little dangerous. But we’re being very careful. I’m sure we’ll be fine.
What do you do to entertain yourself or have fun?
Dance! I know it’s my job, but it really is a huge part of my life. It’s how I decompress if I’m stressed. It’s how I fill my cup when it’s empty. It’s a part of who I am. But since I’ve moved to Hawaii, I’m finding myself needing more! Autumn has introduced me to the Lava Pot, it’s a bar/restaurant in the resort that makes the best cocktails I’ve ever had. And then there’s a place in town called The Lanai Lounge, and they have Karaoke each week. I can’t wait to watch Autumn make a fool of herself on stage. Ok, I probably will too. I’m sure we have plenty of nights to remember in our future!
What keeps you awake at night?
I’ve literally lost sleep over Phoebe’s murder. I just can’t figure out who would have wanted her dead. She always seemed so quiet and unassuming. It’s baffling to me that someone hated her enough to kill her. It doesn’t make sense, and I don’t know if I’ll be able to rest until we find out who did this to her.
I hope you find whoever did this and that they’ll be brought to justice.
Thank you. I hope we find the person, too and soon!
Is there anything else we should know about you?
I think we’ve covered the basics. If I had to sum up my personality, I’d say I’m bubbly, energetic, fun, but I also feel things very deeply. I value connection and family, and I’m loyal to my friends and the people in my community. Aloha Lagoon is home now, and I couldn’t be more excited about my future here!
Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us today. I wish you all the best.
Thank you for having me. I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to share a little about myself. As they say in Hawaii, A hui hou, which means—until we meet again!
Aloha Lagoon Mysteries #23
From author Kimberly Griggs comes a hula-va Hawaiian mystery!
What's a Southern Belle to do when she dreams of being a hula dancer? Move to Hawaii, of course!
Native Georgian Ruby Bell has her work cut out for her finding her niche among hip-swaying dancers of Kauai. But when she creates Hula Fit, a unique fusion of fitness and Hawaiian culture, she lands herself a job at the premier Aloha Lagoon Resort and Spa. Her class sparks attention from locals and vacationers alike, making Ruby feel she's finally found her bliss.
Unfortunately things go from delightful to downright deadly when Ruby discovers her new friend, Phoebe, strangled by a coconut bra in the back of Ruby's studio! With the local police investigating on "island time," Ruby fears it's up to her to find a killer, save her studio's reputation, and bring justice to her friend's memory. Navigating through a maze of deceit and betrayal, Ruby uncovers a cast of suspects more colorful than an island sunset, including a bodybuilder ex-boyfriend with a volatile temper, a troupe of senior citizens caught at a clothing-optional pool party, a jealous rival, an awkward admirer, and even the hunky owner of the local Smoothie Hut who seems to have his eye on Ruby.
Between blackmail, deception, and a mysterious box of incriminating photos, Ruby finds herself tangled in a deadly dance. Can she hula her way through the shadows and unmask the killer... before the music stops for good?
Mystery Woman Sleuth | Mystery Cozy [Gemma Halliday Publishing, On Sale: August 13, 2024, e-Book, / eISBN: 9798334842144]
I'm a story-teller at heart. Whether sharing about my latest grocery trip or about the characters in my head, I'm committed to all the details—much to my husband's dismay. Fortunately, he's a good sport!
As a fourth-grade student, I wrote my first romance story in which the hero died in a motorcycle accident, and his girlfriend vowed to love him forever. My teacher thought the subject matter was a little heavy for a ten-year old girl, but my zeal for a good story wouldn't be deterred.
Many years later, after the birth of my second son, I picked up where I'd left off, devouring books at alarming rates and longing to write one myself. I penned several stories in secret notebooks and hidden computer files until finally I finished one. One turned into two and two into three, until writing became more than a hobby. With so many characters and plot ideas in my head, I can't wait to share them all with the world.
When I'm not writing, you can find me making music, watching a story on the big screen, and of course, reading as many books as my schedule will allow. I'm living my own personal romance story with my wonderful husband of 20 plus years. We have two wild and crazy sons, as well as two dogs that think they're humans. Can’t forget the bunny, Jax! I live in North Georgia.
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