1--What is the title of your latest release?
MURDER AT A SCOTTISH CHRISTMAS
2--What’s the “elevator pitch” for your new book?
All single mum Paislee Shaw wants for Christmas is to be in her own house, but the kitchen is still under repair. Next best date is Hogmanay, Scottish New Year. That New Year’s Eve, her employee’s black-sheep brother is killed under cover of the fireworks. Lavish gifts of designer pups, a suitcase of cash, and expensive jewels all point to questionable activities that force Amelia to realize her brother hasn’t changed after all. Paislee, with DI Zeffer’s help, must discover who is behind McCormac’s murder before Amelia is next.
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
Murder at a Scottish Christmas is book 6 in the Scottish Shire series, so the location in Nairn, Scotland, has been established.
4--Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
Yes! And Lydia, Paislee’s bestie, too.
5--What are three words that describe your protagonist?
Paislee Shaw is determined, hardworking, and brave.
6--What’s something you learned while writing this book?
I learned about puppy smuggling—it is an actual crime that should be stopped and have stricter consequences. Puppy mills create more designer puppies that end up with health problems. Smugglers also don’t care about the puppies and put their lives at risk with unsafe practices.
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I write the first draft, and then revise. I do a minimum of six drafts per book.
8--What’s your favorite foodie indulgence?
Shrimp or lobster!
9--Describe your writing space/office!
My desk is in the living room, with a view of some palm trees. I dream of having an actual office some day!
10--Who is an author you admire?
So many! Jennifer Ashley, Alyssa Maxwell, Heather Graham, VS Alexander, Charlaine Harris—just to name a few.
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
Not one in particular. When I was young, the library was my friend. Books provided escape and I knew I wanted to tell stories as well as read them.
12--Tell us about when you got “the call.” (when you found out your book was going to be published)/Or, for indie authors, when you decided to self-publish.
It was almost twenty years ago, which is so hard to believe. My career has not been a straight A to Z journey, but a definite zig zag. I started off with YA, and the Rhiannon Godfrey series, and then the Boadicea trilogy, and now here I am writing cozy mysteries. I love it all.
13--What’s your favorite genre to read?
I like just about everything. Give me a solid story and I am hooked.
14--What’s your favorite movie?
Love Actually
15--What is your favorite season?
I like the spring, because it signifies new beginnings.
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
With champagne! My mother had breast cancer in her late thirties (next year she will have been cancer free for forty years!) so she taught me to be grateful for birthdays which is something I very much appreciated. Wrinkles and scars are badges of honor.
17--What’s a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
I have been devouring the Mel Robbins podcast. She gives amazing practical advice for real people. I also love Only Murders in the Building. Latest books are the Blackbird Files by Heather Graham.
18--What’s your favorite type of cuisine?
Mediterranean
19--What do you do when you have free time?
What is that? Just kidding! A few years ago, my husband and I made taking Sundays off a priority. We love to be in nature, and my favorite place in the world is the beach.
20--What can readers expect from you next?
I have two books out in December—Death at an Irish Wedding, book #2 in the Irish Castle series, writing as Ellie Brannigan comes out Dec. 10. In this series, Rayne McGrath, a high-end bridalwear designer from LA inherits a castle she didn’t want and a cousin she didn’t know about. The pair must work together and save Grathton Village or lose everything. They have jointly decided to turn the castle into a wedding venue. Things go wrong from the start when a guest jumps from the tower—or were they pushed?
Mrs. Morris and the Venomous Valentine, book #9 in the Salem B and B series as Traci Wilton, comes out Dec. 24. In this book, Charlene and her ghostly roommate Jack have a houseful of cupids for a photography shoot. Of course, things go wrong, but Charlene knows she can rely on Detective Sam Holden to keep her safe.
Scottish Shire #6
USA Today bestselling author Traci Hall returns with the latest novel in a new cozy mystery series set in a charming seaside town in Scotland and featuring busy single mom Paislee Shaw, owner of a specialty sweater shop, knitting enthusiast, and reluctant sleuth who must untangle another murderous yarn!
All Paislee wants for Christmas is for her new home to be finished, but it looks like she’ll have to wait for New Year’s Day. Whether the paint on the walls has dried or not, she’ll host a feast for her twelve-year-old son Brody, Grandpa, their black Scottish terrier Wallace, and friends—including police station receptionist Amelia Henry and her brother McCormac, whose black locks can fulfill the Scottish first-footer tradition that a tall, dark-haired man should be the first person to enter your home on New Year’s to bring good luck.
But McCormac’s luck is about to run out. During Hogmanay—when the Scots welcome the New Year with dancing, bonfires, and midnight fireworks—he collapses as the sky brightens in a blaze of color. A shooter has used the noise of the fireworks to hide a gun’s blast. Amelia is inconsolable, and Paislee vows to do whatever she can to help DI Zeffer solve the murder—even if it puts her in the killer’s sights next . . .
Thriller Crime | Mystery Amateur Sleuth [Kensington Cozies, On Sale: September 24, 2024, Trade Paperback / e-Book, ISBN: 9781496744395 / eISBN: 9781496744401]
With an impressive bibliography in an array of genres, USA Today bestselling author Traci Hall has garnered a notable fan base. She pens stories guaranteed to touch the heart while transporting the reader to another time and place. Her belief in happily ever after shines through, whether it's a romantic glimpse into history or a love affair for today.
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