1--What is the title of your latest release?
The fourth book in the Modern Midwife Mysteries series is MURDER AT FIRST LIGHT.
2--What's the "elevator pitch" for your new book?
It's autumn in the New England seaside town of Langford, and Maeve O'Reilly Kensington, a modern nurse midwife, is starting a dual appointment between Creighton Memorial and Rosemont College. One morning, during an early row on the bay, she sees a jogger stagger from the town's iconic lighthouse and collapse. He dies despite all attempts to rescue him, and questions surface. At first, it looked like natural causes, but was it foul play? Maeve and her sister Meg wade into the land of the "Yummy Mummies" to look for clues. Will they solve the case? And more importantly, can they escape the killer?
3--How did you decide where your book was going to take place?
Maeve lives in the quintessential seaside village of Langford, in New England, where the mystery occurs. By coincidence, Langford shares some features with the charming coastal town in New England where I live.
4--Would you hang out with your protagonist in real life?
I would love to hang out with Maeve, her sister Meg, and her mother. They would keep me on my toes, and I believe we would share many laughs.
5--What are three words that describe your protagonist?
The most fitting words are competent, kind, and adventurous.
6--What's something you learned while writing this book?
My writing group taught me what a “humble brag” was.
7--Do you edit as you draft or wait until you are totally done?
I work hard to resist the temptation to edit until I'm finished. To me, a first draft is literally just a draft.
8--What's your favorite foodie indulgence?
I love ice cream. One of the high points of this summer came when our local stand got some amazing spumoni. You could tell it was a favorite because it was gone in a matter of days. Even now, I wish I had some put away in the freezer.
9--Describe your writing space/office!
My sunroom, which overlooks a cranberry bog, is my "office." It's a place I can watch the seasons change, along with the highlight of the berry harvest in the fall. There is always a cup of tea, usually cold, and paper and a pen on the table next to my overstuffed chair. I sit out there and write on a laptop; but, sad to say, I type with only one finger.
10--Who is an author you admire?
Claire Keegan is an Irish writer I admire so much. Foster and Small Things like These are short but have an incredible impact. Cillian Murphy is in the film version of Small Things Like These, which is in theaters currently.
11--Is there a book that changed your life?
A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving. It's about love and compassion and the belief that life is miraculous.
"If you care about something, you have to protect it-If you're lucky enough to find a way of life you love, you have to find the courage to live it." A Prayer for Owen Meany
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.
My agent called me with the news that a few publishers were interested. That was a surreal feeling. But it turned out that the overwhelming pleasure came from realizing that my book was going out into the world. It was a dream come true.
13--What's your favorite genre to read?
Even though I love to read many genres including poetry and graphic novels, my favorite will always be mysteries. That said, I read to the visually and print impaired each week, so I am always looking for a great book regardless of genre.
14--What's your favorite movie?
I rarely watch a movie twice, but I have watched The Shawshank Redemption many times. Based on a novella by the incomparable Stephen King, it's a story of friendship and hope but one that doesn't sugarcoat the harsh realities of prison.
"I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope."
The Shawshank Redemption
15--What is your favorite season?
I love autumn in New England. There is just something about the colors, the weather, pumpkins, mums, and all things maple!
16--How do you like to celebrate your birthday?
Quietly. Some cards and a few calls are always lovely, but before the day ends, I must have a white layer cake with raspberry filling and vanilla icing with purple roses. I mean, really
17--What's a recent tv show/movie/book/podcast you highly recommend?
The Comeback, on Netflix, is the fantastic story of the 2004 Boston Red Sox. I thought it was excellent, although I may be just a bit biased. I also recommend Bodkin and The Diplomat, both on Netflix.
18--What's your favorite type of cuisine?
I love seafood, especially East Coast varieties. Scallops, swordfish, and haddock are all favorites. And, of course, the dinner must include coleslaw and tartar sauce!
19--What do you do when you have free time?
When I get the opportunity, I love to travel. I was fortunate to see Japan and Hong Kong a few months ago. I like to both read and listen to audiobooks. I knit simple things. Then, of course, there are those wonderful moments when I meet and walk with dogs of all kinds.
20--What can readers expect from you next?
In the fifth Modern Midwife Mysteries book, Maeve will travel to Ireland!
I would love to give away a copy of MURDER AT THE WEDDING - print or ebook. Comment to enter.
Modern Midwife Mysteries #4
Lighthouses, nannies, and murder…
Life has calmed down for modern nurse midwife Maeve O'Reilly Kensington, following her daughter's eventful arrival into the world. Her family has settled into a welcome routine, and Maeve is about to
break new ground as the first faculty midwife at Rosemont College in the quaint New England town of Langford.
Unfortunately, her tranquility is short-lived. During an early morning row on the bay, Maeve witnesses a jogger stumble out of Langford's iconic lighthouse, First Light, and collapse. He is later pronounced
dead, and Maeve wonders if it was a natural death or foul play. First Light had rescued many in the past but certainly didn't save this hapless soul.
When Maeve and her indomitable sister, Meg, assist a young Irish nanny caught in the aftermath of the death, they land headfirst in the world of Langford's posh "Yummy Mummies." Will the fearless M&M's crack the
case? Will Maeve adapt to the college world? Life in Langford carries on…with its usual mix of midwifery and murder!
Mystery Woman Sleuth [Gemma Halliday Publishing, On Sale: January 7, 2025, e-Book, ISBN: 9798215861165 / eISBN: 9798303921733]
Christine Knapp practiced as a nurse-midwife for many years. A writer of texts and journal articles, she is now thrilled to combine her love of midwifery and mysteries as a debut author. Christine currently narrates books for the visually impaired. A dog lover, she lives near Boston.
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