Welcome to Where Everybody Knows Your... Alibi— where we get to know the fictional towns we’d happily move to... if they didn’t have such a suspicious body count (but does that really matter?).
This month, we are visiting the town of Harriston, Montana, with my sweet friend, Christina Romeril. Christina is the author of the Killer Chocolate Mysteries featuring identical twins, Alex and Hanna, owners of Murder & Mayhem: Killer Chocolates & Bookshop. Who wouldn’t want to visit a town where you can buy a new cozy mystery and a box of sweet treats named Strychnine Strawberry or Hemlock Hazelnut Chocolates? Sign me up!
Let’s chat with Christina and learn a bit about life in Harriston.
I’m already in love with your town, Christina! For someone who has never visited Harriston, what’s the first thing they might learn about this place... whether they want to or not?
Harriston is filled with fun, kind, and quirky people. There are lots of secrets, which isn’t that unusual for a small town, but in Harriston the townsfolk particularly love their gossip. For the most part, it’s not malicious, just folks wanting to share what’s going on with their neighbors. Often, it gives them a chance to help out, like when a neighbor isn’t feeling well, friends bring over a meal or two, or help out with child care. And even though there are secrets, usually someone knows what they are.
I love fun and quirky... and always appreciate a place where people are willing to lend a helping hand.
How would a newcomer earn trust here in Harriston?
Alex and Hanna are still considered newcomers, and they’ve lived in town for over five years. Generally, you need to live in Harriston for at least twenty years to even think about losing that title. This is a place where half the town is related to the other half, and their families have been there for generations. The easiest way to earn trust is to participate and volunteer in town activities. Alex is a huge introvert, but she volunteers a lot, and that has helped her fit in. Solving a bunch of murders in town hasn’t hurt either.
I’d think the twins have proven themselves worthy by now!
Where’s the main place the locals end up hanging out?
The bakeshop, Cookies ‘n Crumbs, is definitely the number one hangout. For many seniors, it’s practically their second home. Where else can you go at six in the morning to meet up with friends over a delicious hot bevy and some scrumptious pastries? Not to mention seeing the super-hot barista that’ll be working there in the upcoming book, A BITTER PIT TO SWALLOW.
Don’t think that if you’re not a senior, you can’t linger over a luscious latte and a pumpkin spice muffin. Young and old are found at the café tables enjoying a little gossip with their goodies. This is definitely the place to go if you want to know what’s going on in town. Eventually, just about everyone will make their way to the bakeshop.
You’ve convinced me! Cookies ‘n Crumbs it is!
Now, if I wanted to spend a lovely day with a good book and perhaps a tasty lunch to go with it, what would you suggest?
In the warmer months, you’d go to Hickory Barbeque for a Montana Pork Chop Sandwich with a local twist. Imagine enjoying your book while you devour a homemade soft, doughy oversized bun, loaded with boneless pork loin that has been dipped in seasoned batter and deep-fried until it’s heavenly crispy, and topped with a huckleberry relish, a slice of aged smoked Gouda, raw onions, pickle chips, and a small drizzle of their famous smoky barbeque sauce.
You’d sit on one of the benches lining the public beach along Echo Lake and watch a lone loon, or a family of mallard ducks cut across the glassy, calm surface. So peaceful.
That sounds wonderful!
One thing small towns are known for - gossip. Is there someone who insists they never gossip, but somehow always knows everything about everyone?
Postmistress and octogenarian, Eudora Harris, is like the NSA, FBI, CIA, and neighborhood watch, rolled into one person. She knows everything that’s going on in town and she knows everyone, whether they’ve lived there forever, are summer cabin owners, or are newcomers. The white-haired spinster claims she doesn’t “gossip,” but she does share information with local amateur sleuths, Alex and Hanna, whenever they’re investigating a new murder. Don’t mistake her wispy hair and talcum-scented petite figure as sweet and innocent. This steely-eyed gal is a tough old bird with a soft spot for the underdog.
I think I’d like to be friends with Eudora!
So how do Harriston residents convince themselves that living here is perfectly safe despite the uh...murders?
So what if there are a dozen murders a year in a town smaller than Cabot Cove? Montanans are hardy souls with grit and common sense. It likely comes from their pioneer and mining roots in a frontier territory that helped shape these rugged individuals. Even today, many towns are fairly isolated and life there demands a high degree of self-reliance, neighborly cooperation, and outdoor survival skills. City slickers might not understand that it would take more than a few murders to scare these townsfolk.
Great points!
What smells, sounds, or sights instantly tell you this place is home?
When you arrive in Harriston, which sits at the foot of the Swan Mountain Range in the Flathead Valley, every view includes the beautiful and majestic Rocky Mountains. Locals and tourists alike are welcomed by air that is mountain fresh and carries the distinct scent of sweet vanilla and warm caramel when the warm sunshine hits the ponderosas’ pine bark. The Douglas firs and western larches contribute a crisp, citrusy, evergreen punch. And finally, the shaded forest floor adds a dash of deep, musk-like earthiness from the moss, damp soil, and decomposing pine needles. In late spring and summer, a subtle, sweet perfume whispers its delicate notes from blooming wildflowers and huckleberry bushes. Nothing says home like those comforting sights and scents.
I can already feel myself relaxing.
What annual event brings out the best in everyone?
The annual Christmas toy drive definitely brings out the best in everyone. Even the most curmudgeonly individual digs deep in their wallet to help out disadvantaged children in the area. It’s that time of year when people are just a little kinder, more generous, and willing to go out of their way to do good. The Christmas season is very special in this small out-of-the-way town. You can almost imagine Santa having a satellite workshop in the nearby woods.
I can totally imagine that!
Is there someone that Santa is keeping an eye on... someone who is always finding themselves in the middle of the town’s shenanigans?
Alex. Her natural curiosity is a magnet for trouble, and she can’t help but drag her twin sister, Hanna, into it with her. She doesn’t set out to get into the middle of things, but she does seem to have a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Toss in her need to help her friends and solve a puzzle, and you’ve got the perfect storm for shenanigans.
The last sheriff didn’t like Alex and blustered about her interference, but she was willing to look the other way because Alex got results. The new sheriff in A BITTER PIT TO SWALLOW is more of a rule follower, and Alex is going to have to tread carefully.
I guess we’ll have to keep an eye on Alex and the new sheriff. It sounds like there might be a few sparks!
Lastly, what would locals say is the best thing about living here in Harriston?
Locals would probably agree it’s a combination of the down-to-earth genuine kindness and consideration neighbors have for each other, and the fact that there’s no shortage of space. Locals love that a plethora of activities, from hiking to ice fishing, are close by. The area boasts beautiful scenic views people travel thousands of miles to see, and they’re lucky enough to have them in their backyard.
What a magical place... I don’t blame them for loving their hometown.
Thank you for sharing Harriston, Montana with us, Christina.
If you’d like to visit Harriston, check out Christina Romeril’s series!
Her newest book, A BITTER PIT TO SWALLOW, will be released soon, so stay tuned and sign up for Christina’s newsletter for more information!
Christina Romeril grew up in Kitchener, Ontario and has been devouring stacks of books since third grade when the Trixie Belden series sparked her love of the genre. She has lived on both coasts of Canada as a member of the Canadian military and later as a military spouse. As an Alberta transplant she is fascinated by mountains and loves to spend time with her husband at Waterton Lakes National Park in the Rocky Mountains. When she’s not enjoying nature, she loves to create and consume chocolate confections. Not necessarily in that order.
Annie McEwen writes the Northwoods Mysteries, inspired by the pine forests and sparkling lakes of northern Wisconsin, where she spent childhood vacations and still visits family today.
A former farm kid, Annie now lives in rural Indiana with her husband. Their children and two young grandsons live nearby, making grandparenting her favorite role. Their home also includes four fur babies—two of whom appear in her books.
When she isn’t writing, Annie enjoys trash-to-treasure projects, gardening, working as a radiological technologist, and connecting with readers and fellow authors.
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