I’m excited to welcome back Annie McEwen. She’s here today to talk about cozy mysteries and a new book. Let’s get started.
Welcome, Annie.
Who would be your best friend if you lived in Covington?
I would absolutely be besties with Emmy Cooper and Whitney Overland. They have all the qualities I love in a friend— kindness, generosity, humor… to name a few. Oh, and they also have just enough snarkiness without being mean girls. They also embrace their nerdy side. I love that.
If you could spend a weekend anywhere in your series, where would you stay?
Cooper’s Cove Resort. No question. I’d stay in one of the cozy cottages and look out on Lake Covington from the porch, with a good book (hopefully the Coopers would let Chappy, Spooner, or Mr. Cat hang out for a snuggle). Maybe I’d venture into Covington for lunch at Pickett’s BBQ or the Northwoods Diner, eat entirely too much, and walk it off by visiting the cute little shops before heading back to Cooper’s Cove for a swim. Hopefully, the Coopers will be
having one of their famous s’mores bonfire nights, and I can join in.
And because I know what happens in my books, I would not investigate any strange noises, mysterious lights, suspicious strangers, or oddly placed boat oars. I have learned from
Emmy’s mistakes… or have I? (wink!)
Which Northwoods Mysteries character would be the most fun to hang out with?
This one is hard because I love my whole Covington crew, but Marcus (with the mullet lol) would be an absolute blast! He’s funny, laid-back, plays in the Brewer Band, and can make just about anyone laugh. Give me an evening at Pickett’s BBQ with Marcus and the gang, some amazing food and the best sweet tea, and live music, and I’m a happy Annie.
Although… Marcus would probably give me grief for all the things I’ve put him through.
Fair.
Which Northwoods Mysteries character are you most like?
One-hundred percent Emmy Cooper. We share a sense of humor, a fierce attachment to
family and friends, and a tendency to have thoughts that probably shouldn’t be said aloud. People
who know me well say they hear my voice when Emmy speaks because of how much Emmy is just like me… down to her taste in TV shows and her dislike of onions. I’ve even used several of
my real-life experiences as subplots… writing is great therapy!
Covington sounds like the kind of town readers want to move to.
What makes it feel like home?
For me, it’s the people. Covington has the coffee shops, diner, quirky businesses,
festivals, lake views, and all those cozy small-town touches I love, but it’s the relationships that make it special. People know each other. They show up for each other. They tease each other
mercilessly and still bring casseroles and hot dishes when something goes wrong.
Of course, they also know everybody else’s business… especially the Gossip Gurus… they know before the person whose business it actually is!
Your fifth book, No Bones About It, comes out on September 1 st . What will Emmy and the gang get caught up in this time?
So. Many. Shenanigans.
Just when Emmy thinks things are running smoothly in her personal and professional life (I don’t want to give away too much for those who haven’t read Book Four!), one of those pesky dead bodies shows up. And classic Emmy, she can’t keep her nose out of it.
We finally get to meet Gramps and Gramma Cooper! They’re in town for their sixtieth high school reunion, and Cooper’s Cove is where most of the party-time is happening. Don’t let
their ages fool you; these seniors are ready for a good time!
Then there’s a long-lost copy of Pride and Prejudice with a story that just might make your heart swoon!
While writing this book, I got so excited about the other little mysteries winding their way through the story that I occasionally had to remind myself, Oh yeah, there’s a murder to
solve!
Will there be any more Northwoods Mysteries?
Yes! I’m not sure how many, but as long as I have ideas and readers still enjoy spending time in Covington, my publisher is happy to keep me writing them! And luckily, I have plenty of adventures for Emmy and the crew rolling around in my notebook— and my slightly chaotic brain.
There are still stories I want to tell, characters I want you to meet, and plenty of tomfoolery for Emmy to stumble into. So for now, there’s no checkout time at Cooper’s Cove.
Congratulations on No Bones About It, Annie. Thanks for spending time with us today.
Friends here’s a link to preorder No Bones About It. https://www.anniemcewenauthor.com/services-6
Until next time, happy reading.
Jackie Layton 