Shannon here: Leeann Betts shares insight into her characters’ romance from her latest Cozy Mystery, The Game is Afoot, plus a chance to win a copy, print (U.S. only) or e-book. Deadline: Jan 9th, 2021, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Leeann:
Interview with Margie Hanson, mystery bookstore owner:
- What’s the number one quality you’d require in a mate?
First and foremost, that he be a believer in Christ, since my faith is very important to me.
- What’s the number two quality you’d require in a mate?
A good sense of humor. Grandma Carly taught me early on to laugh at myself, so I’d want a man who can also laugh at himself.
- Where is the best place you can think of to find a mate?
I’d think church would be, although that’s not exactly what happened in my case.
- Where is the worst place you can think of to find a mate?
Prison.
- What type of character traits are you attracted to?
Strong in his faith; not too silent; and a few good looks never go astray.
- If you could order a carbon copy of an actor or actress with the perfect character traits and beliefs for your mate, who would it be?
Harrison Ford when he was younger. Not Star Wars young, though.
Interview with author, Leeann Betts:
- What’s the most romantic thing your hero ever did for your heroine?
He helps her solve a mystery.
- What’s the most romantic thing your heroine ever did for your hero?
She takes care of his dog.
- What simple gesture does your hero do that melts your heroine every time?
When he smiles, his eyes crinkle.
- What simple gesture does your heroine do that melts your hero every time?
When she makes him a home-cooked meal.
Excerpt from The Game is Afoot by Leeann Betts:
Chapter 1
Margie grabbed her ringing cell phone and checked the caller ID. Her Great-Aunt Rosella. “Hello?”
“Their voices assault my hearing.”
“What are you talking about, Auntie?”
A long sigh. “I already told you.” The older woman’s voice lowered a notch in both volume and timbre. “Their voices assault my—”
“I heard that. Who are you talking about?”
“The voices.”
Margie, newly graduated from Rutgers University with her Masters in Information and Library Sciences, sank back in the lumpy sofa of her off-campus studio apartment. She eyed the cloisonné clock perched beside her recently framed diploma—the clock a graduation gift from her aunt, the diploma the result of six years of diligent study. “Are you hearing voices?”
Three abrupt thumps, and Margie pulled the phone from her ear. What the—? Oh, right. Aunt Rosella often emphasized her displeasure by whacking the nearest tool at hand against the closest hard surface. In this case, her phone likely contacted a table. Or the wall.
“Don’t speak to me like I’m a batty old woman. I’m not hearing voices. At least, not in the way your tone implies.”
“Sorry. Tell me what’s going on.”
“What is going on, as you so eloquently put it, is criminal. And that’s all I’m going to say about the matter until I speak with you face to face.”
Margie unfolded her legs and sat forward. “Are you coming to Maine?” She hadn’t seen the older woman in years, although they chatted several times a year by telephone, and her aunt always remembered her on her birthday and at Christmas. And on the occasion of her graduation, of course. “That’s great. When?”
“I am not coming to you. You will visit me here in Denver. Immediately, if not sooner.”
About Leeann: Leeann Betts writes contemporary suspense, while her real-life persona, Donna Schlachter, pens historical suspense. Together she and Donna have published more than 30 novellas and full-length novels. They ghostwrite, judge writing contests, edit, facilitate a critique group, and are members of ACFW, Writers on the Rock, CAN, and SinC. Learn more and connect:
Leeann’s Website Stay connected so you learn about new releases, preorders, and presales, as well as check out featured authors, book reviews, and a little corner of peace. Plus: Receive a free ebook simply for signing up for our free newsletter!
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About the book – The Game is Afoot:
When Great-Aunt Rosella calls, everybody comes running. And in this case, Margie Hanson, recently graduated with a degree in library sciences, and her mystery-writing and formerly forensic accountant grandmother, Carly Turnquist, head for Colorado.
But when they arrive, Rosella is dead under mysterious circumstances. Can Margie and Carly sift through the multitude of suspects to find the killer?
Can’t wait for the drawing? Afraid you won’t win? Interested in Leeann’s other titles?
Get your copies now! Leeann’s books – Amazon Leeann’s books – Smashwords
Question for Readers: Who is your favorite fictional detective?
Come back Jan 1st for Patricia Lee!
Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog today!
Jessica Fletcher/ Murder She Wrote.
Good morning, Dot. Very good! Thank you for posting.
Nancy Drew was my first favorite. Now, there are many favorites but cozy series tend to come and go so quickly. I love good, clean cozy mysteries.
Thank you for the chance to win!
Hi Jeanie – You’re very welcome! Thank you for stopping by!
Monk. His OCD and fears made him overly sensitive, funny, heartwarming, and brilliant.
Good morning, Shannon! Thanks for commenting.
Lt. Columbo is my favorite detective because while he is highly-intelligent and observant, he hides behind the persona of being a rumpled, disorganized mess. Lots of people discount his intelligence because of his outward appearance and that is the key to his brilliance! I also find him to be an extremely kind man with unending patience–two qualities I admire in anyone. —– I enjoyed this post. Learning about Lee Ann/Donna’s work was interesting. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of ‘The Game is Afoot’. :0}
Hi June – Thank you for posting! Good luck in the giveaway!
Agatha Christie and Jessica Fletcher
Those are two good ones! Thanks for posting.
I love Harry Bosch, a character written by Michael Connelly. I’ve known several homicide detectives and Harry seems so real to me. They have their own demons that seem to be acquired from that work. I also adore the Amelia Peabody series of mysteries set in Egypt written by Elizabeth Peters. So funny and the female protagonist is wonderful.
Thank you Ellen. I’m glad you stopped by!
Jessica Fletcher and Nancy Drew
Thanks for posting, Diana. Good luck in the drawing!
I have a winner! Dot Normandy won the drawing. I appreciate Leeann for being my guest and everyone else for stopping by.