In the world of the romance novel, Duffy Brown is better known as Dianne Castell, but now to my delight she's turned her sights on cozy mysteries. Her first Consignment Shop mystery, Iced Chiffon, is a wonderful tale set in Savannah, Georgia, and I'm eagerly awaiting the next book in the series, Killer in Crinolines. (Actually, according to some of the comments left on my review of Iced Chiffon, I'd better tempt my taste buds with some cheese straws first!) But while I'm waiting to see what sort of mess Reagan Summerside gets into next, I thought it would be a very good idea to get to know Duffy better.
Duffy Brown |
Now let's get to that interview!
What was the very first book you remember reading and loving? What makes that book so special?
Back in the day when I learned to read it was Dick and Jane. I think the dog was Spot. I loved the book…not for its great content but that I could read it! Didn’t have to wait for someone to find time to read it to me. Also the kids had a dog! I thought it was weird that their room was so neat, that they were so neat and that nothing was ever said about watching TV. What? No Howdy Doody? Lone Ranger? Stupid kids!
First mystery was Nancy Drew…of course. I wanted to be Nancy…we all wanted to be Nancy, and that she was smarter than her boyfriend was terrific. What a great role model for girls growing up back in the day when Mad Men and men in charge was for real.
Outside of your writing and all associated commitments, what do you like to do in your free time?
Whitewater rafting in the Grand Canyon |
I have four kids…all grown…and hanging with them and traveling with them is the best. They are true adventures. We’ve whitewater rafted the Grand Canyon for a week… absolutely spiritual. Hiked 60 miles of Glacier National Park…as close to heaven as we get on this planet, hiked Zion last year and visited The Wave… another spiritual moment. Anyone who doubts there is a God needs to hike. This year we’re off to Switzerland hiking there. Can’t wait.
Inside the Snooty Fox |
I also work at the Snooty Fox, a consignment shop here in Cincy. I love getting a great bargain on something nice I could never afford if I had to pay retail. The hunt of the deal!
If I were to visit your hometown, where would you recommend that I go? (I like seeing and doing things that aren't in all the guide books.)
Cincinnati skyline |
Cincy is wonderful! I’d say we eat our way across the city and let you see Cincy that way. We’d start off at Skyline Chili downtown. Skyline chili is spaghetti topped with a spicy meat sauce with cheese on top. Then we’d head out to The Boathouse along the Ohio River and eat BBQ ribs right out there on the porch watching the barges motor by. Next stop is Rookwood in Mt. Adams that overlooks the whole city and where they once made pottery. We can have tea and scones in the old kilns.
The Findlay Market |
Next stop is the Findlay Market… an outdoor market since 1800s. We’d do some wine sampling of local vineyards who often bring in their wares, and maybe we’d luck out and someone would be grilling goetta on a grill. Goetta is a beef/pork/oat concoction from Germany. Cincy is so German. Next stop is Christian Moerlein Brewery on the riverfront for some pumpkin brew that is terrific, then a hike along the river. Come! We’d have a blast.
You have total control over casting a movie based on your life. Which actor would you cast as you?
Bette Midler |
My live is not for the big screen. Toooo boring. I think Bette Midler and I would get along really well though.
Who is your favorite recurring character in crime fiction?
I devour the Stephanie Plum novels. Love Stephanie. All the books are good but the first three…One for the Money, Two for the Dough, and Three to Get Deadly are pure magic.
If you could have in your possession one signed first edition of any book in the world, which book would that be? Why that particular book?
Sherlock Holmes… Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Love Sherlock! My license plate is SHERLOK!
How did you celebrate when you first heard you were to be published? What did you do the first time you saw one of your books on a shelf in a bookstore?
It’s still sort of surreal to see my books on the shelves. When I got the call I was at the Snooty Fox working. I was completely numb. I wrote for nine years before I sold. I think I was just worn out!
Name one thing on your Bucket List.
Yosemite National Park |
Yosemite National Park. Gotta see it. And I hope I live long enough to see grandchildren. My kids aren’t moving too fast in that particular direction.
You've just received a $100 gift card to the bookstore of your choice. Which bookstore are you making a bee-line for?
The Learned Owl |
The Barnes and Noble here in town. They are incredibly nice to me and other local authors. B&N here in Cincy is a big store with a small personal feel.
If I wanted to travel I’d visit The Learned Owl in Hudson, Ohio. Hudson is amazing, and The Learned Owl is an indie bookstore all readers fall in love with.
ON SALE NOW! |
Thank you so much for this opportunity to get to know you a little better, Duffy.
May your book sales do nothing but increase!
Hi, Cathy.
ReplyDeleteThanks for having me at Kittling Books, Scene of the Crime. What a great site. I've been introduced to many authors here.
I have a few Iced Chiffon totes left and I'll give two away from comments left today.
What a wonderful thing to do. Thank you!
DeleteLoved "Iced Chiffon" Duffy and enjoy getting to know you better through reading your blog travels.
ReplyDeleteIt is fun getting to know our favorite authors better, isn't it?
DeleteCathy, the two of you will be mighty full and reeling after that tour of Cincy! Duffy just might be a bad inflence ;-)
ReplyDeleteI love hunting in consignment and second-hand stores for deals, too, Duffy, and I think I can't help but love a cozy set in one! Iced Chiffon tops my TBR list for January.
I felt a bit stuffed after reading of the tour myself, Debbie, but I'm willing to put myself under Duffy's influence!
DeleteWhat a great interview and interviewee! Now I want to read the book(s) and eat in Cincinnati!
ReplyDeleteShe's very persuasive, isn't she?
DeleteOh, gosh, what I couldn't give to have a bookshop like The Learned Owl a few blocks from my house. It's just perfect for a Midwestern town.
ReplyDeleteNice interview. I had forgotten about Dick and Jane, who also had a cat named Puff, I recall. It was probably the first book I read, too. And then later lots came between, but Nancy Drew, of course, the first detective I met.
Yes, the cat's name was Puff, although I did meet the Hardy Boys first. :-)
Delete