Interview with Sandra Bretting, Author of Murder at Morningside

Sandra Bretting works as a freelance feature writer under contract at the Houston Chronicle. She received a journalism degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and wrote for other publications (including the Los Angeles Times and Orange Coast Magazine) before moving to Texas.

Her Missy DuBois Mysteries series debuts from Kensington/Lyrical Underground in May 2016. Bretting’s previous mysteries include Unholy Lies (2012) and Bless the Dying (2014). Readers can reach her online at www.sandrabretting.com and through Facebook at www.facebook.com/sandra.bretting. 

Did you like mysteries when you were growing up?

Definitely. Not only the Hardy Boys (I can still picture some of their book covers) and Nancy Drew, but even Agatha Christie, especially if it was the film version. Remember Ten Little Indians?   

What was the first story in that genre that you wrote?

The first one fit for human consumption was a mystery I wrote for a class at the University of Missouri. When one of the other students assumed I'd come to Mizzou to learn how to be a novelist, something went "ping!" in my brain.

What is your favorite part of writing in this genre?

Getting to know the characters. Since I write a series, I've come to view my characters as friends. (Though they did forget my birthday this year.)

What do you find most difficult about writing in this genre?

Making my lead character believable. I mean, come on, how many of us snoop around for clues when we hear someone's been murdered?

Is there an author in this genre you admire the most?

Probably Louise Penny, since her writing is so literary. She makes police investigations sound so poetic.

What is up next for you?

Right now I'm working on book three in the series. The first one debuts in May and the second in December, so the clock is ticking for me.

Do you have anything to add?

Just that I think mystery readers are the best readers on the planet. They pay attention to the details, which is a dream come true for a writer. Thank you for having me here today!

​Links to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/Murder-at-Morningside-Sandra-Bretting-ebook/dp/B014NWMHEW

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-at-morningside-sandra-bretting/1122597549?

https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Sandra_Bretting_Murder_at_Morningside?id=7CJ2CgAAQBAJ

https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/ebook/murder-at-morningside

Cover Reveal: Murder at Morningside by Sandra Bretting (Giveaway)

Hat designer Missy DuBois opened her shop, Crowning Glory, along Louisiana's Great River Road to cater to the sophisticated Southern bride. But bless her heart, who knew creating stylish wedding veils would lead to murder?

EXCERPT:

Before Beatrice could say more, the front door flew open and in stomped an elderly gentleman. He was on the verge of a good old-fashioned hissy fit.

“Y’all don’t deserve a say in this wedding!” he said to a young woman who’d slunk in behind him.

The girl looked to be the right age for his daughter. She wore flip-flops and a wrinkled peasant blouse, and she buried her head in her hands. Well, that lifted the blouse an inch or two and exposed her bare stomach.

Lorda mercy. It seemed the girl and her fiancé must have eaten supper before they said grace, as we said here in the South, because an unmistakable bump appeared under her top. She looked to be about four months along, give or take a few weeks, and I could see why her daddy wasn’t too happy with her right about now.

After a piece, she lifted her chin and glared at him. “I hate you!” Her voice rippled as cold as the river water that ran nearby. “I wish you were dead.” She stalked away.

I fully expected the man to cringe, or at least follow her. Instead, he merely glanced our way and shrugged. After a minute, he pivoted on the spectacle he’d caused and casually strolled away, leaving a bit of frost in the air.

“Oh my. Why don’t we continue,” Beatrice said.

Poor Beatrice. She obviously wanted to divert our attention elsewhere. It couldn’t have been every day one of her hotel guests wished another guest was dead. She hustled us farther into the ballroom, as if nothing had happened, all the while explaining the history of Morningside Plantation.

Pre-order Links:

BN: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-at-morningside-sandra-bretting/1122597549


Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Murder-Morningside-Missy-DuBois-Mystery-ebook/dp/B014NWMHEW

Sandra Bretting works as a freelance feature writer under contract to the Houston Chronicle. She received a journalism degree from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and wrote for other publications (including the Los Angeles Times and Orange Coast Magazine) before moving to Texas.

Her Missy DuBois Mysteries series debuts from Kensington/Lyrical Underground in May 2016. Bretting’s previous mysteries include Unholy Lies (2012) and Bless the Dying (2014). Readers can reach her online at www.sandrabretting.com and through Facebook at www.facebook.com/sandra.bretting.


Sandra will be awarding a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour, and a $20 Amazon or B/N GC to a randomly drawn host.

a Rafflecopter giveaway