Mitch Malone here. I’ve been following a hot story and my
remains were almost found in a compromising situation but I can’t say more. You
will have to read it in A CASE OF VOLATILE DEEDS, my latest exclusive. Today I
have Pastor Christine visiting. Seems she doesn’t have any secrets. We will
have to see about that. I’m happy to do the interview on account of Elsie
Dobson from A CASE OF ACCIDENTAL INTERSECTION set it up and also sent a plate
of cookies. She is one of the best bakers, but I digress. Pastor Christine, it
is a pleasure to meet you. Correct me if
I’m wrong, but you are the leading character from J.Q. Rose’s latest release called CODA TO
MURDER. You made headlines recently
because you killed somebody at your church. Could you tell me about that?
PCH: God bless you, Mitch Malone. <chuckling> Your reputation precedes you. I know you’re
always trying to get your stories on the front page and garner awards to add to
your resume. But, sorry, no headlines about me killing anyone!
Unfortunately our talented Director of Music, William White,
was found dead in our church basement the morning after our Wednesday night
dinner and studies. I cannot believe anyone would murder this vibrant young
man. But Detective Cole Stephens certainly considers our custodian, Dutch, and
myself to be “persons of interest.” You
might want to dig around for some information so you could help clear Dutch and
me. Now that would be an amazing
headline if you could solve this murder.
I’ve been known to solve a crime or two but have to give the
credit to the police. Reporters are supposed to be unbiased. It is a bit unusual to have a female pastor.
Can you tell me how you came to minister to the people at Dayspring Church?
PCH: I love being the spiritual leader of the folks at Dayspring.
I have been there about a year now, but I’ve been in the pulpit for five years
at another church. I was happy to move away from the area, not because I had
problems at the other church, but because I could put distance between my
ex-husband, Brad, and me.
I have enjoyed meeting so many wonderful people at Dayspring.
We are becoming a family. Of course, there are always conflicts that arise when
dealing with so many personalities. The president of the women’s group is not
exactly happy that I am caring for a pig and kangaroo in the back yard of the
church parsonage or that I have taken in Mrs. Whitcomb’s cat, Bitsy, to care
for until I can find a family who wants this darling tabby cat. Bitsy is litter
trained and absolutely no accidents on the church owned parsonage floors. Now the
backyard is another story…you know pigs like to root up the ground and eat
everything in sight. I keep telling President Jewell, it is just temporary, and
I will replace all the bushes, trees, flowers, and grass when their owner
re-claims the animals.
You have a pig and a kangaroo in the back yard? That would
make one good photo op. The book is called CODA TO MURDER. Did the dead guy get
hit with a Coda? Is that another exotic animal? What is a coda and why is it in the mystery?
PCH: Coda is a musical term. I’m an accomplished organist.
William and I are both known for our musical abilities at the organ and
knowledge of church music. I guess J.Q.
chose a musical term because of our background in music. Coda is the sign that
signifies the final section in a musical piece.
Unfortunately murder was the final ending to William’s life.
Now I understand you have a single friend that might want to
date a single reporter? She has a penchant for coming up with some rather
lawless ideas to solve crimes. Tell me about your friendship.
PCH: Oh yes, Lacey has become a valued friend. You can hang
around awhile, Mitch, and you may get to meet her. She’s a florist and well,
you know, weddings and funerals at our church. She’s always delivering flowers
to the church, so we have time to talk and get to know each other. Although we
are completely opposites in looks, she’s a petite strawberry blonde and I am
six feet tall and with brown hair, we have lots in common. We are both single,
career women, and survived bad marriages.
So you are single too? I’m not sure you want to be seen with
a reporter who might not always follow the right spiritual path. Can you date being a minister and all?
PCH: Hey, Mitch, I’m not a monk! I’m a real person who likes to
enjoy a date, a movie, friends, these delightful cookies, and beer with my
pizza!
Okay, no more tough questions. I think we are done here. If
you want to find out more about Pastor Christine or better yet purchase CODA TO
MURDER check out these websites:
bn.com and major online booksellers.
Thanks for coming by and make sure you
pass along that I did the interview to Elsie. Better yet, maybe you shouldn’t.
You seem pretty upset and I don’t want to lose my cookie connection.
PCH: Heaven forbid you lose your cookie connection, Mitch. You
don’t beat around the bush with your questions, but actually it’s been fun
meeting you. I just wanted to add a thank you to W.S. Gager for swapping blogs
with J.Q. Rose
http://www.jqrose.com
More about J.Q. Rose - After writing feature articles in magazines, newspapers,
and online magazines for over fifteen years, J.Q. Rose entered the world of
fiction writing with her first published novella, Sunshine Boulevard, released by MuseItUp Publishing in 2011. Her
latest mystery, Coda to Murder, was
released in February. Blogging, photography, Pegs and Jokers board games, and
travel are the things that keep her out of trouble. Spending winters in Florida
with her husband allows Janet the opportunity to enjoy the life of a snowbird.
Summer finds her camping and hunting toads, frogs, and salamanders with her
four grandsons and granddaughter.
Connect with J.Q.
Rose online at
TAGLINE: Pastor
Christine Hobbs never imagined she would be caring for a flock that includes a
pig, a kangaroo, and a murderer.
More about CODA TO MURDER: Pastor Christine Hobbs has been in the pulpit business
for over five years. She never imagined herself caring for a flock that
includes a pig, a kangaroo, and a murderer.
Detective Cole Stephens
doesn't want the pretty pastor to get away with murdering the church music
director. His investigative methods infuriate Christine as much as his deep
brown eyes attract her.
Can they find the real killer
and build a loving relationship based on trust?
