Mitch Malone Interviews Pastor Christine

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:

MuseItUp Publishing- http://tinyurl.com/anax9x7

Amazon.com http://tinyurl.com/ap376tb

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

J.Q. Rose blog http://www.jqrose.com/

Girls Succeed blog http://girlssucceed.blogspot.com/

Author website http://jqrose.webs.com/

J. Q.  Rose Amazon Author Page http://tinyurl.com/aeuv4m4

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/jqrose

Pinterest http://pinterest.com/janetglaser/

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?

Just Released: A CASE OF VOLATILE DEEDS

I was running all over the world wide web spreading the news about the release of A CASE OF VOLATILE DEEDS, my fourth Mitch Malone Mystery, and never put it on my own blog. The old adage is true: You can’t see what is right in front of you! Below is the blurb and some early reviews. A special thanks to Les Edgerton and Marja McGraw for the great reviews. 

Pick it up at Amazon

Buy it at Barnes & Noble

A Case of Volatile Deeds Blurb: Mitch Malone finally scores a weekend dinner with a cute receptionist, but true to his reporter instincts, an explosion in a high rise office building makes him stand up his date as he runs for an exclusive. Mitch learns that much of what he knows about his date and her work aren’t what they seem. His world continues to twist when the police captain asks for his help and a city hall informant is found floating in the river. Mitch must keep his head down or a cute dog with a knack for finding dead bodies will be sniffing out his corpse.

Reviews:

“Mitch finds himself in a battle to the finish not knowing which are the good guys and which are the bad guys (and gals). Just when he figures out one mysterious thread from the tapestry unraveling before him, two more pop up, and the plot twists and turns in surprise after surprise. A don’t—put-it-down-until-the-last-page thriller destined to be on more than one “Best of 2013” lists.”

 Les Edgerton, author of Just Like That, The Bitch, The Rapist and writing books like Hooked: Write Fiction That Grabs Readers at Page One & Never Lets Them Go.

“A Case of Volatile Deeds by W.S. Gager takes twists and turns at every corner, always keeping you wondering. Mitch Malone is a reporter with a heart and a man of integrity, most of the time. This adventure takes him from cops to FBI agents and on to City Hall. Can Mitch find all the answers to a convoluted and deadly scenario? Trust me, you’ll want to follow this path with him.”

--Marja McGraw, Author of The Bogey Man Mysteries

Extra, Extra First Mitch Book Only 99 Cents

A Case of Infatuation now only 99 cents until the end of 2012. The first in the Mitch Malone Mystery Series. Get started now and then read A Case of Accidental Intersection and A Case of Hometown Blues before A Case of Volatile Deeds comes out in February!

 

Buy Now for 99 cents on Kindle

 

A Case of Infatuation Synopsis

Crime Beat Reporter Mitch Malone's rules are simple: He never lets the blood and guts he covers bother him. He always works alone. And he hates kids. Mitch breaks all three rules when he unwittingly agrees to smuggle a potential witness out of a suburban Michigan home while police investigate a mob-style hit that's left two dead bodies. Mitch sends his intern (a real hottie, but nonetheless an interloper) to interview neighbors, hoping to throw her off, but when he finds the pint-sized survivor the killer overlooked, he decides she might be helpful. When the FBI accuses him of the murder, Mitch goes into hiding with the bombshell intern who doesn't talk and the precocious preschooler. Mitch works his contacts to regain his freedom from his roommates only to find they each hold keys to a bizarre story of disappearances, terrorists and the perfect hamburger recipe.

Awards-

First place in the 2008 Dark Oak Mystery Contest

Second Place - Public Safety Writers Association Writing Contest – Published, Fiction - 2010

Reviews
“Great combination of gritty prose and sparkling dialogue along with a most intriguing and unusual plot makes W. S. Gager's debut crime novel a true page-turner. Highly recommended!”

F. M. Meredith, author of No Sanctuary

“A Case of Infatuation was refreshingly fun, yet still suspenseful. I absolutely loved the main character, newspaper reporter Mitch Malone. The writer did such a good job of making him a likable guy, despite his quirks, that I was in his corner, and by the end of the novel, wanted to read more.“

“The plot moves along at a good pace, revealing just enough details and facts to keep you from putting the book down. The writer has a unique writing style, reminiscent of the Hollywood film noir of the 40's and 50's in keeping with the plot and characters, and kept me entertained and reading along until the very end.”

“This is an excellent first novel by W.S. Gager, and I can't wait to see what crazy antics and trouble Mitch gets himself into in the next one.”

How do you toot your own horn?

I have to write a marketing plan today for my publisher to submit to Barnes and Noble’s small publishing division. I know what it needs to say. I’ve thought about it for weeks and have the steps in my mind. Why am I dragging my feet?  I want to get it done before everyone in my family is on Christmas break. That means less than three days.

The problem isn’t logistics, or skills, or time. It’s my mind. I have done many a marketing plan, mainly for nonprofit organizations and gotten paid for it. Why can’t I do this one? It’s me, literally. This one is personal. I know the subject inside and out. The hopes and fears. It comes down to what my mother use to tell me: “Don’t toot your own horn. It’s not nice.”

The Marketing Plan is all about what I am going to do to sell A CASE OF VOLATILE DEEDS in the next year. Part of the plan has already been put in place but now I have to associate dates and outcomes to every step. I have to write a press release about me and the book. The book is easy to talk about, me not so much.

I’ve often thought about pairing with another author and we each promote the other. It would be easier than saying: “Hey, buy my book, I’m great.” It is much easier to say “Joan Smith has written this fantastic book because of the unique characters and new mystery plot.”

So I’m going to do an out of body experience and pretend I’m writing about someone else.  What tricks do you use to talk about yourself?

Anne K. Albert's Val Gets Grilled

It’s Day 4 of the Murder We Write Blog Tour and I’m interviewing a friend of the grand Pooh-Bah of the Blog Tour. I’m talking about Anne K. Albert as the tour guide with the most-est, although I don’t know why W.S. Gager got her mug in the collage and slideshow. It should have been my mug. I’m the one doing these great interviews. But I’m getting off track and I am a professional. Today’s interview is Val, a flower child if I ever met one, but I haven’t met Val yet. I think she’s coming now. Val? Muriel’s aunt, right? You are the baking fiend in FRANK, INCENSE AND MURIEL?

 Val:  Fiend?! Show some respect for your elders! 

 But you do bake, right?

 Val: Of course, I bake. Doesn’t everyone?

 I don’t bake or cook. I’m too busy chasing down stories to spend time in the kitchen.

 Val: Maybe you should. 

 (Cough.) Right. Moving on. Now Val, Muriel’s the star of FRANK, INCENSE AND MURIEL. Can you give us some insight into Muriel? A little dirt if you will? I could use a good exclusive.

 Val: There’s one thing you need to understand, young man. I will never, ever give you or anyone else “a little dirt” on a member of my family, especially Muriel. Besides, there’s nothing to tell. She can’t help it.

Can’t help what? What’d she do?

 Val: Nothing! But she is a teeny, tiny different from the rest of us. 

 Care to explain? 

 Val - By nature we Reeves are fun-loving adventurers. We don’t know the meaning of danger. Nor do we care. We welcome it. Muriel, however, is more subdued. Cautious even. She’s been that way since she was a little girl. But she’s grown into an exceptional woman. She’s headmaster at an academy for gifted girls, and that has to count for something, right? 

Sure but is there a story in there? Maybe there is one in another more adventurous family member. Can you tell me about that brother of yours, Superman isn’t it?

 Val: His name is Christopher Reeves--like the actor. That’s why we call him Superman. He, um, well, he’s a tad suspicious of modern technology and for that reason lives in the backwoods of Oregon. He prefers to fly in the middle of the week rather than the weekend because he believes doing so somehow (she pauses to make air quotation marks with her hands) “alters the time space continuum and insures that he’ll be immune from the prying eyes of big brother.”

He sounds like someone I could get some interesting stories from. A little conspiracy theory usually turns out to be true. Speaking of true, I understand you have a soft spot for dogs. I’ve acquired one myself in A CASE OF VOLATILE DEEDS, but this interview isn’t about me. Tell me about your pound puppy.

 Val: Big Boy is my pride and joy, and he’s big! Muriel thinks he slobbers a little too much, and he has this insatiable need to sniff everyone’s private parts, but he’s really just being sociable. If you want to meet him I can go get him.

He’s here? He’s big and he likes to sniff…

 Val: In my car! 

 Well time is short Val. Maybe another time. 

 Val: You sure? It won’t take me a minute to get him.

I’m sure! Thanks for stopping by Val. For more information about you and your interesting family, just go to Anne K. Albert’s website.

Anne K. Albert 's award winning mystery and romantic suspense stories chill the spine, warm the heart and soothe the soul...all with a delightful touch of humor.  

When not at the keyboard she loves to travel, visit friends and family, walk on the beach, and of course, read using 'Threegio' her cherished and much beloved ereader!