Tuesday, December 18, 2018

The Genesis of a Series by Edith Maxwell

JENN McKINLAY: Ever wonder how an author develops a series? Well, our dear friend, Edith Maxwell is here to give us an insider's look at the process. Take it away, Edith. Oh, and HAPPY RELEASE DAY!!!


Edith Maxwell (aka Maddie Day): I’m delighted to return to the front side of Jungle Reds. I have a new series debuting on December 18 and I wanted to share how it came about.


Kensington Publishing ended my Local Foods Mysteries after book five, Mulch Ado About Murder. I wasn’t surprised – the sales had not been spectacular. But when my agent delivered the news, he also said my editor would be happy to consider a new cozy series written by my alter ego Maddie Day. Squee! Why Maddie Day? My Country Store Mysteries written under that name do sell toward the spectacular end of the spectrum and he wanted to leverage that success.

But then…hmm, where to set it? Who would the protagonist be and what would she do for work? What secrets would she have? Who would her cast of regulars be? For someone like me with an overactive imagination, the prospect of inventing a new world was almost overwhelming. 

I brainstormed a bit with my agent, then rolled up my authorly sleeves. The Country Store series are set in southern Indiana, so I poked around for another good Midwestern setting. I homed in on western Illinois on the Iowa border, with the Mississippi River running through town. The area has interesting history and geography. I created a whole-grains baker, her family and friends, and a plot for the first book. I found some comparable titles and sent the proposal off to my agent. And then…he nixed the setting and the baker! Rats.


Next I floated a different idea with him before I did all that work. Many decades ago, when the ink wasn’t even dry on my BA in linguistics, I went to work full time at a Mobil gas station on Highway 1 in Newport Beach, California. I worked my way up from pump jock (wearing my Mobil shirt with Edie embroidered on the pocket) to doing tuneups. I know analog cars, and I love the simplicity and beauty of their engine compartments. Those kinds of cars really last in California.


So I dreamed up a female auto mechanic in a fictional town near Santa Barbara who only works on cars made before 1970. That is, on engines that don’t have computers or electronics in them. The mechanic’s name is Jamie Jullien and her father, who trained her, left her JJ Automotive, her repair shop. She lives in an adobe house in an old orange grove. She has a sidekick best friend who is a single mom. Car owners from all over the region, including from the high-income enclave of Montecito just to the northwest, (where Sue Grafton lived) bring her their cars to maintain. 



Wouldn’t you want to read the Vintage Car Mysteries? Agent approved, I wrote the proposal, and we sent it to my editor. Who said…”It’s not a cozy.” Wha? Yes it is! Just because Jamie works on cars and not quilts? I wanted a unique occupation for my cozy protag. I wanted to set a series back in my home state. It was amateur sleuth, village-based, the cozy works. Heavy sigh. [NOTE: Don’t nobody even think of stealing that premise – I’m determined to write it one day.]

But…he’s the senior editor at Kensington and I didn’t want to turn down the offer of a new series. This time I had my agent just ask him: “What are you looking for?” When “Something on Cape Cod” came back, I smiled and nodded to myself. For several years I’ve been renting a Quaker retreat cottage in West Falmouth during off season for solo writing retreats. I walk on the Shining Sea Trail. I poke around Falmouth’s shops and restaurants and watch the ospreys over Chapoquoit Beach. Yeah, I could do a series set on the iconic Cape.


And voila! Murder on Cape Cod is the first in the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries. 

Summer is busy season for Mackenzie “Mac” Almeida’s bicycle shop, nestled in the quaint, seaside hamlet of Westham, Massachusetts. She’s expecting an influx of tourists at Mac’s Bikes; instead she discovers the body of Jake Lacey, and her brother soon becomes a suspect. Mac’s only experience with murder investigations is limited to the cozy mysteries she reads with her local book group, the Cozy Capers. To clear her brother’s name, Mac has to summon help from her book group co-investigators. For a small town, Westham is teeming with possible killers, and this is one mystery where Mac is hoping for anything but a surprise ending.


I loved inventing Mac and her bicycle rental and repair shop. I added her father, the UU minister, her mom, a quirky astrologer, her tiny nosy grandma, and her half-brother, single dad to a four year old girl. The Cozy Capers members are the rest of the cast. They include shopkeepers, a head librarian, the town clerk, and more. Mac’s boyfriend is a hunky baker, and the touristy town plays a big part, with its soup kitchen and food pantry to help out needy year-round residents.

The book releases December 18 in a paperback exclusive from Barnes & Noble. It will rerelease a year later in all formats on all platforms. This is an experimental deal between B&N and Kensington and none of us is quite sure how it will fly. In the meantime, I’d love to give away a signed copy to one commenter here today.



Readers:Where’s your favorite waterside getaway? Do you ever rent bikes and ride along the shore? What about book groups? Love ‘em? Hate ‘em? Dish!

Agatha- and Macavity-nominated Edith Maxwell writes the Quaker Midwife Mysteries, the Local Foods Mysteries, and award-winning short crime fiction. As Maddie Day she writes the Country Store Mysteries and the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries. Maxwell lives north of Boston with her beau and two elderly cats, and gardens and cooks when she isn’t wasting time on Facebook. Please find her at the Wicked Authors, on Killer Charactersand her web site, and on social media:
Instagram:MaddieDayAuthor

131 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your new series! It sounds quite fascinating and I’m looking forward to meeting Mac and her friends.

    It must have been so frustrating to have your ideas not quite match up to what the publisher had in mind. I’m surprised he didn’t tell you what he was thinking in the beginning . . . how wonderful it was something that was so perfect for you!

    The Barnes and Noble exclusive is an intriguing concept and it will be interesting to follow. I’ve gotten several “Exclusive Editions” from Barnes and Noble . . . usually it’s an extra chapter not included in the “regular” book or an extra recipe or a set of space mission stickers rather than exclusive rights to a book. I hope you’ll keep us updated on how it works out for you . . . .

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    1. Thanks, Joan. I will definitely keep folks updated.

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  2. It's always fun to see how a new series came to be. And I will gladly read both of those series that were turned down, especially the mechanic here in CA. I'm not a car person, but it still sounds like a lot of fun.

    But I'm so glad you settled on this series. The debut is wonderful, and I already can't wait for the sequel!

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    1. Thanks, Mark! Book two is already turned in - Murder at the Taffy Shop.

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    2. And thanks for the rave review, Mark! (http://carstairsconsiders.blogspot.com/2018/12/book-review-murder-on-cape-cod-by.html) I am delighted you loved the read.

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  3. Interesting that your editor didn't like your ideas. Personally, I think a car mechanic would be fun to read about. But your new series sounds wonderful too. Congrats!

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  4. Sounds like an awesome series. My favorite waterside giveaway was Herringcove Beach on the bay side and Coast Guard beach on the ocean side. When I was growing up we would spend 3 weeks in the cape. We would bring our bike to ride all over. I love book groups I love learning about new to me authors, books to read and just the general comradeship. Thank you for the chance. 🤞🤞🤞🤞🤞

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    1. Sounds like you know the Cape well, Karina!

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    2. Karina, you are the winner!!! Please reach out to Edith via edithmaxwell.com Congratulations!!!

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  5. I discovered Maddie Day first and loved the Country Store and then found your Local Foods series. I had to order them from my local independent book store to get them (I love my Book Store) and I am sorry they have ended. When I was 15, my Dad started on car maintenance, having me fix most anything on any of the cars we had. He told me he didn't want me to get stranded and be at the mercy of someone else. A car based series sounds fascinating. I live less than 200 miles from Cape Cod and Dad and I would regularly ride over for lunch on the bike(I prefer ones with motors). I can't wait to read this new series. I love Chatham Beach and the National Seashore and Mac's Bike Shop sounds like a new mystery could happen regularly. Thank you for so many hours of entertainment and hope your publisher comes around to your readers way of thinking, we can always read more series by our favorite good authors. Happy Book Birthday...

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    1. Thanks so much, Diane! My enirely unhandy dad taught me to change a tire when I was a kid, mostly because I was more interested than my brother. ;^)

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    2. Uh, entirely (I woke up way too early today...)

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  6. Yaaay! Edith is back with a new book!

    I loved the behind the scenes look at how this new series came to fruition and yes, that Vintage Car Mysteries series does sound rather awesome. Here's hoping that comes about someday. And more Country Store mysteries which is my favorite cozy series at the moment.

    In the meantime, I'm really looking forward to "Murder On Cape Cod". I am also looking forward to your signing in January down on the Cape as well. Hopefully the Cape based JRW readers will come out to that to show support as well.

    I don't have a favorite waterside getaway. I live in a town with miles and miles of coastline so I kind of live at the waterside, in a manner of speaking. I don't ride bikes anymore. That was something I did a lot as a kid of course, but not anymore.

    I don't hate book groups but I don't belong to any. I've found that whenever there is a book group they always read books I couldn't care less about. However, it might be quite interesting if there was a mystery based book group around.

    I'm looking forward to the new year because as it stands, your signing will be my first "event" of 2019!

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    1. Thanks for your enthusiasm, Jay, and for the launch party plug! Yes, Hyannis Barnes & Noble on January 19 at 1 PM.

      I hear you on book groups. I want to belong to the Cozy Capers myself!

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    2. I'd definitely belong to a group like Cozy Capers. And if they took a trip to Indiana to a certain breakfast/lunch joint to discuss their books all the better. :D

      BTW, I've found that my local B&N store is thus far listed as not having the book in stock. Which given that it is an exclusive book seems rather bizarre. I'm hoping that the site just hasn't been updated with correct information or something.

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  7. I liked the look behind the series and am looking forward to reading this.

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  8. If I can add a little plug - tonight my fellow book birthday celebrants Barbara Ross and Debra Goldstein and I are having a Facebook launch party. Check in over on the event page between 7 and 10 EST for lots of giveaways, guest cozy authors, and fun: https://www.facebook.com/events/367989537097667/ Just remember to refresh your screen frequently.

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    1. Oooh, all my TV shows are in repeats tonight so I think I'll be able to come along to the party!

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    2. Also, Barbara and Debra will be here tomorrow to talk about being non-cooks writing culinary series - it's delightful!

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  9. Happy book birthday Edith, and I wish you the best of luck with the arrangement with B&N. However I also was intrigued with the Left Coast mechanic idea. Maybe another day?

    Where’s your favorite waterside getaway? Rockaway Beach in Pacifica, California. It was less than a mile from our house, and I'd head for it after work with a book, relax and watch the spectacular sunset on the ocean.

    Do you ever rent bikes and ride along the shore? Never. Back in my bike riding days, I'd never heard of renting a bike. I did always want to ride a horse along the shore, but that hasn't happened yet and gets more unlikely daily.

    What about book groups? Love ‘em? Hate ‘em? Dish! Book groups are my idea of pure hell. I can't imagine having someone pick a book for me to read and discuss, all the while balancing a cup of tea and crumbly cake on my lap. On the other hand, I adore talking about a book I've read with someone who has read it also. Julie and I do that almost daily. And that's often what we do here.

    Am I turning into a hermit in my old age? I guess so. Wall me up with enough to eat and enough to drink and enough to read and hose me down occasionally. I'll be happy.

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    1. I would advise you to keep an open mind about book groups. I never sought one out, but when one presented itself to me I did try it and have been enjoying it. No tea or cake, but wine and cheese and hummus and lots of good conversations about books we have enjoyed. But because they aren't the same people I talk to all the time, they sometimes have new and interesting perspectives.

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    2. Some of the book groups I've encountered seem designed to impress people with the "worthy" books they read. I would avoid such a group at all cost. But my aunt belonged to a book group that was much more my style. She and a couple of other good friends would agree on a book--usually a mystery or thriller--then meet for an evening of chat which usually did actually involve the book. They called themselves the Three Bees, which stood for "books, broads, and booze." They had wonderful stories to tell about their meetings.

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    3. I love that name. Permission to use in a book, Gigi?

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    4. I love the idea of a book club but I've never found one I like. For one club, I got the chance to pick a book and chose a mystery (totally different of course than prior nonfiction and literary fiction choices). They didn't just dislike the book they made fun of it and me. Twist ending: I didn't come back. If I could find a mystery book club I'd love it. Or even one where people read widely. I read in many genre's, although mysteries are my favorite.

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  10. I hear you on the book group thing, Ann - although all the ones I have visited as an author serve wine instead of tea, so that helps. ;^)

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  11. I enjoy all of your series, Edith! I hope you do write the one with the girl mechanic. How is that not a cozy?
    I have always wanted to live near the water, even though I loved growing up in the desert. My dream location would be in Cornwall, in a small seaside town. It would have everything you could possible need: a fishmonger, a green grocer, a post office, a bakery, etc. Very Doc Martin!
    I love the idea your new main character fixes bikes! I love bikes and wish I had one now!
    I am hoping to be at the Facebook party tonight!
    Thank you for the book giveaway.

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    1. Great, Deb. That town sounds perfect.

      Hope to "see" you tonight!

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  12. Congratulations! I love a good book group. I’m in a couple online and they’re both fantastic! And a favorite local swimming spot is Piney Bay Arkansas. I can’t wait to read this!!!!

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  13. Congratulations, Edith, on yet another series. It sounds like fun. I agree with the others in recommending that you don’t give up on the idea of writing a series about a woman mechanic. Lots of readers love to read about women who work in unusual jobs and the challenges they face.

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  14. Once upon a time I loved long bike rides. Probably my favorite kind of exercise.

    As for book groups, depends on the group.

    Congratulations on a new series, Edith!

    Mary/Liz

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  15. The new series sounds wonderful! I enjoyed reading about the process you went through to develop your new ‘world.’
    My favorite biking memory was on a bicycle built for two, riding with my new husband by the shore in NH. We used to go often—such fun!

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    1. I've never ridden a tandem, Amy. Did it ever feel tippy?

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    2. A bicycle built for two could be the start of a good murder mystery, you know, if the husband and wife did not enjoy the tandem thing.

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  16. Congratulations, Edith! I am looking forward to reading this one - love that it's on Cape Cod although the one and only time I was there it was a little disappointing. For some reason I was expecting it be like it was in say the 1940s. It sure isn't! But I know I'll like this book anyway. I think you shuld write the vintage cars one, too. Bet it would be very successful even if it's not a "cozy".

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    1. Thank you, Judi. I love getting away from the crowds (and the shopping areas) on the Cape.

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  17. Congratulations on the release of "Murder on Cape Cod"! I know from first hand knowledge that it is an AMAZING book. Can't wait to find out what other adventures Mac will be up to.

    After a trip to explore the New England states and spending 2 weeks in Maine including going up the whole coastline, I would have to say my favorite waterside escape would have to be any where along the coastline there. I'd be happy if you planted me anywhere along that coastline.

    We use to ride bikes, but haven't in some time. There is literally no where to ride them around here. Besides with some medical issues, I don't know if my body would be up to it any more.

    Unfortunately there aren't any local book groups, but I do so love the one's I belong to on line.
    2clowns at arkansas dot net

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    1. Sounds like a good solution, Kay! And thanks for your praise - I'm delighted you loved the book.

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  18. Congrats on the new book and new series Edith! So interesting about your proposals--I think the publishers tend to think in a more limited way about what cozy readers will read. On the other hand, they didn't care to read about golf:). So maybe auto mechanic would be a stretch too...

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    1. I do think the pubs are very limited in their thinking about traditional mysteries...which is a bummer.

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    2. When I first read about the refusal of the woman mechanic, I wondered if it was rejected because it wasn't what you'd normally think of as a job where you'd find it being a woman. Which I really hope it wasn't because that would just be dumb.

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  19. Congratulations Edith. As you know, I enjoyed this trip to the Cape.

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    1. I do know, and it was a lovely surprise to read your review! Thanks so much.

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  20. Sounds terrific, Edith! Congratulations! And what a fun look into the writer’s mind… It’s fascinating in there, right? Tell us more about the Barnes & Noble situation… It sounds completely intriguing.

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    1. Thanks, Hank. It's a special deal between Kensington and B&N. They are only doing six books during the year - Barb Ross will also debut a new series as an exclusive in the summer, I think. Then Kensington will re-release a year from now, on Kindle and everywhere. Some of my Amazon-only fans are disappointed, but both my agent and my editor were excited about the deal, so I said I would give it a try. I'll just have to re-promote next year!

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  21. Congratulations Edith. I'm glad Cape Cod won. Love this series.

    Dru Ann

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  22. I remember the brainstorming at retreat! What fun that it's finally here. I should buy a copy and send to Sister Jean...

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  23. Congratulations on the news series, Edith! Though like many others who have already commented, I fell in love with the auto mechanic. I hope you find an outlet for her, too!

    I am currently in a book club for the first time ever and while I had some trepidation, I'm actually enjoying it. Have only read one book that was outside my normal taste. Ours is a neighborhood group, and it's fun to visit with women (we didn't limit it, but only females have come out) of different ages and backgrounds over a shared enjoyment of a good book. And ours is a wine-serving group, though there are always soft drink options for anyone who isn't into wine.

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    1. Thanks, Susan. I hope your group will read this book! If you do, I can skype into the meeting (and have my own wine at home) if you are far from me (I live in NE Massachusetts).

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  24. I know Cape Cod, I know your writing and I know book clubs. Sounds like a "must buy" to me. Congratulations and good luck!

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  25. Edith, interesting that your female mechanic idea had all the 'cozy' elements, but the male publisher didn't see them. Nothing like pidgeon-holing a bunch of women readers! Like everyone else here--I'd pick up that series and definitely give it a try just from the description of her job and the California setting.

    But, congrats on sticking with the process and giving us a new series to delve into!

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  26. Publishers! :o(
    Love your various ideas. I hope they see the light of day eventually.
    The newest sounds good, too.
    Libby Dodd

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  27. What a wonderful adventure, Edith - best of luck with the new venture - I'm betting it will be smashing.

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  28. Sounds like fun! I look forward to reading it.
    However I am disappointed in your publisher. I would love to read about a woman mechanic who works on analog cars and I know zero about cars. I hope you will write it someday and let us all read about JJ Motors.

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  29. Congratulations... several times over, Edith! You are obviously firing on all cylinders!

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    1. Aww, thank you, Hallie. You are one of the people who helped me get here!

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  30. Congratulations and best wishes. This book sounds unique and captivating. Your photo is lovely. My favorite places on each coast is Newport beach which is wonderful and a beach in Maine which I visited when I was younger and love. Old Orchard beach.

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  31. Your book would be a delight to read. Congratulations on the series. How special for you. Jersey Shore beaches are a memorable experience since they give me a nostalgic feeling, but the West coast is where I have been lately since it is closer. Riding a bike was great when I visited Santa Monica years ago but not a recent happening. The car aspect is fascinating and I would enjoy that facet of the book for sure.

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  32. The new series sounds like a lot of fun, Edith, but I would have snapped up that vintage car mystery in a heartbeat, Mustang girl that I am. Good luck with it all, as well as the series you've already established.

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    1. Thank you, Gigi. I have a good friend in Berkley with a 66 'Stang!

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  33. Happy Book Birthday! Having read thru all the comments (which I think you should print out and present to your publisher) it seems we are all on board with the vintage car mechanic who lives in a small town on the central coast of California! I would grab up that series in a heartbeat.

    Best Wishes for much success on your new venture with Barnes and Noble. I'm all for any marketing construct that promotes bookstores and writers! By the way I had to be very careful typing that last sentence as my Kindle is right here next to me on my desk and it probably won't be as supportive.

    My favorite beach town is Cayucos, CA. It's tucked in a small area north of Moro Bay and south of Cambria. It has small town warmth and charm with a dash of California surf vibe.

    I've never been involved in a book club so no idea if they're a fit for me or not.

    Again, congratulations!

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    1. Thanks so much Lyda. Funny about your Kindle (shh, don't tell)! I once lost a contact lens on a gravel road in Cambria - and we found it (camping there with Girl Scouts many decades ago)! And great idea about saving these comments. Will do.

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  34. I would have read either of the series that were turned down, and I’ll mis the Local Foods mysteries. But I’ll be on the lookout for the Cape Cod series at my local Barnes and Noble!

    I like any of the public beaches in Milford CT, but for a getaway, I love Chincoteague VA. We’ve been going there for 27 years, and have seen many changes due to strong storms. It gives one a respect of the power of the wind and the water.

    DebRo

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    1. Are the horses still there, Deborah? And thanks!

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    2. Just need to chime in here--Silver Sands is one of my best local to-go beaches when I need my sand fix. So lovely! hooray Milford!

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    3. Yes, Milford is beautiful!

      DebRo

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  35. Congratulations on the new book, Edith! I, too, want to read about the mechanic! Fingers crossed her day will come!

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  36. Congrats on the new book, and new series. I am looking forward to reading it I hope you get to write the vintage car series. As for beaches, haven't been in a while. I have plenty of sand alas no water here in AZ. Happy Book birthday!

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  37. Love the idea for your new series, Edith! My favorite "shore" is Ocean City, NJ, and I haven't been there since moving to California MANY years ago! I really loved that beach and boardwalk and would so like to explore it once again. There were 5 or 6 miniature golf courses on the boardwalk, and my parents and I played them all. I remember when we used to rent a room in a boarding house and had to use the communal bathroom down the hall! And I can still see my dad lugging the beach umbrella. He had such sensitive skin that he could get burned right through a T-shirt. Beaches in Northern California certainly aren't the same--much colder!

    As for book groups, I was a member at a company where I worked. But since I tend to read up to 200 books a year, I'd rather pick my own and run with them.

    Much success on your new series!

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  38. Congrats, Edith! I'm going to be picking this up at B&N first chance I get! I'll be very interested to see how the exclusive deal works out.

    BUT I would love the southern CA car mechanic mysteries!!!!!!!

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  39. It's so fun to read how your new series came to be. I too think the vintage mechanic is an interesting, original idea. I don't have a favorite waterside but have enjoyed every beach vacation we've had (sans bicycle). I always have good intentions to attend our neighborhood book club but never seem to make it to the meetings. Thank you for the chance to win. Dmskrug3 at hotmail dot com

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  40. Despite living in the town that is the Gateway to the Cape, I avoid going over the bridges for the most part. I went for some high school basketball games for about 6 years when I had former players on the team, when I went to the rare show at the Cape Cod Melody Tent and of course, a rare trip to the Hyannis Barnes and Noble. But I haven't done any of that in a long while. Nowadays the only trip over the bridge I make ends about 2 minutes after going over because I've got a friend that lives just off the rotary at the Bourne Bridge. And you can't get over the bridges in the summer anyway thanks to all those darn tourists mucking about.

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    1. I know, Jay. I never go near the Cape in the summer, either - even though book two takes place in August!

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    2. The Cape in August is akin to Hell on Earth.

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    3. Pretty much! Especially trying to get there from the north shore...

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  41. Edith, maybe you can set the Jamie Jullien series IN the sixties, and sell it as an historical!

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    1. OMG, never thought about that. And ... how ancient does that make me feel? Ya know, it could happen!

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  42. Why can’t a woman be a mechanic? O love book clubs. Thank you for the chance.

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  43. Donamaekutska7@gmail.com I love book clubs! Your book sounds interesting I’d love to read it.

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  44. I haven't belonged to a book club since Great Books in grade school, but I think I would like to join one. Your new books sounds great - can't wait to read it. trwilliams 69 at msn dot com

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  45. So much fun learning how this series came to be, Edith - thanks for sharing!

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  46. Someone has pointed out that the Buy link in the post doesn't work. Here is the correct one:

    https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/murder-on-cape-cod-maddie-day/1128639118

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  47. I've been to lots of lakes, but not in a couple of years. The only oceans I've been to were on my honeymoon in San Diego, where it was too cool to get into the water, and we've been to Galveston several times. There's tons to do in both Galveston and San Diego. I have MS, so I don't bicycle anymore, but I can always something fun. legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com

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  48. Congratulations on your new series!! I can't wait to read the books!! I'm sorry that your other ideas didn't make it! They sounded very interesting to me and I definitely would read them. It was fun learning how the series came to be. Thanks for sharing with us. Good luck on the new series. I think they will be a great hit!

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  49. Yes, I would read both the other series, although the car one is the most unique. I don't bike anymore and have never been in a book club. They sound fun but most are at night, and I don't drive at night. Your Cape Cod book is pre-ordered and should arrive any day now.

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  50. My favorite waterside getaway is hiking to all of the waterfalls near me. I'm so lucky to live in the mountains and have easy access to them. I rarely ride a bike and I belong to a couple of online book clubs but I've never been in a real life one. JL_Minter@hotmail(dot)com

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    1. You are lucky! I love mountains - grew up with them close on the horizon in southern California but now...not so much.

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  51. So sorry to be coming in this late, but I've been gone all day and just sat down with my laptop. Edith, I'm excited about this series and it's partly due to the setting. I hope to fuel my travel fire to go there. Murder on Cape Cod is one of the books I'm buying myself for Christmas. So, Happy Book Birthday, Edith!

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    1. Thank you so much, Kathy! I hope you love it - and get to visit the Cape in person, too.

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  52. What a saga! You deserve a gold medal for most flexible author. I'm looking forward to visiting the Cape vicariously. <3

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  53. Remembering biking on Mackinac Island once upon a time, so pleasant with no cars to watch out for.
    Book clubs are fun for finding new books, though my list of favorite authors come first.

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  54. Well, this is becoming almost a petition list--add my vote for YES on the vintage mechanic! I'd definitely pick up that series to read! And I'm going to get the Cape Cod book--I love books set on the Cape. My favorites are the Asey Mayo series by Phoebe Atwood Taylor. Very funny stories. I'm on the Cape at least once a year as my dad and stepmother live in Harwich. But my favorite beach place will likely always be Block Island (in Rhode Island--it's part of the chain that includes Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard). Congratulations on the new series!
    Best,
    Melanie

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  55. I find water relaxing so anywhere with a water view is a vacation I'd enjoy. I love northern Wisconsin, in particular. Lakes everywhere and forests, with a lot of wildlife. Congrats on the new series and "book birthday."

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    1. I've never explored Wisconsin - would like to one day.

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  56. I love the beach so that is why we moved to FL. We are only 2 miles from the beach. My husband rides a bike on the beach, it has fat tires. I was in an accident as a teenager and I don't ride a bike anymore. Congrats on your new series!! I love Cape Cod!!!

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  57. Congratulations Edith! Looking forward to the new series.

    I grew up in Duxbury about 200 hundred yards from the bay, but I'm more of a lake person. I spent a lot of my childhood on Lake Sunapee in NH, but as an adult I've switched allegiances to Squam Lake on the other side of the state.

    I've always loved the IDEA of book clubs, but I find when I actually join them that I never manage to finish the book, and who wants to be that guy?

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  58. Congratulations on the new series. I spent my summers growing up on the Canadian side of Lake Erie--Crystal Beach, since I am from Buffalo. My favorite beaches now are on the NC Coast on the Cape Lookout National Seashore...Ocracoke Island.

    As for book clubs, I belonged to one about 5 years ago but it slowly dwindled down and never found another one. Thanks for the chance to win!

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  59. I want to congratulate you also and Cape Cod would be my perfect idea of a Series. I hope to visit there and Maine...I can see why the Publisher wanted it. Thanks for the giveaway.
    Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com

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  60. My favorite place w water is Galveston—no bikes for me legallyblonde1961@yahoo.com

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