What We're Writing: A Proposal or Two by Jenn McKinlay

 JENN McKINLAY: I just finished a proposal for a new mystery series. It's definitely different for me as it leans heavily into fantasy and horror, so yeah, there's that. I can't say anything more about it because I'm waiting to see what my agent thinks we should do with it. 

Burn it? 

Potentially. LOL.

Otherwise, I'm back in the cozy mystery saddle with A MERRY LITTLE MURDER PLOT, which will be Library Lovers Mystery #15. Not bad for a series I thought would be dead and buried at book six.

The only thing I have so far is the high concept. This is the short paragraphs that I submit to let the publisher know that I do actually have an idea. I'm not sure how this ended up being a Christmas themed cozy. I don't remember submitting any ideas for it until two months ago when I got the nudge to submit a brief description of my upcoming Christmas themed Library Lovers mystery so that the Art Department had something to work with.

Not gonna lie, I said, "Huh? Christmas? Really?" Followed by "Okey-dokey." And this was what I wrote:

Helen Reed, a mysterious newcomer, moves to Briar Creek. She is aloof and does not welcome any friendly overtures even during the many holiday festivities the town residents enjoy. Despite her acerbic personality, Lindsey likes Helen and invites her to join the crafternooners. Helen seems outraged at the very idea. While in conversation, Helen drops a catchphrase used by one of Lindsey’s favorite thriller writers, H.R. Monroe. Lindsey asks if Helen is a fan and Helen, clearly horrified, bolts from the library.

Another newcomer, who was listening to the conversation, informs Lindsey that Helen actually is H.R. Monroe and that she, Jackie Lewis, is Helen’s number one fan. Having dealt with a stalker in the past, Lindsey feels compelled to tell Helen about Jackie. She suspects that Helen is unaware that her “number one” fan is here in town. Helen does not welcome the visit but when Lindsey tells her about Jackie, Helen is obviously petrified. Lindsey offers to call the police but Helen refuses. She ushers Lindsey out the door with no explanation.

The next morning Jackie’s body is discovered in the town park beneath the recently installed holiday light display. She’s been electrocuted. In Jackie’s hand is a copy of Helen’s latest manuscript for a book that isn’t out yet. Helen is now the prime suspect in the murder of her self proclaimed top admirer. Helen asks for Lindsey’s help, and now the librarian and her crafternoon pals must prove the author innocent before "The End" becomes Helen's final sentence. 

This is the first time I've ever electrocuted a victim, so I'm rather excited about that. Yeah, I know, my enthusiasm is concerning. 

I have written a Christmas mystery before. In fact, SUGAR PLUM POISONED comes out in a little over three weeks. Mayhem, murder, and cupcakes...

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It was tremendous fun to write. Who thought murder and the holidays would make such an excellent pairing?

How about it, Reds and Readers, are you a fan of holiday themed murder mysteries?