by Tracy Condie

This week we have a review of the latest Northwoods Mystery by Annie McEwen along with an interesting interview with Annie. Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of the book and a link to purchase the book from Amazon.

Dead, White, and Blue by Annie McEwen
Review by Tracy Condie

This new Northwoods Mystery starts out with Emma deciding that Cooper’s Cove and the family business is where she belongs. In case you have not read the series starter, there was a bit of a cliffhanger but nothing that impedes the understanding or enjoyment of book two. As a plus, the killer from book one isn’t mentioned. Cooper’s Cove is an amazing lakefront rustic resort situated on the shores of Lake Covington in the Wisconsin Northwoods. The resort is made up of the cutest cabins, a dock complete with boat house, and all the flora and fauna you could want for an outdoorsy atmosphere. It is the sort of place where families go to visit year after year after year.

What starts out as a fun Fourth of July ends with a murder laced with memories from the past. The victim, Jordan James, was admired and liked by the locals, except for Ralph Grisby, Jr or R.J. as most people call him. R.J. is a rather unsavory individual who publically threatened Jordan. Then there are the old college friends of Jordan’s who aren’t all friendly. At least one harbors some serious ill will.

Thank goodness Emma has her friends, Whitney and mullet-haired Marcus, and no, that is not a derogatory remark. It is a term of endearment. They are the proverbial three musketeers, and they are on the case. Don’t tell Detective Tom. He would not approve of their digging and asking somewhat pointed questions. Questions to which we all want to know the answers. This mystery will have you turning pages trying to figure out who did it (nope I didn’t) and avoid the red herrings (nope I didn’t). When Emma isn’t searching for clues, she is searching for some patience as a particularly prickly guest is keeping the staff, i.e. Emma and brother, Noah, on their toes with the most laughable comments and complaints. I have no idea how someone would be able to get a pair of squirrels to settle down.

That just leaves us with the warm fuzzies of the story. In the forefront of Emma’s mind but the background of the story is Officer Dean. Dean Erickson is the boy who came to visit his aunt and uncle every summer and is Emma’s lifelong crush. I am a bit of a romantic and really enjoy the cozy slow build between the two characters including the miscommunications and awkward moments. There are a few that will have you laughing and near crying. I realize that these are fictional characters, but Annie McEwen has such a talent for bringing them to life. I have enjoyed books one and two so much that I can’t wait to see what she brings us in book three.

Tracy Condie is a paralegal by day and cozy armchair sleuth by night. When she is not working or reading, she enjoys preparing the recipes found in culinary cozies or researching recipes of meal items described therein and sharing reviews of both books and food on Instagram and on KRL. She lives in Corona, California with her husband and dog Zoolie, and looks forward to visiting with their grown sons when their time permits.

Interview with Annie McEwen:

KRL: How long have you been writing?

Annie: I’ve been seriously writing for about four and a half years. However, my attempts at writing have been going on since I was a kid.

KRL: When did your first novel come out, what was it called, and would you tell us a little about it?

Annie McEwen

Emmy finds out a development company is relentlessly pressuring Lake Covington property owners, including Emmy’s family, to sell their land so they can build an extravagant, modern resort that would ruin the quaint esthetic of the area. Things only get worse when Emmy finds the dead body of one of the developers floating in the lake—and her dad is the main suspect.

KRL: Have you always written mysteries/suspense, and if not, what else have you written?

Annie: As a teenager, I tried to write inspirational historical stories but never finished them. I have a couple of historical mystery ideas rolling around that I’d like to tackle.

KRL: What brought you to choose the setting and characters in your latest book/series?

Annie: The Wisconsin Northwoods setting is near and dear to my heart. As a kid, I vacationed there with my family every summer until I married. When my sister married a guy from the area – whom she met when they were kids! Cute, huh? – and my other sister and her husband moved up there, naturally, we still keep trekking north! It’s so calming and peaceful up there, yet there are so many fun things to do.

As for the characters, many of them are reflections of real people in my life. When I set out to write Emmy, I didn’t mean to make her so much like me, but as my friends and family read Resort to Murder, I was getting calls and messages from them saying, “Oh my gosh! She’s so you!” or “I hear your voice when Emmy talks.” I think writing is my form of therapy. (LOL)

There are several “Easter eggs” in my books that people close to me have picked up on. My lifelong best friend, Jill, and I always refer to each other as “peas and carrots,” so that’s what Emmy and her best friend Whitney do, too.

KRL: Do you write to entertain or is there something more you want the readers to experience from your work?

Annie: I want readers to feel like I do when I read a cozy like they are in a snug little cocoon and can shut out whatever’s going on around them. But, since Emmy is an interior designer who loves trash-to-treasure projects, I include some of her decorating tips and upcycle endeavors. So, maybe a little of both.

KRL: Do you have a schedule for your writing or just work whenever you can?

Annie: I’m an x-ray tech, but fortunately, I have a wonderful schedule that allows me to have several weekdays off. So, I write and do all the social media business on those days. We have two toddler grandsons that I babysit a day or two during the week, so no writing goes on those days!

KRL: What is your ideal time to write?

Annie: Anytime before 3:00 PM… after that, my brain doesn’t want to cooperate.

KRL: Do you outline? If not, do you have some other interesting way that you keep track of what’s going on, or what needs to happen in your book when you are writing it?

Annie: I’m what’s referred to as a “plantser.” I took author Ellie Alexander’s Mystery Masterclass – shoutout to Ellie! – and learned so much about organizing and plotting a mystery. The printouts she has for us have been invaluable. I use those to start, and as I’m writing, my mind kicks into gear, and it’s like the hamster on the wheel goes into overdrive. I also have a notebook, yes, I love a good ol’ paper notebook, that I jot notes in as I go. I keep a “Character Bible” on my computer full of every single character and their information in my books.

KRL: Did you find it difficult to get published in the beginning?

Annie: Honestly, I’m incredibly fortunate in the time it took me to get an agent and a publishing contract. The whole process, including editing with my fabulous agent, Dawn Dowdle, only took about eight months. Dawn passed away last year unexpectedly, and I will forever be grateful for the chance she took on me. I dedicated my second book to her. She was one of a kind.

KRL: She was indeed. Do you have a great rejection/critique or acceptance story you’d like to share?

Annie: I had two offers from publishing companies and was trying to decide who to pick. Then, in August of last year, I was sitting in the front row of my best friend’s son’s outdoor wedding, waiting for it to begin, when my phone vibrated with Dawn’s name on the screen. I knew it was something big if she was calling. I had twenty minutes before the ceremony, so my BFF told me to call her back. That’s a good friend! I walked away from the area and called her back. She told me that Gemma Halliday Publishing offered a three-book contract!

I was over the moon! I’d had other author friends through Dawn’s agency who were with Gemma, and they adored her. Momentarily, I forgot I was a fifty-year-old woman at a wedding. I jumped up and down and happy danced as the other guests watched, wondering what the heck I was doing.

KRL: That’s great! Yeah, Gemma is awesome. Most interesting book signing story-in a bookstore or other venue?

Annie: My first book signing was at Between the Pages Bookstore in Lebanon, Indiana. There was only one person I didn’t know there, which I started to think of as a bummer. I’d hoped I would attract new readers. I’m so gullible! But what touched my heart was every single person, besides my immediate family, who walked in were friends and extended family that I hadn’t seen in years! I can’t tell you how many times I started to cry.

KRL: What are your future writing goals?

Annie: I’d love to continue the Northwoods Mysteries for as long as possible. There are many opportunities for stories surrounding Cooper’s Cove and Lake Covington. Writing a historical mystery series is also a goal of mine. I love the late 1800s and would enjoy writing about that period.

KRL: Who are your writing heroes?

Annie: Whew! I have so many for different reasons. I won’t name them all, but of course, Agatha Christie is a huge one. She’s the queen! Ellie Alexander has been my mentor throughout my writing journey. I love the humor of Ellen Bryon. Kate Carlisle’s books have kept me from getting a good night’s sleep many nights… it’s always that “just one more chapter…”

Gemma Halliday is Wonder Woman. I don’t know how she does it all between writing and publishing. I don’t think she sleeps.

KRL: What kind of research do you do?

Annie: I go straight to the source! I live in Indiana, but since I have family in the Northwoods, I have the luxury of visiting whenever I want. We have fabulous friends who own a lake cabin resort on the lake we vacationed on, so they are a wealth of information on running that type of business. I have so many contacts in the area I write about I can make sure I get the details correct. As for police procedures and anything related to that, my husband has been in law enforcement for almost 30 years, so he makes sure I don’t screw up that part. It helps to have a homicide detective as one of your husband’s best friends, too.

KRL: What do you like to read?

AM: Cozy mysteries are my favorite. I also enjoy historical mysteries and sweet romances, like Leah Dobrinska’s Fall in Love and Mapleton Series.

KRL: What are your favorite TV shows or movies?

AM: I’m a sucker for funny, I still rewatch Friends, The Office, and those types of shows over and over again. My husband and I love Ghosts (US). We watch reruns of it constantly and laugh at something new each time. We both see so much sadness in our jobs that we need lightheartedness at home.

KRL: Have you any advice for aspiring or beginning writers?

Annie: Just do it, and don’t give up! Learn all you can, whether it be from an online class, local class, YouTube, podcasts, etc. Authors, especially in the mystery community, are so gracious and helpful. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for advice.

KRL: What is something people would be surprised to know about you?

Annie: Hmm… I’m kind of an open book, but I guess it’s that even though I seem like I’m pretty outgoing and self-confident, I’m actually not. I have to force myself to be that way. I’ve had people ask if I was a cheerleader in school and I always laugh. I was the dorky girl the cheerleaders made fun of, as I sat in the corner of the classroom with my nose buried in a book.

KRL: Do you have any pets?

Annie: Yes, three Yorkies and one giant cat. Our Yorkies were a family of four – mama, dad, and the brother, and sister- but little mama passed last year. Chappy, the little brother, is in my books. He’s starting to let it go to his head… he’s becoming a diva. Jonesy Cat, as the grandsons call him, showed up at our house one day a few years ago and decided he wanted to stay. So, we adopted each other.

KRL: Is there anything you would like to add?

Annie: Thank you so much for interviewing me! It’s been an honor. I always enjoy reading KRL, and I can’t believe I’m going to be in an article. Sorry, I babbled on… it’s a problem I have!

KRL: You are very welcome! And thanks for the kind words. Where can our readers find you online?

Annie: I’m on Facebook at facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064688271296
Instagram instagram.com/anniemcewen_author
Website anniemcewenauthor.com
Goodreads goodreads.com/author/show/22334918.Annie_McEwen

You can click here to purchase this book from Amazon.

To enter to win an ebook copy of Dead, White, and Blue, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “blue” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen July 20, 2024. U.S. residents only for print version, and you must be 18 or older to enter. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

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