Dear Readers, I loved
the first book in Mary’s Secrets of the South series, so I was eager to read
this one. It’s even better. Mary’s research really gave her a feel for the South making her settings
even richer in history and tradition that wove through this contemporary
romantic suspense novel. The wide variety of types of characters carried the
story to amazing places. You really
won’t want to miss this wonderful read.
Bio: Mary Ellis
has written twelve award-winning novels set in the Amish community and several
historical romances set during the Civil War. Her latest, What Happened on Beale Street,
is second of a new mystery series, Secrets of the South, from Harvest House Publishers.
Before “retiring” to write full-time, Mary taught school and worked as a sales
rep for Hershey Chocolate, a job with amazingly sweet fringe benefits. Mary
enjoys traveling, gardening, bicycling, and swimming and lives in Ohio with her husband, dog,
and cat.
Welcome back, Mary. How
did this book come about?
During my travels through the South, I discovered the
Mississippi Blues Trail which I followed to Beale Street in Memphis . I’ve always loved music, so I created
a story about two PI’s who come to Memphis
to solve their friend’s murder. While researching in the area, I discovered the
marvelous Peabody Hotel. It’s had one hundred years of history, romance, and
intrigue within its stately walls. So of course my characters had to stay at
this elegant hotel.
Tell us about the
book’s cover and what makes it unique.
During my last trip to Memphis ,
my husband and I ate at B.B. King’s Restaurant on Beale Street . I took a photograph that’s almost
identical to the book cover, but I’d never sent the photo to my publisher. The
cover designer for Harvest House couldn’t have selected a better cover for my
story.
Please explain and
differentiate between what’s fact and fiction in the book.
The events which take place in the book are pure
imagination, but I tried to make the characters and setting as true to life as
possible. I changed the name of the hotel to the Carlton in the book, so readers don’t confuse
a real place with made-up events. We can’t have guests tearing about the hotel,
looking for missing jewels.
How much research did
you have to do for this book?
Plenty. I studied the history of the city of Memphis from after the
Civil War through its recent rebirth/renewal. I researched the birth of the
blues, along with its founding musicians, and then made several trips to Beale Street and
traveled the Blues Trail into Mississippi .
For the characters I interviewed a chief of police, the director of a homeless
shelter, two hotel managers and a concierge, several professional musicians,
and a real estate agent. And of course, I listened to CD’s of the blues while
writing.
I love blues music. What
are some of the most interesting things you found about this subject that you
weren’t able to use in the story?
I have a subplot which involves jewels that have been missing
for fifty years. While staying in the elegant hotel where this subplot takes
place, I was able to incorporate several real-life details into my fiction. To
tell you more than that would spoil the story.
What inspired and surprised
you while you were writing the book?
I was able to incorporate many obscure details I learned
during my trips into the story. An author never knows what will be useful while
writing.
That is so true. What
do you hope the reader takes away from the story?
One of my characters, Danny Andre, volunteered at an
outreach center for those recovering from drug/alcohol problems. The
neighborhood Danny lived in, along with his volunteer activities and late-night
line of work, often put him in danger. But as a Christian, he took Jesus’s
command to serve his fellow man seriously. His character is an example for all Christians.
What is the next
project you’re working on?
I just finished the edits on book 3 of the Secrets of the
South Mysteries. Magnolia Moonlight,
the story about a murdered minister set in Natchez , Mississippi ,
will release in August. And I’m presently writing book 4, Sunset in Old Savannah. Since I plan to live in Georgia for half
the year after my husband retires, it was a pleasure to research and write this
book.
I can hardly wait for
the next book to release. We need to schedule it on my blot. What do you do
when you have to get away from the story for a while?
I’m lucky to live on 3 acres of wooded land. There are always
branches and broken limbs to be gathered and dragged to the burn pile. I take
my dog, and we stomp around the woods for an hour. When I come back to the
house, I’m physically exhausted but mentally refreshed.
Tell us about the
story.
How Can Music So Beautiful
Hide Something So Deadly?
A cryptic plea for help from a childhood friend sends
cousins Nate and Nicki Price from New Orleans to
Memphis . When
these two private investigators arrive at Danny Andre’s last known address, they
discover signs of a struggle and a lifestyle not in keeping with the choirboy
they fondly remember.
Danny’s sister, Isabelle, reluctantly accepts their help. She
and Nate aren’t on the best of terms due to a shared past. Can they get beyond painful
memories to find her brother?
And what on earth was Danny involved in besides becoming a
rising star as a sax player? Nate and Nicki follow clues into dim and smoky
clubs, trail potential stalkers, and challenge dangerous men with connections
to underworld drug trafficking. To complicate things, the hotel they are
staying in has its own secrets. Confronted with murder and mystery in the land
of the Delta blues, the cousins and Isabelle will have to rely on their faith and
investigative experience to solve the case and not lose their lives.
Please give us the
first page of the book for my readers.
Nicki Price opened one eye to find an irate face looming
over her in the dark room.
“Why do you pay a phone bill if you refuse to answer the
thing?” Her roommate slapped the phone down on Nicki’s solar plexus, none too
gently.
“I do pick up when people call during daylight hours.”
Letting her cell fall to the floor, Nicki turned over and snuggled deeper under
her covers.
Chloe Galen plopped down on the edge of the bed. “Nic, you’re
a partner in a big-time PI agency. You need to be ready for adventure
twenty-four-seven.”
“Spoken like a true artist-in-residence, who paints solely
when the creative impulse strikes but under no circumstances before noon.
Besides, Price Investigations is not a big-time agency. I work for my cousin
for chump change.” Nicki tried to bump Chloe off the bed with her hip. “Isn’t
it the middle of the night? Why are you still up?”
“Because whenever I doze off, your stupid phone wakes me up.
How can you stand the theme song from a TV Western for a ringtone? If you don’t
answer the next time it rings, I’m coming back with a bucket of cold water.”
Chloe picked the phone from the rug just as it began its annoying tune again as
though on cue and handed it to her friend.
Nicki sat upright and kicked the tangled covers to the foot
of her bed. “Hello?” she demanded crossly. “Whoever you are, do you have any
idea what time it is?”
“Nicki?” A familiar voice on the other end sounded distant.
“It’s Danny Andre.”
“Danny. I’d recognize your Barry White imitation
underwater.” Nicki changed her tone as every trace of sleepiness vanished. “How
are you? Where are you? I heard you moved to the big city to seek fame and
fortune. I have major news too—a new job, cool apartment, and a real live fee-ahn-say.”
She couldn’t help grinning as she said that last bit.
How can readers find
you on the Internet?
I love interacting with readers at: http://http://www.maryellis.net/ or
http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Mary-Ellis/126995058236Thank you, Mary, for writing this wonderful book. I know my readers are as eager to read it as I was when it arrived.
Readers, here are links to the book. By using one when you order, you help support this blog.
What Happened on Beale Street - Christianbook.com
What Happened on Beale Street (Secrets of the South Mysteries) - Amazon
What Happened on Beale Street (Secrets of the South Mysteries Book 2) - Kindle
Leave a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least the state or territory. (Comments containing links may be subject to removal by blog owner.)
Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
The only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to check back a week from Saturday to see if you won. You will have 4 weeks from the posting of the winners to claim your book.
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26 comments:
would love to win angela in ky
I am very excited about this book and series. Thank you for sharing.
Connie from KY
cps1950(at)gmail(dot)com
I am intrigued by this one, Lena. Thank you for the opportunity.
Melanie Backus, TX
Thanks, Lena, for inviting me to your lovely blog. Good luck to everyone who leaves me a comment and enters the drawing. This book was a joy to research and write!
Lena, I enjoyed learning more about Mary. This book is at the TOP of my must read list!
Caryl K in TEXAS
This does sound exciting.
Mary P
QLD AUSTRALIA
This sounds great. What happened on Beale Street has been on my TBR list. And this interview allows me to get to know the story and Mary better thank you!
Annie (MD)
What a great premise and location. The book sounds like a must read.
Sandy Q TX
Love her books. North Platte Nebraska.
This book sounds very interesting and I love the location. Sounds like a great series!
marypopmom (at) yahoo dot) com
Maryann in NY
I've read a couple of Mary Ellis' Amish books so know she is a good writer. Her mysteries sound intriguing; I'd very much enjoy winning a copy of What Happened on Beale Street.
Thanks for the chance.
pmkellogg56[at]gmail[dot]com
Kansas
I'm excited for Mary's new book! Thanks for the author interview & giveaway chance :-)
Trixi in OR
Hi Mary & Lena! I cannot wait to read Beale Street! It sounds so I that I'm just itchin' to get my hands on a copy!
Kristen in OK
Enter me in your great giveaway!!
Conway, SC.
Looks so good! Thanks for the awesome giveaway! I always love a good mystery. :) please enter me.
Blanch NC.
This book from Mary Ellis sure looks interesting. Please put my name in for a chance to win it. Maxie from TX.
( mac262(at)me(dot)com )
This sounds like a book I could really get into.
Edward A in VA
Thanks so much to everyone who left me a comment. Good luck with the drawing!!
Sounds like a great read. Thanks for the giveaway.
Brenda in VA
I'd love to read this. I think my husband would enjoy it too.
BJM in SC
We visited Beale Street a couple of years ago and found it very interesting! Love to read the book.
Beth from IA
I enjoy Mary's books - sounds like another good one. Elaine from Wisc
I'm just as excited for this book as I was for Midnight on the Missippi. :)
Terrill - WA
This book sounds so interesting with the missing jewels and private investigators. I would love to read it.
Michelle
CA
Love the Peabody Hotel. I'm looking forward to reading this book.
Tennessee
Looking forward to this book. Thanks for a chance to win.
Lourdes Long Island
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