In these uncertain times, we long to be on the beach laughing over a good book or surfing or simply socializing with friends and neighbors. I can’t give you the beach, but I can give you some laughs. I’m thrilled to announce my new comedic cozy, Elvis and the Heartbreak Hotel Murders. Though it’s part of my Southern Cousins Mystery Series, each book can be read as a standalone.
On June 4 it will be available in paperback as well as eBook. You can preorder now!
To celebrate, I’m running back-to-back Share contests on my Facebook page through the end of June. No purchase necessary. All you do is help spread the news!
The next contest (# 2) starts on Thursday, June 14. You’re going to love the giveaways. Karma Bath Company in Coral Gables, FL, created a gift set especially for this novel. All the ingredients are cruelty-free. This gift set will be the prize for contest #2. Other prizes for ongoing contests will be Amazon gift cards, tee shirts designed for my Southern Cousins Mysteries, and a fabulous bling baseball cap from the Elvis’ birthplace in my hometown of Tupelo, MS.
Follow my Facebook posts so you won’t miss a single opportunity to win a prize.
Many of you have asked how I create the Southern Cousins Mysteries. Here is the inside scoop on some of the characters:
You know the colorful caftans worn by Callie’s flamboyant Mama? They’re based on my wardrobe of choice. I have a closet filled with caftans I wear at home, dressed up with jewelry for parties, and even unadorned for a quick run to the corner store. These voluminous cotton garments cover me from head to toe and hide every one of my figure flaws. Joy!
Another thing about Ruby Nell Valentine. When she says, “Flitter,” or any other sassy thing, I’m channeling my own feisty mother.
Elvis, of course, is inspired by my own fabulous chocolate Labrador retriever, may he RIP. I’ve written about him many times. He was amazing, loyal, affectionate, and everything a doggie companion should be. I often wished I knew what he was thinking, so I gave Elvis a voice in this series.
Elvis’ best friend is Jarvetis’ hound dog, Trey. When I first started writing the series, I told my son I was using the names of his close friends as minor characters. He said, “Mom, name the hound dog after me.” And so I did. His friend and cousin became Sheriff Trice. I quickly found a place for friends Ricky and Eric. I think I named the manager of Jack Jones’ tacky apartment Eric. Then his friend Thomas became Mama’s boyfriend for a short period of time.
I love Trey’s friends and will always think of them as boys. They got quite a kick out of seeing their names in my cozy mysteries.
I’ll share more inside scoop in the next blog. I have lots more to tell you about the origins of the other characters, the research into everything Elvis and particularly into his songs. See you next time.
Until then, happy reading!
Peggy Webb