Dawn Brotherton has crafted captivating blend of vintage allure and contemporary suspense in her soon-to-be released Oaky With a Hint of Murder. Scheduled to debut on March 12th, 2024, Oaky is poised to enchant readers with its cozy yet compelling mystery, marking an intriguing installment in the Eastover Treasure series. Brotherton tells us that this book offers the ideal escape for leisurely reading, requiring no prior familiarity with the series for full enjoyment. So, seize the opportunity to embark on this adventure–you may just discover your next beloved cozy mystery series! From the mystical tales of Seneca Lake to the eerie occurrences unfolding at Songscape Winery, our interview promises to be as indulgent and satisfying as a meticulously aged vintage wine.
Tell us about your book.
Oaky With a Hint of Murder is the second in the Eastover Treasure mystery series, although it can be read as a standalone. Oaky is a cozy mystery, so a light, easy read. Aury and Scott travel to the Finger Lakes area of New York to help their cousins figure out the truth about the Seneca warrior who is supposedly haunting their winery. The Eastover series is unique in that each book has historical chapters that tie to the current-day mystery. The first book, Eastover Treasures, reaches back to the days of the Civil War, while Oaky hits the late 1700s.
What is the primary benefit that your potential reader will gain from reading this book?
The historical chapters are a chance to learn about the past without reading a textbook. I do a lot of research to get the facts right. It’s also a good introduction to historical fiction, although the main storyline is contemporary. Because it’s a cozy, it’s safe for young readers who read above their grade level: no graphic violence, sex, or swearing.
If you had to compare this book to any other book out there, which book would it be?
The Eastover Treasures series has portions written in the past like the Outlander series by Diana Gabaldon but without the time travel. My characters stay within their respective time period, and each book in my series will cover a different short period in history. For those of us who grew up with Nancy Drew, I like to think of Aury as a thirty-something version of that amateur sleuth.
Hundreds of thousands of books come out every year. Why should someone buy this book?
Because I write in many genres, my cozies have taken on their own cross-genre feel between cozy mystery and historical fiction. Oaky doesn’t use the Miss Marple trope of a little old lady in a British country village, which are favored in many cozies. Aury is in her thirties, a professional woman with varied interests and hobbies. I hope to create an atmosphere where the reader is introduced to new things along with Aury and will look forward to her next adventure. As an added benefit, the series covers a range of interests, including wine making and tasting, quilting, and crafting.
Who is your target audience?
Oaky With a Hint of Murder is a very fast read and perfect for the beach or for a person who doesn’t have much time. Because it’s a cozy mystery, it’s relaxing to curl up and read without straining to follow too many twists and turns. My primary audience is women, 45 and up, who enjoy crafting but have little time to read.
Did your environment or upbringing play a major role in your writing and did you use it to your advantage?
I write in a variety of genres and my background has definitely played a part in the various stories. I spent 28 years in the Air Force and took the inspiration for the Jackie Austin mysteries from a stalker I had during my first duty assignment. I’m a huge quilter and crafter. The idea for Eastover Treasures came to me while I was on a quilt retreat. I’m also a wine lover. Oaky takes place in the Finger Lakes of New York. My eldest daughter went to school at Cornell, so I spent many weekends supporting the local wineries. It made the research a lot of fun.
The Lady Tigers middle grade series is about a softball team where the girls learn being a part of a team is more than what happens on the field. I grew up playing fastpitch softball, then coaching and umpiring. It’s easiest to write about what you know. Parts of my life come through in my storytelling.
Tell us your most rewarding experience since publishing your work.
I write across genres and do many shows and signings across the country. When a reader goes out of their way to tell me they are waiting for my next book or replies to my newsletter, I’m sure I’m dreaming. At a recent Christmas show, a child ran toward my booth with arms open wide, crying out, “Scout! Scout!” Scout is a chameleon dragon from my picture book If I Look Like You. The joy in the eyes of a young child—that’s the impression I want to make on readers.
How would you describe your writing style?
I was in the Air Force for 28 years, so my writing style is pretty direct and to the point. We were taught to leave out the fluff. My stories read faster because I prefer to move my story through dialogue, which allows the reader to get to know the characters better. It’s been a learning curve for me to make sure to add enough description to set the scene properly. Lol.
Are your characters pure fiction, or did you draw from people you know?
I think parts of all characters are pulled from someone the writer knows. I’m no exception. None of my characters are 100 percent one person; they have traits from many friends and acquaintances. If I pull a trait from a friend, I hope they see it as a compliment that I was thinking of them.
Are you more of a character artist or a plot-driven writer?
Definitely plot-driven. After my first draft, I always have to go back through and add more character elements. That’s fitting with my personality. I’m very action-driven and like to get things done. I have a hard time staying still.
What do you hope to accomplish with your book other than selling it?
I’m all about lessons. My children’s books come with free teacher lesson plans or book club discussion questions to help kids get more out of their reading. For my older readers, I still think there is goodness to continually learning. My cozy mysteries in the Eastover Treasures series have a historical element, and the Jackie Austin mysteries will give the reader a glance inside the military from a woman’s perspective.
Where can our readers purchase your book?
Oaky With a Hint of Murder will be released to all the bookstores on 12 Mar 2024. If you can’t wait that long, you can order a copy directly from my website.
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Oaky With a Hint of Murder
Aury and Scott travel to the Finger Lakes in New York’s wine country to get to the bottom of the mysterious happenings at the Songscape Winery. Disturbed furniture and curious noises are one thing, but when a customer winds up dead, it’s time to dig into the details and see what ferments.
Is there any truth to the Native American legends that cluster near Seneca Lake? Is the warrior’s disapproval of wineries growing legs?
Aury will need to pour over the clues to unearth the mystery before the winery’s reputation is crushed. With the annual wine festival just around the corner, Aury harvests more than she bargained for when the killer tries to bottle her up for good.
Purchase Oaky With a Hint of Murder
Purchase links coming soon! To be released March 12, 2024. Pre-releases available now on the author’s website only!
